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Wang MY, Zhang S, Zhang ZS, Qian XY, Chai HL, Wang Y, Fan WJ, Yi C, Ding YL, Han WX, Zhao L, Liu YH. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Ningxia, northwestern China. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10364-6. [PMID: 38565798 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are common intestinal pathogens that infect humans and animals. To date, research regarding these three protozoa in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia) has mostly been limited to a single pathogen, and comprehensive data on mixed infections are unavailable. This study aimed to evaluate the zoonotic potential of these three protozoa. In this study, small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of Cryptosporidium; internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene of E. bieneusi; and SSU rRNA, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), and beta-giardin (bg) genes of G. duodenalis were examined. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and sequence analysis were performed on fecal samples collected from 320 dairy cattle at three intensive dairy farms in Ningxia in 2021 to determine the prevalence and genetic characteristics of these three protozoa. The findings revealed that 61.56% (197/320) of the samples were infected with at least one protozoan. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 19.38% (62/320), E. bieneusi was 41.56% (133/320), and G. duodenalis was 29.38% (94/320). This study identified four Cryptosporidium species (C. bovis, C. andersoni, C. ryanae, and C. parvum) and the presence of mixed infections with two or three Cryptosporidium species. C. bovis was the dominant species in this study, while the dominant C. parvum subtypes were IIdA15G1 and IIdA20G1. The genotypes of E. bieneusis were J, BEB4, and I alongside the novel genotypes NX1-NX8, all belonging to group 2, with genotype J being dominant. G. duodenalis assemblages were identified as assemblages E, A, and B, and a mixed infection involving assemblages A + E was identified, with assemblage E being the dominant one. Concurrently, 11 isolates formed 10 different assemblage E multilocus genotypes (MLGs) and 1 assemblage A MLG and assemblage E MLGs formed 5 subgroups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on mixed infection with two or three Cryptosporidium species in cattle in Ningxia and on the presence of the C. parvum subtype IIdA20G1 in this part of China. This study also discovered nine genotypes of E. bieneusis and novel features of G. duodenalis assemblages in Ningxia. This study indicates that dairy cattle in this region may play a significant role in the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhan-Sheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Qian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai-Liang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Jun Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chao Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yu-Lin Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Han
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Reproductive Biotechnology (Group) Co., Ltd., Hohhot, China
| | - Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
| | - Yong-Hong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
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Namazi F, Razavi SM. Herbal-based compounds: A review on treatments of cryptosporidiosis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 24:100521. [PMID: 38246099 PMCID: PMC10831817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100521] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, a monoxenous apicomplexan coccidia, is a prevalent diarrhetic and an opportunistic agent, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. As there are few chemotherapeutic compounds that have limited efficacy, we need to identify new compounds or specific parasite targets for designing more potent drugs to treat cryptosporidiosis. Herbal products with low toxicity, environmental compatibility, wide therapeutic potential, and abundant resources can be considered alternatives for treatment. The current review tried to summarize the studies on plants or herbal bioactive constituents with anti-cryptosporidial activities. Based on constituents, plants act via different mechanisms, and further investigations are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms by which they act on the developmental stages of the parasite or host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Namazi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mostafa Razavi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Rabbits as reservoirs: An updated perspective of the zoonotic risk from Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110151. [PMID: 38422710 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110151] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Rabbits are highly abundant in many countries and can serve as reservoirs of diseases for a diversity of pathogens including the enteric protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Both parasites shed environmentally robust environmental stages (oo/cysts) and have been responsible for numerous waterborne outbreaks of diseases. Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum are responsible for most infections in humans, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B, cause most human cases of giardiasis. Cryptosporidium cuniculus, the dominant species infecting rabbits, is the only spceies other than C. hominis and C. parvum to have caused a waterborne outbreak of gastritis, which occurred in the United Kingdom in 2008. This review examines the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in rabbits to better understand the public health risks of contamination of water sources with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oo/cysts from rabbits. Despite the abundance of C. cuniculus in rabbits, reports in humans are relatively rare, with the exception of the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and reports of C. cuniculus in humans from the United Kingdom have declined substantially since the 2008 outbreak. Subtyping of C. cuniculus has supported the potential for zoonotic transmission. Relatively few studies have been conducted on Giardia, but assemblage B dominates. However, improved typing methods are required to better understand the transmission dynamics