1
|
Brožová K, Jirků M, Lhotská Z, Květoňová D, Kadlecová O, Stensvold CR, Samaš P, Petrželková KJ, Jirků K. The opportunistic protist, Giardia intestinalis, occurs in gut-healthy humans in a high-income country. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2270077. [PMID: 37815802 PMCID: PMC10614719 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2270077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis, a cosmopolitan gastrointestinal protist, is detected mainly in patients with clinical giardiasis in high-income countries. In contrast, there is very little information on the presence of Giardia in asymptomatic individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of Giardia in gut-healthy volunteers in the Czech Republic and to perform a comparative evaluation of different diagnostic methods, since Giardia diagnostics is complicated. Our results confirmed that the qPCR method is the most sensitive method for detecting Giardia and revealed a prevalence of 7% (22/296) in asymptomatic individuals. In most cases, the colonization intensity ranged from 10-1-101. A conventional PCR protocol targeting the TPI gene was used to identify the assemblages. However, this protocol had limited sensitivity for Giardia amplification, effectively detecting colonization above an intensity of 104. In addition, Giardia was detected in 19% of the animals, which were closely associated with the study participants. However, due to methodological limitations, zoonotic transmission could not be clearly confirmed. Notably, contact with animals proved to be the only factor that had a significant impact on the incidence of Giardia in gut-healthy humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Brožová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Peter Samaš
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hurych J, Oscarsson E, Håkanson Å, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Jirků M, Aronson CA, Cinek O, Agardh D. Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei supplementation on the single-cell fecal parasitome in children with celiac disease autoimmunity: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:411. [PMID: 37946274 PMCID: PMC10636941 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06027-1] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 positively affect the fecal bacteriome in children with celiac disease autoimmunity after 6 months of supplementation. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 8700:2 on the single-cell parasitome, with a primary focus on Blastocystis. METHODS Stool samples were collected from 78 Swedish children with celiac disease autoimmunity participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to either receive a mixture of supplementation with L. plantarum HEAL9 and L. paracasei 8700:2 (n = 38) or placebo (n = 40). A total of 227 stool samples collected at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention, respectively, were retrospectively analyzed for Blastocystis by quantitative real-time PCR and subtyped by massively parallel amplicon sequencing. Other single-cell parasites were detected by untargeted 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing and verified by real-time PCR. The relation between the parasites and the bacteriome community was characterized by using 16S rDNA profiling of the V3-V4 region. RESULTS Three different single-cell protists were identified, of which the highest prevalence was found for Dientamoeba fragilis (23.1%, 18/78 children), followed by Blastocystis (15.4%, 12/78) and Entamoeba spp. (2.6%, 2/78). The quantity of the protists was stable over time and not affected by probiotic intervention (P = 0.14 for Blastocystis, P = 0.10 for D. fragilis). The positivity of the protists was associated with increased bacteriome diversity (measured by multiple indices, P < 0.03). Bacterial composition was influenced by the presence of the protists: positivity of Blastocystis was inversely associated with Akkermansia (at the levels of the genus as well as its family, order, class and phylum); P < 0.002), Faecalibacterium (P = 0.003) and Romboutsia (P = 0.029); positivity of D. fragilis was inversely associated with families Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.016) and Coriobacteriaceae (P = 0.022) and genera Flavonifractor (P < 0.001), Faecalibacterium (P = 0.009), Lachnoclostridium (P = 0.029), Ruminococcus (P < 0.001) and Granulicatella (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of single-cell protists is low in children with celiac disease autoimmunity. The colonization was stable regardless of the probiotic intervention and associated with increased diversity of the fecal bacteriome but inversely associated with some beneficial bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Hurych
- Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elin Oscarsson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Håkanson
- Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Carin Andrén Aronson
- Celiac Disease and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ondřej Cinek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Paediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Daniel Agardh
- Celiac Disease and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jirků M, Kašparová A, Lhotská Z, Oborník M, Brožová K, Petrželková KJ, Samaš P, Kadlecová O, Stensvold CR, Jirků K. A Cross-Sectional Study on the Occurrence of the Intestinal Protist, Dientamoeba fragilis, in the Gut-Healthy Volunteers and Their Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315407. [PMID: 36499734 PMCID: PMC9737029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dientamoeba fragilis is a cosmopolitan intestinal protist colonizing the human gut with varying prevalence depending on the cohort studied and the diagnostic methods used. Its role in human health remains unclear mainly due to the very sporadic number of cross-sectional studies in gut-healthy populations. The main objective of this study was to expand knowledge of the epidemiology of D. fragilis in gut-healthy humans and their animals. A total of 296 stool samples from humans and 135 samples from 18 animal species were analyzed. Using qPCR, a prevalence of 24% was found in humans in contrast to conventional PCR (7%). In humans, several factors were found to influence the prevalence of D. fragilis. A more frequent occurrence of D. fragilis was associated with living in a village, traveling outside Europe and contact with farm animals. In addition, co-infection with Blastocystis spp. was observed in nearly half of the colonized humans. In animals, D. fragilis was detected in 13% of samples from eight species using qPCR. Our molecular phylogenies demonstrate a more frequent occurrence of Genotype 1 in gut-healthy humans and also revealed a likely a new protist species/lineage in rabbits related to D. fragilis and other related organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Kašparová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Brožová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Samaš
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, 5 Artillerivej, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kateřina Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-38-777-5470
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Šloufová M, Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Petrželková KJ, Stensvold CR, Cinek O, Pomajbíková KJ. Comparison of molecular diagnostic approaches for the detection and differentiation of the intestinal protist Blastocystis sp. in humans. Parasite 2022; 29:30. [PMID: 35638752 PMCID: PMC9153396 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022029] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is the most commonly found intestinal protist in the world. Accurate detection and differentiation of Blastocystis including its subtypes (arguably species) are essential to understand its epidemiology and role in human health. We compared (i) the sensitivity of conventional PCR (cPCR) and qPCR in a set of 288 DNA samples obtained from stool samples of gut-healthy individuals, and (ii) subtype diversity as detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) versus Sanger sequencing. Real-time PCR resulted in more positive samples than cPCR, revealing high fecal load of Blastocystis based on the quantification curve in most samples. In subtype detection, NGS was largely in agreement with Sanger sequencing but showed higher sensitivity for mixed subtype colonization within one host. This fact together with use of the combination of qPCR and NGS and obtaining information on the fecal protist load will be beneficial for epidemiological and surveillance studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Šloufová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, Brno 603 65, Czech Republic
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen DK-2300, Denmark
| | - Ondřej Cinek
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague 150 06, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic - Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
You C, Jirků M, Corcoran DL, Parker W, Jirků-Pomajbíková K. Altered gut ecosystems plus the microbiota's potential for rapid evolution: A recipe for inevitable change with unknown consequences. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5969-5977. [PMID: 34849201 PMCID: PMC8598968 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.10.033] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In a single human gut, which is estimated to produce 1000-times more bacteria in a single day than the entire human population on Earth as of 2020, the potential for evolution is vast. In addition to the sheer volume of reproductive events, prokaryotes can transfer most genes horizontally, greatly accelerating their potential to evolve. In the face of this evolutionary potential, Westernization has led to profound changes in the ecosystem of the gut, including increased chronic inflammation in many individuals and dramatically reduced fiber consumption and decreased seasonal variation in the diet of most individuals. Experimental work using a variety of model systems has shown that bacteria will evolve within days to weeks when faced with substantial environmental changes. However, studies evaluating the effects of inflammation of the gut on the microbiota are still in their infancy and generally confounded by the effects of the microbiota on the immune system. At the same time, experimental data indicate that complete loss of fiber from the diet constitutes an extinction-level event for the gut microbiota. However, these studies evaluating diet may not apply to Westernized humans who typically have reduced but not absent levels of fiber in their diet. Thus, while it is expected that the microbiota will evolve rapidly in the face of Westernization, experimental studies that address the magnitude of that evolution are generally lacking, and it remains unknown to what extent this evolutionary process affects disease and the ability to treat the disease state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celina You
