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Caspe SG, Konrad JL, Moore DP, Sala JM, Della-Rosa P, Ortega-Mora LM, Bacigalupe DR, Venturini MC, Campero CM, Barbeito CG. Infection with different Neospora caninum strains causes differences in the glycosylation pattern in the uteri and placentae of Neospora caninum-infected heifers. J Comp Pathol 2024; 210:29-37. [PMID: 38552538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.02.006] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes abortion in ruminants. Different strains produce differences in the severity of disease outcomes. These differences may cause physiological or pathological changes in cells, modifying the intercellular interactions and intracellular transport pathways that could be evidenced by identifying the terminal sugars. This study aimed to characterize the oligosaccharide pattern in the bovine placenta and uterus after infection with tachyzoites of three different strains of N. caninum (Nc-1, Nc-6 Argentina and Nc Spain-7) during early gestation. Fourteen heifers were inoculated intravenously on day 70 of gestation with 2 × 108 N. caninum tachyzoites and samples of placentae and uteri were analysed by histology and lectin histochemistry. In the infected groups, severe placentitis was associated with changes in lectin binding in the vascular endothelium by Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) and Ricinus communis I (RCA-I) lectins, in the epithelial cells of the endometrial glands by RCA-I, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), succinylated wheat germ agglutinin, peanut agglutinin (PNA), concanavalin-A (CON-A), LCA, PSA and Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (PHA-e), and in the trophoblast layer by PNA, CON-A, LCA, PSA, PHA-e, soybean agglutinin, RCA-I, DBA and Bandieraea simplicifolia agglutinin (BSA-I). The results suggest that N. caninum causes changes in the glycosylation pattern in the maternofetal interface tissues and might cause abortions in early gestation due to changes in the cellular structure of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio G Caspe
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jose L Konrad
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Blvd. 27 de Febrero 210 Bis, S2000EZP Rosario, Sante Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Nordeste, Juan Bautista Cabral 2131, W3402BKG, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Dadin P Moore
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Blvd. 27 de Febrero 210 Bis, S2000EZP Rosario, Sante Fe, Argentina
| | - Juan M Sala
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola Della-Rosa
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana R Bacigalupe
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Avenue 7 No. 776, CP1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Zoonosis, Municipalidad de Rauch, Rivadavia 750, B7203 Rauch, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria C Venturini
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Avenue 7 No. 776, CP1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos M Campero
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Blvd. 27 de Febrero 210 Bis, S2000EZP Rosario, Sante Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Avenue 7 No. 776, CP1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Joeres M, Maksimov P, Höper D, Calvelage S, Calero-Bernal R, Fernández-Escobar M, Koudela B, Blaga R, Vrhovec MG, Stollberg K, Bier N, Sotiraki S, Sroka J, Piotrowska W, Kodym P, Basso W, Conraths FJ, Mercier A, Galal L, Dardé ML, Balea A, Spano F, Schulze C, Peters M, Scuda N, Lundén A, Davidson RK, Terland R, Waap H, de Bruin E, Vatta P, Caccio S, Ortega-Mora LM, Jokelainen P, Schares G. Genotyping of European Toxoplasma gondii strains by a new high-resolution next-generation sequencing-based method. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:355-371. [PMID: 38099986 PMCID: PMC10822014 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04721-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE A new high-resolution next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based method was established to type closely related European type II Toxoplasma gondii strains. METHODS T. gondii field isolates were collected from different parts of Europe and assessed by whole genome sequencing (WGS). In comparison to ME49 (a type II reference strain), highly polymorphic regions (HPRs) were identified, showing a considerable number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After confirmation by Sanger sequencing, 18 HPRs were used to design a primer panel for multiplex PCR to establish a multilocus Ion AmpliSeq typing method. Toxoplasma gondii isolates and T. gondii present in clinical samples were typed with the new method. The sensitivity of the method was tested with serially diluted reference DNA samples. RESULTS Among type II specimens, the method could differentiate the same number of haplotypes as the reference standard, microsatellite (MS) typing. Passages of the same isolates and specimens originating from abortion outbreaks were identified as identical. In addition, seven different genotypes, two atypical and two recombinant specimens were clearly distinguished from each other by the method. Furthermore, almost all SNPs detected by the Ion AmpliSeq method corresponded to those expected based on WGS. By testing serially diluted DNA samples, the method exhibited a similar analytical sensitivity as MS typing. CONCLUSION The new method can distinguish different T. gondii genotypes and detect intra-genotype variability among European type II T. gondii strains. Furthermore, with WGS data additional target regions can be added to the method to potentially increase typing resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Joeres
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - P Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - D Höper
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - S Calvelage
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - R Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - B Koudela
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - R Blaga
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - K Stollberg
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department for Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - N Bier
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department for Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J Sroka
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, Poland
| | - W Piotrowska
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, Poland
| | - P Kodym
- Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - W Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - F J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Mercier
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - L Galal
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - M L Dardé
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - A Balea
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - F Spano
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - C Schulze
- Landeslabor Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - M Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Standort Arnsberg, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - N Scuda
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Lundén
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R K Davidson
- Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Tromsø, Norway
| | - R Terland
- Department of Analysis and Diagnostics, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - H Waap
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - E de Bruin
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Pathology Division, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P Vatta
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - S Caccio
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany.
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Joeres M, Cardron G, Passebosc-Faure K, Plault N, Fernández-Escobar M, Hamilton CM, O'Brien-Anderson L, Calero-Bernal R, Galal L, Luttermann C, Maksimov P, Conraths FJ, Dardé ML, Ortega-Mora LM, Jokelainen P, Mercier A, Schares G. A ring trial to harmonize Toxoplasma gondii microsatellite typing: comparative analysis of results and recommendations for optimization. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023:10.1007/s10096-023-04597-7. [PMID: 37093325 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04597-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A ring trial among five European laboratories was organized to reach consistency in microsatellite (MS) typing of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Three sample sets were circulated and analyzed by each laboratory following a previously published method that is based on fragment length polymorphism of 15 MS markers. The first sample set compared typing results in general and focused on effects of DNA concentration; the second sample set focused on the polymorphic fingerprinting markers that can differentiate T. gondii strains within the same archetypal lineage; and the third set focused on non-archetypal genotypes. Methodological variations between laboratories, including the software programs used to determine MS fragment length, were collated using a questionnaire. Overall, lineage-level typing results reached a high level of agreement, especially in samples with the highest DNA concentrations. However, laboratory-specific differences were observed for particular markers. Major median differences in fragment length, of up to 6 base pairs, were related to the fluorophore used to label fragment-specific primers. In addition, primer pairs with identical sequences obtained from different suppliers resulted in fragments of differing length. Furthermore, differences in the way the sequencing profiles were assessed and interpreted may have led to deviating results in fragment length determination. Harmonization of MS typing, for example, by using the same fluorophores or by numerical adjustments applied to the fragment-lengths determined, could improve the uniformity of the results across laboratories. This is the first interlaboratory comparison, providing guidelines (added as a supplement) for the optimization of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Joeres
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G Cardron
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - K Passebosc-Faure
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - N Plault
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - M Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - C M Hamilton
- The Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
| | - L O'Brien-Anderson
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Galal
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - C Luttermann
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, -Insel Riems, Greifswald, Germany
| | - P Maksimov
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F J Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M L Dardé
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Mercier
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - G Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Hecker YP, Burucúa MM, Fiorani F, Maldonado Rivera JE, Cirone KM, Dorsch MA, Cheuquepán FA, Campero LM, Cantón GJ, Marín MS, Ortega-Mora LM, Moore DP. Reactivation and Foetal Infection in Pregnant Heifers Infected with Neospora caninum Live Tachyzoites at Prepubertal Age. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081175. [PMID: 35893824 PMCID: PMC9330614 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081175] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is recognised for causing cattle abortion, provoking severe economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reactivation and foetal infection in pregnant heifers inoculated with live N. caninum tachyzoites before puberty. A total of 15 30-month-old pregnant heifers were allocated into four groups: animals inoculated with live tachyzoites of NC-Argentina LP1 isolate before puberty and challenged with live tachyzoites of NC-1 strain at 210 days of gestation (DG) (Group A); animals mock inoculated before puberty and challenged with NC-1 strain at 210 DG (Group B), animals inoculated before puberty but not subsequently challenged (Group C); and noninfected and nonchallenged animals (Group D). The results of this study showed that 100% of animals infected before puberty (Groups A and C) suffered reactivation of the infection at the seventh month of gestation. In addition, in three and two calves from Groups A and C, respectively, congenital infection was confirmed. Interestingly, we provide evidence that the use of live N. caninum tachyzoites in young animals as a strategy to induce protection is neither safe nor effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina P. Hecker
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +54-02266-439100 (ext. 365)
| | - Mercedes M. Burucúa
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Franco Fiorani
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Jaime E. Maldonado Rivera
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010205, Ecuador
| | - Karina M. Cirone
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Matías A. Dorsch
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia 70000, Uruguay
| | - Felipe A. Cheuquepán
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Lucía M. Campero
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Germán J. Cantón
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Maia S. Marín
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Luis M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Dadín P. Moore
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
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Pena-Fernández N, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I, Horcajo P, Vázquez-Arbaizar P, Cleofé-Resta D, Pérez-Arroyo B, Ortega-Mora LM, Collantes-Fernández E. Prevalence of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis, Associated Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution in Spanish Beef Cattle Based on Veterinary Laboratory Database Records. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:750183. [PMID: 34957276 PMCID: PMC8692666 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.750183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes early reproductive failure in natural breeding cattle that are managed extensively. The aim of this study was to assess the BGC prevalence in Spain from 2011 to 2019 using data collected cross-sectionally from the diagnostic reports issued by the SALUVET veterinary diagnostic laboratory from a total of 5,182 breeding bulls from 1,950 herds managed under “dehesa” systems (large herds within fenced pastures and all-year breeding season) or mountain systems (smaller herds with seasonal breeding management and grazing in communal mountain pastures). Infection was detected by PCR in 7.7 and 12.2% of the bulls and herds tested, respectively. The “dehesa” herd management system (OR = 2.078, P = < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.55–1.77), bovine trichomonosis status of the herd (OR = 1.606, P = 0.004, 95% CI = 1.15–2.22), and bulls ≥3 years old (OR = 1.392, P = 0.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.92) were identified as risk factors associated with Campylobacter fetus venerealis infection. We also studied the high-risk areas for circulation of the infection in extensive beef cattle herds in Spain, showing four significant clusters in “dehesa” areas in the south-western provinces of the country and a fifth cluster located in a mountain area in northern Spain. The results obtained in the present study indicate that BGC is endemic and widely distributed in Spanish beef herds. Specifically, “dehesa” herds are at greater risk for introduction of Cfv based on relatively high local prevalence of the infection and the use of specific management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Pena-Fernández
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, Villaviciosa, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez-Arbaizar
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET)-Innova S.L. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Darío Cleofé-Resta
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Pérez-Arroyo
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET)-Innova S.L. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET), Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Health and Zoonoses Group (SALUVET)-Innova S.L. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Tejerina F, Gutiérrez J, Fernández-Escobar M, Ortega-Mora LM, Mantecón AR, Dagleish MP, Pérez V, Benavides J. Direct economic losses of Toxoplasma gondii abortion outbreaks in two Spanish sheep flocks. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100623. [PMID: 34879935 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study estimates the economic losses due to outbreaks of toxoplasma abortions in a dairy (1928 sheep) and a meat (700 sheep) flock in Spain raised under intensive and semi-extensive management conditions, respectively. In both flocks, sheep were divided into multiple groups to synchronise reproduction. The outbreaks resulted in abortion rates in individual lots of 12.6% (30/239) in the dairy flock and 33.3% (70/210) in the meat flock. Toxoplasma gondii was definitively diagnosed in most submitted cases and the only abortifacient pathogen identified despite extensive investigation. Upon completion of lambing and lactation, veterinarians and farmers completed a questionnaire to gather the data to determine the direct economic impact. The calculated total direct economic losses were €5154.5 (€171.8/abortion) in the dairy flock and €4456 (€63.6/abortion) in the meat flock. Results suggest that flock size, production system, abortion rate and control measures are the key factors influencing economic losses, which vary greatly between individual flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, 24346, Grulleros, León, Spain.
