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Hernández F, Ibáñez M, Portoles T, Hidalgo-Troya A, Ramírez JD, Paredes MA, Hidalgo AF, García AM, Galeano LA. High resolution mass spectrometry-based screening for the comprehensive investigation of organic micropollutants in surface water and wastewater from Pasto city, Colombian Andean highlands. Sci Total Environ 2024; 922:171293. [PMID: 38417505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171293] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The complexity of the aquatic environment scenario, including the impact of urban wastewater, together with the huge number of potential hazardous compounds that may be present in waters, makes the comprehensive characterization of the samples an analytical challenge, particularly in relation to the presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs). Nowadays, the potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for wide-scope screening in environmental samples is out of question. Considering the physicochemical characteristics of OMPs, the coupling of liquid (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) to HRMS is mandatory. In this work, we have explored the combined use of LC and GC coupled to Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (QTOF MS) for screening of surface water and wastewater samples from Pasto (Nariño), a town of the Colombian Andean highlands (average altitude 2527 m), located in an important agricultural area. The upper basin of the Pasto River is impacted by phytosanitary products used in different crops, whereas the domestic wastewater is directly discharged into the river without any treatment, enhancing the anthropogenic impact on the water quality. The OMP searching was made by target (standards available) and suspect (without standards) approaches, using home-made databases containing >2000 compounds. Up to 15 pesticides (7 insecticides, 6 fungicides and 2 herbicides) were identified in the sampling point of the Pasto River up to the town, while no pharmaceuticals were found at this site, illustrating the impact of agriculture practices. On the contrary, 14 pharmaceuticals (7 antibiotics and 3 analgesics, among others) were found in river samples collected in the middle and down to the town sites, revealing the impact of the urban population. Interestingly, some transformation products, including metabolites, such as carbofuran-3-hydroxy and 4-acetylamino antipyrine were identified in the screening. Based on these data, future monitoring will apply target quantitative LC-MS/MS methods for the most relevant compounds identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Hernández
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain.
| | - María Ibáñez
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Tania Portoles
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water (IUPA), University Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - Arsenio Hidalgo-Troya
- Grupo de Investigación Salud Pública, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto 520002, Nariño, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 110221, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Manuela Alejandra Paredes
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Universidad de Nariño, Pasto 520002, Nariño, Colombia
| | - Andrés Fernando Hidalgo
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Universidad de Nariño, Pasto 520002, Nariño, Colombia
| | - Ana María García
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Universidad de Nariño, Pasto 520002, Nariño, Colombia
| | - Luis Alejandro Galeano
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Universidad de Nariño, Pasto 520002, Nariño, Colombia.
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Cáceres TM, Cruz-Saavedra L, Patiño LH, Ramírez JD. Comparative analysis of metacyclogenesis and infection curves in different discrete typing units of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:181. [PMID: 38602595 PMCID: PMC11008065 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the complex life cycle parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a global health concern and impacts millions globally. T. cruzi's genetic variability is categorized into discrete typing units (DTUs). Despite their widespread presence in the Americas, a comprehensive understanding of their impact on CD is lacking. This study aims to analyze life cycle traits across life cycle stages, unraveling DTU dynamics. Metacyclogenesis curves were generated, inducing nutritional stress in epimastigotes of five DTUs (TcI (MG), TcI (DA), TcII(Y), TcIII, TcIV, and TcVI), resulting in metacyclic trypomastigotes. Infection dynamics in Vero cells from various DTUs were evaluated, exploring factors like amastigotes per cell, cell-derived trypomastigotes, and infection percentage. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA tests, identified significant differences. Varying onset times for metacyclogenesis converged on the 7th day. TcI (MG) exhibited the highest metacyclogenesis potential. TcI (DA) stood out, infecting 80% of cells within 24 h. TcI demonstrated the highest potential in both metacyclogenesis and infection among the strains assessed. Intra-DTU diversity was evident among TcI strains, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Trypanosoma cruzi dynamics and genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Cáceres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Sandoval-Ramírez CM, Ballesteros N, Pinilla JC, Hernández C, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. SARS-CoV-2 Mu variant in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in Eastern Colombia. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10374-4. [PMID: 38598117 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The global presence of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets is acknowledged, yet documentation remains scarce, leaving many regions unexplored. Thus, our study sought to fill this gap by investigating SARS-CoV-2 presence in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in eastern Colombia. We collected and analyzed 43 oropharyngeal and rectal swabs using real-time PCR assays targeting the Envelope Gene of SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, two dogs tested positive, indicating an infection rate of 4.7%. Further examination through complete sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the lineage B.1.621 for the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Consequently, our study unveils the first documented cases of Canis lupus familiaris infected with the Mu variant of SARS-CoV-2, the variant with the most death burden during the whole pandemic in Colombia. Remarkably, these cases presented mild and reversible respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, or no clinical manifestations at all. This sheds light on the virus's interaction with our four-legged companions, offering valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential effects on animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Magaly Sandoval-Ramírez
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas para la Sostenibilidad (CIBAS), Universidad de Santander, Calle 70 N° 55-210, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia.
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias (GICA), Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Ramírez AL, Castañeda S, Galeano LA, Hidalgo A, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Global and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27452. [PMID: 38463823 PMCID: PMC10923837 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has enabled us to better understand the spread and evolution of the virus worldwide. To deepen our understanding of its epidemiological and genomic characteristics, we analyzed 10,147 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from 5 continents and 21 countries that were deposited in the GISAID database up until January 31, 2023. Our results revealed over 100 independent lineages of the virus circulating in water samples from March 2020 to January 2023, including variants of interest and concern. We observed four clearly defined periods of global distribution of these variants over time, with one variant being replaced by another. Interestingly, we found that SARS-CoV-2 water-borne sequences from different countries had a close phylogenetic relationship. Additionally, 40 SARS-CoV-2 water-borne sequences from Europe and the USA did not show any phylogenetic relationship with SARS-CoV-2 human sequences. We also identified a significant number of non-synonymous mutations, some of which were detected in previously reported cryptic lineages. Among the countries analyzed, France and the USA showed the highest degree of sequence diversity, while Austria reported the highest number of genomes (6,296). Our study provides valuable information about the epidemiological and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, which can be employed to support public health initiatives and preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Angie Lorena Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Luis Alejandro Galeano
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Departamento de Química, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, 52002, Colombia
| | - Arsenio Hidalgo
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud Pública, Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, 50002, Colombia
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
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Gómez-Palacio A, Cruz-Saavedra L, Van den Broeck F, Geerts M, Pita S, Vallejo GA, Carranza JC, Ramírez JD. High-throughput analysis of the Trypanosoma cruzi minicirculome (mcDNA) unveils structural variation and functional diversity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5578. [PMID: 38448494 PMCID: PMC10917808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56076-4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease and has a unique extranuclear genome enclosed in a structure called the kinetoplast, which contains circular genomes known as maxi- and minicircles. While the structure and function of maxicircles are well-understood, many aspects of minicircles remain to be discovered. Here, we performed a high-throughput analysis of the minicirculome (mcDNA) in 50 clones isolated from Colombia's diverse T. cruzi I populations. Results indicate that mcDNA comprises four diverse subpopulations with different structures, lengths, and numbers of interspersed semi-conserved (previously termed ultra-conserved regions mHCV) and hypervariable (mHVPs) regions. Analysis of mcDNA ancestry and inter-clone differentiation indicates the interbreeding of minicircle sequence classes is placed along diverse strains and hosts. These results support evidence of the multiclonal dynamics and random bi-parental segregation. Finally, we disclosed the guide RNA repertoire encoded by mcDNA at a clonal scale, and several attributes of its abundance and function are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gómez-Palacio
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Genética Evolutiva, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Frederik Van den Broeck
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Manon Geerts
- Fish Eco-Evo-Devo and Conservation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Directorate Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastián Pita
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo A Vallejo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Julio C Carranza
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, 10029, USA.