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - David L. Corcoran
- Genomic Analysis and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William Parker
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University and Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kateřina Jirků-Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Billy V, Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Kadlecová O, Frgelecová L, Parfrey LW, Pomajbíková KJ. Blastocystis Colonization Alters the Gut Microbiome and, in Some Cases, Promotes Faster Recovery From Induced Colitis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:641483. [PMID: 33897648 PMCID: PMC8058373 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.641483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protists are a normal component of mammalian intestinal ecosystems that live alongside, and interact with, bacterial microbiota. Blastocystis, one of the most common intestinal eukaryotes, is reported as a pathogen that causes inflammation and disease, though health consequences likely vary depending on host health, the gut ecosystem, and genetic diversity. Accumulating evidence suggests that Blastocystis is by and large commensal. Blastocystis is more common in healthy individuals than those with immune mediated diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Blastocystis presence is also associated with altered composition and higher richness of the bacterial gut microbiota. It is not clear whether Blastocystis directly promotes a healthy gut and microbiome or is more likely to colonize and persist in a healthy gut environment. We test this hypothesis by measuring the effect of Blastocystis ST3 colonization on the health and microbiota in a rat experimental model of intestinal inflammation using the haptenizing agent dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). We experimentally colonized rats with Blastocystis ST3 obtained from a healthy, asymptomatic human donor and then induced colitis after 3 weeks (short term exposure experiment) or after 13 weeks (long term exposure experiment) and compared these colonized rats to a colitis-only control group. Across experiments Blastocystis ST3 colonization alters microbiome composition, but not richness, and induces only mild gut inflammation but no clinical symptoms. Our results showed no effect of short-term exposure to Blastocystis ST3 on gut inflammation following colitis induction. In contrast, long-term Blastocystis exposure appears to promote a faster recovery from colitis. There was a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, pathology 2 days after colitis induction in the colonized group, and clinical scores also improved in this group. Blastocystis colonization resulted in a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and IL-1β relative gene expression, while expression of IFNγ and IL17re/17C were elevated. We obtained similar results in a previous pilot study. We further found that bacterial richness rebounded in rats colonized by Blastocystis ST3. These results suggest that Blastocystis sp. may alter the gut ecosystem in a protective manner and promote faster recovery from disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Billy
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Lucia Frgelecová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Laura Wegener Parfrey
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jirků M, Lhotská Z, Frgelecová L, Kadlecová O, Petrželková KJ, Morien E, Jirků-Pomajbíková K. Helminth Interactions with Bacteria in the Host Gut Are Essential for Its Immunomodulatory Effect. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020226. [PMID: 33499240 PMCID: PMC7910914 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020226] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonization by the benign tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, has been associated with a reduction in intestinal inflammation and changes in bacterial microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in the tapeworm anti-inflammatory effect is not yet clear, and the aim of this study was to determine whether disruption of the microflora during worm colonization can affect the course of intestinal inflammation. We added a phase for disrupting the intestinal microbiota using antibiotics to the experimental design for which we previously demonstrated the protective effect of H. diminuta. We monitored the immunological markers, clinical parameters, bacterial microbiota, and histological changes in the colon of rats. After a combination of colonization, antibiotics, and colitis induction, we had four differently affected experimental groups. We observed a different course of the immune response in each group, but no protective effect was found. Rats treated with colonization and antibiotics showed a strong induction of the Th2 response as well as a significant change in microbial diversity. The microbial results also revealed differences in the richness and abundance of some bacterial taxa, influenced by various factors. Our data suggest that interactions between the tapeworm and bacteria may have a major impact on its protective effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirků
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (O.K.); (K.J.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (K.J.-P.); Tel.: +420-38-777-5470 (M.J.); +420-38-777-5470 (K.J.P.)
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (O.K.); (K.J.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Frgelecová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Oldřiška Kadlecová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (O.K.); (K.J.P.)
| | - Klára Judita Petrželková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (O.K.); (K.J.P.)
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná, 8603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Evan Morien
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, 3156-6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Kateřina Jirků-Pomajbíková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (Z.L.); (O.K.); (K.J.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (K.J.-P.); Tel.: +420-38-777-5470 (M.J.); +420-38-777-5470 (K.J.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lhotská Z, Jirků M, Hložková O, Brožová K, Jirsová D, Stensvold CR, Kolísko M, Jirků Pomajbíková K. A Study on the Prevalence and Subtype Diversity of the Intestinal Protist Blastocystis sp. in a Gut-Healthy Human Population in the Czech Republic. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:544335. [PMID: 33123491 PMCID: PMC7573152 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.544335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist colonizing the human intestine the prevalence of which varies across non-industrialized and industrialized countries. Its role in the human gut ecosystem remains unclear due to persisting gaps in knowledge of epidemiology and factors affecting gut colonization. Here, we aimed to expand the knowledge of the epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in the gut-healthy humans in one of the industrialized European countries, including the distribution of its subtypes, the correlation between its occurrence and several factors such as lifestyle, contact with animals, age, and sex. A total of 288 stool samples were obtained from asymptomatic individuals over the entire age-range and 136 samples from animals with which the volunteers were in frequent contact. All samples were examined in parallel by PCR and xenic in vitro culture. Blastocystis sp. was detected in samples from both human and non-human hosts. In humans, the overall prevalence was 24% and eight subtypes were found; in animals, the prevalence was 10%, and only five subtypes were detected. A higher incidence of Blastocystis sp. was observed in individuals (i) traveling outside Europe, (ii) in frequent contact with livestock, and (iii) over 50 years of age. We found no effect on gender on Blastocystis sp. colonization. Summary This study provides data on the prevalence and diversity of the gut protist Blastocystis sp. and its subtypes in a gut-healthy human population with emphasis on several factors such as contact with animals, lifestyle, age, and gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Lhotská
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Milan Jirků
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Oldřiška Hložková
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kristýna Brožová
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Dagmar Jirsová
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Martin Kolísko
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Řežábková L, Brabec J, Jirků M, Dellerba M, Kuchta R, Modrý D, Parker W, Jirků Pomajbíková K. Genetic diversity of the potentially therapeutic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea). Parasitol Int 2019; 71:121-125. [PMID: 30980897 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The cestode Hymenolepis diminuta is highly prevalent in wild rat populations and has also been observed rarely in humans, generally causing no apparent harm. The organism has been studied for decades in the laboratory, and its colonization of laboratory rats has recently been shown as protective against some inflammation-associated disorders. Recently, H. diminuta has become a leading candidate for helminth therapy, an emerging method of "biota enrichment" used to treat or prevent inflammatory diseases of humans in Western society. While most of the experimental isolates of H. diminuta are identified based on typical morphological features, hymenolepidid tapeworms may represent complexes of cryptic species as detected by molecular sequence data. In the present study, we explored the diversity of laboratory-kept strains using partial sequences of two genes (lsrDNA and cox1) and determined that H. diminuta isolates currently considered for therapeutic purposes in the US and Europe belong to a single, genetically nearly uniform lineage, showing only little genetic deviation from wild-caught isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Řežábková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brabec