| | - Fernando Tejerina
- Ovino T.G. S.L. Plaza de la Constitución 2, 34338 Autillo de Campos, Palencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez
- MSD Animal Health, C/Zeppelin n° 38, 37008, Carbajosa de la Sagrada, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mercedes Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel R Mantecón
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, 24346, Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - Mark P Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, 24346, Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, 24346, Grulleros, León, Spain
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7
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Anghel N, Imhof D, Winzer P, Balmer V, Ramseier J, Haenggeli K, Choi R, Hulverson MA, Whitman GR, Arnold SL, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis WC, Doggett JS, Ortega-Mora LM, Hemphill A. Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) and bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs): Synergistic and additive effects of combined treatments against Neospora caninum infection in vitro and in vivo. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 17:92-106. [PMID: 34482255 PMCID: PMC8416643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum is an important causative agent of congenital neosporosis, resulting in abortion, birth of weak offspring and neuromuscular disorders in cattle, sheep, and many other species. Among several compound classes that are currently being developed, two have been reported to limit the effects of congenital neosporosis: (i) bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) target calcium dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1), an enzyme that is encoded by an apicoplast-derived gene and found only in apicomplexans and plants. CDPK1 is essential for host cell invasion and egress; (ii) endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) are inhibitors of the cytochrome bc1 complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and thus inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. We here report on the in vitro and in vivo activities of BKI-1748, and of ELQ-316 and its respective prodrugs ELQ-334 and ELQ-422, applied either as single-compounds or ELQ-BKI-combinations. In vitro, BKI-1748 and ELQ-316, as well as BKI-1748 and ELQ-334, acted synergistically, while this was not observed for the BKI-1748/ELQ-422 combination treatment. In a N. caninum-infected pregnant BALB/c mouse model, the synergistic effects observed in vitro were not entirely reproduced, but 100% postnatal survival and 100% inhibition of vertical transmission was noted in the group treated with the BKI-1748/ELQ-334 combination. In addition, the combined drug applications resulted in lower neonatal mortality compared to treatments with single drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author. Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Winzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Haenggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew A. Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grant R. Whitman
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel L.M. Arnold
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kayode K. Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA,Departments of Global Health and Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luis M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author.
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8
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Imhof D, Anghel N, Winzer P, Balmer V, Ramseier J, Hänggeli K, Choi R, Hulverson MA, Whitman GR, Arnold SLM, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis WC, Doggett JS, Ortega-Mora LM, Hemphill A. In vitro activity, safety and in vivo efficacy of the novel bumped kinase inhibitor BKI-1748 in non-pregnant and pregnant mice experimentally infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites and Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 16:90-101. [PMID: 34030110 PMCID: PMC8144743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) target the apicomplexan calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1). BKI-1748, a 5-aminopyrazole-4-carboxamide compound when added to fibroblast cells concomitantly to the time of infection, inhibited proliferation of apicomplexan parasites at EC50s of 165 nM (Neospora caninum) and 43 nM (Toxoplasma gondii). Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy showed that addition of 2.5 μM BKI-1748 to infected HFF monolayers transformed parasites into multinucleated schizont-like complexes (MNCs) containing newly formed zoites, which were unable to separate and form infective tachyzoites or undergo egress. In zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development assays, no embryonic impairment was detected within 96 h at BKI-1748 concentrations up to 10 μM. In pregnant mice, BKI-1748 applied at days 9-13 of pregnancy at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day was safe and no pregnancy interference was observed. The efficacy of BKI-1748 was assessed in standardized pregnant mouse models infected with N. caninum (NcSpain-7) tachyzoites or T. gondii (TgShSp1) oocysts. In both models, treatments resulted in increased pup survival and profound inhibition of vertical transmission. However, in dams and non-pregnant mice, BKI-1748 treatments resulted in significantly decreased cerebral parasite loads only in T. gondii infected mice. In the T. gondii-model, ocular infection was detected in 10 out of 12 adult mice of the control group, but only in 3 out of 12 mice in the BKI-1748-treated group. Thus, TgShSp1 oocyst infection is a suitable model to study both cerebral and ocular infection by T. gondii. BKI-1748 represents an interesting candidate for follow-up studies on neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in larger animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Winzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew A Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grant R Whitman
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel L M Arnold
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kayode K Ojo
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Departments of Global Health and Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System, Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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9
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González-Barrio D, Diezma-Díaz C, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Tabanera E, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Pizarro M, González-Huecas M, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Identification of molecular biomarkers associated with disease progression in the testis of bulls infected with Besnoitia besnoiti. Vet Res 2021; 52:106. [PMID: 34294155 PMCID: PMC8296687 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00974-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breeding bulls infected with Besnoitia besnoiti may develop sterility during either acute or chronic infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of B. besnoiti infection with prognosis value in bull sterility. Accordingly, five well-characterized groups of naturally and experimentally infected males were selected for the study based on clinical signs and lesions compatible with B. besnoiti infection, serological results and parasite detection. A broad panel of molecular markers representative of endothelial activation and fibrosis was investigated and complemented with a histopathological approach that included conventional histology and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated the predominance of an intense inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of resident and recruited circulating macrophages and to a lesser extent of CD3+ cells in infected bulls. In addition, a few biomarkers were associated with acute, chronic or subclinical bovine besnoitiosis. The testicular parenchyma showed a higher number of differentially expressed genes in natural infections (acute and chronic infections) versus scrotal skin in experimental infections (subclinical infection). In subclinical infections, most genes were downregulated except for the CCL24 and CXCL2 genes, which were upregulated. In contrast, the acute phase was mainly characterized by the upregulation of IL-1α, IL-6 and TIMP1, whereas in the chronic phase, the upregulation of ICAM and the downregulation of MMP13, PLAT and IL-1α were the most relevant findings. Macrophages could be responsible for the highest level of gene regulation in the testicular parenchyma of severely affected and sterile bulls, and all these genes could be prognostic markers of sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Enrique Tabanera
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Pizarro
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta González-Huecas
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Diezma-Díaz C, Tabanera E, Ferre I, Pizarro-Díaz M, González-Huecas M, Blanco-Murcia J, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Histological findings in experimentally infected male calves with chronic besnoitiosis. Vet Parasitol 2020; 281:109120. [PMID: 32361525 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The histological findings associated to Besnoitia besnoiti infection were exhaustively studied in target tissues from experimentally and chronically infected calves. Calves were inoculated with 106 bradyzoites via intravenous, subcutaneous and intradermal route. Visible pathognomonic sclera cysts were observed in all infected animals. Tissue cysts were more abundant and lesions were more frequent in calves inoculated via intradermal. The most parasitized tissues were skin, including scrotum (40.81% of positive samples), nostril and nasal turbinate. Tissue cysts were already fully developed as the average tissue cyst diameter was 181.20 μm. Microscopic lesions were mainly detected in skin samples, followed by reproductive and upper respiratory tracts. Mild lesions compatible with both acute (thrombus, oedema and inflammation) and chronic besnoitiosis (skin lesions, hyperkeratosis and dilated sweat glands) coexisted. Vascular damage and inflammation were more frequently observed in skin (including scrotum) followed by testicular parenchyma, epididymis and pampiniform plexus. Histological findings evidenced a subclinical chronic besnoitiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - E Tabanera
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - I Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Pizarro-Díaz
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M González-Huecas
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Blanco-Murcia
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Pedraza-Díaz S, Arranz-Solís D, Gómez-Couso H, Fuschs L, Fort M, Rengifo-Herrera C, Navarro-Lozano V, Ortega-Mora LM, Collantes-Fernández E. Multilocus analysis reveals further genetic differences between Tritrichomonas foetus from cats and cattle. Vet Parasitol 2019; 276:108965. [PMID: 31726324 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus isolates from feline and bovine origin has been previously shown to carry a certain degree of genetic heterogeneity. Here, novel candidate molecular markers were developed by means of multilocus sequence typing of the gap2 gene (encoding for T. foetus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), ITS region, the TR7/TR8 variable-length repeat and microsatellite genotyping. These markers were used to characterize T. foetus field isolates from bulls and domestic cats and to compare phylogenetically with the following ATCC isolates: T. foetus isolated from cattle and pig (syn. Tritrichomonas suis), Tritrichomonas mobilensis, Tetratrichomonas gallinarum and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Among them, TFMS10 and TFMS7 were found to be the most polymorphic markers. Moreover, an 809 bp fragment of the gap2 gene was successfully amplified from all the trichomonads included in this study and the sequence analysis revealed differences between T. foetus porcine and feline genotypes and T. mobilensis in comparison to the bovine T. foetus ATCC isolate. The TR7/TR8 repeat pattern was not reproducible, being only consistent the fragments of approximately 110 and 217 bp. Sequence analysis of the latter revealed the existence of 3 SNPs resulting in 98.6 % homology between bovine and feline isolates. A search for similar sequences was carried out to develop a Restriction Length Fragment Polymorphism analysis. A 503 bp region, named TF1, revealed the existence of two BbvI restriction enzyme sites that were able to generate different length fragments for T. foetus feline and bovine isolates. Finally, the neighbour-joining analyses showed that T. foetus porcine genotype clusters together with bovine genotype, whereas T. mobilensis and the feline genotype form a separate cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Arranz-Solís