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Jaimes J, Patiño LH, Herrera G, Cruz C, Pérez J, Correa-Cárdenas CA, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic skin microbiota modifications triggered by Leishmania infection in localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012029. [PMID: 38478569 PMCID: PMC10962849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease characterized by cutaneous ulcers, sometimes with satellite lesions and nodular lymphangitis. Leishmania parasites, transmitted by sandfly vectors, cause this widespread public health challenge affecting millions worldwide. CL's complexity stems from diverse Leishmania species and intricate host interactions. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the spatial-temporal distribution of Leishmania species and exploring the influence of skin microbiota on disease progression. We analyzed 40 samples from CL patients at three military bases across Colombia. Using Oxford Nanopore's Heat Shock Protein 70 sequencing, we identified Leishmania species and profiled microbiota in CL lesions and corresponding healthy limbs. Illumina sequencing of 16S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA genes helped analyze prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. Our research uncovered a spatial-temporal overlap between regions of high CL incidence and our sampling locations, indicating the coexistence of various Leishmania species. L. naiffi emerged as a noteworthy discovery. In addition, our study delved into the changes in skin microbiota associated with CL lesions sampled by scraping compared with healthy skin sampled by brushing of upper and lower limbs. We observed alterations in microbial diversity, both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, within the lesioned areas, signifying the potential role of microbiota in CL pathogenesis. The significant increase in specific bacterial families, such as Staphylococcaceae and Streptococcaceae, within CL lesions indicates their contribution to local inflammation. In essence, our study contributes to the ongoing research into CL, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to decipher the intricate interactions between Leishmaniasis and the skin microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Jaimes
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Cruz
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales del Ejército (GINETEJ), Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación, Dirección de Sanidad Ejército, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julie Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales del Ejército (GINETEJ), Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación, Dirección de Sanidad Ejército, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo A. Correa-Cárdenas
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales del Ejército (GINETEJ), Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación, Dirección de Sanidad Ejército, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
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Urbano P, Hernández C, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Ballesteros N, Páez-Triana L, Vega L, Urrea V, Ramírez A, Muñoz M, Ibarra-Cerdeña CN, González C, Ramírez JD. Transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi by Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) infesting palm-tree species in the Colombian Orinoco, indicates risks to human populations. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011981. [PMID: 38377140 PMCID: PMC10906903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region. MATERIALS AND METHODS To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing. RESULTS A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects. CONCLUSION This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plutarco Urbano
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de la Orinoquia, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitrópico), Yopal, Colombia
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Vanessa Urrea
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angie Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos N. Ibarra-Cerdeña
- Departamento de Ecología Humana, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav), Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
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Gómez M, Martínez D, Páez-Triana L, Luna N, Ramírez A, Medina J, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Castañeda S, Bohórquez Melo R, Suarez LA, Palma-Cuero M, Murcia LM, González Páez L, Estrada Bustos L, Medina MA, Ariza Campo K, Padilla HD, Zamora Flórez A, De las Salas JL, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Influence of dengue virus serotypes on the abundance of Aedes aegypti insect-specific viruses (ISVs). J Virol 2024; 98:e0150723. [PMID: 38095414 PMCID: PMC10804971 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01507-23] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the virome in mosquito vectors is crucial for assessing the potential transmission of viral agents, designing effective vector control strategies, and advancing our knowledge of insect-specific viruses (ISVs). In this study, we utilized Oxford Nanopore Technologies metagenomics to characterize the virome of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected in various regions of Colombia, a country hyperendemic for dengue virus (DENV). Analyses were conducted on groups of insects with previous natural DENV infection (DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes), as well as mosquito samples that tested negative for virus infection (DENV-negative). Our findings indicate that the Ae. aegypti virome exhibits a similar viral composition at the ISV family and species levels in both DENV-positive and DENV-negative samples across all study sites. However, differences were observed in the relative abundance of viral families such as Phenuiviridae, Partitiviridae, Flaviviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Picornaviridae, Bromoviridae, and Virgaviridae, depending on the serotype of DENV-1 and DENV-2. In addition, ISVs are frequently found in the core virome of Ae. aegypti, such as Phasi Charoen-like phasivirus (PCLV), which was the most prevalent and showed variable abundance in relation to the presence of specific DENV serotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of the L, M, and S segments of the PCLV genome are associated with sequences from different regions of the world but show close clustering with sequences from Brazil and Guadeloupe, indicating a shared evolutionary relationship. The profiling of the Ae. aegypti virome in Colombia presented here improves our understanding of viral diversity within mosquito vectors and provides information that opens the way to possible connections between ISVs and arboviruses. Future studies aimed at deepening our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between ISVs and DENV serotypes in Ae. aegypti could provide valuable information for the design of effective vector-borne viral disease control and prevention strategies.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we employed a metagenomic approach to characterize the virome of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, with and without natural DENV infection, in several regions of Colombia. Our findings indicate that the mosquito virome is predominantly composed of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) and that infection with different DENV serotypes (DENV-1 and DENV-2) could lead to alterations in the relative abundance of viral families and species constituting the core virome in Aedes spp. The study also sheds light on the identification of the genome and evolutionary relationships of the Phasi Charoen-like phasivirus in Ae. aegypti in Colombia, a widespread ISV in areas with high DENV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas (NÚCLEO), Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - David Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Angie Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Julián Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ramiro Bohórquez Melo
- Grupo de Estudios en Salud Pública de la Amazonía, Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Amazonas, Leticia, Colombia
| | - Luis Alejandro Suarez
- Grupo de Estudios en Salud Pública de la Amazonía, Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Amazonas, Leticia, Colombia
| | - Mónica Palma-Cuero
- Grupo de Estudios en Salud Pública de la Amazonía, Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Amazonas, Leticia, Colombia
| | - Luz Mila Murcia
- Grupo de Estudios en Salud Pública de la Amazonía, Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Amazonas, Leticia, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Gutiérrez SA, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Cantillo-Barraza O, Álvarez F, Blanco M, Leal B, Martínez L, Medina M, Medina M, Valdivieso S, Ramírez JD. An Outbreak of Acute Chagas Disease Possibly Spread through Oral Transmission Involving Animal Reservoirs in Eastern Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:36-39. [PMID: 37956445 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Reports of CD cases associated with oral transmission have increased, particularly in Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela. In this investigation, parasitological, serological, and molecular tests were conducted on samples obtained from humans, mammal reservoirs, and hosts involved in the assessment of a suspected oral transmission outbreak in Cubara, Boyaca, Colombia. Seropositivity was observed in 60% (3 of 5) of index patients and 6.4% (5 of 78) of close contacts. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 100% of index cases, 6.4% (5 of 78) of close contacts, 60% (6 of 10) of canines, and 100% (5 of 5) of opossums. In all index cases, the TcI lineage was identified, along with two cases of mixed infection (TcI/TcII-TcVI). Hemoculture revealed a flagellate presence in 80% of opossums, whereas all triatomine bugs tested negative. Our findings suggest a potential oral transmission route through contamination with opossum secretions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stivenn A Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud, Innovaseq SAS, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - Francisco Álvarez
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Blanco
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud de Arauca, Arauca, Colombia
| | - Bernardo Leal
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Lida Martínez
- Grupo de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Mabel Medina
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | | | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Martínez D, Gómez M, Hernández C, Muñoz M, Campo-Palacio S, González-Robayo M, Montilla M, Pavas-Escobar N, Ramírez JD. Emergence of Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Cosmopolitan Genotype, Colombia. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:189-192. [PMID: 38086397 PMCID: PMC10756373 DOI: 10.3201/eid3001.230972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Using Oxford Nanopore technologies and phylogenetic analyses, we sequenced and identified the cosmopolitan genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 isolated from 2 patients in the city of Villavicencio, Meta department, Colombia. This identification suggests the emergence of this genotype in the country, which warrants further surveillance to identify its epidemic potential.
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Medina JE, Castañeda S, Páez-Triana L, Camargo M, Garcia-Corredor DJ, Gómez M, Luna N, Ramírez AL, Pulido-Medellín M, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. High prevalence of Enterovirus E, Bovine Kobuvirus, and Astrovirus revealed by viral metagenomics in fecal samples from cattle in Central Colombia. Infect Genet Evol 2024; 117:105543. [PMID: 38135265 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105543] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Livestock plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and driving the global economy. However, viral infections can have far-reaching consequences beyond economic productivity, affecting the health of cattle, as well as posing risks to human health and other animals. Identifying viruses present in fecal samples, a primary route of pathogen transmission, is essential for developing effective prevention, control, and surveillance strategies. Viral metagenomic approaches offer a broader perspective and hold great potential for detecting previously unknown viruses or uncovering previously undescribed agents. Ubaté Province is Colombia's dairy capital and a key center for livestock production in the country. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize viral communities in fecal samples from cattle in this region. A total of 42 samples were collected from three municipalities in Ubaté Province, located in central Colombia, using a convenient non-probabilistic sampling method. We utilized metagenomic sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), combined with diversity and phylogenetic analysis. The findings revealed a consistent and stable viral composition across the municipalities, primarily comprising members of the Picornaviridae family. At the species level, the most frequent viruses were Enterovirus E (EVE) and Bovine Astrovirus (BoAstV). Significantly, this study reported, for the first time in Colombia, the presence of viruses with veterinary importance occurring at notable frequencies: EVE (59%), Bovine Kobuvirus (BKV) (52%), and BoAstV (19%). Additionally, the study confirmed the existence of Circular replicase-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) Virus in animal feces. These sequences were phylogenetically grouped with samples obtained from Asia and Latin America, underscoring the importance of having adequate representation across the continent. The virome of bovine feces in Ubaté Province is characterized by the predominance of potentially pathogenic viruses such as BoAstV and EVE that have been reported with substantial frequency and quantities. Several of these viruses were identified in Colombia for the first time. This study showcases the utility of using metagenomic sequencing techniques in epidemiological surveillance. It also paves the way for further research on the influence of these agents on bovine health and their frecuency across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Esteban Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Milena Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Funza, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Diego J Garcia-Corredor
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Marcela Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas (NÚCLEO) Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Nicolas Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angie L Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martín Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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12
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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Camargo A, Ramírez JD. Blastocystis genetic diversity in animal and human samples from different departments of Colombia using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene (SSU rRNA) by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). Acta Trop 2024; 249:107090. [PMID: 38048971 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107090] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote that has raised attention due to its wide distribution in animals and humans. The risk of zoonotic circulation primarily arises from close contact with infected animals. Therefore, the following study aimed to evaluate the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in Colombian human and animal samples using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. For this purpose, 341 human stool samples and 277 animal fecal samples (from cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, cats, and dogs), were collected from different Colombian regions and analyzed using PCR-based detection and full-length 18S SSU rRNA gene Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Among the 618 samples from both hosts, humans and animals, the results revealed widespread Blastocystis frequency, with 48.09% (n = 164) in humans and 31.4% (n = 87) detection in animals. Dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and wild animals tested positive, aligning with global prevalence patterns. Also, 29 human samples and 23 animal samples were sequenced using ONT technology from which 11 long-read unique sequences were generated and cluster with their compared reference sequences. The subtype distribution varied within hosts, detecting ST1 and ST3 in both human and animal samples. Subtypes ST5, ST10, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST24, ST25 and ST26 were limited to animals hosts, some of which are considered to have zoonotic potential. On the other hand, ST2 was found exclusively in human samples from Bolivar region. Mixed infections occurred in both animal and humans, 60.86% and 27.58% respectively. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study in Colombia identifying ST15 in pigs and ST25 in sheep. The subtypes (STs) identified in this study indicate that certain animals may serve as reservoirs with the potential for zoonotic transmission. The identification of zoonotic subtypes highlights the use of Next Generation Sequencing as the depth and resolution of the sequences increases providing insights into STs of medical and veterinarian significance. It also reveals the coexistence of diverse subtypes among hosts. Further research is essential for understanding transmission dynamics, health implications, and detection strategies for Blastocystis occurrence in animals and humans, mainly associated to the role of animals as reservoirs and their close interaction with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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13