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Natural History Museum of Geneva, P.O. Box 6134, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Milan Jirků
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Marc Dellerba
- Biome Restoration Ltd., White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Kuchta
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1/3, Brno 621 42, Czech Republic
| | - William Parker
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, NC, USA
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Růžková J, Květoňová D, Jirků M, Lhotská Z, Stensvold CR, Parfrey LW, Jirků Pomajbíková K. Evaluating rodent experimental models for studies of Blastocystis ST1. Exp Parasitol 2018; 191:55-61. [PMID: 29959915 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common inhabitant of the human gut, colonizing at least one billion people at a prevalence ranging from <10% to 100% in healthy human populations globally. The majority of carriers remain asymptomatic, suggesting that Blastocystis is largely a commensal, though Blastocystis has also been implicated in disease in some people. However, there are no in vivo model systems in which to experimentally test the impact of Blastocystis on mammalian hosts and the gut ecosystem and determine which factors underlie these variable clinical outcomes. We evaluated a rat model for sustaining of a human-derived Blastocystis ST1 and assess colonization success and longevity. Because of the broad host range of Blastocystis, we compared the rat with three other rodent species to establish the reproducibility of our method. Blastocystis was introduced by esophageal gavage and colonization success evaluated by Blastocystis culture. Culture was also used to determine that all animals were negative prior to colonization and negative controls remain Blastocystis-free. In this study, Blastocystis ST1 established in 100% of the outbred rats (Rattus norvegicus) and gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) challenged. Rats were colonized asymptomatically for more than one year, but Blastocystis ST1 was not transmitted between rats. Mus musculus strain CD1 and Mastomys coucha were not susceptible to Blastocystis ST1. Thus, rats appear to be a suitable in vivo model for studies of Blastocystis ST1, as do gerbils though testing was less extensive. This work lays the foundation for experimental work on the role of Blastocystis in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiřina Růžková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Milan Jirků
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Lhotská
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Laura Wegener Parfrey
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South-Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wegener Parfrey L, Jirků M, Šíma R, Jalovecká M, Sak B, Grigore K, Jirků Pomajbíková K. A benign helminth alters the host immune system and the gut microbiota in a rat model system. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182205. [PMID: 28771620 PMCID: PMC5542714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths and bacteria are major players in the mammalian gut ecosystem and each influences the host immune system and health. Declines in helminth prevalence and bacterial diversity appear to play a role in the dramatic rise of immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) in western populations. Helminths are potent modulators of immune system and their reintroduction is a promising therapeutic avenue for IMIDs. However, the introduction of helminths represents a disturbance for the host and it is important to understand the impact of helminth reintroduction on the host, including the immune system and gut microbiome. We tested the impact of a benign tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, in a rat model system. We find that H. diminuta infection results in increased interleukin 10 gene expression in the beginning of the prepatent period, consistent with induction of a type 2 immune response. We also find induction of humoral immunity during the patent period, shown here by increased IgA in feces. Further, we see an immuno-modulatory effect in the small intestine and spleen in patent period, as measured by reductions in tissue immune cells. We observed shifts in microbiota community composition during the patent period (beta-diversity) in response to H. diminuta infection. However, these compositional changes appear to be minor; they occur within families and genera common to both treatment groups. There was no change in alpha diversity. Hymenolepis diminuta is a promising model for helminth therapy because it establishes long-term, stable colonization in rats and modulates the immune system without causing bacterial dysbiosis. These results suggest that the goal of engineering a therapeutic helminth that can safely manipulate the mammalian immune system without disrupting the rest of the gut ecosystem is in reach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wegener Parfrey
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Integrated Microbial Biodiversity Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Šíma
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Jalovecká
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Karina Grigore
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kateřina Jirků Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Votýpka J, Rádrová J, Skalický T, Jirků M, Jirsová D, Mihalca AD, D'Amico G, Petrželková KJ, Modrý D, Lukeš J. A tsetse and tabanid fly survey of African great apes habitats reveals the presence of a novel trypanosome lineage but the absence of Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Parasitol 2015. [PMID: 26219672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Tsetse and tabanid flies transmit several Trypanosoma species, some of which are human and livestock pathogens of major medical and socioeconomic impact in Africa. Recent advances in molecular techniques and phylogenetic analyses have revealed a growing diversity of previously unidentified tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes potentially pathogenic to livestock and/or other domestic animals as well as wildlife, including African great apes. To map the distribution, prevalence and co-occurrence of known and novel trypanosome species, we analyzed tsetse and tabanid flies collected in the primary forested part of the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic, which hosts a broad spectrum of wildlife including primates and is virtually devoid of domestic animals. Altogether, 564 tsetse flies and 81 tabanid flies were individually screened for the presence of trypanosomes using 18S rRNA-specific nested PCR. Herein, we demonstrate that wildlife animals are parasitized by a surprisingly wide range of trypanosome species that in some cases may circulate via these insect vectors. While one-third of the examined tsetse flies harbored trypanosomes either from the Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma congolense or Trypanosoma simiae complex, or one of the three new members of the genus Trypanosoma (strains 'Bai', 'Ngbanda' and 'Didon'), more than half of the tabanid flies exclusively carried T. theileri. To establish the putative vertebrate hosts of the novel trypanosome species, we further analyzed the provenance of blood meals of tsetse flies. DNA individually isolated from 1033 specimens of Glossina spp. and subjected to high-throughput library-based screening proved that most of the examined tsetse flies engorged on wild ruminants (buffalo, sitatunga, bongo), humans and suids. Moreover, they also fed (albeit more rarely) on other vertebrates, thus providing indirect but convincing evidence that trypanosomes can be transmitted via these vectors among a wide range of warm- and cold-blooded hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Rádrová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Skalický
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Jirsová
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Klára J Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jirků M, Votýpka J, Petrželková KJ, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Kriegová E, Vodička R, Lankester F, Leendertz SAJ, Wittig RM, Boesch C, Modrý D, Ayala FJ, Leendertz FH, Lukeš J. Wild chimpanzees are infected by Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2015; 4:277-82. [PMID: 26110113 PMCID: PMC4477118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although wild chimpanzees and other African great apes live in regions endemic for African sleeping sickness, very little is known about their trypanosome infections, mainly due to major difficulties in obtaining their blood samples. In present work, we established a diagnostic ITS1-based PCR assay that allows detection of the DNA of all four Trypanosoma brucei subspecies (Trypanosoma bruceibrucei, Trypanosoma bruceirhodesiense, Trypanosoma bruceigambiense, and Trypanosoma bruceievansi) in feces of experimentally infected mice. Next, using this assay we revealed the presence of trypanosomes in the fecal samples of wild chimpanzees and this finding was further supported by results obtained using a set of primate tissue samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 region showed that the majority of obtained sequences fell into the robust T. brucei group, providing strong evidence that these infections were caused by T. b. rhodesiense and/or T. b. gambiense. The optimized technique of trypanosome detection in feces will improve our knowledge about the epidemiology of trypanosomes in primates and possibly also other endangered mammals, from which blood and tissue samples cannot be obtained. Finally, we demonstrated that the mandrill serum was able to efficiently lyse T. b. brucei and T. b. rhodesiense, and to some extent T. b. gambiense, while the chimpanzee serum failed to lyse any of these subspecies. ITS1-based PCR allows the detection of the Trypanosoma brucei in feces of non-human primates. Wild chimpanzees are frequently infected with the T. brucei subspecies. Mandrill serum efficiently lyses also Trypanosoma bruceigambiense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Liberec Zoo, Liberec, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Jirků-Pomajbíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kriegová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