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hipólito Gómez-Couso
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lumila Fuschs
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Fort
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Claudia Rengifo-Herrera
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Navarro-Lozano
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Hecker YP, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Fiorani F, Horcajo P, Soria I, Gual I, Torioni S, Campero LM, Echaide IE, Álvarez-García G, Ortega-Mora LM, Zamorano PI, Venturini MC, Odeón AC, Cantón GJ, Moore DP. Immune response to Neospora caninum live tachyzoites in prepubertal female calves. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2945-2955. [PMID: 31485864 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06447-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to characterize the specific immune response in prepubertal female calves inoculated with Neospora caninum. Forty-eight N. caninum-seronegative 6-month-old Angus female calves were randomly allocated into two groups: group A calves were inoculated subcutaneously (sc) with 1 × 106 tachyzoites of the low virulence NC-Argentina LP1 isolate in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); group B calves were mock inoculated sc with sterile PBS. Calves from group A developed a specific immune response characterized by the production of IgG antibodies and the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. Animals did not present any febrile reaction or reactions at the site of inoculation. Although chronic N. caninum infection was developed in 50% of calves of group A after inoculation, according to the presence of antibodies against rNc-SAG4, antigen characteristic of bradyzoites, N. caninum antibodies dropped below the cut-off of ELISA from day 210 post-inoculation onwards. Future trials using the same group of inoculated animals will allow the characterization of the evolution of the immune response during pregnancy and to determine whether the immunization with the local isolate is able to prevent congenital transmission and to protect against heterologous challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina P Hecker
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Franco Fiorani
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivana Soria
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Gual
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Susana Torioni
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía M Campero
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ignacio E Echaide
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia I Zamorano
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Anselmo C Odeón
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán J Cantón
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadín P Moore
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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13
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Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Re M, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Tabanera E, González-Huecas M, Pizarro-Díaz M, Yanguas-Pérez D, Brum PL, Blanco-Murcia J, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. The route of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites inoculation does not influence the clinical outcome of the infection in calves. Vet Parasitol 2019; 267:21-25. [PMID: 30878080 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In a previous attempt, an experimental model of bovine besnoitiosis was established in calves that were intravenously inoculated with different doses of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites. Despite the fact that all infected calves developed the acute stage of disease, only microscopic findings characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis were reported. In the present study, calves were inoculated by subcutaneous and intradermal routes with B. besnoiti tachyzoites with the aim of developing clinical signs and macroscopic lesions characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis. Nine 3-month-old male calves were randomly distributed into three groups of three animals each. Next, 106 tachyzoites were inoculated by either the subcutaneous (G1) or intradermal route (G2). The negative control group (G3) was inoculated with PBS. Daily clinical monitoring and regular blood collection were performed. At 70 days post-infection (pi), animals were euthanized, and tissues were collected to investigate lesions and parasites. Infected animals developed mild-moderate acute besnoitiosis characterized by lymphadenopathy from four days to 47 days pi, and sporadic fever peaks were only observed in one calf from G2. However, other clinical signs and macroscopic lesions characteristic of chronic besnoitiosis were not detected. Only nine tissue samples were B. besnoiti-DNA-positive, eight of which belonged to reproductive and respiratory tracts tissues from G1. Finally, the kinetics of the immune responses were similar in both infected groups. However, delayed and lower cellular and humoral immune responses were observed in G1 followed by G2 and were compared with intravenously inoculated calves. The differences observed among the three inoculation routes could be due to different effector mechanisms of the host early innate immune response against B. besnoiti. Accordingly, the inoculation route of B. besnoiti tachyzoites does not significantly influence the clinical outcome of the infection in calves. Thus, a further refinement of this experimental model of bovine besnoitiosis is needed to reproduce macroscopic lesions characteristic of chronic stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Re
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Jiménez-Meléndez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Tabanera
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M González-Huecas
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Pizarro-Díaz
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Yanguas-Pérez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - P L Brum
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, UNIPAMPA, Federal University of Pampa, Dom Pedrito, Brazil
| | - J Blanco-Murcia
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Collantes-Fernández E, Moreno-Gonzalo J, Sánchez-Sánchez R, García-Bocanegra I, Horcajo P, Ortega-Mora LM. Prevalence of bovine trichomonosis and associated risk factors in bulls from Spanish beef herds. Theriogenology 2019; 128:116-121. [PMID: 30743100 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Bovine trichomonosis is a sexually transmitted disease considered as an important cause of early reproductive failure in beef cattle. To investigate the occurrence of the infection in different Spanish beef cattle-producing areas, retrospective data from the SALUVET veterinary diagnostic laboratory (Veterinary Faculty, Madrid, Spain) derived from the analysis of samples from beef bulls that were routinely tested for Tritrichomonas foetus infection, were compiled from 2011 to 2015. In addition, a number of potential risk factors were assessed. T. foetus was detected in 12.7% (385/3016; 95% CI: 11.5%-13.9%) of samples from bulls and in 20.7% (195/941; 95% CI: 18.1%-23.3%) of the herds tested. "Bull age" and "reproductive disorders in the herd" were the risk factors identified in the multivariable analysis. Bulls older than 3 years (19.7%) were more likely to be infected than young bulls (8.2%) and T. foetus was more often detected in herds with reproductive problems (27.9%) than in those without reproductive disorders (9.4%). The prevalence in bulls originating in mountain systems (13.9%, 267/1922) was significantly higher than that in "dehesa" (Mediterranean holm-oak pasture) areas (10.8%; 118/1094) (P ˂ 0.05), which might be attributable to the use of communal pastures and specific management practices in mountain systems. The results reported here indicate that T. foetus infection is substantially spread among beef cattle herds, suggesting that BT could be having a significant negative impact on the reproduction and productivity of Spanish beef herds managed under extensive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Collantes-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Moreno-Gonzalo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Mazuz ML, Alvarez-García G, King R, Savisky I, Shkap V, Ortega-Mora LM, Gutiérrez-Expósito D. Exposure to Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in wildlife from Israel. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7:317-321. [PMID: 30175044 PMCID: PMC6115540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis and besnoitiosis, caused by cyst-forming protozoa Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti, respectively, are parasitic infestations of livestock in Israel. These parasites cause significant economic losses in cattle due to reproductive and productive disorders. Both parasites have been detected in several wild ruminant species throughout other regions of the world, while the existence of a sylvatic life cycle in Israel remains uncertain. Thus, a wide panel of 871 sera from two wild carnivores and nine wild ruminant species were tested. All sera were first analysed by MAT for an initial screening and positive samples were confirmed a posteriori by Western blot. Additionally, a complementary IFAT was used for the detection of antibodies against N. caninum. Neospora antibodies were present in six out of the 11 species investigated, whereas Besnoitia antibodies were undetected. Golden jackal, red fox, addax, Arabian oryx, Persian fallow deer, mouflon, mountain gazelle, Nubian ibex, scimitar horned oryx and water buffalo were seropositive against N. caninum infection by IFAT and/or MAT. Moreover, the presence of Neospora spp.-specific antibodies was confirmed by Western blot in golden jackal (6/189; 3.2%), red fox (1/75; 1.3%), Persian fallow deer (13/232; 5.6%), mouflon (1/15; 16.7%), Nubian ibex (22/55; 40%) and water buffalo (12/18; 66.7%). Addax (1/49) and water buffalo (1/18) were MAT-seropositive against B. besnoiti but were seronegative by Western blot. Hence, Neospora sylvatic cycle is present in Israel and may cross over to a domestic life cycle. In contrast, wildlife species investigated are unlikely to present a risk of transmitting Besnoitia to livestock in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Gema Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roni King
- Science Division, Israel Nature & Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve´Olamo St, Jerusalem, 9546303, Israel
| | - Igor Savisky
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Varda Shkap
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Collántes-Fernández E, Fort MC, Ortega-Mora LM, Schares G. Trichomonas. Parasitic Protozoa of Farm Animals and Pets 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122547 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70132-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The most widely known trichomonad in veterinary medicine is Tritrichomonas foetus. It is the etiologic agent of bovine tritrichomonosis, a sexually transmitted disease in extensively managed herds throughout many geographic regions worldwide. The same trichomonad species is also regarded as the causative agent of chronic diarrhea in the domestic cat, although more recent studies observed molecular differences between bovine- and feline-derived T. foetus. Trichomonosis in cats has a worldwide distribution and is mainly present among cats from high-density housing environments. Other trichomonads are found as inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract in birds, such as Trichomonas gallinae. Particularly, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Strigiformes, and wild Passeriformes can be severely affected by avian trichomonads. Diagnosis of trichomonosis is often complicated by the fragility of the parasite. To ensure valid test results, it is essential to collect and handle specimens in the right way prior to analysis. Cultivation tests, the specific amplification of parasites, or a combination of both test methods is the most efficient and most commonly used way to diagnose trichomonosis in animals. Bovine tritrichomonosis is mainly controlled by the identification and withdrawal of infected animals from bovine herds. The control of feline and avian trichomonosis relies mainly on preventive measures.