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Jaimes J, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Madigan R, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Validation of Oxford nanopore sequencing for improved New World Leishmania species identification via analysis of 70-kDA heat shock protein. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:458. [PMID: 38111024 PMCID: PMC10726620 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06073-9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, with symptoms greatly dependent on the causal parasitic species. Here we present the design and application of a new 70-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp70)-based marker of 771 bp (HSP70-Long). We evaluated its sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic performance employing an amplicon-based MinION™ DNA sequencing assay to identify different Leishmania species in clinical samples from humans and reservoirs with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We also conducted a comparative analysis between our novel marker and a previously published HSP70 marker known as HSP70-Short, which spans 330 bp. METHODS A dataset of 27 samples from Colombia, Venezuela and the USA was assembled, of which 26 samples were collected from humans, dogs and cats affected by CL and one sample was collected from a dog with VL in the USA (but originally from Greece). DNA was extracted from each sample and underwent conventional PCR amplification utilizing two distinct HSP70 markers: HSP70-Short and HSP70-Long. The subsequent products were then sequenced using the MinION™ sequencing platform. RESULTS The results highlight the distinct characteristics of the newly devised HSP70-Long primer, showcasing the notable specificity of this primer, although its sensitivity is lower than that of the HSP70-Short marker. Notably, both markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities, not only in distinguishing between different species within the Leishmania genus but also in identifying instances of coinfection. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the outstanding specificity and effectiveness of HSP70-based MinION™ sequencing, in successfully discriminating between diverse Leishmania species and identifying coinfection events within samples sourced from leishmaniasis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Jaimes
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana C Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Roy Madigan
- Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, 286 Singing Oaks, Ste 113, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Gómez M, Martínez D, Páez-Triana L, Luna N, De Las Salas JL, Hernández C, Flórez AZ, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Characterizing viral species in mosquitoes (Culicidae) in the Colombian Orinoco: insights from a preliminary metagenomic study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22081. [PMID: 38086841 PMCID: PMC10716246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49232-9] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are primary vectors of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) that pose significant public health threats. Recent advances in sequencing technology emphasize the importance of understanding the arboviruses and insect-specific viruses (ISVs) hosted by mosquitoes, collectively called the "virome". Colombia, a tropical country with favorable conditions for the development and adaptation of multiple species of Culicidae, offers a favorable scenario for the transmission of epidemiologically important arboviruses. However, entomovirological surveillance studies are scarce in rural areas of the country, where humans, mosquitoes, and animals (both domestic and wild) coexist, leading to a higher risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans. Thus, our study aimed to perform a preliminary metagenomic analysis of the mosquitoes of special relevance to public health belonging to the genera Ochlerotatus, Culex, Limatus, Mansonia, Psorophora, and Sabethes, within a rural savanna ecosystem in the Colombian Orinoco. We employed third-generation sequencing technology (Oxford Nanopore Technologies; ONT) to describe the virome of mosquitoes samples. Our results revealed that the virome was primarily shaped by insect-specific viruses (ISVs), with the Iflaviridae family being the most prevalent across all mosquito samples. Furthermore, we identified a group of ISVs that were common in all mosquito species tested, displaying the highest relative abundance concerning other groups of viruses. Notably, Hanko iflavirus-1 was especially prevalent in Culex eknomios (88.4%) and Ochlerotatus serratus (88.0%). Additionally, other ISVs, such as Guadalupe mosquito virus (GMV), Hubei mosquito virus1 (HMV1), Uxmal virus, Tanay virus, Cordoba virus, and Castlerea virus (all belonging to the Negevirus genus), were found as common viral species among the mosquitoes, although in lower proportions. These initial findings contribute to our understanding of ISVs within mosquito vectors of the Culicidae family in the Eastern Plains of Colombia. We recommend that future research explore deeper into ISV species shared among diverse vector species, and their potential interactions with arboviruses. In addition, we also showed the need for a thorough exploration of the influence of local rural habitat conditions on the shape of the virome in mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas (NÚCLEO), Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - David Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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López Y, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Muñoz-Leal S, Contreras V, Calderón A, Rivero R, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD, Mattar S. Borrelia puertoricensis in opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:448. [PMID: 38049822 PMCID: PMC10694944 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06016-4] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genus Borrelia comprises pathogenic species of bacteria that pose a significant risk to public health. Borrelia spp. are emerging or reemerging infectious agents worldwide with complex transmission cycles, and many species use rodents as vertebrate reservoir hosts. Spirochetes morphologically compatible with Borrelia have been recurrently observed in opossums; however, there is currently a lack of genetic evidence confirming infection or supporting that these marsupials are hosts of Borrelia spirochetes. METHODS During 2017, 53 serum samples of Didelphis marsupialis from the municipality of Colosó (department of Sucre, Colombia) were collected and allocated in a serum bank. DNA extracted from the serum samples was submitted to a Borrelia genus-specific real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Positive samples were subsequently derived from semi-nested PCR protocols to obtain large fragments of the 16S rRNA and flaB genes. Obtained amplicons were subjected to Sanger sequencing. One positive sample was randomly selected for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Obtained reads were mapped to genomes of Borrelia spp. and sequences of two genes used in a multilocus sequence typing scheme retrieved for taxonomic assignment and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS Overall, 18.8% (10/53) of the samples were positive by qPCR. Of them, 80% (8/10) and 60% (6/10) were positive for the 16S rRNA and flaB genes after semi-nested PCRs, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis of one sample sequenced with NGS yielded 22 reads of genus Borrelia with different sizes. Two housekeeping genes, rplB and pyrG, were recovered. Nucleotide pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA, flaB, rplB and pyrG genes showed that the Borrelia sp. found in opossums from Colosó corresponded to Borrelia puertoricensis. CONCLUSIONS We describe the first molecular evidence to our knowledge of B. puertoricensis in Colombia, specifically in opossums, and the first detection of this spirochete in a vertebrate host since its isolation from Ornithodoros puertoricensis in Panama. This detection is also relevant because of the epidemiological importance of opossums as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesica López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Álvaro A Faccini-Martínez
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá, Colombia
- Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología - SAI, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Verónica Contreras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Rivero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia.
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16
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Fuller R, Cederroth T, Patel G, Reidy J, Patiño LH, Ramírez JD, Bassily-Marcus A, Paniz-Mondolfi A. First case of rapidly fatal mpox from secondary (household) transmission in a kidney transplant recipient. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1995-1999. [PMID: 37516244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) was reported outside of areas considered endemic for the disease, predominantly in persons identifying as men who have sex with men, gay, or bisexual. To date, 3 cases of mpox in solid organ transplant recipients have been published; however, no instances of secondary transmission among solid organ transplant recipients have been reported. Here, we report a case of a 53-year-old male kidney transplant recipient who contracted mpox while caring for a household contact with the disease. The patient's clinical and laboratory findings during his rapidly fatal course, autopsy findings, and genomics analysis are presented, emphasizing the need for expanded pre-exposure prophylaxis efforts in patient populations without the risk factors prioritized by public health authorities for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Fuller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA.
| | - Terra Cederroth
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Gopi Patel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jason Reidy
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Luz Helena Patiño
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Adel Bassily-Marcus
- Institute for Critical Care Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
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17
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Patiño LH, Guerra S, Muñoz M, Luna N, Farrugia K, van de Guchte A, Khalil Z, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Hernandez MM, Banu R, Shrestha P, Liggayu B, Firpo Betancourt A, Reich D, Cordon-Cardo C, Albrecht R, Pearl R, Simon V, Rooker A, Sordillo EM, van Bakel H, García-Sastre A, Bogunovic D, Palacios G, Paniz Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Phylogenetic landscape of Monkeypox Virus (MPV) during the early outbreak in New York City, 2022. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2192830. [PMID: 36927408 PMCID: PMC10114986 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2192830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox (MPOX) is a zoonotic disease endemic to regions of Central/Western Africa. The geographic endemicity of MPV has expanded, broadening the human-monkeypox virus interface and its potential for spillover. Since May 2022, a large multi-country MPV outbreak with no proven links to endemic countries has originated in Europe and has rapidly expanded around the globe, setting off genomic surveillance efforts. Here, we conducted a genomic analysis of 23 MPV-infected patients from New York City during the early outbreak, assessing the phylogenetic relationship of these strains against publicly available MPV genomes. Additionally, we compared the genomic sequences of clinical isolates versus culture-passaged samples from a subset of samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MPV genomes included in this study cluster within the B.1 lineage (Clade IIb), with some of the samples displaying further differentiation into five different sub-lineages of B.1. Mutational analysis revealed 55 non-synonymous polymorphisms throughout the genome, with some of these mutations located in critical regions required for viral multiplication, structural and assembly functions, as well as the target region for antiviral treatment. In addition, we identified a large majority of polymorphisms associated with GA > AA and TC > TT nucleotide replacements, suggesting the action of human APOBEC3 enzyme. A comparison between clinical isolates and cell culture-passaged samples failed to reveal any difference. Our results provide a first glance at the mutational landscape of early MPV-2022 (B.1) circulating strains in NYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz H. Patiño
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susana Guerra
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolas Luna
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Keith Farrugia
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana van de Guchte
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zain Khalil
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Matthew M. Hernandez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Radhika Banu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paras Shrestha
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bernadette Liggayu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adolfo Firpo Betancourt
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Reich
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Randy Albrecht
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Pearl
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Viviana Simon
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aria Rooker
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emilia Mia Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dusan Bogunovic
- Department of Microbiology, Centre for Inborn Errors of Immunity, Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gustavo Palacios
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Cruz-Saavedra L, Arévalo VA, Garcia-Corredor D, Jiménez PA, Vega L, Pulido-Medellín M, Ortiz-Pineda M, Ramírez JD. Molecular detection and characterization of Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis in captive wild animals rescued from central Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:1-5. [PMID: 37576459 PMCID: PMC10415623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Blastocystis are significant causes of diarrhea worldwide. However, studies on their prevalence in wild animals are limited, compared to humans and domestic animals. In this study, we collected 23 stool samples from captive wild rescued animals in Boyacá, Colombia. Using conventional PCR, we detected Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Blastocystis in over half of the samples (69.6%). Cryptosporidium spp. (43.5%) were the most commonly found, followed by Giardia spp. (39.1%) and Blastocystis (13.0%). Co-infections involving these parasites were also observed. Subsequent genotyping revealed Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium ryanae as the predominant species. These findings contribute valuable information about the ecoepidemiology of intestinal parasites in Colombian wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología –UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Vivian Alejandra Arévalo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología –UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego Garcia-Corredor
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología –UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (Uptc), Tunja, Colombia
| | - Paula Andrea Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología –UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología –UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martín Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (Uptc), Tunja, Colombia
| | - Melissa Ortiz-Pineda
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (Uptc), Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología –UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Herrera G, Vega L, Camargo A, Patarroyo MA, Ramírez JD, Muñoz M. Acquisition site-based remodelling of Clostridium perfringens- and Clostridioides difficile-related gut microbiota. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 102:102074. [PMID: 37832162 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102074] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive, anaerobic sporulating bacillus which can infect several hosts, thereby being considered the causative agent of many gut illnesses. Some studies have suggested that C. perfringens's virulence factors may negatively affect gut microbiota homeostasis by decreasing beneficial bacteria; however, studies have failed to evaluate the simultaneous presence of other pathogenic bacteria, such as C. difficile (another sporulating bacillus known to play a role in gut microbiota imbalance). Conscious of the lack of compelling data, this work has ascertained how such microorganisms' coexistence can be associated with a variation in gut microbiota composition, compared to that of C. perfringens colonisation. METHODS PCR was thus used for identifying C. perfringens and C. difficile in 98 samples. Amplicon-based sequencing of 16S- and 18S-rRNA genes' V4 hypervariable region from such samples was used for determining the microbiota's taxonomical composition and diversity. RESULTS Small differences were observed in bacterial communities' taxonomic composition and diversity; such imbalance was mainly associated with groups having hospital-acquired diarrhoea. CONCLUSION The alterations reported herein may have been influenced by C. difficile and diarrhoea acquisition site, despite C. perfringens' ability to cause alterations in microbiota due to its virulence factors. Our findings highlight the need for a holistic view of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología -UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología -UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología -UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C. 111321, Colombia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C. 111321, Colombia; Health Sciences Division, Main Campus, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá D.C. 110231, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología -UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología -UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia.