| | | | - Felix Lankester
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - Siv Aina J. Leendertz
- Research Group for Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman M. Wittig
- Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Centre Suisse des Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
| | | | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco J. Ayala
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Fabian H. Leendertz
- Department of Primatology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweiss), Czech Republic
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada
- Corresponding author. Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Flegontov P, Michálek J, Janouškovec J, Lai DH, Jirků M, Hajdušková E, Tomčala A, Otto TD, Keeling PJ, Pain A, Oborník M, Lukeš J. Divergent mitochondrial respiratory chains in phototrophic relatives of apicomplexan parasites. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 32:1115-31. [PMID: 25660376 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Four respiratory complexes and ATP-synthase represent central functional units in mitochondria. In some mitochondria and derived anaerobic organelles, a few or all of these respiratory complexes have been lost during evolution. We show that the respiratory chain of Chromera velia, a phototrophic relative of parasitic apicomplexans, lacks complexes I and III, making it a uniquely reduced aerobic mitochondrion. In Chromera, putative lactate:cytochrome c oxidoreductases are predicted to transfer electrons from lactate to cytochrome c, rendering complex III unnecessary. The mitochondrial genome of Chromera has the smallest known protein-coding capacity of all mitochondria, encoding just cox1 and cox3 on heterogeneous linear molecules. In contrast, another photosynthetic relative of apicomplexans, Vitrella brassicaformis, retains the same set of genes as apicomplexans and dinoflagellates (cox1, cox3, and cob).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Flegontov
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Life Science Research Centre, Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Michálek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Janouškovec
- Department of Botany, University of BC, Vancouver, Canada Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - De-Hua Lai
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Hajdušková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Tomčala
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of BC, Vancouver, Canada Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arnab Pain
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yurchenko V, Votýpka J, Tesařová M, Klepetková H, Kraeva N, Jirků M, Lukeš J. Ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of four new species of monoxenous trypanosomatids from flies (Diptera: Brachycera) with redefinition of the genus Wallaceina. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2014. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2014.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
16
|
Yurchenko V, Votýpka J, Tesarová M, Klepetková H, Kraeva N, Jirků M, Lukes J. Ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of four new species of monoxenous trypanosomatids from flies (Diptera: Brachycera) with redefinition of the genus Wallaceina. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2014; 61:97-112. [PMID: 24822316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Four new species of monoxenous kinetoplastid parasites are described from Brachycera flies, namely Wallaceina raviniae Votýpka et Lukes, 2014 and Crithidia otongatchiensis Votýpka et Lukes, 2014 from Ecuador, Leptomonas moramango Votypka et Lukes, 2014 from Madagascar, and Crithidia pragensis Votýpka, Klepetková et Lukes, 2014 from the Czech Republic. The new species are described here based on sequence analysis of their spliced leader (SL) RNA, glycosomal glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) and small subunit (SSU) rRNA genes, as well as their morphology and ultrastructure. High-pressure freezing and Bernhard's EDTA regressive staining, used for the first time for monoxenous (one host) trypanosomatids, revealed the presence of viral particles with cytosolic localization in one and unique mitochondrial localization in another species. In accordance with previous observations, our results emphasize a discrepancy between morphology and molecular taxonomy of the family Trypanosomatidae. All four newly described species are represented by typical morphotypes (mainly choano- and promastigotes) and are virtually indistinguishable from other monoxenous trypanosomatids by morphology. Nevertheless, they all differ in their phylogenetic affinities. Whereas three of them grouped within the recently defined subfamily Leishmaniinae, which includes numerous representatives of the genera Leishmania Ross, 1903, Crithidia Léger, 1902 and Leptomonas Kent, 1880, the fourth species clusters together with the 'collosoma' clade (named after 'Leptomonas' collosoma Wallace, Clark, Dyer et Collins, 1960). Here we demonstrate that the 'collosoma' group represents the elusive genus Wallaceina Podlipaev, Frolov et Kolesnikov, 1999. We redefine this genus in molecular terms based on similarities of the respective molecular markers and propose to use this taxon name for the group of species of the 'collosoma' clade.
Collapse
|
17
|
Týč J, Votýpka J, Klepetková H, Suláková H, Jirků M, Lukeš J. Growing diversity of trypanosomatid parasites of flies (Diptera: Brachycera): frequent cosmopolitism and moderate host specificity. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2013; 69:255-64. [PMID: 23747522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2013.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Widely distributed, highly prevalent and speciose, trypanosomatid flagellates represent a convenient model to address topics such as host specificity, diversity and distribution of parasitic protists. Recent studies dealing with insect parasites of the class Kinetoplastea have been focused mainly on trypanosomatids from true bugs (Heteroptera), even though flies (Diptera, Brachycera) are also known as their frequent hosts. Phylogenetic position, host specificity and geographic distribution of trypanosomatids parasitizing dipteran hosts collected in nine countries on four continents (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Turkey) are presented. Spliced leader (SL) RNA gene repeats and small subunit (SSU) rRNA genes were PCR amplified from trypanosomatids infecting the gut of a total of forty fly specimens belonging to nine families. While SL RNA was mainly used for barcoding, SSU rRNA was utilized in phylogenetic analyses. Thirty-six different typing units (TUs) were revealed, of which 24 are described for the first time and represent potential new species. Multiple infections with several TUs are more common among brachyceran hosts than in true bugs, reaching one third of cases. When compared to trypanosomatids from heteropteran bugs, brachyceran flagellates are more host specific on the genus level. From seven previously recognized branches of monoxenous trypanosomatids, the Blastocrithidia and "jaculum" clades accommodate almost solely parasites of Heteroptera; two other clades (Herpetomonas and Angomonas) are formed primarily by flagellates found in dipteran hosts, with the most species-rich Leishmaniinae and the small Strigomonas and "collosoma" clades remaining promiscuous. Furthermore, two new clades of trypanosomatids from brachyceran flies emerged in this study. While flagellates from brachyceran hosts have moderate to higher host specificity, geographic distribution of at least some of them seems to be cosmopolitan. Moreover, the genus Angomonas, so far known only from South America, is present on other continents as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Týč
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jirků M, Yurchenko VY, Lukeš J, Maslov DA. New species of insect trypanosomatids from Costa Rica and the proposal for a new subfamily within the Trypanosomatidae. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2012; 59:537-47. [PMID: 22845426 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2012.00636.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several new species of trypanosomatids (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastea, Trypanosomatidae), isolated from the intestines of Neotropical insects (Heteroptera), were genotyped on the basis of spliced leader RNA, and also defined phylogenetically using gene sequences of small subunit ribosomal RNA and glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase. The taxonomic descriptions also included characterization using morphometry and electron microscopy. Our phylogenetic analyses placed the new species within the clade, previously designated "SE" for "Slowly Evolving" sequences of ribosomal RNA genes, a clade that also includes numerous monoxenous parasites of insects from the genera Crithidia, Leptomonas, and Wallaceina, as well as the dixenous genus Leishmania. Based on the high phylogenetic support for this clade, which is consistently recovered in all recent phylogenetic reconstructions, a proposal is put forward to recognize this natural taxon as a new subfamily, Leishmaniinae, within the family Trypanosomatidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirků
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Comparison of diagnostic methods for Plasmodium spp. in humans from Uganda and the Central African Republic showed that parasites can be efficiently detected by PCR in fecal samples. These results, which rely solely on PCR-based examination of feces, validate numerous estimates of the prevalence of malaria in great apes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirků