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Advances in the diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis: current options and applications for control. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:737-751. [PMID: 28893637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, which is caused by the tissue cyst-forming intracellular parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating disease that is responsible for severe economic losses in the cattle raised under extensive husbandry systems. The absence of vaccines, treatments or a health scheme at local, national and international levels has led to a rapid spread of bovine besnoitiosis from western Europe towards eastern countries and northwards. Moreover, this parasitic disease is widely present in many sub-Saharan countries. Thus, bovine besnoitiosis should be included in the animal health scheme of beef cattle herds. Accurate diagnostic tools and common diagnostic procedures are mandatory in any control programme. Relevant advances have been made in this field during the last decade. Succeeding with accurate diagnosis relies on the technique employed and the antibody and parasite kinetics of the infection stage, which may notably influence control programmes and surveillance. Moreover, control programmes should be adapted to the epidemiological status of the disease, as the disease presentation in a herd has important implications for prospective control. Herein, we review the clinical disease presentation of bovine besnoitiosis and the correlation between its clinical course and laboratory parameters. We also provide an update on the available diagnostic tools, discuss their strengths and pitfalls, and provide guidelines for their use in control, surveillance and epidemiological studies. A rational control strategy is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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18
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García-Lunar P, Ortega-Mora LM, Schares G, Diezma-Díaz C, Álvarez-García G. A new lyophilized tachyzoite based ELISA to diagnose Besnoitia spp. infection in bovids and wild ruminants improves specificity. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:176-182. [PMID: 28917311 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that routinely used whole or soluble Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoite (TZ) extract-based ELISAs potentially give rise to a high number of false-positive results, which may compromise control and the epidemiological studies of bovine besnoitiosis. Thus, western blot (WB) has been recommended as a confirmatory test. In the present study, a new ELISA test that employs lyophilized tachyzoites for the first time (BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0) was developed and validated with cattle sera (n=606) under a worst-case scenario. False positive and false negative, soluble TZ extract-based BbSALUVET ELISA 1.0 reactors were overrepresented, and WB was used as the reference test. One commercial test (PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab 2.0, which employs whole TZ extract) and a recently developed membrane-enriched ELISA (APure-BbELISA) were also tested. The three ELISAs showed high AUC values (>0.9). However, the best diagnostic performance corresponded to the BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0 and the APure-BbELISA [(92% sensitivity (Se) and 98% specificity (Sp)] followed by PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab 2.0 (88% Se, 98% Sp, and 4.5% doubtful results). In addition, the BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0 was validated with wild ruminant sera, and excellent performance (96% Se, 97% Sp, and 4% doubtful results) was obtained again. A different antigenic composition of the lyophilized tachyzoites, compared with whole or soluble tachyzoite extracts, may be responsible for the improved diagnostic performance. This study proposes the use of the BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0 in cattle prior to entry to herds free of the disease and in valuable samples prior to a selective culling without the need of a confirmatory Western Blot test in positive samples due to its excellent specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - C Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, García-Bocanegra I, Howe DK, Arenas-Montes A, Yeargan MR, Ness SL, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. A serosurvey of selected cystogenic coccidia in Spanish equids: first detection of anti-Besnoitia spp. specific antibodies in Europe. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:128. [PMID: 28490374 PMCID: PMC5424396 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine besnoitiosis, caused by Besnoitia bennetti, and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), caused by Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are relevant equine diseases in the Americas that have been scarcely studied in Europe. Thus, a serosurvey of these cystogenic coccidia was carried out in Southern Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed and serum samples from horses (n = 553), donkeys (n = 85) and mules (n = 83) were included. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to identify a Besnoitia spp. infection and positive results were confirmed by an a posteriori western blot. For Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp., infections were detected using in-house ELISAs based on the parasite surface antigens N. hughesi rNhSAG1 and S. neurona rSnSAG2/3/4. Risk factors associated with these protozoan infections were also investigated. Results Antibodies against Besnoitia spp., Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp. infections were detected in 51 (7.1%), 46 (6.4%) and 20 (2.8%) of 721 equids, respectively. The principal risk factors associated with a higher seroprevalence of Besnoitia spp. were the host species (mule or donkey), the absence of shelter and the absence of a rodent control programme. The presence of rodents was the only risk factor for Neospora spp. infection. Conclusions This study was the first extensive serosurvey of Besnoitia spp. infection in European equids accomplished by two complementary tests and gives evidence of the presence of specific antibodies in these populations. However, the origin of the infection is still unclear. Further parasite detection and molecular genotyping are needed to identify the causative Besnoitia and Neospora species. Finally, cross-reactions with antibodies directed against other species of Sarcocystis might explain the positive reactions against the S. neurona antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1046-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Daniel K Howe
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - Antonio Arenas-Montes
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Michelle R Yeargan
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - SallyAnne L Ness
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 52, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Pastor-Fernández I, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Álvarez-García G, Marugán-Hernández V, García-Lunar P, Hemphill A, Ortega-Mora LM. The tandemly repeated NTPase (NTPDase) from Neospora caninum is a canonical dense granule protein whose RNA expression, protein secretion and phosphorylation coincides with the tachyzoite egress. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:352. [PMID: 27329357 PMCID: PMC4915099 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NTPases (also NTPDases) are enzymes with apyrase activity. They are widely distributed among eukaryotes, and also among members of the family Sarcocystidae. In Toxoplasma gondii, the TgNTPase accumulates in the dense granules, and has been commonly associated with the strain virulence. In the closely related Neospora caninum, the NcNTPase lacks nucleoside diphosphate hydrolase activity and appears to be more abundant in virulent isolates, indicating that it may contribute to the pathogenicity of neosporosis. However, so far no additional information on NcNTPase has been provided. Methods Herein, the NcNTPase coding sequences were analysed by different in silico and de novo sequencing approaches. A comparative analysis of NcNTPase and NcGRA7 in terms of protein dynamics, secretion, phosphorylation, and mRNA expression profiles during the tachyzoite lytic cycle was also carried out. Moreover, NcNTPase immunolocalization was analysed by confocal microscopy techniques over a set number of time-points. Results We describe the presence of three different loci containing three copies of the NcNTPase within the Nc-Liv genome, and report the existence of up to four different NcNTPase alleles in Nc-Liv. We also provide evidence for the occurrence of diverse protein species of the NcNTPase by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Both NcNTPase and NcGRA7 were similarly up-regulated and secreted during the egress and/or early invasion phases, and were phosphorylated. However, its secretion was not affected by the addition of calcium modulators such as A23187 and ethanol. NcNTPase and NcGRA7 localized in dense granules and parasitophorous vacuole membrane throughout the lytic cycle, although differed in their inmunolocalization during early invasion and egress. Conclusions The present study reveals the complexity of the NcNTPase loci in N. caninum. We hypothesize that the expression of different isoforms of the NcNTPase protein could contribute to parasite virulence. Our findings showed regulation of expression, secretion and phosphorylation of NcNTPase suggesting a potential role for progression through the tachyzoites lytic cycle. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1620-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Marugán-Hernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Frey CF, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Marreros N, García-Lunar P, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Schares G, Dubey JP, Gentile A, Jacquiet P, Shkap V, Cortes H, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Besnoitia besnoiti lytic cycle in vitro and differences in invasion and intracellular proliferation among isolates. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:115. [PMID: 26928430 PMCID: PMC4772326 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by the protozoan Besnoitia besnoiti, reduces productivity and fertility of affected herds. Besnoitiosis continues to expand in Europe and no effective control tools are currently available. Experimental models are urgently needed. Herein, we describe for the first time the kinetics of standardised in vitro models for the B. besnoiti lytic cycle. This will aid to study the pathogenesis of the disease, in the screening for vaccine targets and drugs potentially useful for the treatment of besnoitiosis. Methods We compared invasion and proliferation of one B. tarandi (from Finland) and seven B. besnoiti isolates (Bb-Spain1, Bb-Spain2, Bb-Israel, Bb-Evora03, Bb-Ger1, Bb-France, Bb-Italy2) in MARC-145 cell culture. Host cell invasion was studied at 4, 6, 8 and 24 h post infection (hpi), and proliferation characteristics were compared at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hpi. Results In Besnoitia spp., the key parameters that determine the sequential adhesion-invasion, proliferation and egress steps are clearly distinct from those in the related apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Besnoitia spp. host cell invasion is a rather slow process, since only 50 % of parasites were found intracellular after 3–6 h of exposure to host cells, and invasion still took place after 24 h. Invasion efficacy was significantly higher for Bb-France, Bb-Evora03 and Bb-Israel. In addition, the time span for endodyogeny to take place was as long as 18–35 h. Bb-Israel and B. tarandi isolates were most prolific, as determined by the tachyzoite yield at 72 hpi. The total tachyzoite yield could not be predicted neither by invasion-related parameters (velocity and half time invasion) nor by proliferation parameters (lag phase and doubling time (dT)). The lytic cycle of Besnoitia was asynchronous as evidenced by the presence of three different plaque-forming tachyzoite categories (lysis plaques, large and small parasitophorous vacuoles). Conclusions This study provides first insights into the lytic cycle of B. besnoiti isolates and a standardised in vitro model that allows screening of drug candidates for the treatment of besnoitiosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1405-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline F Frey
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nelson Marreros
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Paula García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - Philippe Jacquiet
- Institut National Polytechnique (INP), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), UMR1225, IHAP, Equipe « Besnoitiose et vecteurs », Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - Varda Shkap
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
| | - Helder Cortes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, Núcleo da Mitra, ICAAM, Universidade de Évora, Apartado 94, 7000-554, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Fuertes M, Manga-González Y, Benavides J, González-Lanza MC, Giráldez FJ, Mezo M, González-Warleta M, Fernández M, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Castaño P, Royo M, Ortega-Mora LM, Pérez V, Ferreras MC. Immunohistochemical study and mRNA cytokine profile of the local immune response in cattle naturally infected with Calicophoron daubneyi. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:178-83. [PMID: 26508417 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In order to recognize the local immune response of the definitive host to Calicophoron daubneyi natural infection, an immunohistochemical study was carried out in the reticulum and rumen in 49 naturally infected cattle. The role of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10 interleukins and IFN-γ) in the activation of specific defence mechanisms was evaluated by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays to study cytokine mRNA expression. In all infected animals, CD3+ T lymphocytes seemed to be the main element of the inflammatory infiltrate in the reticular and ruminal lamina propria at the point of the parasite adhesion. Intraepithelial globule leukocytes also showed immunolabelling for CD3. Most CD3+ cells also expressed CD4 (T cell helper) antigen although sporadic CD8+-cytotoxic lymphocytes were observed. Local expression of IFN-γ was observed in damaged papillae at the site of parasite attachment and in scattered cells in the lamina propria. B cells (CD79αcy+, CD45+ and IgG+) were found constantly in relation to lymphoid aggregates. MAC387 was expressed in squamous epithelium and in macrophages of the lamina propria of affected papillae. Macrophages in this location also stained positively for CD163 and CD68. Intraepithelial Langerhans cells and macrophages located in the lamina propria showed immunopositivity for MHCII in the affected areas. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed a statistical significant increase of IFN-γ, and IL-10 expression (p<0.01) in the rumen associated with the presence of flukes. These findings suggest a predominant Th1 polarized local immune response with the probable involvement of Th regulatory cells in cattle C. daubneyi natural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Fuertes
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Yolanda Manga-González
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - M Camino González-Lanza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Giráldez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo-INGACAL, Xunta de Galicia, Carretera Betanzos-Mesón do Vento, km 7, 15318, Abegondo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo-INGACAL, Xunta de Galicia, Carretera Betanzos-Mesón do Vento, km 7, 15318, Abegondo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Castaño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marcos Royo
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - M Carmen Ferreras
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña CSIC-ULE, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain.