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Ramírez JD, Cao L, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Patino LH, Ayala MS, Cordon-Cardo C, Sordillo EM, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Clinical performance of a quantitative pan-genus Leishmania Real-time PCR assay for diagnosis of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Pract Lab Med 2023; 37:e00341. [PMID: 37842331 PMCID: PMC10570565 DOI: 10.1016/j.plabm.2023.e00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a complex vector-borne disease caused by various Leishmania species, affecting humans and animals. Current diagnostic methods have limitations, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for specific and sensitive diagnostic tools. We evaluated the sensitivity of a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the 18S gene in diverse clinical sample matrices. The assay showed a wide dynamic range and a limit of detection (LoD) of 1 parasite equivalent per milliliter (eq-p/mL) for all tested species. It exhibited high specificity for Leishmania DNA, with no amplification against other microorganisms. When applied to samples from patients with visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, the qPCR assay provided results that matched the reference methods and allowed estimation of parasite burdens. This assay holds promise for diagnosing and monitoring leishmaniasis by offering high sensitivity, specificity, and the ability to estimate parasitemia. Further studies are needed to enhance Leishmania molecular diagnostics and expand their coverage for improved clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Ramírez
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liyong Cao
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana C. Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Patino
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martha S. Ayala
- Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emilia Mia Sordillo
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
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Ballesteros N, Castañeda S, Muñoz M, Flórez A, Pinilla JC, Ramírez JD. The first report of Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs from Colombia. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2445-2450. [PMID: 37530869 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Dirofilaria parasites, affecting both wild and domestic animals, including humans considered as accidental hosts. Dirofilaria repens is the principal causative agent of dirofilariasis in the Old World, with increasing reports of the parasite in countries where it has not been previously identified, due to several factors such as the expansion of mosquito vectors' geographical distribution. By utilizing newly designed primers for molecular detection and confirming through next-generation sequencing, here, we report the first plausible cases of D. repens in dogs from Colombia. Our results support the classification of this species as an emergent pathogen in the Americas. Finally, we encourage an increase in diagnostic and surveillance efforts to prevent and control the current and future dirofilariasis cases in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angel Flórez
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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22
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Jaimes-Dueñez J, Castillo-Castañeda A, Jiménez-Leaño Á, Duque JE, Cantillo-Barraza O, Cáceres-Rivera DI, Granada Y, Triana-Chávez O, Ramírez JD. Epidemiological features of Leishmania infantum in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) suggest a latent risk of visceral leishmaniasis in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander, Eastern Colombia. Prev Vet Med 2023; 219:106021. [PMID: 37738753 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease caused by species of the Leishmania donovani complex that is mainly transmitted through the urban cycle involving dogs as the primary reservoir. In Colombia, the incidence of VL is increasing, along with the spread of potential vectors. This study aims to investigate the eco-epidemiological factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, eastern Colombia, which is a region at risk for VL. We conducted molecular and serological surveillance of Leishmania spp. in 207 dogs from MAB to determine the epidemiological factors associated with infection. Subsequently, we carried out a molecular and serological analysis of phlebotomine and humans, respectively, in areas with a higher prevalence of infection, aiming to describe the main features associated with the transmission cycle. Out of the 207 dogs tested, 37 (17.8%, 95% CI = 12.6-23.1%) were positive for the presence of Leishmania antibodies by the IFAT test, and only 9 (4.3%, 95% CI = 1.55-7.15%) were positive for L. infantum by PCR. Multivariate analyses indicated that canine shelters and dogs with clinical signs commonly associated with canine VL had a higher prevalence of infection (P < 0.05). In the entomological survey, 69 blood-fed female phlebotomine of the genus Lutzomyia were captured in canine shelters, among them, 55% were identified as Lutzomyia camposi, 29% as Lu. ovallesi, 7% as Lu. dubitans, 6% as Lu. torvida, and 3% as Lu. cayennensis. The identified meal sources of the phlebotomine included human, pig, avian, cattle, and porcupine (Coendou quichua) blood. However, no phlebotomine positive for Leishmania spp. were detected by molecular analyses. Finally, 14 humans who had frequent contact with L. infantum-positive dogs were analyzed through rK39 test, but none tested was positive for IgG/IgM antibodies. The molecular and serological analyses indicate the circulation of L. infantum in dogs from MAB, with canine shelters having the highest prevalence of infection. The entomological survey of canine shelters showed a significant diversity of phlebotomine without potential vectors of L. infantum, suggesting the presence of infection in dogs from these areas could take place in other locations or through other transmission routes. The circulation of L. infantum in multiple dogs from MAB suggests a latent risk of zoonotic transmission of VL in these cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Adriana Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ángela Jiménez-Leaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Jonny E Duque
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales, CINTROP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Isabel Cáceres-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación para el fortalecimiento de la salud y el bienestar GIFOSABI, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Yurany Granada
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Triana-Chávez
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, BCEI, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York city, NY, USA
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23
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Herrera G, Vieira Lista MC, Páez-Triana L, Muro A, López-Abán J, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Examining the gut microbiota from several human-biting tick species in Northwestern Spain. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:1081-1087. [PMID: 37410021 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad084] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have increased significantly in Europe and Spain in recent years. One strategy explored for tick surveillance and control is the study of the microbiota. The focus is on understanding the relationships between pathogens and endosymbionts within the microbiota and how these relationships can alter these arthropods' vectorial capacity. Thus, it is pivotal to depict the bacterial communities composing the microbiota of ticks present in specific territories. This work aimed to describe the microbiota present in 29 adult individuals of 5 tick species collected from 4 provinces of Castilla y Leon in northwestern Spain from 2015 to 2022. DNA extraction and sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of 16S-rRNA was performed on the tick samples, with subsequent analysis of diversity, taxonomic composition, and correlations between genera of microorganisms. There were no differences in the alpha diversity of microbiota by tick species, nor were compositional changes evident at the phylum level for microorganisms. However, interindividual differences at the microbial genus level allowed spatial differentiation of the 5 tick species included in the study. Correlation analyses showed complex interactions between different genera of microbiota members. These findings provide an initial insight into the composition of the gut microbiota of various tick species in northwestern Spain, which can contribute to establishing surveillance and control measures to reduce diseases such as rickettsiosis, Lyme disease, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Carmen Vieira Lista
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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24
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Vergara HD, Gómez CH, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Herrera AC, López MJ, Camacho C, Muñoz L, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Ramírez JD. Acute Chagas Disease Outbreak among Military Personnel, Colombia, 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1882-1885. [PMID: 37610186 PMCID: PMC10461683 DOI: 10.3201/eid2909.230886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We report an acute Chagas disease outbreak among soldiers in Colombia. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was confirmed through parasitology, serology, and molecular methods. Among 9 affected soldiers, 2 died; 7 were hospitalized and received benznidazole treatment, which produced favorable outcomes. Personnel patrolling rural areas in Colombia could be at increased risk for Chagas disease.
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25
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Ramírez JD, Wang CY, Bolton D, Liggayu B, Schaefer S, Patel G, Javaid W, Cordon-Cardo C, Firpo-Betancourt A, Sordillo EM, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Molecular Detection of Candida auris Using DiaSorin Molecular Simplexa ® Detection Kit: A Diagnostic Performance Evaluation. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:849. [PMID: 37623620 PMCID: PMC10455898 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a globally emerging fungal pathogen that is associated with healthcare-related infections. The accurate and rapid detection of C. auris is crucial for effective infection prevention, control, and patient management. This study aimed to validate the analytical and diagnostic performance of the DiaSorin Molecular C. auris Detection Kit. The analytical specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the assay were evaluated. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 266 CFU/µL using the ZeptoMetrix Candida auris Z485 strain and standard calibration curves. The assay demonstrated high analytical specificity and showed no amplification against a diverse panel of bacteria and fungi. Clinical validation was conducted using deidentified residual axillary/groin surveillance culture specimens from C. auris culture-positive and culture-negative patients. The DiaSorin Molecular Detection Kit exhibited 100% agreement in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) when compared to cultures coupled with MALDI-TOF identification. Intra- and inter-reproducibility testing demonstrated consistent and reliable diagnostic performance. This validated assay offers rapid and accurate detection of C. auris, facilitating timely implementation of infection control measures and appropriate patient care. The DiaSorin Molecular C. auris Detection Kit has the potential to aid in controlling the outbreaks caused by this emerging fungal pathogen. Providing a reliable diagnostic tool can contribute to the effective management and containment of C. auris infections in healthcare settings and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-CIMBIUR (UR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 200433, Colombia
| | - Chin Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Deandra Bolton
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Bernadette Liggayu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Sarah Schaefer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Gopi Patel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Waleed Javaid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Adolfo Firpo-Betancourt
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Emilia Mia Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
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26
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Pérez-Gerdel T, Camargo M, Alvarado M, Ramírez JD. Impact of Intermittent Fasting on the Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200337. [PMID: 36950759 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200337] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Obesity often results in severe negative health consequences and represents a growing issue for global health. Reducing food intake is a crucial factor for weight loss. Intermittent fasting is a relatively new intervention that contributes to weight reduction. Considering the intimate relationship between obesity and inflammatory pathologies with gut microbiota alterations, a systematic review of the literature was herein conducted to elucidate the relationship between time-restricted food intake and gut microbiota diversity in humans. Searches are carried out in three databases (PubMed, MedLine/OVID, and Academic Search Complete) between April 2019 and April 2022. Nine studies (all with longitudinal design) were identified as eligible by presenting data about the impact of intermittent fasting schemes on gut microbiota. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes increase throughout follow-ups, while 16 bacteria genera change their abundance in response to intermittent fasting. Finally, some genera associated with clinical predictors such as weight change, abdominal circumference, and metabolic variables were reported. Changes induced by fasting schemes positively impact the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the biomarkers described here. However, the changes previously reported have been studied in short periods and some return to their basal state after fasting intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoro Pérez-Gerdel
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., 112111, Colombia
| | - Milena Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., 112111, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Funza-Cundinamarca, 250027, Colombia
| | - Mateo Alvarado
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., 112111, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., 112111, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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27