of Giardia assemblages in rabbits. Similarly, it is not well understood if pet rabbits or contaminated water are the main source of C. cuniculus infections in humans. Well-planned studies using high-resolution typing tools are required to understand the transmission dynamics better and quantify the public health risk of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126066. [PMID: 38442435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Ewald S, Nasuhidehnavi A, Feng TY, Lesani M, McCall LI. The intersection of host in vivo metabolism and immune responses to infection with kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0016422. [PMID: 38299836 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00164-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYProtozoan parasite infection dramatically alters host metabolism, driven by immunological demand and parasite manipulation strategies. Immunometabolic checkpoints are often exploited by kinetoplastid and protozoan parasites to establish chronic infection, which can significantly impair host metabolic homeostasis. The recent growth of tools to analyze metabolism is expanding our understanding of these questions. Here, we review and contrast host metabolic alterations that occur in vivo during infection with Leishmania, trypanosomes, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, and Cryptosporidium. Although genetically divergent, there are commonalities among these pathogens in terms of metabolic needs, induction of the type I immune responses required for clearance, and the potential for sustained host metabolic dysbiosis. Comparing these pathogens provides an opportunity to explore how transmission strategy, nutritional demand, and host cell and tissue tropism drive similarities and unique aspects in host response and infection outcome and to design new strategies to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Azadeh Nasuhidehnavi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahbobeh Lesani
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Guo W, Xue X, Li R, Liang R, Wang Z, Qin J, Duan C, Chen T, Yan X. Epidemiological investigation of Cryptosporidium in children with diarrhea in middle Inner Mongolia, China. Acta Trop 2024:107177. [PMID: 38518835 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidia (Cryptosporidium) is a protozoan that is widely parasitic in the intestinal cells of humans and animals, and it is also an important zoonotic parasite. However, there is no epidemiological investigation on Cryptosporidium spp. infection in infants with diarrhea of Inner Mongolia, the largest livestock region in China. To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, 2435 fresh fecal samples were collected from children with diarrhea in Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium was carried out based on its 18S rRNA and gp60 gene sequences. The overall prevalence was 12.85% (313/2435), and in Hohhot (12.15%), it was lower than that in the surrounding city (14.87%) (P < 0.05). Moreover, Cryptosporidium was detected in different seasons and sexes. Concerning the age of children with diarrhea, the prevalence of those age groups between 0 and 1 was obviously lower than others, and there were significant differences in the prevalence at different ages (P < 0.001). Analysis of the 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed that all the positive samples were Cryptosporidium parvum, and there were 5 subtypes (IIdA23G3, IIdA24G3, IIdA24G4, IIdA25G3, and IIdA25G4). To the best of our knowledge, the above subtypes have not been reported. Our results provide a relevant basis for control and education on food safety and foodborne illness prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Guo
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xinyu Xue
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Ruifeng Li
- Department of pediatrics, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Ru Liang
- Department of pediatrics, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Jiashan Qin
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Chao Duan
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Tieyun Chen
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xinlei Yan
- Food Science and Engineering College of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
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Zhao W, Ren G, Mao J, Huang H, Lu G, Liang S. Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Cryptosporidium bat genotype XXI and bat genotype XXII in fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) inhabiting a tropical park in Hainan Province, China. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107186. [PMID: 38513912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Bats stand as one of the most diverse groups in the animal kingdom and are key players in the global transmission of emerging pathogens. However, their role in transmitting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and genetic diversity of the two pathogens in fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) in Hainan, China. Ten fresh fecal specimens of fruit bats were collected from Wanlvyuan Gardens, Haikou, China. The fecal samples were tested for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, respectively. Genetic heterogeneity across Cryptosporidium spp. isolates was assessed by sequencing 4 microsatellite/minisatellite loci (MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS16). The findings showed that out of the ten specimens analyzed, 2 (20 %) and seven (70.0 %) were tested positive for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of two novel Cryptosporidium genotypes with 94.4 to 98.6 % sequence similarity to C. andersoni, named as Cryptosporidium bat-genotype-XXI and bat-genotype-XXII. Three novel sequences of MS1, MS2 and MS16 loci identified here had 95.4 to 96.9 % similarity to the known sequences, which were deposited in the GenBank. Two genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including a novel genotype named HNB-I and a zoonotic genotype PigEbITS7. The discovery of these novel sequences provides meaningful data for epidemiological studies of the both pathogens. Meanwhile our results are also presented that the fruit bats infected with E. bieneusi, but not with Cryptosporidium, should be considered potential public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Guangxu Ren
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Jialiang Mao