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Hecker YP, Cantón G, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Chianini F, Morrell E, Lischinsky L, Ortega-Mora LM, Innes EA, Odeón A, Campero CM, Moore DP. Cell mediated immune responses in the placenta following challenge of vaccinated pregnant heifers with Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:247-54. [PMID: 26553499 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate and correlate the cell-mediated immune response and pathological changes at the maternal-fetal interface of Neospora-challenged pregnant cattle previously immunized with live and inactivated experimental vaccines. Pregnant heifers naïve to Neospora caninum were divided in 5 groups of 4 animals, each one immunized before mating: Group A heifers were intravenously (iv) immunized with 6.25 × 10(7) live tachyzoites of the NC-6 strain; group B heifers were immunized twice subcutaneously (sc) 3 weeks apart with native antigen extract of the NC-6 strain formulated with ISCOMs; group C heifers were sc immunized twice 3 weeks apart with three recombinant proteins (rNcSAG1, rNcHSP20, rNcGRA7) of the NC-1 strain formulated with ISCOMs; group D heifers were sc injected with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and group E heifers received sc ISCOM-matrix (ISCOMs without antigen). All groups were iv-challenged with 4.7 × 10(7) NC-1 tachyzoites at 70 days of gestation. Heifers were culled at day 104 of gestation and placentomes were examined to evaluate lesions and local cellular immune responses using histopathology, immunohistochemistry and real time-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed using bovine leucocyte specific antibodies. Cytokine expression and levels (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-α) were measured using real-time reverse transcription-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Minimal inflammation was observed in group A placentomes; while placentomes from group B, C, D and E had moderate to severe infiltration with CD3(+), CD4(+), γδ-T cells, CD8(+) cells and macrophages being more numerous in groups B and E placentomes, when compared with groups C and D (P<0.001). Cytokine levels were significantly increased in the caruncles of animals of groups B and C in comparison with the other animal groups (P < 0.001). The results from this study showed that the strongest cellular immune responses were observed in the placentomes of animals that were immunized with inactivated vaccines (groups B and C) and in the placentomes of animals that were sc-sham-inoculated (groups D and E). On the other hand, animals that were immunized with live tachyzoites showed a milder immune cell infiltration to the placenta possibly due to the existence of a protective systemic maternal immune response that helped to minimize N. caninum infection at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - G Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - J Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - F Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - E Morrell
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - L Lischinsky
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - E A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - A Odeón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - C M Campero
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
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24
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García-Lunar P, Moré G, Campero L, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Sarcocystis spp. specific antibodies cross-react with Besnoitia besnoiti and influence the serological diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:49-54. [PMID: 26386830 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis control remains a challenge because the disease continues to spread and control relies solely on accurate diagnosis coupled to management measures. However, recent studies have reported that routinely used ELISAs may raise a high number of false-positive results. Herein, cross-reactions between Besnoitia besnoiti antigens and anti-Neospora caninum and/or anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies were studied in an in house ELISA since N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. are closely related parasites, and both infections are highly prevalent in cattle worldwide. The serum panel was composed of the following categories: sera from B. besnoiti-seronegative (n=75) and -seropositive cattle (n=66), B. besnoiti-based-ELISA false-positive reactors (n=96) together with N. caninum (n=36) and Sarcocystis spp. (n=42) -seropositive reference cattle sera. B. besnoiti tachyzoite based western blot (WB) results classified animals as seropositive or seronegative. Sera were analyzed for the detection of anti-N. caninum by WB and ELISA and anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies by WB and IFAT. Those samples recognizing a Sarcocystis spp. 18-20 kDa antigenic region and N. caninum 17-18 kDa immunodominant antigen were considered to be Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum seropositive, respectively. The category of B. besnoiti based-ELISA false-positive reactors showed the highest number of sera with specific anti-Sarcocystis spp. and anti-N. caninum antibodies (74%; 71/96), followed by the N. caninum-seropositive cattle category (52.8%; 19/36). In contrast, few B. besnoiti-seronegative and -seropositive cattle showed antibodies against Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum (10.7%; 8/75 and 1.5%; 1/66), respectively). This study revealed that B. besnoiti false-positive ELISA results were associated not only with the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies (χ(2): 78.36; p<0.0001; OR: 34.6; CI: 14-88) but also with high antibody levels against them using ELISA and IFAT tests, respectively (p<0.05; t-test). These results may explain why only some animals seropositive to Sarcocystis spp. and/or N. caninum are Besnoitia false-positive reactors. Therefore, sera meeting these requirements should be included in future validations of serological tests for bovine besnoitiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Campero
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, García-Lunar P, Rojo-Montejo S, Zabala J, Serrano M, Alvarez-García G. Clinical and Serological Dynamics of Besnoitia besnoiti Infection in Three Endemically Infected Beef Cattle Herds. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:538-546. [PMID: 26301388 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of bovine besnoitiosis were studied in an area where the disease is endemic. A four-year longitudinal study was conducted for the first time in three infected beef cattle herds located in the Urbasa-Andía Mountains (Navarra, Spain). Each herd was visited four to seven times, and clinical and serological prevalence rates and incidence rates were estimated. Clinical inspections to identify compatible clinical signs with the disease stages were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. Serological assessment was initially performed by ELISA. Seronegative animals with clinical signs and seropositive animals with relative index per cent (RIPC) values lower than 30 that did not increase during the study period were analysed by Western blot to optimize the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test. Clinical prevalence rates were slightly higher (62% on average) than the seroprevalence rates (50% on average), and tissue cysts located in the vestibulum vaginae and sclera were the most frequently detected clinical signs. The proportion of seropositive animals with clinical signs varied from 16.7% to 73.6% among the herds, and 17% of cattle with clinical signs proved to be seronegative by both serological tests. An average 22% serological incidence rate was also reported in addition to clinical incidence rates that varied from 12.5% to 16.7%. Additionally, parasitemia was investigated in the herd that showed the highest clinical and seroprevalence rates. Only one PCR positive blood sample was detected. Thus, the role that blood may play in parasite transmission needs to be further investigated. Infected herds maintained both high prevalence and incidence rates in the absence of control measures and a high number of parasite carriers. Finally, economic impact studies on reproductive and productive losses associated with besnoitiosis need to be performed to implement a cost-benefit control programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Rojo-Montejo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Zabala
- Albaikide, S.A. Veterinary Services, Navarra, Spain
| | - M Serrano
- Albaikide, S.A. Veterinary Services, Navarra, Spain
| | - G Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Regidor-Cerrillo J, García-Lunar P, Pastor-Fernández I, Álvarez-García G, Collantes-Fernández E, Gómez-Bautista M, Ortega-Mora LM. Neospora caninum tachyzoite immunome study reveals differences among three biologically different isolates. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:92-9. [PMID: 26324244 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis of bovine neosporosis is determined by different host- and parasite-dependent factors, including isolate virulence. A previous study identified that several Neospora caninum tachyzoite proteins were more abundant in virulent isolates, Nc-Liv and Nc-Spain7, compared with the low-virulent isolate Nc-Spain1H. Herein, we explored differences in the immunomes of these three isolates. Protein extracts from the Nc-Liv, Nc-Spain1H and Nc-Spain7 isolates were analysed in a 3×3 design by 2-DE immunoblot using sera from experimentally infected mice with these same three isolates. All isolates displayed a highly similar antigenic pattern when they were assessed using the same serum. Most of the reactive spots were located in the acidic region (pH 3-7) and grouped in 3 antigenic areas (250-70, 45-37 and 35-15 KDa). Differences found in the immunome depended on the sera used, regardless of the extract employed. In this sense, sera from Nc-Liv and Nc-Spain7 infected mice recognized the highest number of antigens, followed by Nc-Spain1H infected mice sera. In fact, 4 proteins identified by MS were not consistently detected in each isolate extract by sera from low-virulent Nc-Spain1H-infected mice: serine-threonine phosphatase 2C and superoxide dismutase (related to metabolism), gliding associated protein GAP45 (related to tachyzoites invasion), and NcGRA1 (located on dense granules). Similarly, 4 non-identified spots and another 2 spots chains located in 45-37 kDa area were not detected by this pooled sera. Variations between virulent Nc-Spain7 and Nc-Liv were limited to the absence of recognition by sera from Nc-Spain7-infected mice of GAP45 and the spot chains located in the 45-37 kDa area. These results suggest that variations in the immunome profiles rely on the immune response induced by each isolate and that these differentially recognized antigens could be investigated as putative virulence markers of neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paula García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gómez-Bautista
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Reichel MP, Moore DP, Hemphill A, Ortega-Mora LM, Dubey JP, Ellis JT. A live vaccine against Neospora caninum abortions in cattle. Vaccine 2015; 33:1299-301. [PMID: 25659274 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Reichel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy 5371, SA, Australia.
| | - Dadín P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122 CH-3012, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, s/n 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J P Dubey
- USDA, ARS, APDL BARC, East Bldg 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - John T Ellis
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney 2007, NSW, Australia
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García-Lunar P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Ortega-Mora LM, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Alvarez-García G. Proteomics reveals differences in protein abundance and highly similar antigenic profiles between Besnoitia besnoiti and Besnoitia tarandi. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:434-43. [PMID: 25260331 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti and Besnoitia tarandi are two cyst-forming apicomplexan parasites of the genus Besnoitia. B. besnoiti uses cattle as an intermediate host, in which it causes a disease that progresses in two sequential phases: the acute anasarca stage and the chronic scleroderma stage. Reindeer and caribou act as intermediate hosts for B. tarandi, which causes clinical signs similar to those caused by B. besnoiti. Previous studies demonstrated high molecular similarity, as determined by 18S and ITS-1 RNA sequences, between these Besnoitia spp., and strong serological cross-reactivity between these species has recently been demonstrated. Thus, a difference gel electrophoresis approach and mass spectrometry analysis were used to describe the proteomes and explore differences in protein abundance between B. besnoiti and B. tarandi in tachyzoite extracts. Immunoproteomes were also compared using 2-DE immunoblotting with polyclonal sera from experimentally infected rabbits. From approximately 1400 spots detected in DIGE-gels, 28 and 29 spots were differentially abundant in B. besnoiti and B. tarandi tachyzoites, respectively (± 1.5-fold, p<0.05). Four and 13 spots were exclusively detected in B. besnoiti and B. tarandi, respectively. Of the 32 differentially abundant spots analyzed by MALDI-TOF/MS, 6 up-regulated B. besnoiti proteins (LDH; HSP90; purine nucleoside phosphorylase and 3 hypothetical proteins) and 6 up-regulated B. tarandi proteins (G3PDH; LDH; PDI; mRNA decapping protein and 2 hypothetical proteins) were identified. Interestingly, no specific antigen spots were recognized by sera on any of the Besnoitia species studied and a similar antigen profile has been observed for B. tarandi and B. besnoiti sera when cross reactions were studied. This fact corroborates the difficulty in discerning Besnoitia infections using current serological assays. The present study underscores the importance of sequencing the B. besnoiti genome for species diversity studies of the genus Besnoitia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - G Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Dellarupe A, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Jiménez-Ruiz E, Schares G, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC, Ortega-Mora LM. Comparison of host cell invasion and proliferation among Neospora caninum isolates obtained from oocysts and from clinical cases of naturally infected dogs. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145:22-8. [PMID: 25045851 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study we have shown that the in vitro invasion rate (IR) and tachyzoite yield (TY) are associated with the virulence phenotypes of Neospora caninum isolates of bovine origin. In addition, we recently observed marked differences in virulence when canine isolates were compared in a pregnant BALB/c mouse model. In this study, we investigated whether invasion and proliferation capacities could be used as virulence-related N. caninum phenotypic traits. Of the isolates compared in mice, four canine isolates obtained from oocysts (Nc-Ger2, Nc-Ger3, Nc-Ger-6, Nc-6 Arg) had shown a low-moderate virulence, and two further isolates obtained from dogs with neurological signs (Nc-Bahia, Nc-Liv) were highly virulent. The IR for each isolate was determined by a plaque assay and the counting of immunofluorescence-labeled parasitophorous vacuoles at 3 days post-inoculation (p.i.). The TY was determined by the quantification of tachyzoites at 56 h p.i. by real-time PCR. Most of the canine isolates showed similar IR values under controlled invasion conditions for 4h and 72 h p.i., indicating a limited time period for invasion similar to that observed for bovine isolates. The Nc-Ger3, Nc-Bahia, and Nc-Liv isolates showed a significantly higher IR and TY than the Nc-Ger2 and Nc-Ger6 isolates (P<0.0001). A correlation was found between the IRs and TY (ρ>0.885, P<0.033), as well as between the TY and both dam morbidity (ρ=0.8452, P<0.033) and pup mortality (ρ>0.8117, P<0.058) in mice. These results demonstrate the importance both the invasive and proliferative capacities have on the virulence of canine N. caninum isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dellarupe