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Zuluaga N, Martínez D, Hernández C, Ballesteros N, Castañeda S, Ramírez JD, Muñoz M. Description of pathogenic bacteria in patients with respiratory symptoms associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Colombia. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2023; 22:56. [PMID: 37420198 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-023-00595-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral respiratory infections may predispose to co-infections with other pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, pathogenic respiratory bacteria were detected using commercial kit Allplex™ Respiratory Panel 4 from nasopharyngeal samples from individuals suffering respiratory symptoms with and without severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients without respiratory symptoms were included as controls. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were detected from 12 patients (6%) in both, patients with respiratory symptoms (including hospitalized) (n = 6) and individual without symptoms (n = 6). Pathogenic bacteria possibly proliferate due to the limited immune response of patients with SARS-CoV-2, perhaps due to dysbiosis generated by the viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Zuluaga
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - David Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología and Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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28
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Luna N, Muñoz M, Castillo-Castañeda A, Hernandez C, Urbano P, Shaban M, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Characterizing the blood microbiota of omnivorous and frugivorous bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Casanare, eastern Colombia. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15169. [PMID: 37431467 PMCID: PMC10329821 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15169] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are known reservoirs of seemingly-innocuous pathogenic microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa), which are associated with triggering disease in other zoonotic groups. The taxonomic diversity of the bats' microbiome is likely associated with species-specific phenotypic, metabolic, and immunogenic capacities. To date, few studies have described the diversity of bat blood microbial communities. Then, this study used amplicon-based next generation sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S-rRNA gene in blood samples from omnivorous (n = 16) and frugivorous (n = 9) bats from the department of Casanare in eastern Colombia. We found the blood microbiota in bats to be composed of, among others, Bartonella and Mycoplasma bacterial genera which are associated with various disease phenotypes in other mammals. Furthermore, our results suggest that the bats' dietary habits might determine the composition and the persistence of some pathogens over others in their bloodstream. This study is among the first to describe the blood microbiota in bats, to reflect on co-infection rates of multiple pathogens in the same individual, and to consider the influence of diet as a factor affecting the animal's endogenous microbial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernandez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad Internacional del Tropico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Maryia Shaban
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
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29
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Martínez D, Gómez M, De Las Salas JL, Hernández C, Flórez AZ, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Employing Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) for understanding the ecology and transmission dynamics of flaviviruses in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from eastern Colombia. Acta Trop 2023:106972. [PMID: 37331645 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Studies focused on identifying the viral species of Flavivirus in vectors are scarce in Latin America and particularly in Colombia. Therefore, the frequency of infection of the Flavivirus genus and its feeding preferences were identified in the mosquito species circulating in the municipality of Puerto Carreño-Vichada, located in the Eastern Plains of Colombia. This was done by sequencing the viral NS5 and vertebrate 12S rRNA genes, respectively, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). A total of 1,159 mosquitoes were captured, with the most abundant species being Aedes serratus at 73.6% (n=853). All the mosquitoes were processed in 230 pools (2-6 individuals) and 51 individuals, where 37.01% (n=104) were found to be infected with Flavivirus. In these samples, infection by arboviruses of epidemiological importance, such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), was ruled out by PCR. However, through sequencing, infection by different insect-specific viruses (ISFVs) and a medically important virus, West Nile virus (WNV), were identified in a mosquito of the Culex browni species. Additionally, the feeding patterns showed that most species present a generalist behavior. Given the above, conducting entomovirological surveillance studies is crucial, especially in areas of low anthropogenic intervention, due to the high probability that potentially pathogenic viruses could generate spillover events under deforestation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marcela Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas (NÚCLEO) Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | | | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Castañeda S, Ariza G, Rincón-Riveros A, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Diet-induced changes in fecal microbiota composition and diversity in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): A comparative study of BARF-type and commercial diets. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 98:102007. [PMID: 37356167 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diet is known to strongly modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, thereby affecting health conditions and disease. Natural BARF-type and commercial diets have been used for feeding pets (e.g. dogs and cats) promoting changes in the canine microbiota in terms of abundance, richness, and diversity that may favor certain metabolic processes and resistance to certain infectious agents. Therefore, the present study sought to identify microbiota changes in dogs fed with a BARF-type diet versus dogs fed with a commercial diet by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. METHODS The microbiota of dogs fed with the BARF-diet (n = 20) and commercial-diet (n = 26) was studied using fecal samples. A metabarcoding strategy was employed by sequencing the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina HiSeq platform. DADA2 was used to assess the quality profile of the reads and to determine the core sample inference algorithm of the reads to infer amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The taxonomic assignment was performed using sequences from the Silva v138 formatted reference database. The microbial diversity analysis was performed using the R package Phyloseq, which was used to calculate diversity and abundance indices and construct the respective graphs. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis (LEfSe) was used to identify the differentially abundant taxa in the BARF group versus the commercial-diet group. RESULTS The diet causes changes in fecal microbiota composition and diversity, with richness and diversity being higher in BARF-fed dogs. Beta diversity analyses confirmed that diet is directly related to microbiota composition regardless of breed or sex. Differentially enriched taxa were identified in each of the diets as Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Clostridium perfringens in BARF-fed dogs and Prevotella, Turicibacter, Faecalibacterium, and Peptacetobacter (Clostridium) hiranonis, mostly relevant in carbohydrate metabolism, in commercial-fed dogs. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first one carried out in dogs from Colombia that seeks to identify changes in the intestinal microbiota concerning natural BARF type diet and commercial diet using a metabarcoding approach. Important differences were identified in terms of richness, diversity, and differentially enriched bacteria in each of the diets. The microbiota of dogs fed the BARF diet was characterized by higher richness and diversity compared to the commercial diet. However, it was identified that BARF-fed dogs can potentially acquire more opportunistic infections by pathogens of importance such as C. perfringens. Most of the taxa enriched in commercial diet-fed dogs are linked to carbohydrate metabolism, which may be directly related to diet composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gineth Ariza
- Grupo de Investigación REMA, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andres Rincón-Riveros
- Grupo de Investigación REMA, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Castañeda S, Muñoz M, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Paniz-Mondolfi AE, Jones KM, Mejia R, Poveda C, Ramírez JD. Microbiome Alterations Driven by Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Two Disjunctive Murine Models. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0019923. [PMID: 37140369 PMCID: PMC10269900 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00199-23] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations caused by Trypanosoma cruzi in the composition of gut microbiome may play a vital role in the host-parasite interactions that shapes physiology and immune responses against infection. Thus, a better understanding of this parasite-host-microbiome interaction may yield relevant information in the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the disease and the development of new prophylactic and therapeutic alternatives. Therefore, we implemented a murine model with two mice strains (BALB/c and C57BL/6) to evaluate the impact of Trypanosoma cruzi (Tulahuen strain) infection on the gut microbiome utilizing cytokine profiling and shotgun metagenomics. Higher parasite burdens were observed in cardiac and intestinal tissues, including changes in anti-inflammatory (interleukin-4 [IL-4] and IL-10) and proinflammatory (gamma interferon, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-6) cytokines. Bacterial species such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Faecalibaculum rodentium, and Lactobacillus johnsonii showed a decrease in relative abundance, while Akkermansia muciniphila and Staphylococcus xylosus increased. Likewise, as infection progressed, there was a decrease in gene abundances related to metabolic processes such as lipid synthesis (including short-chain fatty acids) and amino acid synthesis (including branched-chain amino acids). High-quality metagenomic assembled genomes of L. johnsonii and A. muciniphila among other species were reconstructed, confirming, functional changes associated with metabolic pathways that are directly affected by the loss of abundance of specific bacterial taxa. IMPORTANCE Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, presenting acute and chronic phases where cardiomyopathy, megaesophagus, and/or megacolon stand out. During the course of its life cycle, the parasite has an important gastrointestinal tract transit that leads to severe forms of CD. The intestinal microbiome plays an essential role in the immunological, physiological, and metabolic homeostasis of the host. Therefore, parasite-host-intestinal microbiome interactions may provide information on certain biological and pathophysiological aspects related to CD. The present study proposes a comprehensive evaluation of the potential effects of this interaction based on metagenomic and immunological data from two mice models with different genetic, immunological, and microbiome backgrounds. Our findings suggest that there are alterations in the immune and microbiome profiles that affect several metabolic pathways that can potentially promote the infection's establishment, progression, and persistence. In addition, this information may prove essential in the research of new prophylactic and therapeutic alternatives for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Alberto E. Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Kathryn M. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cristina Poveda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Aya V, Jimenez P, Muñoz E, Ramírez JD. Effects of exercise and physical activity on gut microbiota composition and function in older adults: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:364. [PMID: 37308839 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The characterization and research around the gut microbiome in older people emphasize microbial populations change considerably by losing the diversity of species. Then, this review aims to determine if there is any effect on the gut microbiota of adults older than 65 that starts an exercise intervention or improves physical activity level. Also, this review describes the changes in composition, diversity, and function of the gut microbiota of older subjects that had improved their physical activity level. METHODS The type of studies included in this review were studies describing human gut microbiota responses to any exercise stimulus; cross-sectional studies focused on comparing gut microbiota in older adults with different physical activity levels-from athletes to inactive individuals; studies containing older people (women and men), and studies written in English. This review's primary outcomes of interest were gut microbiota abundance and diversity. RESULTS Twelve cross-sectional studies and three randomized controlled trials were examined. Independently of the type of study, diversity metrics from Alpha and Beta diversity remained without changes in almost all the studies. Likewise, cross-sectional studies do not reflect significant changes in gut microbiota diversity; no significant differences were detected among diverse groups in the relative abundances of the major phyla or alpha diversity measures. Otherwise, relative abundance analysis showed a significant change in older adults who conducted an exercise program for five weeks or more at the genus level. CONCLUSIONS Here, we did not identify significant shifts in diversity metrics; only one study reported a significant difference in Alpha diversity from overweight people with higher physical activity levels. The abundance of some bacteria is higher in aged people, after an exercise program, or in comparison with control groups, especially at the genus and species levels. There needs to be more information related to function and metabolic pathways that can be crucial to understand the effect of exercise and physical activity in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID: CRD42022331551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Aya
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología de la Universidad del Rosario-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paula Jimenez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología de la Universidad del Rosario-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Enrique Muñoz
- Facultad de Cultura Física, Deporte y Recreación, Universidad Santo Tomas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología de la Universidad del Rosario-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.