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Huicong Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Shaohui Liang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
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Golomazou E, Mamedova S, Eslahi AV, Karanis P. Cryptosporidium and agriculture: A review. Sci Total Environ 2024; 916:170057. [PMID: 38242460 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a significant contributor to global foodborne and waterborne disease burden. It is a widespread cause of diarrheal diseases that affect humans and animals worldwide. Agricultural environments can become a source of contamination with Cryptosporidium species through faecal material derived from humans and animals. This review aims to report the main findings of scientific research on Cryptosporidium species related to various agricultural sectors, and highlights the risks of cryptosporidiosis in agricultural production, the contamination sources, the importance of animal production in transmission, and the role of farmed animals as hosts of the parasites. Agricultural contamination sources can cause water pollution in groundwater and different surface waters used for drinking, recreational purposes, and irrigation. The application of contaminated manure, faecal sludge management, and irrigation with inadequately treated water are the main concerns associated with foodborne and waterborne cryptosporidiosis related to agricultural activities. The review emphasizes the public health implications of agriculture concerning the transmission risk of Cryptosporidium parasites and the urgent need for a new concept in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the findings of this review provide valuable information for developing appropriate measures and monitoring strategies to minimize the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Golomazou
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment - Aquaculture Laboratory, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Fytokou str., 38446 Volos, Greece
| | - Simuzer Mamedova
- Institute of Zoology, Ministry of Science and Education Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan & Department of Life Sciences, Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, 50931 Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Anatomy Centre, 2408 Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Gattan HS, Wakid MH, Qahwaji RM, Altwaim S, Mahjoub HA, Alfaifi MS, Elshazly H, Al-Megrin WAI, Alshehri EA, Elshabrawy HA, El-kady AM. In silico and in vivo evaluation of the anti-cryptosporidial activity of eugenol. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374116. [PMID: 38515537 PMCID: PMC10954888 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic disease widely distributed worldwide. Although Cryptosporidium sp. causes asymptomatic infection in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in this category of patients. So, there is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives for cryptosporidiosis. Recently, the potential uses of Eugenol (EUG) have been considered a promising novel treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections. Consequently, it is suggested to investigate the effect of EUG as an option for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Materials and methods The in silico bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and determine the binding affinities and intermolecular interactions of EUG and Nitazoxanide (NTZ) toward several Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) lowa II target proteins. For animal study, five groups of immunosuppressed Swiss albino mice (10 mice each) were used. Group I was left uninfected (control), and four groups were infected with 1,000 oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three infected groups received NTZ, EUG, and EUG + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post-infection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed 30 dpi. The efficacy of the used formulas was assessed by counting the number of C. parvum oocysts excreted in stool of infected mice, histopathological examination of the ileum and liver tissues and determination of the expression of iNOS in the ileum of mice in different animal groups. Results treatment with EUG resulted in a significant reduction in the number of oocysts secreted in stool when compared to infected untreated mice. In addition, oocyst excretion was significantly reduced in mice received a combination therapy of EUG and NTZ when compared with those received NTZ alone. EUG succeeded in reverting the histopathological alterations induced by Cryptosporidium infection either alone or in combination with NTZ. Moreover, mice received EUG showed marked reduction of the expression of iNOS in ileal tissues. Conclusion Based on the results, the present study signified a basis for utilizing EUG as an affordable, safe, and alternative therapy combined with NTZ in the management of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed H. Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowaid M. Qahwaji
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Altwaim
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifaa A. Mahjoub
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Sciences and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael S. Alfaifi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hatem A. Elshabrawy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX, United States
| | - Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
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10