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Jiménez-Ruiz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Moreno-Gonzalo J, Osoro K, García U, Frutos P, Celaya R, Ferreira LMM, Ortega-Mora LM, Ferre I. Anthelmintic effect of heather in goats experimentally infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:693-9. [PMID: 24271153 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The effects of heather (composed primarily of Calluna vulgaris with a smaller content of Erica umbellata and Erica cinerea) consumption on the establishment of incoming infective larvae (experiment 1, preventive treatment) and an adult worm population (experiment 2, curative treatment) were investigated in Cashmere goats experimentally infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis. In experiment 1, 12 castrated male goats were divided into two groups: heather-supplemented vs. non-supplemented animals. After 2 weeks of adaptation to the diet, all goats were experimentally infected per os with 6,000 T. colubriformis third-stage larvae. Three weeks post-infection, the goats were slaughtered, and worm counts as well as female worm fecundity and development were determined. Heather consumption was associated with a close to significant (P=0.092) reduction (mean 14 %) in larvae establishment. No effect on fecundity was observed, but the length of female worms in supplemented goats was greater (P<0.001). In experiment 2, 15 non-lactating does were experimentally infected with 6,000 T. colubriformis third-stage larvae. At 6 weeks post-infection, three groups were established: control, heather-supplemented and heather-supplemented with polyethylene glycol. Individual faecal nematode egg output was measured twice weekly to assess gastrointestinal nematode egg excretion. The goats were slaughtered 5 weeks after heather administration (11 weeks post-infection), and worm counts as well as female worm fecundity and development were subsequently determined. Heather administration was associated with a significant (P<0.001) decrease (between 47 and 66 % compared with control group) in egg excretion from 45 to 76 days post-infection. Although worm counts and female fecundity were lower in supplemented goats, no significant differences were observed. Overall, the results showed a reduction in T. colubriformis larvae establishment and a decrease in nematode egg excretion when heather was administered in experimentally infected goats. The heather plus polyethylene glycol treatment reduced nematode egg excretion levels at the same proportion as heather, thereby suggesting that the threshold of tannins required for an anthelmintic effect is most likely quite low.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Moreno-Gonzalo
- SALUVET Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Regidor-Cerrillo J, Díez-Fuertes F, García-Culebras A, Moore DP, González-Warleta M, Cuevas C, Schares G, Katzer F, Pedraza-Díaz S, Mezo M, Ortega-Mora LM. Genetic diversity and geographic population structure of bovine Neospora caninum determined by microsatellite genotyping analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72678. [PMID: 23940816 PMCID: PMC3735528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyst-forming protozoan parasite Neosporacaninum is one of the main causes of bovine abortion worldwide and is of great economic importance in the cattle industry. Recent studies have revealed extensive genetic variation among N. caninum isolates based on microsatellite sequences (MSs). MSs may be suitable molecular markers for inferring the diversity of parasite populations, molecular epidemiology and the basis for phenotypic variations in N. caninum, which have been poorly defined. In this study, we evaluated nine MS markers using a panel of 11 N. caninum-derived reference isolates from around the world and 96 N. caninum bovine clinical samples and one ovine clinical sample collected from four countries on two continents, including Spain, Argentina, Germany and Scotland, over a 10-year period. These markers were used as molecular tools to investigate the genetic diversity, geographic distribution and population structure of N. caninum. Multilocus microsatellite genotyping based on 7 loci demonstrated high levels of genetic diversity in the samples from all of the different countries, with 96 microsatellite multilocus genotypes (MLGs) identified from 108 N. caninum samples. Geographic sub-structuring was present in the country populations according to pairwise FST. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Neighbor Joining tree topologies also suggested MLG segregation partially associated with geographical origin. An analysis of the MLG relationships, using eBURST, confirmed that the close genetic relationship observed between the Spanish and Argentinean populations may be the result of parasite migration (i.e., the introduction of novel MLGs from Spain to South America) due to cattle movement. The eBURST relationships also revealed genetically different clusters associated with the abortion. The presence of linkage disequilibrium, the co-existence of specific MLGs to individual farms and eBURST MLG relationships suggest a predominant clonal propagation for Spanish N. caninum MLGs in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, Marco I, Boadella M, Gortázar C, San Miguel-Ayanz JM, García-Lunar P, Lavín S, Alvarez-García G. First serosurvey of Besnoitia spp. infection in wild European ruminants in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:557-64. [PMID: 23790546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti has been reported to affect cattle, wildebeest, kudu and impala, and B. tarandi other wild ruminants (caribou, reindeer, mule deer and musk ox), causing similar characteristic clinical signs and lesions. However, both Besnoitia species have been reported in different geographical areas and the link between the sylvatic and domestic life cycles of Besnoita spp. in wild ruminants and cattle remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies against Besnoitia spp. in wild ruminants in Spain. A wide panel of sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n=734), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (n=124), chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) (n=170) and mouflon (Ovis musimon) (n=20) collected from different locations of Spain was analyzed. Beef cattle were present in all sampled areas and, interestingly, bovine besnoitiosis has been widely reported in some of them (e.g., Pyrenees and Central Spain). Sera samples were first examined with an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). For red deer and roe deer, the ELISA was standardized with positive and negative control sera from several Cervidae species (100% Se and 98% Sp). Chamois and mouflon sera samples were tested with a previously reported ELISA validated for bovine sera (97% Se and 95% Sp) using protein G as a conjugate. Positive results by ELISA were confirmed a posteriori with a tachyzoite-based Western blot. Sixty-one sera samples from red deer and 17 sera samples from roe-deer were seropositive or doubtful by ELISA. All samples from mouflon were seronegative and 15 sera samples from chamois were considered doubtful. B. besnoiti exposure was only confirmed clearly by Western blot in one red deer and one roe deer from the Spanish Pyrenees where the disease is traditionally endemic. This is the first serological report of Besnoitia spp. infection carried out in European wild ruminants and the results show that specific antibodies are present at least in red deer and roe-deer. Thus, wild ruminants from endemic regions of bovine besnoitiosis should be further studied because they may be putative reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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33
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Moreno-Gonzalo J, Manolaraki F, Frutos P, Hervás G, Celaya R, Osoro K, Ortega-Mora LM, Hoste H, Ferre I. In vitro effect of heather (Ericaceae) extracts on different development stages of Teladorsagia circumcincta and Haemonchus contortus. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:235-43. [PMID: 23764130 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of heather (Ericaceae) phenolic extracts on the abomasal nematodes Teladorsagia circumcincta and Haemonchus contortus. Extracts of three heather species (Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica umbellata and a balanced mixture of all three) were tested in vitro on different development stages of T. circumcincta (eggs, infective larvae and adult worms) and H. contortus (eggs and infective larvae) using an egg hatching assay (EHA), a larval exsheathment inhibition assay (LEIA) and an adult motility inhibition assay (AMIA). The egg hatching rate was measured after incubation with heather extracts for 48 h at 25 °C. Ensheathed infective larvae were incubated for 3h at 20 °C with heather extracts. Artificial exsheathment was induced in vitro by adding hypochloride solution to the larval suspension. The progress of exsheathment over time was measured by repeated observations at 10-min (T. circumcincta) and 20-min (H. contortus) intervals for 60 min. Adult T. circumcincta worms were obtained from two donor goats and incubated with the extracts at 37 °C for 3 days in 48-well multiwell plates. Worm motility was measured at 0, 19, 24, 43, 48, 67 and 72 h. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 75, 150, 300, 600 and 1200 μg/mL. Incubation with E. cinerea, E. umbellata and mixed heather extracts had a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent effect on T. circumcincta egg hatching. H. contortus egg hatching was significantly (P<0.01) inhibited only by the E. cinerea extract. All extracts had a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent effect on the exsheathment of T. circumcincta and H. contortus infective larvae. The incubation with all heather extracts induced a reduction in adult T. circumcincta motility compared to the control, although significant (P<0.05) differences were only found at the highest concentration (1200 μg/mL). The effect of the mixed extract was significant at all concentrations and significant effects were also observed for C. vulgaris and E. umbellata at 600 μg/mL. These results show anthelmintic properties of heather phenolic extracts against T. circumcincta and H. contort, thus confirming observations from previous in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Moreno-Gonzalo
- SALUVET Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Frey CF, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, Benavides J, Marcén JM, Castillo JA, Casasús I, Sanz A, García-Lunar P, Esteban-Gil A, Álvarez-García G. Chronic bovine besnoitiosis: intra-organ parasite distribution, parasite loads and parasite-associated lesions in subclinical cases. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:95-103. [PMID: 23680543 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis caused by Besnoitia besnoiti is a chronic and debilitating disease. The most characteristic clinical signs of chronic besnoitiosis are visible tissue cysts in the scleral conjunctiva and the vagina, thickened skin and a generally poor body condition. However, many seropositive animals remain subclinically infected, and the role that these animals may play in spreading the disease is not known. The aim of the present study was to assess the intra-organ parasite distribution, the parasite load and the parasite-associated lesions in seropositive but subclinically infected animals. These animals were seropositive at the time of several consecutive samplings, had visible tissue cysts in the past and, at time of slaughter, had detectable specific anti-Besnoitia spp. antibody levels, but they did not show evident clinical signs at culling. Thus, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses of several samples from the respiratory tract, reproductive tract, other internal organs and skin from six cows were performed. The tissue cysts were located primarily in the upper respiratory tract, i.e., in the rhinarium and larynx/pharynx (four cows), followed by the distal genital tract (vulva/vagina) and the skin of the neck (three and two cows, respectively, out of the four cows with cysts in the respiratory tract). We were unable to detect any parasites in the two remaining cows. Cysts were associated with a significant non-purulent inflammatory infiltrate consisting predominantly of T lymphocytes and activated monocytes/macrophages in two cows. The parasite burden, estimated by quantitative real-time PCR, was very low. It is noteworthy that the only animal that showed a recent increase in the antibody titre had the highest parasite burden and the most conspicuous inflammatory reaction against the cysts. In conclusion, although these cows no longer displayed any visible signs of besnoitiosis, they remained infected. Therefore, cows without visible signs of disease may still be able to transmit the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Frey