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Garcia-Corredor D, Alvarado M, Pulido-Medellín M, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Giraldo JC, Vásquez-Arteaga LR, Morillo Coronado AC, Ramírez JD. Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1171147. [PMID: 37360412 PMCID: PMC10288157 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1171147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, β-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia-Corredor
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mateo Alvarado
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martín Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia (GIDIMEVETZ), Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julio Cesar Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigación en Parasitología y Microbiología Tropical, Programa de Biología, Universidad INCCA de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis R. Vásquez-Arteaga
- Centro de Estudios en Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Ana Cruz Morillo Coronado
- Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Cruz-Saavedra L, Caceres T, Ballesteros N, Posada-Forero B, Ramírez JD. Differential expression of meiosis and homologous recombination-related genes in the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07850-2. [PMID: 37272974 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07850-2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi has a complex life cycle consisting of four morphological and distinct biological stages. Although some authors suggest that T. cruzi primarily follows clonal reproduction, recent genomic and transcriptomic studies indicate an unorthodox capacity for recombination. We aimed to estimate the differential gene expression of 10 meiosis/homologous recombination-related genes during the T. cruzi life cycle, including epimastigotes, under two different types of stress (oxidative stress and pH changes). We performed RT-qPCR tests using novel-designed primers to estimate the differential gene expression (∆Ct and ∆∆Ct) of nine genes (SPO11, HAP2, RAD50, MRN complex, BRCA2, DMC1, MND1, and RPA1) and RAD51, which was previously reported. Our results show basal expression of all genes during the life cycle, indicating their hypothetical role in several cellular processes but with specific signatures of differential gene expression during the life cycle (HAP2, RPA, RAD50, BRCA2, MND1, and DMC1) and oxidative stress (RPA, MRE11, NBS1, BRCA2, MND1, and RAD51). Additionally, we found that the MRN complex has an independent level of expression in T. cruzi, with profiles of MRE11 and NBS1 upregulated in some stages. Recent studies on other trypanosomatids have highlighted the influence of HAP2 and RPA in recombination and hybridization. If T. cruzi uses the same repertoire of genes, our findings could suggest that metacyclogenesis may be the putative step that the parasite uses to undergo recombination. Likewise, our study reveals the differential profiles of genes expressed in response to oxidative and pH stress. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings and understand the recombination mechanism in T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Tatiana Caceres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Paniz-Mondolfi A, Reidy J, Pagani N, Lednicky JA, McGrail JP, Kasminskaya Y, Patino LH, Garcia-Sastre A, Palacios G, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, van Bakel H, Firpo Betancourt A, Hernandez MM, Cordon-Cardo C, Simon V, Sordillo EM, Ramírez JD, Guerra S. Genomic and ultrastructural analysis of monkeypox virus in skin lesions and in human/animal infected cells reveals further morphofunctional insights into viral pathogenicity. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28878. [PMID: 37322614 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28878] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox (MPOX) is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and other primates, resulting in a smallpox-like illness. It is caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Poxviridae family. Clinically manifested by a range of cutaneous and systemic findings, as well as variable disease severity phenotypes based on the genetic makeup of the virus, the cutaneous niche and respiratory mucosa are the epicenters of MPXV pathogenicity. Herein, we describe the ultrastructural features of MPXV infection in both human cultured cells and cutaneous clinical specimens collected during the 2022-2023 MPOX outbreak in New York City that were revealed through electron microscopy. We observed typical enveloped virions with brick-shaped morphologies that contained surface protrusions, consistent with the classic ultrastructural features of MPXV. In addition, we describe morpho-functional evidence that point to roles of distinct cellular organelles in viral assembly during clinical MPXV infection. Interestingly, in skin lesions, we found abundant melanosomes near viral assembly sites, particularly in the vicinity of mature virions, which provides further insight into virus-host interactions at the subcellular level that contribute to MPXV pathogenesis. These findings not only highlight the importance of electron microscopic studies for further investigation of this emerging pathogen but also in characterizing MPXV pathogenesis during human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jason Reidy
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Nina Pagani
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Biotechnology Laboratory Sciences, Valencia College, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Infectious Diseases Research Department, Division of Virology, Venezuelan Science Incubator and The Zoonosis and Emerging Pathogens Regional Collaborative Network, Cabudare, Lara, Venezuela
| | - John A Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Joseph Patrick McGrail
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yana Kasminskaya
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Luz H Patino
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Sastre
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Gustavo Palacios
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Adolfo Firpo Betancourt
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Matthew M Hernandez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Viviana Simon
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Emilia M Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Susana Guerra
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Posada-López L, Velez-Mira A, Cantillo O, Castillo-Castañeda A, Ramírez JD, Galati EAB, Galvis-Ovallos F. Ecological interactions of sand flies, hosts, and Leishmania panamensis in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011316. [PMID: 37167348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transmission dynamics of leishmaniasis are complex. There is also a lack of information about the ecological relationships between the vector/host/parasite at a more local and specific level. The Andean region concentrates more than 50% of Colombia's cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases. The study of the ecological interactions of sand flies through the identification of blood sources has provided information on the female's opportunistic behavior, feeding on various hosts. Therefore, this study aimed to determine sand flies' ecological interactions with Leishmania parasites and their blood sources in an endemic area of CL. RESULTS A total of 4,621 sand flies were collected, comprising 20 species, in which the most abundant were Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli (55.4%), Psychodopygus ayrozai (14.5%) and Ps. panamensis (13.4%). Sequences of 12S gene fragment were analyzed using the BLASTn search tool. Blood-meal source identification was successfully performed for 47 sand flies, detecting seven vertebrate species, human and armadillo being the most frequent. Leishmania DNA was amplified in four female pools, constituted by Ny. yuilli yuilli and Ps. ayrozai, and the identification through RFLP detected Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis in the positive pools. CONCLUSIONS The interactions between the sand fly species, local mammalian fauna and the Leishmania parasite in this active focus of CL, provide evidence of the potential role of two different species in the maintenance of the parasite transmission, important information for the understanding of the ecoepidemiology and transmission dynamics of the disease in Andean endemic areas. However its necessary further evaluations of the vector and host competence in the transmission and maintenance of Leishmania spp, in these complex and diverse areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Posada-López
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- PECET (Program for the Study and Control of Tropical Diseases) Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Andrés Velez-Mira
- PECET (Program for the Study and Control of Tropical Diseases) Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo
- PECET (Program for the Study and Control of Tropical Diseases) Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Eunice A B Galati
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fredy Galvis-Ovallos
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Ramírez AL, Luna N, Castañeda S, Gutierrez-Marin R, Mendoza-Ibarra JA, Rodriguez R, Bohada DP, Ramírez JD, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Mu SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.621) variant: A genomic snapshot across the Colombian-Venezuelan border. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28766. [PMID: 37185861 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28766] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angie L Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolas Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Reinaldo Gutierrez-Marin
- Grupo de investigación en enfermedades parasitarias tropicales e infecciosas (GIEPATI), Universidad de Pamplona, Cúcuta, Colombia
| | - Jesús A Mendoza-Ibarra
- Grupo de investigación en ciencias agropecuarias (GICA), Universidad de Pamplona, Cúcuta, Colombia
| | - Raúl Rodriguez
- Grupo de investigación en recursos naturales (GIRN), Universidad de Pamplona, Cúcuta, Colombia
| | - Diana Patricia Bohada
- Grupo de investigación en recursos naturales (GIRN), Universidad de Pamplona, Cúcuta, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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LA LADN, Hernández-Pereira CE, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Patiño LH, Castañeda S, Herrera G, Mogollón E, Muñoz M, Duran A, Loyo D, Pacheco M, Arena L, Isquiel G, Yepez L, Colmenarez B, Caviedes M, Mendez Y, Herrera S, Ramírez JD, Paniz-Mondolfi AE. Diversity and geographical distribution of Leishmania species and the emergence of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and L. (Viannia) panamensis in Central-Western Venezuela. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106901. [PMID: 36940857 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Venezuela reveals diverse and changing epidemiological landscapes, as well as a spectrum of clinical phenotypes presumed to be linked to a variety of Leishmania species. Central-western Venezuela constitutes one of the highest endemic epicenters in the country, yet updated molecular epidemiological information is still lacking. Therefore, in this study we aimed to characterize the landscape of circulating Leishmania species across central-western Venezuela through the last two decades, performed comparisons of haplotype and nucleotide diversity, and built a geospatial map of parasite species distribution. A total of 120 clinical samples were collected from patients across the cutaneous disease spectrum, retrieving parasitic DNA, and further characterizing by PCR and sequencing of the HSP70 gene fragment. This data was later collated with further genetic, geospatial and epidemiological analyses. A peculiar pattern of species occurrence including Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (77.63% N=59), Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (14.47% N=11), Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis (5.26% N=4) and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (2.63% N=2) was revealed, also highlighting a very low genetic diversity amongst all analyzed sequences. Geographical distribution showed that most cases are widely distributed across the greater urban-sub urban area of the Irribaren municipality. L.(L.) amazonensis appears to be widely dispersed throughout Lara state. Statistical analyses failed to reveal significance for any comparisons, leading to conclude a lack of association between the infective Leishmania species and clinical phenotypes. To the best of our knowledge, this is an unprecedented study which addresses comprehensively the geographical distribution of Leishmania species in central-western Venezuela throughout the last two decades, and the first to incriminate L. (L.) infantum as an etiologic agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in this region. Our findings support that Leishmania endemism in central-western Venezuela is caused mainly by L.(L.) amazonensis. Future studies are needed to unveil additional details on the ecological intricacies and transmission aspects of leishmaniasis (i.e. sampling phlebotomines and mammals) and to adopt adequate public health prevention and control strategies and mitigate disease impact in this endemic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes A Delgado-Noguera LA
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, 3023, Venezuela; Escuela de Medicina "Dr Pablo Acosta Ortiz". Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Carlos E Hernández-Pereira
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, 3023, Venezuela
| | - Adriana C Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Euler Mogollón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, 3023, Venezuela; Escuela de Medicina "Dr Pablo Acosta Ortiz". Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alexander Duran
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Doris Loyo
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Mirna Pacheco
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Luzmir Arena
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Glenis Isquiel
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Lisbeth Yepez
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Beatriz Colmenarez
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Mayeli Caviedes
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Yamilet Mendez
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Sandry Herrera
- Servicio de Dermatología Sanitaria del Estado Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Alberto E Paniz-Mondolfi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, 3023, Venezuela; Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Luna N, Herrera G, Muñoz M, Sánchez-Herrera M, Brown A, Khazan E, Pardo-Diaz C, Ramírez JD, Salazar C. Geography shapes the microbial community in Heliconius butterflies. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:7080137. [PMID: 36931898 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Heliconius butterflies are an ideal organism for studying ecology, behavior, adaptation, and speciation. These butterflies can be found in various locations and habitats in Central and South America, where they encounter and interact with different sources of pollen, nectar, and host plants. However, there is limited knowledge on how geographic and habitat variations affect the microbiota of these insects, and whether microbial associates play a role in their ability to exploit different habitats. To date, research on the microbial communities associated with Heliconius has mainly focused on host phylogenetic signal in microbiomes or microbiome characterization in specific communities of butterflies. In this study we characterized the microbiomes of several species and populations of Heliconius from distant locations that represent contrasting environments. We found that the microbiota of different Heliconius species is taxonomically similar but vary in abundance. Notably, this variation is associated with a major geographic barrier-the Central Cordillera of Colombia. Additionally, we confirmed that this microbiota is not associated with pollen-feeding. Therefore, it seems likely that geography shapes the abundance of microbiota that the butterfly carries, but not the taxonomic diversity of the microbial community. Based on the current evidence, the bacterial microbiota associated with Heliconius does not appear to play a beneficial role for these butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Melissa Sánchez-Herrera
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anya Brown
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily Khazan