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, ASCR, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Votýpka J, Klepetková H, Jirků M, Kment P, Lukeš J. Phylogenetic relationships of trypanosomatids parasitising true bugs (Insecta: Heteroptera) in sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:489-500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [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: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 03/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
21
|
Qablan MA, Sloboda M, Jirků M, Oborník M, Dwairi S, Amr ZS, Hořín P, Lukeš J, Modrý D. Quest for the piroplasms in camels: identification of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in Jordanian dromedaries by PCR. Vet Parasitol 2011; 186:456-60. [PMID: 22186193 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA of two species of piroplasmids was detected in dromedaries during a survey of blood protozoans in Jordan between 2007 and 2009. Ten clinically healthy camels (10%) originating from three Jordanian districts were found, using a PCR assay, to harbor Theileria or Babesia species in their blood and no mix infection was determined. Analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of these parasites allowed their unambiguous identification as equine piroplasmids Babesia caballi (n=6) and Theileria equi (n=4). In case of latter species, a novel genotype was found in horses. This first molecular-based species determination of piroplasmids from camels further contributes to the growing evidence of low host specificity of piroplasmids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moneeb Ahmad Qablan
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sloboda M, Jirků M, Lukešová D, Qablan M, Batsukh Z, Fiala I, Hořín P, Modrý D, Lukeš J. A survey for piroplasmids in horses and Bactrian camels in North-Eastern Mongolia. Vet Parasitol 2011; 179:246-9. [PMID: 21402446 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi is widespread in Asia. The presence of these haemozoans in Mongolia was previously confirmed in domestic as well as in reintroduced Przewalski horses in which they cause significant pathology. The data on occurrence of piroplasms from Bactrian camels in Asia is lacking. A total of 192 horses, 70 Bactrian camels, and additional 16 shepherd dogs from the Hentiy province were included in our study. No clinical signs typical for piroplasmid infection were observed during the field survey. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of T. equi in blood smears from 67% of examined horses, with camels and dogs being negative. A two step PCR approach was used to detect piroplasms in peripheral blood. In the first "catch all" PCR reaction, amplification of the 496 bp-long fragment of the SSU rRNA gene enabled the detection of Babesia and Theileria spp. Second round multiplex PCR reaction used for species discrimination allowed the amplification of T. equi- and B. caballi-specific 340 bp and 650 bp-long regions of the SSU rRNA, respectively. This assay detected T. equi in 92.7% of horses, while the infections with B. caballi and dual infections were rare. In both PCR setups, camels and dogs were negative indicating that in the studied region, these hosts do not share piroplasms with horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Sloboda
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého 1-3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Týč J, Long S, Jirků M, Lukeš J. YCF45 protein, usually associated with plastids, is targeted into the mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 173:43-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
24
|
Abstract
Two new trypanosomatid species (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastea) isolated from the intestinal tract of heteropteran insect hosts were described based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of Spliced Leader (SL) RNA gene repeats, glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, and small subunit ribosomal RNA genes, as well as by morphology. Leptomonas barvae n. sp., from a mirid host Collaria oleosa, was found to represent one of the closest monoxenous (one host) relatives of the dixenous (two hosts) parasitic genus Leishmania. This finding further supports the origin of these dixenous parasites from monoxenous progenitors in the Neotropics. Blastocrithidia largi n. sp., from a largid host Largus cinctus, is among a few members of this genus available in culture. The species is a close relative of Blastocrithidia triatomae and is a member of a new monophyletic phylogenetic group characterized by formation of straphanger cysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri A Maslov
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Týč J, Faktorová D, Kriegová E, Jirků M, Vávrová Z, Maslov DA, Lukeš J. Probing for primary functions of prohibitin in Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:73-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
26
|
Long S, Jirků M, Ayala FJ, Lukeš J. Mitochondrial localization of human frataxin is necessary but processing is not for rescuing frataxin deficiency in Trypanosoma brucei. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:13468-73. [PMID: 18768799 PMCID: PMC2533213 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0806762105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, the agent of human sleeping sickness and ruminant nagana, is the most genetically tractable representative of the domain Excavata. It is evolutionarily very distant from humans, with a last common ancestor over 1 billion years ago. Frataxin, a highly conserved small protein involved in iron-sulfur cluster synthesis, is present in both organisms, and its deficiency is responsible for Friedreich's ataxia in humans. We have found that T. brucei growth-inhibition phenotype caused by down-regulated frataxin is rescued by means of human frataxin. The rescue is fully dependent on the human frataxin being imported into the trypanosome mitochondrion. Processing of the imported protein by mitochondrial processing peptidase can be blocked by mutations in the signal peptide, as in human cells. Although in human cells frataxin must be processed to execute its function, the same protein in the T. brucei mitochondrion is functional even in the absence of processing. Our results illuminate remarkable conservation of the mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import and processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Long
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budeĕjovice, Czech Republic; and
| | - Milan Jirků
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budeĕjovice, Czech Republic; and
| | - Francisco J. Ayala
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Julius Lukeš
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budeĕjovice, Czech Republic; and
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Long S, Jirků M, Mach J, Ginger ML, Sutak R, Richardson D, Tachezy J, Lukes J. Ancestral roles of eukaryotic frataxin: mitochondrial frataxin function and heterologous expression of hydrogenosomal Trichomonas homologues in trypanosomes. Mol Microbiol 2008; 69:94-109. [PMID: 18433447 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Frataxin is a small conserved mitochondrial protein; in humans, mutations affecting frataxin expression or function result in Friedreich's ataxia. Much of the current understanding of frataxin function comes from informative studies with yeast models, but considerable debates remain with regard to the primary functions of this ubiquitous protein. We exploit the tractable reverse genetics of Trypanosoma brucei in order to specifically consider the importance of frataxin in an early branching lineage. Using inducible RNAi, we show that frataxin is essential in T. brucei and that its loss results in reduced activity of the marker Fe-S cluster-containing enzyme aconitase in both the mitochondrion and cytosol. Activities of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase and fumarase also decreased, but the concentration of reactive oxygen species increased. Trypanosomes lacking frataxin also exhibited a low mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced oxygen consumption. Crucially, however, iron did not accumulate in frataxin-depleted mitochondria, and as T. brucei frataxin does not form large complexes, it suggests that it plays no role in iron storage. Interestingly, RNAi phenotypes were ameliorated by expression of frataxin homologues from hydrogenosomes of another divergent protist Trichomonas vaginalis. Collectively, the data suggest trypanosome frataxin functions primarily only in Fe-S cluster biogenesis and protection from reactive oxygen species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Long
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chocholová E, Jirků M, Lukes J. A diagnostic assay based on variable intergenic region distinguishes between Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2008; 55:75-78. [PMID: 18578169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a PCR assay that in a single reaction distinguishes between Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani strains on the basis of different size of the amplicon. The targeted intergenic region between putative biopterin transporter and nucleotide binding protein on chromosome 35 is highly variable, species-specific and can be amplified from clinical samples. Based on the assay, five tested Leishmania archibaldi and L. infantun strains from the Sudan and Ethiopia clearly belong to L. donovani, which is in accordance with a recent multifactorial analysis of these strains. The nucleotide sequence reported in this paper has been submitted to the GenBankTM with accession number EU068004.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Chocholová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branisovská 31,370 05 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chocholová E, Jirků M, Lukeš J. A diagnostic assay based on variable intergenic region distinguishes between Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2008. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2008.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
30
|