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Jiménez-Ruiz E, Álvarez-García G, Aguado-Martínez A, Ortega-Mora LM. Mice congenitally infected with low-to-moderate virulence Neospora caninum isolates exhibited clinical reactivation during the mating period without transmission to the next generation. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:244-8. [PMID: 23501806 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous transplacental transmission (EnTT) is the major transmission route of Neospora caninum in cattle. Thus, the development of a standardised experimental model of EnTT is needed for more appropriate testing of parasite biology and control strategies. A recent study reported up to 40-50% EnTT rates in chronically infected dams with either high or low-to-moderate virulence isolates, although low fertility rates were observed in dams inoculated with the high virulence isolate. Therefore, low-to-moderate virulence N. caninum isolates (Nc-Spain 3H; G1 and Nc-Spain 8; G2) that previously showed high TT rates versus low mortality and morbidity rates in a congenital mouse model were inoculated into BALB/c dams (first generation). The new approach followed in the present study aimed to start with a high number of congenitally infected mice (second generation), which allowed a more efficient EnTT from congenitally infected dams to their progeny (third generation). Interestingly, a reactivation of infection occurred in several congenitally infected non-pregnant females (second generation) from both infected groups. This fact was evidenced by neosporosis-associated clinical signs after mating accompanied by an increase of specific antibody levels (IgG1, IgG2a and specific antibodies against rNcGRA7) (P<0.0001; one-way ANOVA). Moreover, a higher number of PCR-positive mice compared to pregnant females were observed (P<0.05; Fisher's exact test). These results support the hypothesis that only mice without clinical signs and with a low parasite burden in the brain became pregnant, which may explain the posterior failure in inducing EnTT from the second to the third generation. These findings confirm that this mouse model is not a suitable experimental EnTT model for testing the efficacy of drugs and vaccine candidates against EnTT. The employment of other putative suitable species with a similar placenta structure, such as small ruminants, should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Jiménez-Ruiz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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36
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Mendoza-Ibarra JA, Pedraza-Díaz S, García-Peña FJ, Rojo-Montejo S, Ruiz-Santa-Quiteria JA, San Miguel-Ibáñez E, Navarro-Lozano V, Ortega-Mora LM, Osoro K, Collantes-Fernandez E. High prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in Asturiana de la Montaña beef cattle kept in extensive conditions in Northern Spain. Vet J 2012; 193:146-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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García-Lunar P, Ortega-Mora LM, Schares G, Gollnick NS, Jacquiet P, Grisez C, Prevot F, Frey CF, Gottstein B, Alvarez-García G. An inter-laboratory comparative study of serological tools employed in the diagnosis of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in bovines. Transbound Emerg Dis 2012; 60:59-68. [PMID: 22429475 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis is considered an emerging chronic and debilitating disease in Europe. Many infections remain subclinical, and the only sign of disease is the presence of parasitic cysts in the sclera and conjunctiva. Serological tests are useful for detecting asymptomatic cattle/sub-clinical infections for control purposes, as there are no effective drugs or vaccines. For this purpose, diagnostic tools need to be further standardized. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the serological tests available in Europe in a multi-centred study. A coded panel of 241 well-characterized sera from infected and non-infected bovines was provided by all participants (SALUVET-Madrid, FLI-Wusterhausen, ENV-Toulouse, IPB-Berne). The tests evaluated were as follows: an in-house ELISA, three commercial ELISAs (INGEZIM BES 12.BES.K1 INGENASA, PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab V2.0, ID Screen Besnoitia indirect IDVET), two IFATs and seven Western blot tests (tachyzoite and bradyzoite extracts under reducing and non-reducing conditions). Two different definitions of a gold standard were used: (i) the result of the majority of tests ('Majority of tests') and (ii) the majority of test results plus pre-test information based on clinical signs ('Majority of tests plus pre-test info'). Relative to the gold standard 'Majority of tests', almost 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were obtained with SALUVET-Madrid and FLI-Wusterhausen tachyzoite- and bradyzoite-based Western blot tests under non-reducing conditions. On the ELISAs, PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab V2.0 showed 100% Se and 98.8% Sp, whereas ID Screen Besnoitia indirect IDVET showed 97.2% Se and 100% Sp. The in-house ELISA and INGEZIM BES 12.BES.K1 INGENASA showed 97.3% and 97.2% Se; and 94.6% and 93.0% Sp, respectively. IFAT FLI-Wusterhausen performed better than IFAT SALUVET-Madrid, with 100% Se and 95.4% Sp. Relative to the gold standard 'Majority of test plus pre-test info', Sp significantly decreased; this result was expected because of the existence of seronegative animals with clinical signs. All ELISAs performed very well and could be used in epidemiological studies; however, Western blot tests performed better and could be employed as a posteriori tests for control purposes in the case of uncertain results from valuable samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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38
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Collantes-Fernandez E, Arrighi RBG, Álvarez-García G, Weidner JM, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Boothroyd JC, Ortega-Mora LM, Barragan A. Infected dendritic cells facilitate systemic dissemination and transplacental passage of the obligate intracellular parasite Neospora caninum in mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32123. [PMID: 22403627 PMCID: PMC3293873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Neospora caninum disseminates across the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, to reach sites where it causes severe pathology or establishes chronic persistent infections. The mechanisms used by N. caninum to breach restrictive biological barriers remain elusive. To examine the cellular basis of these processes, migration of different N. caninum isolates (Nc-1, Nc-Liverpool, Nc-SweB1 and the Spanish isolates: Nc-Spain 3H, Nc-Spain 4H, Nc-Spain 6, Nc-Spain 7 and Nc-Spain 9) was studied in an in vitro model based on a placental trophoblast-derived BeWo cell line. Here, we describe that infection of dendritic cells (DC) by N. caninum tachyzoites potentiated translocation of parasites across polarized cellular monolayers. In addition, powered by the parasite's own gliding motility, extracellular N. caninum tachyzoites were able to transmigrate across cellular monolayers. Altogether, the presented data provides evidence of two putative complementary pathways utilized by N. caninum, in an isolate-specific fashion, for passage of restrictive cellular barriers. Interestingly, adoptive transfer of tachyzoite-infected DC in mice resulted in increased parasitic loads in various organs, e.g. the central nervous system, compared to infections with free parasites. Inoculation of pregnant mice with infected DC resulted in an accentuated vertical transmission to the offspring with increased parasitic loads and neonatal mortality. These findings reveal that N. caninum exploits the natural cell trafficking pathways in the host to cross cellular barriers and disseminate to deep tissues. The findings are indicative of conserved dissemination strategies among coccidian apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Collantes-Fernandez
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (EC); (AB)
| | - Romanico B. G. Arrighi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jessica M. Weidner
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - John C. Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Luis M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (EC); (AB)
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Regidor-Cerrillo J, Álvarez-García G, Pastor-Fernández I, Marugán-Hernández V, Gómez-Bautista M, Ortega-Mora LM. Proteome expression changes among virulent and attenuated Neospora caninum isolates. J Proteomics 2012; 75:2306-18. [PMID: 22343075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a cyst-forming parasite that has been recognised worldwide as a cause of cattle abortion and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Variations in genetic profiles, behaviour in vitro, and pathogenicity have been established among N. caninum isolates. However, it is unclear which parasite factors are implicated in this intra-specific diversity. Comparative analysis of protein expression patterns may define the determinants of biological diversity in N. caninum. Using DIGE and MALDI-TOF MS techniques, we quantified and identified differentially expressed proteins in the tachyzoite stage across three N. caninum isolates: the virulent Nc-Liv and Nc-Spain 7 isolates, and the attenuated Nc-Spain 1H isolate. Comparison between Nc-Spain 7 and Nc-Spain 1H extracts revealed 39 protein spots that were more abundant in Nc-Spain 7 and 21 in Nc-Spain 1H. Twenty-four spots were also increased in Nc-Spain 7 and 12 in Nc-Liv. Three protein spots were more abundant in the Nc-Liv extracts than in the Nc-Spain 1H extracts. MS analysis identified 11 proteins differentially expressed that are potentially involved in gliding motility and the lytic cycle of the parasite, and oxidative stress. These differences could help to explain variations in behaviour between isolates and provide a better knowledge of mechanisms associated with virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Gómez-Couso H, Ortega-Mora LM, Aguado-Martínez A, Rosadio-Alcántara R, Maturrano-Hernández L, Luna-Espinoza L, Zanabria-Huisa V, Pedraza-Díaz S. Presence and molecular characterisation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from Peru. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:414-20. [PMID: 22341616 PMCID: PMC7125553 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was investigated in 274 faecal samples of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from 12 herds from Peru by immunofluorescence microscopy and PCR amplification and sequencing of fragments of the ssu-rRNA and β-giardin genes from Giardia spp., as well as the ssu-rRNA gene from Cryptosporidium spp. A total of 137 samples (50.0%) were positive for Giardia spp., and 12 samples (4.4%) for Cryptosporidium spp. In ten samples (3.6%), co-infection by both pathogens was found. Herd prevalence was found to be 91.7% (11/12 herds) for Giardia and 58.3% (7/12 herds) for Cryptosporidium. Regarding the age of the animals, although Giardia was detected in animals as young as 1 week, the prevalence increased with age, reaching 80% by 8 weeks. Similarly, the highest percentage of Cryptosporidium detection (20%) was also found in the 8 week-old group. By PCR, 92 of the 274 analysed samples were positive for Giardia. Sequencing of the amplicons showed the existence of Giardia duodenalis assemblage A in 67 samples; G. duodenalis assemblage E in 24 samples; and inconsistent results between the two molecular markers used in a further sample. Cryptosporidium was only detected by PCR in 3 of the 274 samples; Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in two samples and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum in one sample. This study is the first performing molecular characterisation of both parasites in Peruvian alpacas, and the first report of C. ubiquitum in this host. The identification of G. duodenalis assemblage A, C. parvum and C. ubiquitum, suggests that zoonotic transmission of these enteropathogens between alpacas and humans is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hipólito Gómez-Couso
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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41
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Marugán-Hernández V, Ortega-Mora LM, Aguado-Martínez A, Jiménez-Ruíz E, Alvarez-García G. Transgenic Neospora caninum strains constitutively expressing the bradyzoite NcSAG4 protein proved to be safe and conferred significant levels of protection against vertical transmission when used as live vaccines in mice. Vaccine 2011; 29:7867-74. [PMID: 21816191 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.07.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
At present, there is no effective treatment or vaccine to prevent vertical transmission or abortion associated with Neospora caninum infection in cattle. Different vaccine formulations have been assayed, and live vaccines have shown the most promising results in terms of protection. Previously, transgenic N. caninum tachyzoites expressing the bradyzoite stage-specific NcSAG4 antigen in a constitutive manner (Nc-1 SAG4(c)) were obtained and showed a reduced persistence of parasite in inoculated mice. Thus, the present study evaluates the Nc-1 SAG4(c)1.1 and Nc-1 SAG4(c)2.1 transgenic strains and the Nc-1 wild-type (WT) strain to determine their protective efficacy against vertical transmission and cerebral neosporosis in mice. Consequently, dams were immunized twice with 5 × 10(5) tachyzoites of each strain and challenged with 2 × 10(6) tachyzoites of a heterologous and virulent isolate at 7-10 days of gestation. The Nc-1 SAG4(c)1.1 strain offered less protection than the other transgenic strain (Nc-1 SAG4(c)2.1) or their ancestor (Nc-1 WT). Indeed, 40%, 7% and 5.6% of the postnatal deaths corresponded to pups from dams vaccinated with Nc-1 SAG4(c)1.1, Nc-1 SAG4(c)2.1 and Nc-1 (WT) strains, respectively. In comparison, the non-immunized challenge group had a 100% mortality rate. In addition, mice were protected against congenital transmission; vertical transmission rates were 45%, 11.1% and 10.8% in the Nc-1 SAG4(c)1.1, Nc-1 SAG4(c)2.1 and Nc-1 WT immunized groups, respectively, vs. 94.9% in the non-vaccinated infected group. However, this protection against the postnatal mortality and the vertical transmission was not associated with a consistent Th1 or Th2-type immune response. Nonetheless, the Nc-1 SAG4(c)2.1 strain appears to be the best candidate for use as a live vaccine, as evidenced by results demonstrating its high levels of protection against vertical transmission and its lower persistence in mice, making this transgenic strain safer than Nc-1 WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Marugán-Hernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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42