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Luna N, Muñoz M, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Patiño LH, Kasminskaya Y, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Monkeypox virus (MPXV) genomics: A mutational and phylogenomic analyses of B.1 lineages. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 52:102551. [PMID: 36746267 PMCID: PMC9946793 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The recent increase in monkeypox (MPX) cases has attracted attention of public health authorities due to its quick spread and transmission across non-endemic regions. This outbreak, unlike previous ones, displays different epidemiological features and transmission dynamics, which appear to be largely influenced by the newly divergent MPX lineages (B.1). Yet, the genomic characteristics driving the high dispersal and diversification of these lineages remain largely unknown. Herein, we sought to explore and characterize the genomic features and phylogenetic diversity of the B.1 lineages through a comparative genomic analysis inclusive of 1900 high quality complete MPXV genomes. Our analyses indicate that the current MPXV-2022 outbreak encompasses thirteen derived lineages with ten unique non-synonymous mutations in several genes linked to immune evasion, virulence factors and host recognition. Such mutations may translate in the rapid evolution and diversification of current MPXV lineages. Moreover, our analyses uncovered signals of genomic modifications suggestive of immune-modulatory enzymatic activity, such as APOBEC3 editing, which, as previously suggested could have favored evolutionary trends leading to the rapid spread of MPXV into non-endemic countries. Genomic surveillance continues to play a major role in unveiling the genomic signatures signaling potential adaptation of this emerging MPXV lineage and how it will continue to impact public health in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Research Unit, Universidad Continental, Huancayo, Peru; Latin American Network of Monkeypox Virus Research (LAMOVI), Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Luz H Patiño
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yana Kasminskaya
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología - UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Higuera A, Salas-Leiva DE, Curtis B, Patiño LH, Zhao D, Jerlström-Hultqvist J, Dlutek M, Muñoz M, Roger AJ, Ramírez JD. Draft genomes of Blastocystis subtypes from human samples of Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:52. [PMID: 36732768 PMCID: PMC9896827 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis is one of the most common eukaryotic microorganisms colonizing the intestines of both humans and animals, but the conditions under which it may be a pathogen are unclear. METHODS To study the genomic characteristics of circulating subtypes (ST) in Colombia, we established nine xenic cultures from Blastocystis isolated from human fecal samples, we identified 10 different subtypes, since one sample had a mixed infection. Thus, the genomes of the subtypes ST1 (n = 3), ST2 (n = 1), ST3 (n = 2), ST6 (n = 1), ST7 (n = 1), and ST8 (n = 2) were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). RESULTS Analyses of these draft nuclear genomes indicated remarkable diversity in terms of genome size and guanine-cytosine (GC) content among the compared STs. Illumina sequencing-only draft genomes contained 824 to 2077 scaffolds, with total genome size ranging from 12 to 13.2 Mb and N50 values ranging from 10,585 to 29,404 base pairs (bp). The genome of one ST1 isolate was sequenced using ONT. This assembly was more contiguous, with a size of 20 million base pairs (Mb) spread over 116 scaffolds, and an N50 of 248,997 bp. CONCLUSION This work represents one of the few large-scale comparative genomic analyses of Blastocystis isolates, providing an additional glimpse into its genomic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Higuera
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dayana E. Salas-Leiva
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Curtis
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Luz H. Patiño
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dandan Zhao
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Jon Jerlström-Hultqvist
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC, Uppsala Universitet, Box 596, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marlena Dlutek
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Marina Muñoz
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrew J. Roger
- grid.55602.340000 0004 1936 8200Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY USA
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Patiño LH, Muñoz M, Ramírez AL, Vélez N, Escandón P, Parra-Giraldo CM, Ramírez JD. A Landscape of the Genomic Structure of Cryptococcus neoformans in Colombian Isolates. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020135. [PMID: 36836249 PMCID: PMC9959405 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans species complexes are recognized as environmental fungi responsible for lethal meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals. Despite the vast knowledge about the epidemiology and genetic diversity of this fungus in different regions of the world, more studies are necessary to comprehend the genomic profiles across South America, including Colombia, considered to be the second country with the highest number of Cryptococcosis. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the genomic architecture of 29 Colombian C. neoformans isolates and evaluated the phylogenetic relationship of these strains with publicly available C. neoformans genomes. The phylogenomic analysis showed that 97% of the isolates belonged to the VNI molecular type and the presence of sub-lineages and sub-clades. We evidenced a karyotype without changes, a low number of genes with copy number variations, and a moderate number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Additionally, a difference in the number of SNPs between the sub-lineages/sub-clades was observed; some were involved in crucial fungi biological processes. Our study demonstrated the intraspecific divergence of C. neoformans in Colombia. These findings provide evidence that Colombian C. neoformans isolates do not probably require significant structural changes as adaptation mechanisms to the host. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the whole genome sequence of Colombian C. neoformans isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Angie Lorena Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Nórida Vélez
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Escandón
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Claudia-Marcela Parra-Giraldo
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-(332)-2344161
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López Y, Muñoz-Leal S, Martínez C, Guzmán C, Calderón A, Martínez J, Galeano K, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Mattar S. Molecular evidence of Borrelia spp. in bats from Córdoba Department, northwest Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:5. [PMID: 36604762 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05614-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genus Borrelia is composed of two well-defined monophyletic groups, the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bb) and the relapsing fever (RF) group borreliae. Recently, a third group, associated with reptiles and echidnas, has been described. In general, RF group borreliae use rodents as reservoir hosts; although neotropical bats may also be involved as important hosts, with scarce knowledge regarding this association. The objective of this study was to detect the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA in bats from the department of Córdoba in northwest Colombia. METHODS During September 2020 and June 2021, 205 bats were captured in six municipalities of Córdoba department, Colombia. Specimens were identified using taxonomic keys and DNA was extracted from spleen samples. A Borrelia-specific real-time PCR was performed for the 16S rRNA gene. Fragments of the 16S rRNA and flaB genes were amplified in the positive samples by conventional PCR. The detected amplicons were sequenced by the Sanger method. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed in IQ-TREE with maximum likelihood based on the substitution model TPM3+F+I+G4 with bootstrap values deduced from 1000 replicates. RESULTS Overall, 10.2% (21/205) of the samples were found positive by qPCR; of these, 81% (17/21) and 66.6% (14/21) amplified 16S rRNA and flaB genes, respectively. qPCR-positive samples were then subjected to conventional nested and semi-nested PCR to amplify 16S rRNA and flaB gene fragments. Nine positive samples for both genes were sequenced, and seven and six sequences were of good quality for the 16S rRNA and flaB genes, respectively. The DNA of Borrelia spp. was detected in the insectivorous and fruit bats Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Phyllostomus discolor, and Uroderma sp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 97.66-98.47% identity with "Borrelia sp. clone Omi3," "Borrelia sp. RT1S," and Borrelia sp. 2374; the closest identities for the flaB gene were 94.02-98.04% with "Borrelia sp. Macaregua." For the 16S rRNA gene, the phylogenetic analysis showed a grouping with "Candidatus Borrelia ivorensis" and "Ca. Borrelia africana," and for the flaB gene showed a grouping with Borrelia sp. Macaregua and Borrelia sp. Potiretama. The pathogenic role of the Borrelia detected in this study is unknown. CONCLUSIONS We describe the first molecular evidence of Borrelia spp. in the department of Córdoba, Colombia, highlighting that several bat species harbor Borrelia spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesica López
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Caty Martínez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Camilo Guzmán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Calderón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Jairo Martínez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Ketty Galeano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.,Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Álvaro A Faccini-Martínez
- Research Institute, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud-FUCS, Bogotá, Colombia.,Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología-SAI, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Colombia.
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Paniz-Mondolfi A, Guerra S, Muñoz M, Luna N, Hernandez MM, Patino LH, Reidy J, Banu R, Shrestha P, Liggayu B, Umeaku A, Chen F, Cao L, Patel A, Hanna A, Li S, Look A, Pagani N, Albrecht R, Pearl R, Garcia-Sastre A, Bogunovic D, Palacios G, Bonnier L, Cera F, Lopez H, Calderon Y, Eiting E, Mullen K, Shin SJ, Lugo LA, Urbina AE, Starks C, Koo T, Uychiat P, Look A, van Bakel H, Gonzalez-Reiche A, Betancourt AF, Reich D, Cordon-Cardo C, Simon V, Sordillo EM, Ramírez JD. Evaluation and validation of an RT-PCR assay for specific detection of monkeypox virus (MPXV). J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28247. [PMID: 36271493 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus within the Poxviridae family. MPXV is endemic to Central and West Africa. However, the world is currently witnessing an international outbreak with no clear epidemiological links to travel or animal exposure and with ever-increasing numbers of reported cases worldwide. Here, we evaluated and validated a new, sensitive, and specific real-time PCR-assay for MPXV diagnosis in humans and compare the performance of this novel assay against a Food & Drug Administration-cleared pan-Orthopox RT-PCR assay. We determined specificity, sensitivity, and analytic performance of the PKamp™ Monkeypox Virus RT-PCR assay targeting the viral F3L-gene. In addition, we further evaluated MPXV-PCR-positive specimens by viral culture, electron microscopy, and viral inactivation assays. The limit of detection was established at 7.2 genome copies/reaction, and MPXV was successfully identified in 20 clinical specimens with 100% correlation against the reference method with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Our results demonstrated the validity of this rapid, robust, and reliable RT-PCR assay for specific and accurate diagnosis of MPXV infection in human specimens collected both as dry swabs and in viral transport media. This assay has been approved by NYS Department of Health for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susana Guerra
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolas Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Matthew M Hernandez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Luz H Patino
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason Reidy
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Radhika Banu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paras Shrestha
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bernadette Liggayu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Audrey Umeaku
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Liyong Cao
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Armi Patel
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ayman Hanna
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sunny Li
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andy Look
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nina Pagani
- Department of Biotechnology Laboratory Sciences, Valencia College, Orlando, Florida, USA.,Infectious Diseases Research Branch, Venezuelan Science Incubator and The Zoonosis and Emerging Pathogens Regional Collaborative Network, Cabudare, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Randy Albrecht
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Pearl
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Sastre
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dusan Bogunovic
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Inborn Errors of Immunity, Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gustavo Palacios
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lucia Bonnier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Freddy Cera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Heidi Lopez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yvette Calderon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erick Eiting
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karr Mullen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sangyoon Jason Shin
- Department of Medicine, Ambulatory Care, The Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery (CTMS) of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, USA
| | - Luz Amarilis Lugo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Advanced Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Antonio E Urbina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Advanced Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carlotta Starks
- Mount Sinai Institute for Advanced Medicine, Jack Martin Fund Clinic and Comprehensive Health Clinic, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tonny Koo
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Patricia Uychiat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai West, New York, New York, USA
| | - Avery Look
- Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ana Gonzalez-Reiche
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adolfo Firpo Betancourt
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Reich
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Viviana Simon
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emilia M Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. An update on the distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in the Americas. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12592. [PMID: 36619449 PMCID: PMC9816782 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal protist that presents worldwide distribution, colonizes animal and human hosts, and is classified into at least 34 ribosomal subtypes (STs). Herein, we conducted an update based on studies reporting Blastocystis-positive samples obtained from diverse hosts in the Americas. We described the distribution throughout the continent by assembling maps representing the distribution of STs and the most important 18S-rRNA alleles. Thirty-nine articles from the previous study, "A summary of Blastocystis subtypes in North and South America," and forty-one additional articles from March 2019 to March 2022 were considered. The most common subtype described was ST3, representing the highest percentage of positive samples. Other recently identified STs include ST12, ST13, and ST16 in humans, and ST10, ST14, and ST17 in animals. Novel subtypes have also been described in this continent. We assembled and updated the distribution of Blastocystis in the Americas. We hope this delivers new understandings and knowledge of this microorganism's prevalence and genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia,Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA,Corresponding author.,