Jirků M, Fiala I, Modrý D. Tracing the genus Sphaerospora: rediscovery, redescription and phylogeny of the Sphaerospora ranae (Morelle, ) n. comb. (Myxosporea, Sphaerosporidae), with emendation of the genus Sphaerospora. Parasitology 2007; 134:1727-39. [PMID: 17651531 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182007003241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYUsing a combination of morphological, life-history and molecular data, we redescribe Sphaerospora ranae (Morelle, 1929) n. comb. (previously Leptotheca ranae) and emend its taxonomic status. Renal infection was recorded in 2 spp. of frogs (out of 5 amphibian spp. examined), Rana dalmatina (proposed type host) and Rana temporaria, suggesting restricted host specifity of S. ranae. We provide a description of sporogonic stages of S. ranae for the first time and suggest possible modes of its developmental cycle. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the small-subunit ribosomal DNA revealed a close relationship of S. ranae with piscine Sphaerospora elegans (type species of the genus) and Sphaerospora truttae, forming together with distantly related Leptotheca fugu a ‘Sphaerosporid clade’, the basal branch to all myxosporean species. The close relationship of the 3 Sphaerospora spp. is further supported by the presence of 2 areas with extensive nucleotide insertions in the V4 region of the SSU rDNA (absent in L. fugu), morphology and life-history features. We conclude, that the spore morphology of Sphaerospora s.l., is very simple and probably represents a ‘primitive’, basal morphotype retained in most myxosporean lineages. Based on presented data, we propose emendation of the genus Sphaerospora using morpological, life-history and molecular features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, AS CR, Branisovská 31, 370 05 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Herder S, Votýpka J, Jirků M, Rádrová J, Janzen CJ, Lukes J. Trypanosoma brucei 29-13 strain is inducible in but not permissive for the tsetse fly vector. Exp Parasitol 2007; 117:111-4. [PMID: 17603043 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Revised: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Using green fluorescent protein as a reporter, we have shown that the strain 29-13 of Trypanosoma brucei, widely used for inducible down-regulation of mRNA, is inducible in, but not permissive for the tsetse flies Glossina palpalis gambiensis and Glossina morsitans morsitans. Within two weeks post-infection, 42% males and females of teneral and non-teneral tsetse flies harboured intestinal infections, yet not a single infection progressed into the salivary glands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Herder
- UMR 177 IRD CIRAD, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lukeš J, Mauricio IL, Schönian G, Dujardin JC, Soteriadou K, Dedet JP, Kuhls K, Tintaya KWQ, Jirků M, Chocholová E, Haralambous C, Pratlong F, Oborník M, Horák A, Ayala FJ, Miles MA. Evolutionary and geographical history of the Leishmania donovani complex with a revision of current taxonomy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:9375-80. [PMID: 17517634 PMCID: PMC1890502 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0703678104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a geographically widespread severe disease, with an increasing incidence of two million cases per year and 350 million people from 88 countries at risk. The causative agents are species of Leishmania, a protozoan flagellate. Visceral leishmaniasis, the most severe form of the disease, lethal if untreated, is caused by species of the Leishmania donovani complex. These species are morphologically indistinguishable but have been identified by molecular methods, predominantly multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. We have conducted a multifactorial genetic analysis that includes DNA sequences of protein-coding genes as well as noncoding segments, microsatellites, restriction-fragment length polymorphisms, and randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs, for a total of approximately 18,000 characters for each of 25 geographically representative strains. Genotype is strongly correlated with geographical (continental) origin, but not with current taxonomy or clinical outcome. We propose a new taxonomy, in which Leishmania infantum and L. donovani are the only recognized species of the L. donovani complex, and we present an evolutionary hypothesis for the origin and dispersal of the species. The genus Leishmania may have originated in South America, but diversified after migration into Asia. L. donovani and L. infantum diverged approximately 1 Mya, with further divergence of infraspecific genetic groups between 0.4 and 0.8 Mya. The prevailing mode of reproduction is clonal, but there is evidence of genetic exchange between strains, particularly in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Lukeš
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
- Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Isabel L. Mauricio
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Schönian
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, B-2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ketty Soteriadou
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Jean-Pierre Dedet
- **Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université Montpellier 1, 34090 Montpellier, France; and
| | - Katrin Kuhls
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Milan Jirků
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
| | - Eva Chocholová
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
| | - Christos Haralambous
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Francine Pratlong
- **Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université Montpellier 1, 34090 Montpellier, France; and
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
- Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Horák
- *Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and
| | - Francisco J. Ayala
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Michael A. Miles
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zemanová E, Jirků M, Mauricio IL, Horák A, Miles MA, Lukes J. The Leishmania donovani complex: Genotypes of five metabolic enzymes (ICD, ME, MPI, G6PDH, and FH), new targets for multilocus sequence typing. Int J Parasitol 2007; 37:149-60. [PMID: 17027989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 07/24/2006] [Accepted: 08/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Flagellates of the Leishmania donovani complex are causative agents of human cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The complex is comprised of L. donovani, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania archibaldi, although the latter is not now considered to be a valid species. Morphological distinction of Leishmania species is impractical, so biochemical, immunological and DNA-based criteria were introduced. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) is the present gold standard. We have sequenced the genes encoding five metabolic enzymes used for MLEE, both to resolve the DNA diversity underlying isoenzyme mobility differences and to explore the potential of these targets for higher resolution PCR-based multilocus sequence typing. The genes sequenced were isocitrate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, mannose phosphate isomerase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and fumarate hydratase, for 17 strains of L. infantum, seven strains of L. donovani, and three strains of L. archibaldi. Protein mobilities predicted from amino acid sequences did not always accord precisely with reported MLEE profiles. A high number of heterozygous sites was detected. Heterozygosity was particularly frequent in some strains and indirectly supported the presence of genetic exchange in Leishmania. Phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated alignment based on a total of 263 kb protein-coding sequences showed strong correlation of genotype with geographical origin. Europe and Africa appear to represent independent evolutionary centres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zemanová
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budejovice, (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lukes J, Paris Z, Regmi S, Breitling R, Mureev S, Kushnir S, Pyatkov K, Jirků M, Alexandrov KA. Translational initiation in Leishmania tarentolae and Phytomonas serpens (Kinetoplastida) is strongly influenced by pre-ATG triplet and its 5' sequence context. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 148:125-32. [PMID: 16644031 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2005] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the influence of sequence context of translation initiation codon on translation efficiency in Kinetoplastida, we constructed a library of expression plasmids randomized in the three nucleotides prefacing ATG of a reporter gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). All 64 possible combinations of pre-ATG triplets were individually stably integrated into the rDNA locus of Leishmania tarentolae and the resulting cell lines were assessed for EGFP expression. The expression levels were quantified directly by measuring the fluorescence of EGFP protein in living cells and confirmed by Western blotting. We observed a strong influence of the pre-ATG triplet on the level of protein expression over a 20-fold range. To understand the degree of evolutionary conservation of the observed effect, we transformed Phytomonas serpens, a trypanosomatid parasite of plants, with a subset of the constructs. The pattern of translational efficiency mediated by individual pre-ATG triplets in this species was similar to that observed in L. tarentolae. However, the pattern of translational efficiency of two other proteins (red fluorescent protein and tetracycline repressor) containing selected pre-ATG triplets did not correlate with either EGFP or each other. Thus, we conclude that a conserved mechanism of translation initiation site selection exists in kinetoplastids that is strongly influenced not only by the pre-ATG sequences but also by the coding region of the gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Lukes