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Rojo-Montejo S, Collantes-Fernández E, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Rodríguez-Bertos A, Prenafeta A, Gomez-Bautista M, Ortega-Mora LM. Influence of adjuvant and antigen dose on protection induced by an inactivated whole vaccine against Neospora caninum infection in mice. Vet Parasitol 2011; 175:220-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fernández-García A, Alvarez-García G, Risco-Castillo V, Aguado-Martínez A, Marcén JM, Rojo-Montejo S, Castillo JA, Ortega-Mora LM. Development and use of an indirect ELISA in an outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in Spain. Vet Rec 2010; 166:818-22. [PMID: 20581359 DOI: 10.1136/vr.b4874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
An indirect ELISA based on a soluble extract of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites was developed and standardised. A set of positive and negative reference bovine sera were characterised using an immunofluorescence antibody test and Western blot. A cut-off with a relative index per cent of 8.1 was determined for equal sensitivity and specificity (100 per cent) by two-graph receiver operating characteristic analysis. Cross-reactions with other closely related Apicomplexan parasites were discarded. The standardised ELISA was then used during an outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in a mountainous area of central Spain. The outbreak occurred in nine herds, and 358 animals that shared grazing lands during the summer season were affected. Clinical examination and blood sampling were carried out for all animals, and skin biopsies were obtained from animals with skin lesions. The confirmatory diagnosis was carried out by means of the indirect ELISA, together with the identification of tissue cysts by microscopy. Most of the animals were seropositive (90.5 per cent), but only 43 per cent of seropositive cattle developed clinical signs compatible with besnoitiosis. Additionally, a significant increase in seroprevalence and clinical signs was found to be associated with the increasing age of the animals, suggesting rapid horizontal transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fernández-García
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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44
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Regidor-Cerrillo J, Gómez-Bautista M, Del Pozo I, Jiménez-Ruiz E, Aduriz G, Ortega-Mora LM. Influence of Neospora caninum intra-specific variability in the outcome of infection in a pregnant BALB/c mouse model. Vet Res 2010; 41:52. [PMID: 20416260 PMCID: PMC2878169 DOI: 10.1051/vetres/2010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous assays in pregnant animals have demonstrated the effect of different host factors and timing of infection on the outcome of neosporosis during pregnancy. However, the influence of Neospora caninum isolate itself has been poorly investigated. Here, we compared the effects on clinical outcome and vertical transmission observed in a pregnant mouse model following infection with 10 different N. caninum isolates. The isolates in our study included the Nc-Liv isolate and nine N. caninum isolates obtained from calves. Female BALB/c mice were inoculated with 2 × 106 tachyzoites at day 7 of pregnancy. Morbidity and mortality, in both dams and offspring during the course of infection, and transmission to progeny at day 30 postpartum were evaluated. The serum IgG1 and IgG2a production in dams were also examined. All dams showed elevated IgG1 and IgG2a responses, confirming N. caninum infection, although signs of disease were only exhibited in dams infected with 4 of the 10 isolates (Nc-Spain 4H, Nc-Spain 5H, Nc-Spain 7 and Nc-Liv). In neonates, clinical signs were observed in all N. caninum-infected groups, and neonatal mortality rates varied from greater than 95% with the isolates mentioned above to less than 32.5% with the other isolates. Vertical transmission rates, as assessed by parasite PCR-detection in neonate brains, also varied from 50% to 100% according to the isolate implicated. These results confirm the wide pathogenic and transmission variability of N. caninum. The intra-specific variability observed herein could help us explain the differences in the outcome of the infection in the natural host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Pedraza-Díaz S, Marugán-Hernández V, Collantes-Fernández E, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Rojo-Montejo S, Gómez-Bautista M, Ortega-Mora LM. Microsatellite markers for the molecular characterization of Neospora caninum: Application to clinical samples. Vet Parasitol 2009; 166:38-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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46
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Aguado-Martínez A, Alvarez-García G, Fernández-García A, Risco-Castillo V, Marugán-Hernández V, Ortega-Mora LM. Failure of a vaccine using immunogenic recombinant proteins rNcSAG4 and rNcGRA7 against neosporosis in mice. Vaccine 2009; 27:7331-8. [PMID: 19782735 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Revised: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of an effective vaccine against Neospora caninum infection in cattle is an important issue due to the significant economic impact of this parasitic disease worldwide. In this work, the immune response, safety and efficacy of different vaccine formulations using the N. caninum recombinant proteins rNcSAG4 (the first bradyzoite-specific protein assayed as a vaccine) and rNcGRA7 were evaluated in mouse models. The survival curves of pups from all vaccinated groups showed a slight delay in time to death compared to control groups; this difference was statistically significant for rNcSAG4+adjuvant group. Immune response of mice vaccinated with rNcSAG4 was characterized by reduced specific IgG and cytokine levels with an equilibrated IFN-gamma/IL-10 balance. Regarding mice vaccinated with rNcGRA7, a very strong humoral and cellular immune response was generated characterized by a hyper-production of IFN-gamma. This response was not accompanied by significant protection. Vaccination with a mixture of both recombinant proteins reduced infection in lung and brain during acute and chronic infection, respectively, although it was not statistically significant. In summary, no significant protection was obtained with these vaccine formulations in the present mouse models. However, the study reveals some positive results on immune response and efficacy for both recombinant proteins; these results are being discussed in order to suggest new approaches with new chronic infection mouse models and adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Aguado-Martínez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Fernández-García A, Alvarez-García G, Risco-Castillo V, Aguado-Martínez A, Marugán-Hernández V, Ortega-Mora LM. Pattern of recognition of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoite and bradyzoite antigens by naturally infected cattle. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:104-10. [PMID: 19595513 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Many recent cases have been described in different European countries, which may be indicative of expansion of the disease in the next few years. Many infected animals remain asymptomatic; therefore, serological tests are essential tools for diagnosis. The objective of the present work was to identify B. besnoiti tachyzoite and bradyzoite immunodominant antigens (IDAs). IDAs were recognised by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions and Western blot analysis. Positive sera from symptomatic (n=18) and asymptomatic (n=18) cattle came from herds endemically infected by B. besnoiti and were confirmed positive by IFAT, whereas negative sera (n=4) came from besnoitiosis-free herds and were also confirmed negative by IFAT. Up to 28 tachyzoite antigens in the range of 8.5-190.8 kDa were recognised. Based on the frequency of recognition, six IDAs (14.2, 33, 37.1, 39.6, 46.3 and 190.8 kDa) were identified. The 37.1 kDa antigen was recognised by 100% of sera, usually as an intense band. On the other hand, 30 bradyzoite antigens in the range of 8.5-187.9kDa were detected. Seven bradyzoite IDAs (8.5, 15.1, 16.8, 19.0, 34.7, 38.6 and 124.4 kDa) were identified and two of them (15.1 and 16.8 kDa) were considered the most immunogenic ones. Additionally, sera from animals with clinical symptoms recognised a significantly higher number of bradyzoite antigens. Finally, significant cross-reactions with other closely related apicomplexan parasites were not detected. This is the first description of B. besnoiti bradyzoite antigens. In addition, the identification of tachyzoite and bradyzoite IDAs may be useful for the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools for differentiating between acute and chronic infections. Further proteomic studies are needed in order to identify stage-specific proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fernández-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Pedraza-Díaz S, Ortega-Mora LM, Carrión BA, Navarro V, Gómez-Bautista M. Molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium isolates from pet reptiles. Vet Parasitol 2009; 160:204-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Spicher M, Naguleswaran A, Ortega-Mora LM, Müller J, Gottstein B, Hemphill A. In vitro and in vivo effects of 2-methoxyestradiol, either alone or combined with albendazole, against Echinococcus metacestodes. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:475-482. [PMID: 18442817 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2007] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The metacestode (larval) stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a mainly hepatic disease characterized by continuous asexual proliferation of metacestodes by exogenous budding, resulting in the tumor-like, infiltrative growth of the parasite lesion. Current chemotherapeutical treatment of AE relies on the use of benzimidazoles (albendazole, mebendazole), but these drugs act parasitostatic rather than parasitocidal, and in case of side effects such as liver toxicity, patients are left without valuable alternatives. 2-ME2 is a natural metabolite of estradiol, with a documented anti-angiogenic and broad spectrum anti-tumour activity. Treatments of in vitro cultured E. multilocularis metacestodes with 2-ME2 (2-10 microM) showed that the drug has an adverse effect on parasite viability. First, 2-ME in vitro treatment downscaled the transcription of the 14-3-3-pro-tumorogenic zeta-isoform in E. multilocularis metacestodes. Second, scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that the germinal layer of E. multilocularis metacestodes was dramatically damaged following 2-ME2-treatment, and the effect was dose-dependent. Similar results were obtained with E. granulosus metacestodes. Bioassays were performed in mice injected with 2-ME2-treated and albendazole-treated metacestodes, or parasites-treated with both 2-ME and albendazole in combination. These assays indicated that, despite inducing considerable damage in vitro, neither of the drugs was capable of exerting a true parasiticidal effect, but best results were achieved with a combination of both compounds. In vivo treatment in E. multilocularis-infected mice for a period of 6 weeks showed that a combined 2-ME2/albendazole based treatment lead to a reduction in parasite weight, but the results did not show statistical difference from the application of albendazole alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Spicher
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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50
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Risco-Castillo V, Fernández-García A, Zaballos A, Aguado-Martínez A, Hemphill A, Rodríguez-Bertos A, Alvarez-García G, Ortega-Mora LM. Molecular characterisation of BSR4, a novel bradyzoite-specific gene from Neospora caninum. Int J Parasitol 2007; 37:887-96. [PMID: 17376452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2006] [Revised: 01/26/2007] [Accepted: 02/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we present the identification and cloning of the NcBSR4 gene, the putative Neospora caninum orthologue to the Toxoplasma gondii TgBSR4 gene. To isolate NcBSR4, genome walking PCR was performed on N. caninum genomic DNA using the expressed sequence tag NcEST3c28h02.y1 sequence, which shares a 44% identity with the TgBSR4 gene, as a framework. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified DNA fragments revealed a single uninterrupted 1227 bp open reading frame that encodes a protein of 408 amino acids with 66% similarity to the TgBSR4 antigen. A putative 39-residue signal peptide was found at the NH2-terminus, followed by a hydrophilic region. At the COOH-terminus, a potential site for a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor was identified at amino acid 379. A polyclonal serum against recombinant NcBSR4 protein was raised in rabbits, and immunolabelling demonstrated stage-specific expression of the NcBSR4 antigen in N. caninum bradyzoites produced in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis showed a slight increase of NcBSR4 transcripts in bradyzoites generated during in vitro tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite stage-conversion, suggesting that this gene is specifically expressed at the bradyzoite stage and that its transcription relies on the switch to this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Risco-Castillo
- SALUVET. Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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