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46
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Velásquez-Ortiz N, Hernández C, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ballesteros N, Cruz-Saavedra L, Herrera G, Buitrago LS, Soto H, Medina M, Palacio J, González MS, Cuervo A, Vallejo G, Zuleta Dueñas L, Urbano P, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Burdens of Several Triatomine Species in Colombia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120445. [PMID: 36548700 PMCID: PMC9782637 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, is mainly transmitted by insects of the Triatominae subfamily. In Colombia, there are 26 triatomine species, and 16 of them are naturally infected with the parasite. The parasite loads of naturally infected vectors can be significant in targeting specific species that can affect the epidemiology of the disease. Studying their ecology and behavior is vital to understand their role in T. cruzi transmission dynamics. We evaluated the parasite loads of 182 field-collected triatomines corresponding to 10 species in 13 departments across Colombia. We standardized a methodology to quantify T. cruzi DNA in these insects. We obtained a LOD (limit of detection) of 3.05 p-eq/mL. The 82% of triatomines we evaluated were positive for T. cruzi infection, with loads ranging from hundreds to millions of equivalent parasites per milliliter. Panstrongylus geniculatus, Rhodnius prolixus, and Triatoma dimidiata were the species with the highest loads of T. cruzi; however, other species whose role as vectors is still unknown were also found with high loads of parasites. Our results suggest the relevance of secondary species for T. cruzi transmission in Colombia. We hope our data can help improve entomological surveillance and vector control programs in the country and the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Hugo Soto
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública del Cesar, Valledupar, Colombia
| | - Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Jatney Palacio
- Laboratorio Departamental de Salud Pública del Departamento del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | | | - Andrés Cuervo
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud de Arauca, Arauca, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Vallejo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Liliana Zuleta Dueñas
- Grupo de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, Secretaría de Salud de Casanare, Yopal, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de la Orinoquia, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitrópico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Correspondence: or
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Castillo-Castañeda AC, Patiño LH, Zuñiga MF, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ayala MS, Segura M, Bautista J, Urbano P, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Ramírez JD. An overview of the trypanosomatid (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) parasites infecting several mammal species in Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:471. [PMID: 36522757 PMCID: PMC9756507 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomatids are among the most critical parasites for public health due to their impact on human, animal, and plant health. Diseases associated with these pathogens manifest mainly in poor and vulnerable populations, where social, environmental, and biological factors modulate the case incidence and geographical distribution. METHODS We used Sanger and amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) in samples from different mammals to identify trypanosomatid infections in several departments in Colombia. A total of 174 DNA samples (18 humans, 83 dogs, and 73 wild mammals) were analyzed by conventional PCR using a fragment of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene and Sanger sequenced the positive samples. Twenty-seven samples were sent for amplicon-based NGS using the same gene fragment. Data obtained were used to perform diversity analyses. RESULTS One hundred and thirteen samples were positive for PCR by Hsp70 fragment; these corresponded to 22.1% Leishmania spp., 18.6% L. amazonensis, 9.7% L. braziliensis, 14.2% L. infantum, 8% L. panamensis, and 27.4% Trypanosoma cruzi. Comparison of the identified species by the two sequencing technologies used resulted in 97% concordance. Alpha and beta diversity indices were significant, mainly for dogs; there was an interesting index of coinfection events in the analyzed samples: different Leishmania species and the simultaneous presence of T. cruzi and even T. rangeli in one of the samples analyzed. Moreover, a low presence of L. braziliensis was observed in samples from wild mammals. Interestingly, to our knowledge, this is the first report of Leishmania detection in Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris (capybara) in Colombia. CONCLUSIONS The Hsp70 fragment used in this study is an optimal molecular marker for trypanosomatid identification in many hosts and allows the identification of different species in the same sample when amplicon-based sequencing is used. However, the use of this fragment for molecular diagnosis through conventional PCR should be carefully interpreted because of this same capacity to identify several parasites. This point is of pivotal importance in highly endemic countries across South America because of the co-circulation of different genera from the Trypanosomatidae family. The findings show an interesting starting point for One Health approaches in which coevolution and vector-host interactions can be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C. Castillo-Castañeda
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz H. Patiño
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maria Fernanda Zuñiga
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.412881.60000 0000 8882 5269Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Martha S. Ayala
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maryi Segura
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jessica Bautista
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de La Orinoquía, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- grid.442158.e0000 0001 2300 1573Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
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Vega L, Bohórquez L, Ramírez JD, Muñoz M. Do we need to change our perspective about gut biomarkers? A public data mining approach to identify differentially abundant bacteria in intestinal inflammatory diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:918237. [PMID: 36478676 PMCID: PMC9719923 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.918237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The gut microbiome is involved in multiple processes that influence host physiology, and therefore, disruptions in microbiome homeostasis have been linked to diseases or secondary infections. Given the importance of the microbiome and the communities of microorganisms that compose it (microbiota), the term biomarkers were coined, which are bacteria correlated with disease states, diets, and the lifestyle of the host. However, a large field in the study of intestinal biomarkers remains unexplored because the bacterial communities associated with a given disease state have not been exactly defined yet. Methods Here, we analyzed public data of studies focused on describing the intestinal microbiota of patients with some intestinal inflammatory diseases together with their respective controls. With these analyses, we aimed to identify differentially abundant bacteria between the subjects with the disease and their controls. Results We found that frequently reported bacteria such as Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, and Escherichia/Shigella were differentially abundant between the groups, with a higher abundance mostly in patients with the disease in contrast with their controls. On the other hand, we also identified potentially beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium, with a higher abundance in control patients. Discussion Our results of the differentially abundant bacteria contrast with what was already reported in previous studies on certain inflammatory diseases, but we highlight the importance of considering more comprehensive approaches to redefine or expand the definition of biomarkers. For instance, the intra-taxa diversity within a bacterial community must be considered, as well as environmental and genetic factors of the host, and even consider a functional validation of these biomarkers through in vivo and in vitro approaches. With the above, these key bacterial communities in the intestinal microbiota may have potential as next-generation probiotics or may be functional for the design of specific therapies in certain intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Bohórquez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia,Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia,*Correspondence: Marina Muñoz,
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Delgado-Noguera LA, Hernández-Pereira CE, Ramírez JD, Hernández C, Velasquez-Ortíz N, Clavijo J, Ayala JM, Forero-Peña D, Marquez M, Suarez MJ, Traviezo-Valles L, Escalona MA, Perez-Garcia L, Carpio IM, Sordillo EM, Grillet ME, Llewellyn MS, Gabaldón JC, Paniz Mondolfi AE. Tele-entomology and tele-parasitology: A citizen science-based approach for surveillance and control of Chagas disease in Venezuela. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 19:e00273. [PMID: 36118050 PMCID: PMC9475302 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas Disease (CD), a chronic infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is a Neglected Tropical Disease endemic to Latin America. With a re-emergence in Venezuela during the past two decades, the spread of CD has proved susceptible to, and inhibitable by a digital, real-time surveillance system effectuated by Citizen Scientists in communities throughout the country. The #TraeTuChipo (#BringYourKissingBug) campaign implemented in January 2020, has served as such a strategy counting on community engagement to define the current ecological distribution of CD vectors despite the absence of a functional national surveillance program. This pilot campaign collected data through online surveys, social media platforms, and/or telephone text messages. A total of 79 triatomine bugs were reported from eighteen Venezuelan states; 67 bugs were identified as Panstrongylus geniculatus, 1 as Rhodnius pictipes, 1 as Triatoma dimidiata, and 10 as Triatoma maculata. We analyzed 8 triatomine feces samples spotted from 4 Panstrongylus geniculatus which were confirmed positive by qPCR for T. cruzi . Further molecular characterization of discrete typing units (DTUs), revealed that all samples contained TcI, the most highly diverse and broadly distributed strain of T. cruzi. Moreover, analysis of the mitochondrial 12S gene revealed Myotis keaysi, Homo sapiens, and Gallus gallus as the main triatomine feeding sources. This study highlights a novel Citizen Science approach which may help improve the surveillance systems for CD in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes A. Delgado-Noguera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Carlos E. Hernández-Pereira
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velasquez-Ortíz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José Clavijo
- Museo del Instituto de Zoología Agrícola “Francisco Fernández Yépez” (MIZA), Universidad Central de Venezuela, Aragua, Venezuela
| | | | - David Forero-Peña
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
| | - Marilianna Marquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Maria J. Suarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Luis Traviezo-Valles
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
- Sección de Parasitología Médica (UNIPARME), Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Maria Alejandra Escalona
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Luis Perez-Garcia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
| | - Isis Mejias Carpio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Global WASH, Houston, TX, USA
- Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (WaSRAG), TX, USA
| | - Emilia M. Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria E. Grillet
- Laboratorio de Biología de Vectores y Parásitos, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Martin S. Llewellyn
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Juan C. Gabaldón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinical, University of Navarra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto E. Paniz Mondolfi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Emerging Pathogens Network-Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Venezuela
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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Herrera G, Arboleda JC, Pérez-Jaramillo JE, Patarroyo MA, Ramírez JD, Muñoz M. Microbial Interdomain Interactions Delineate the Disruptive Intestinal Homeostasis in Clostridioides difficile Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0050222. [PMID: 36154277 PMCID: PMC9602525 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00502-22] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) creates an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota due to the interaction of the components making up this ecosystem, but little is known about the impact of this disease on other microbial members. This work has thus been aimed at evaluating the taxonomic composition, potential gene-associated functions, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of gut microbiomes. A total of 48 DNA samples obtained from patients with health care facility-acquired (HCFO) and community-onset (CO) diarrhea were distributed in the following four groups according to CDI status: HCFO/+ (n = 13), HCFO/- (n = 8), CO/+ (n = 13), and CO/- (n = 14). These samples were subjected to shotgun metagenomics sequencing. Although the CDI groups' microbiota had microbiome alterations, the greatest imbalance was observed in the in the HCFO+/- groups, with an increase in common pathogens and phage populations, as well as a decrease in beneficial microorganisms that leads to a negative impact on some intestinal homeostasis-related metabolic processes. A reduction in the relative abundance of butyrate metabolism-associated genes was also detected in the HCFO groups (P < 0.01), with an increase in some virulence factors and antibiotic-resistance markers. A set of 51 differentially abundant species in the groups with potential association to CDI enabled its characterization, leading to their spatial separation by onset. Strong correlations between phages and some archaeal and bacterial phyla were identified. This highlighted the need to study the microbiota's various components since their imbalance is multifactorial, with some pathogens contributing to a greater or lesser extent because of their interaction with the ecosystem they inhabit. IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile infection represents a serious public health problem in different countries due to its high morbi-mortality and the high costs it represents for health care systems. Studies have shown the impact of this infection on intestinal microbiome homeostasis, mainly on bacterial populations. Our research provides evidence of the impact of CDI at both the compositional (bacteria, archaea, and viruses), and functional levels, allowing us to understand that the alterations of the microbiota occur systemically and are caused by multiple perturbations generated by different members of the microbiota as well as by some pathogens that take advantage of the imbalance to proliferate. Likewise, the 51 differentially abundant species in the study groups with potential association to CDI found in this study could help us envisage future treatments against this and other inflammatory diseases, improving future therapeutic options for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Camilo Arboleda
- Unidad de Bioprospección and Estudio de Microbiomas, Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Semillero de Investigación en Bioinformática-GenomeSeq, Seccional Oriente, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Fundamentos y Enseñanza de la Física y los Sistemas Dinámicos, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan E. Pérez-Jaramillo
- Semillero de Investigación en Bioinformática-GenomeSeq, Seccional Oriente, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Fundamentos y Enseñanza de la Física y los Sistemas Dinámicos, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Health Sciences Division, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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