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jirků M, Modrý D. Extra-intestinal localization of Goussia sp. (Apicomplexa) oocysts in Rana dalmatina (Anura: Ranidae), and the fate of infection after metamorphosis. Dis Aquat Organ 2006; 70:237-41. [PMID: 16903235 DOI: 10.3354/dao070237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Although coccidia of the genus Goussia are common parasites of fish, only 2 species have been described in amphibians: G. hyperolisi from common reed frogs Hyperolius viridiflavus from Kenya and G. neglecta from unspecified European water frogs of the genus Rana from Germany. The genus Goussia is characterized by an oocyst, with a fine oocyst wall, containing 4 dizoic sporocysts that are composed of 2 valves joined by a longitudinal suture and lacking a Stieda body (typical for the genus Eimeria). To date, infections in amphibians were generally considered to be specific to the intestine of aquatic larval stages (tadpoles) of anurans. Herein, we report on: (1) the presence of oocysts of Goussia sp. in an extra-intestinal location (liver) of tadpoles of the agile frog R. dalmatina and (2) the presence of oocysts in the liver of both juvenile and subadult R. dalmatina. These observations represent novel traits for Goussia infections in amphibians; they may explain the vertical transmission of Goussia in tadpoles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Jirků
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého 1-3, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zíková A, Horáková E, Jirků M, Dunajcíková P, Lukes J. The effect of down-regulation of mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins MRP1 and MRP2 on respiratory complexes in procyclic Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 149:65-73. [PMID: 16730807 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2006] [Revised: 04/19/2006] [Accepted: 04/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
MRP1 and MRP2 are multifunctional mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins with a regulatory role in RNA editing and putative role(s) in RNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei. Silencing of MRP1 and/or MRP2 by RNA interference affected the assembly and functionality of respiratory complexes. The absence of several subunits of complexes I, III and IV resulted in their disintegration and subsequent decrease of specific activities and also caused a significant decrease of membrane potential. The overall respiration in the interfered cells decreased by only about 20%, since the trypanosome alternative oxidase effectively replaced the missing cytochromes and became the principal terminal oxidase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, Branisovská 31, 37005 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kopecná J, Jirků M, Oborník M, Tokarev YS, Lukes J, Modrý D. Phylogenetic analysis of coccidian parasites from invertebrates: search for missing links. Protist 2006; 157:173-83. [PMID: 16621694 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2006.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [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: 09/23/2005] [Accepted: 02/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites represent one of the most important groups of parasitic unicellular eukaryotes comprising such important human parasites such as Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. Apicomplexan radiation as well as their adaptation to the parasitic style of life took place before the era of vertebrates. Thus, invertebrates were the first hosts of apicomplexan parasites that switched to vertebrates later in evolution. Despite this fact, apicomplexan parasites of invertebrates, with the exception of gregarines, have so far been ignored in phylogenetic studies. To address this issue, we sequenced the nuclear SSU rRNA genes from the homoxenous apicomplexan parasites of insects Adelina grylli and Adelina dimidiata, and the heteroxenous Aggregata octopiana and Aggregata eberthii that are transmitted between cephalopods and crustaceans, and used them for phylogenetic reconstructions. The position of the adelinids as a sister group to Hepatozoon spp. within the suborder Adeleorina was stable regardless of the phylogenetic method used. In contrast, both members of the genus Aggregata possess highly divergent SSU rRNA genes with an unusual nucleotide composition. Because of this, they form the longest branches in the tree and their position is variable. However, the genus Aggregata branches together with adelinids and hepatozoons in most of the analyses, although their position within the scope of this cluster is unstable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kopecná
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Modrý D, Jirků M. Three new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) from the Marble-throated skink, Marmorosphax tricolor Bavay, 1869 (Reptilia: Scincidae), endemic to New Caledonia with a taxonomic revision of Eimeria spp. from scincid hosts. Parasitol Res 2006; 99:419-28. [PMID: 16596416 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-005-0106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2005] [Accepted: 12/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Three new species of coccidia are described from Marble-throated skink Marmorosphax tricolor from New Caledonia, namely, Isospora bocagei sp. n., Acroeimeria rouxi sp. n., and Choleoeimeria sadlieri sp.n. All species differ markedly from other eimerian coccidia described from scincid hosts. Isospora marmorosphaxi develops extra-nuclearly in small intestine. A. rouxi develops epicitoplasmatically in small intestine. C. sadlieri affects the gall bladder mucosa. Generic affiliation of Eimeria-like coccidia from reptiles is discussed and all taxa (with adequate information on endogenous development available) from scincid hosts are revised and placed into genera Acroeimeria and Choleoeimeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Modrý
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého 1-3, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Modrý D, Jirků M, Sumbera R. THREE NEW SPECIES OF EIMERIA (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) FROM THE SILVERY MOLE RAT HELIOPHOBIUS ARGENTEOCINEREUS PETERS, 1846 (RODENTIA: BATHYERGIDAE) FROM MALAWI. J Parasitol 2005; 91:1200-3. [PMID: 16419767 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3468.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Three species of Eimeria Schneider are described from feces of the African bathyergid rodent, Heliophobius argenteocinereus, from Malawi. Oocysts of Eimeria heliophobii n. sp. are broadly ellipsoidal; 27.9 (22-31) x 22.3 (18-24.5) microm with a brownish, heavily pitted oocyst wall, and vacuolar oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are oval, 12.8 (12-14) x 8.4 (8-9) microm with Stieda and substieda bodies. Eimeria nafuko n. sp. has subspherical oocysts; 15.5 (15-16) x 12.8 (12-13) microm with a smooth, colorless oocyst wall. Sporocysts are oval, 9.2 (9-10) x 5.3 (5-6) microm, with a small Stieda body; the substieda body is not visible. Oocysts of Eimeria yamikamiae n. sp. are broadly ellipsoidal to subspherical; 20.8 (19-22) x 17.5 (15.5-19) microm, with slightly yellowish, very faintly pitted oocyst wall. The majority of oocysts contained a single spherical vesicular oocyst residuum and numerous very small granules. Sporocysts are oval, 10.7 (10-11) x 6.8. (6-7) microm, with a dome -like Stieda body and a subspherical to lentil-like substieda body. Typically, infected rodents shed oocysts of more than 1 species of Eimeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Modrý
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zemanová E, Jirků M, Mauricio IL, Miles MA, Lukes J. Genetic polymorphism within the leishmania donovani complex: correlation with geographic origin. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004; 70:613-7. [PMID: 15211001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to detect intraspecific diversity for the Leishmania donovani complex. Fifty-two decameric to 21-meric primers of arbitrary sequence were applied to 15 strains that belong to nine zymodemes. Strains belonging to the species L. major and L. tropica were used as outgroups. A total of 902 amplicons generated by RAPD were scored. Most primers produced species-specific profiles, only 0.6% amplicons were shared by all species, while 4.3% amplicons were common for all 15 strains of the L. donovani complex. Well-supported trees have been constructed, which show a rather strong correlation between the genetic polymorphism of studied strains and their geographic origin. In all obtained trees, L. infantum was paraphyletic. The RAPD profiles suggest that MON-30 belongs to L. donovani. Moreover, the genetic distance between the L. archibaldi strain and other leishmanias does not warrant existence of a separate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zemanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Podlipaev S, Votýpka J, Jirků M, Svobodová M, Lukes J. HERPETOMONAS ZTIPLIKA N. SP. (KINETOPLASTIDA: TRYPANOSOMATIDAE): A PARASITE OF THE BLOOD-SUCKING BITING MIDGE CULICOIDES KIBUNENSIS TOKUNAGA, 1937 (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE). J Parasitol 2004; 90:342-7. [PMID: 15165057 DOI: 10.1645/ge-156r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe the first case of a natural infection of biting midges by a kinetoplastid protozoan. Flagellates from a female Culicoides kibunensis captured in a bird's nest were introduced into culture and characterized by light and electron microscopy. However, because the morphological data were inconclusive, the novel endosymbiont-free trypanosomatid was assigned into Herpetomonas primarily on the basis of the 18S and 5S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Podlipaev
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovská 31, Ceské Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, Branisovská 31, 37005 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Slapeta JR, Modrý D, Votýpka J, Jirků M, Lukes J, Koudela B. Evolutionary relationships among cyst-forming coccidia Sarcocystis spp. (Alveolata: Apicomplexa: Coccidea) in endemic African tree vipers and perspective for evolution of heteroxenous life cycle. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2003; 27:464-75. [PMID: 12742751 DOI: 10.1016/s1055-7903(03)00018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyst-forming coccidia of the genus Sarcocystis (Alveolata: Apicomplexa: Coccidea) parasitize vertebrates worldwide. Data from the small subunit rRNA genes (SSU) and the D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA genes were used to reconstruct phylogeny for all species in the Sarcocystidae for which sequences are currently available. We have focused on the evolutionary history of species that circulate between snakes as definitive hosts and rodents as intermediate hosts. Trees were reconstructed using maximum parsimony, minimum evolution, maximum likelihood and the bayesian phylogenetics. Our reconstructions support monophyly of Sarcocystidae but fail to robustly resolve the relationship within clades. Using a concatenated dataset of available rDNAs, the "isosporoid" coccidia Neospora, Toxoplasma, Besnoitia, Isospora and Hyaloklossia form a sister group to the monophyletic Sarcocystis. Moreover, we show that Sarcocystis from arboreal vipers of the genus Atheris, which are endemic to the mountain rain forests of the Equatorial Africa, are monophyletic, with sister species parasitizing the desert viper Pseudocerastes persicus from the Near East. We report the co-evolution of Sarcocystis spp. with their final snake hosts. The geological history of the African continent, mountain ranges, forests and general SSU rDNA rates were used to construct a linearized tree. Possible origin of the heteroxenous life cycle of Sarcocystis is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Slapeta
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jirků M, Modrý D, Slapeta JR, Koudela B, Lukes J. The phylogeny of Goussia and Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa; Eimeriorina) and the evolution of excystation structures in coccidia. Protist 2002; 153:379-90. [PMID: 12627867 DOI: 10.1078/14344610260450118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The phylogenetic relationships of Goussia janae and Choleoeimeria sp. were analyzed using the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA). This is a first attempt to study the molecular phylogeny of coccidian genera parasitizing strictly poikilotherm hosts. The biliary Eimeria-like coccidia of reptiles classified into the genus Choleoeimeria form a sister clade to the family Eimeriidae, which confirms the separate generic status of the genus Choleoeimeria. The position of Goussia is less robustly resolved, since it forms a trichotomy with the Eimeriidae and Sarcocystidae, or alternatively constitutes the earliest branch of the coccidian lineage. Morphological similarities, namely the extracytoplasmic location of the endogenous stages, and the presence of sutures in the sporocyst wall are discussed in the context of the traditional classification of eimeriids. In contrast to the morphology-based systematics, the monophyly of Goussia and Choleoeimeria is not supported by the SSU rDNA data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirků
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
We performed a phylogenetic analysis, based on the partial small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rRNA) sequences from 13 apicoplasts (including new sequences of Sarcocystis muris and Hyaloklossia lieberkuehni) and 16 other plastids, with cyanobacteria as an outgroup. The apicoplast sequences formed a highly supported monophyletic clade with two distinct clades, representing coccidia and haemosporidia, with coccidia divided into Eimeriidae and Sarcocystidae subclades. We confirmed the phylogenetic position of H. lieberkuehni within the Sarcocistidae, as a sister to the Toxoplasma/Neospora group. The coccidian plastid sequences appear to evolve slowly, while their homologues from haemosporidians are more rapidly evolving. We suggest that the higher evolutionary rate is reflected by the increase in the AT content and the possible reduction of the outer apicoplast membrane in some haemosporidians. Since the apicoplast SSU rRNA gene sequences, when compared with their nuclear homologues, offer a higher number of informative positions, they can be used for phylogenetic inference within the Apicomplexa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Modrý D, Slapeta JR, Jirků M, Oborník M, Lukes J, Koudela B. Phylogenetic position of a renal coccidium of the European green frogs, 'Isospora' lieberkuehni Labbé, 1894 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) and its taxonomic implications. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2001; 51:767-772. [PMID: 11411696 DOI: 10.1099/00207713-51-3-767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
'Isospora' lieberkuehni, an unusual isosporoid renal coccidium that parasitizes the European water frog was isolated from the edible frog, Rana kl. esculenta, in the Czech Republic. Sequencing of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene showed that it belongs to the family Sarcocystidae, being closely related to a clade comprising members of the subfamily Toxoplasmatinae. The position within Sarcocystidae correlates with the mode of excystation via collapsible plates as postulated by previous authors. Phylogenetic, morphological and biological differences between 'Isospora' lieberkuehni and the other Stiedabody-lacking members of the genus Isospora justify separation of this coccidium on a generic level. Hyaloklossia Labbé, 1896 is the oldest available synonym and is herein re-erected. The original definition of the genus Hyaloklossia is emended based on recent observations.
Collapse
|
47
|
Affiliation(s)
- P Stolba
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, and University of South Bohemia, Branisovská 31, 37005, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Although their ssrRNA gene sequences are closely related, the lizard sarcosporidia (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) Sarcocystis lacertae and Sarcocystis gallotiae posses heteroxenous and dihomoxenous life cycles, respectively. When aligned with available sarcosporidian ssrRNA genes, both species constitute a monophyletic clade that is only distantly related with sarcosporidia that have a viperid snake as their definitive host (Sarcocystis sp., Sarcocystis atheridis). To test the phyletic status of the dihomoxenous life style, Sarcocystis rodentifelis and Sarcocystis muris, two dihomoxenous parasites of mammals were included into this study. All studied species group together with former Frenkelia spp., Sarcocystis neurona and related marsupial and bird sarcosporidia in a monophyletic clade. However, the available dataset supports independent appearance of the dihomoxenous life cycle at least twice during the evolution of the Sarcocystidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Slapeta
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého 1-3, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dolezel D, Jirků M, Maslov DA, Lukes J. Phylogeny of the bodonid flagellates (Kinetoplastida) based on small-subunit rRNA gene sequences. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2000; 50 Pt 5:1943-1951. [PMID: 11034508 DOI: 10.1099/00207713-50-5-1943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylogeny of kinetoplastid flagellates was investigated by determining the sequences of the small-subunit (18S) rRNA from Bodo designis, Bodo saltans K, Bodo saltans P, Bodo sorokini, Bodo sp. (cf. uncinatus), Cruzella marina, Cryptobia helicis, Dimastigella mimosa and Parabodo nitrophilus and analysing these data together with several previously obtained sequences. The root of the kinetoplastid tree was tentatively determined to be attached to the branch of B. designis and/or Cruzella marina. Within this topology, the suborder Trypanosomatina appears as a late-emerging monophyletic group, while the suborder Bodonina is paraphyletic. Within the bodonid subtree, the branches of parasitic organisms were intermingled with free-living ones, implying multiple transitions to parasitism. The tree indicates that the genera Cryptobia and Bodo are artificial taxa. In addition, the separation of the fish cryptobias and Trypanoplasma borreli as different genera was not supported.
Collapse
|
50
|
Kodedová I, Dolezel D, Broucková M, Jirků M, Hypsa V, Lukes J, Scholz T. On the phylogenetic positions of the Caryophyllidea, Pseudophyllidea and Proteocephalidea (Eucestoda) inferred from 18S rRNA. Int J Parasitol 2000; 30:1109-13. [PMID: 10996329 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A phylogenetic analysis of tapeworms (Eucestoda) based on complete sequences of the 18S rRNA genes of 43 taxa (including new sequences of 12 species) was carried out, with the emphasis on the groups parasitising teleost fish and reptiles. Spathebothriidea and Trypanorhyncha (the latter group being paraphyletic) appeared as basal groups of the Eucestoda but their position was not stable. The tetrafossate orders (Litobothriidea, Lecanicephalidea, Tetraphyllidea, Proteocephalidea, Nippotaeniidea, Tetrabothriidea and Cyclophyllidea) were well separated from the remaining groups. Results supported polyphyly of the Pseudophyllidea formed by two distinct clades: one with diphyllobothriids (Diphyllobothrium, Schistocephalus, Spirometra and Duthiersia) and another including Abothrium, Probothriocephalus, Eubothrium and Bothriocephalus. The former pseudophyllidean clade formed a separate branch with the Caryophyllidea (Khawia and Hunterella) and Haplobothriidea (Haplobothrium), the latter taxon being closely related to either caryophyllideans or diphyllobothriids in different analyses. Proteocephalideans formed a monophyletic group in all analyses and constituted a clade within the Tetraphyllidea thus rendered paraphyletic. Within the Proteocephalidea, the Acanthotaeniinae (Acanthotaenia from reptiles in Africa) and Gangesiinae (Gangesia and Silurotaenia from silurid fish in the Palearctic Region) were separated from parasites of freshwater fish and mammals. The family Proteocephalidae was found to be paraphyletic due to the placement of a monticelliid species, Monticellia sp., in a clade within the former family. The genus Proteocephalus appeared as an artificial assemblage of unrelated taxa which is congruent with previous molecular analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Kodedová
- Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, and Faculty of Biology, University of South Bohemia, Branisovská 31, 370 05, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|