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Walsh JF, Scher DP, de Lambert JR, Anderson AC. Risk factors for Cryptosporidium contamination in Minnesota public supply wells. J Water Health 2024; 22:612-626. [PMID: 38557575 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.361] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In a recent monitoring study of Minnesota's public supply wells, Cryptosporidium was commonly detected with 40% of the wells having at least one detection. Risk factors for Cryptosporidium occurrence in drinking water supply wells, beyond surface water influence, remain poorly understood. To address this gap, physical and chemical factors were assessed as potential predictors of Cryptosporidium occurrence in 135 public supply wells in Minnesota. Univariable analysis, regression techniques, and classification trees were used to analyze the data. Many variables were identified as significant risk factors in univariable analysis and several remained significant throughout the succeeding analysis techniques. These factors fell into general categories of well use and construction, aquifer characteristics, and connectedness to the land surface, well capture zones, and land use therein, existence of potential contaminant sources within 200-feet of the well, and variability in the chemical and isotopic parameters measured during the study. These risk categories, and the specific variables and threshold values we have identified, can help guide future research on factors influencing Cryptosporidium contamination of wells and can be used by environmental health programs to develop risk-based sampling plans and design interventions that reduce associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Walsh
- Minnesota Department of Health (retired), Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975, USA
| | - Deanna P Scher
- Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975, USA E-mail:
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11
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality. Water Res 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rodents represent the single largest group within mammals and host a diverse array of zoonotic pathogens. Urbanisation impacts wild mammals, including rodents, leading to habitat loss but also providing new resources. Urban-adapted (synanthropic) rodents, such as the brown rat (R. norvegicus), black rat (R. rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus), have long successfully adapted to living close to humans and are known carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Two important enteric, zoonotic protozoan parasites, carried by rodents, include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Their environmental stages (oocysts/cysts), released in faeces, can contaminate surface and wastewaters, are resistant to common drinking water disinfectants and can cause water-borne related gastritis outbreaks. At least 48 species of Cryptosporidium have been described, with C. hominis and C. parvum responsible for the majority of human infections, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B are the main human-infectious assemblages. Molecular characterisation is crucial to assess the public health risk linked to rodent-related water contamination due to morphological overlap between species. This review explores the global molecular diversity of these parasites in rodents, with a focus on evaluating the zoonotic risk from contamination of water and wasterwater with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts from synanthropic rodents. Analysis indicates that while zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are prevalent in farmed and pet rodents, host-specific Cryptosporidium and Giardia species dominate in urban adapted rodents, and therefore the risks posed by these rodents in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively low. Many knowledge gaps remain however, and therefore understanding the intricate dynamics of these parasites in rodent populations is essential for managing their impact on human health and water quality. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce disease transmission and ensure safe drinking water in urban and peri‑urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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12
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Vejano MRA, dela Peña LBRO, Rivera WL. Source tracking of fecal contamination in Asian green mussels ( Perna viridis) harvested in Manila Bay, Philippines by molecular detection and genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:5-13. [PMID: 38440756 PMCID: PMC10908986 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01634-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Manila Bay, a multipurpose body of water located around Metro Manila, Philippines, is progressively deteriorating because of massive pollution. Reports have shown that the bay and its aquatic resources (i.e., seafood) are contaminated with fecal matter and enteric pathogens, posing a threat to public health and industry. This problem raises the need for a microbial source tracking methodology as a part of the rehabilitation efforts in the bay. Bivalve mollusks cultivated in water can serve as sentinel species to detect fecal pollution and can complement water monitoring. With the use of polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequence analysis, this study detected Cryptosporidium spp. in Asian green mussels (Perna viridis) cultivated and harvested in Manila Bay and sold in Bulungan Seafood Market, Parañaque, Philippines, from 2019 to 2021 with an overall occurrence of 8.77% (n = 57). The analysis of the 18S rDNA segment revealed three genotypes from Cryptosporidium-positive samples, namely, Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype IV (60%), C. galli (20%), and C. meleagridis (20%). These findings suggest fecal pollution in bivalve cultivation sites coming from sewage, nonpoint, and agricultural sources. The presence of C. meleagridis, the third most common cause of human cryptosporidiosis, in mussels poses a threat to human health. Thus, there is a need to establish routine detection and source tracking of Cryptosporidium spp. in Manila Bay and to educate seafood consumers on food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Raymond A. Vejano
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Laurice Beatrice Raphaelle O. dela Peña
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
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Shcherbakov OV, Aghayan SA, Gevorgyan HS, Abgaryan TA, Gevorgyan RH, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Robertson LJ. Preliminary investigations of parasite contamination of water sources in Armenia. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 34:e00221. [PMID: 38318240 PMCID: PMC10840316 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2024.e00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are known to have a global distribution, infecting and causing disease in a range of hosts, including people, livestock, pets, and wildlife. However, data from some regions is very sparse. In Armenia, in the Caucasus region of West Asia, only scanty data are available, with just a few surveys on Cryptosporidium infections in livestock, and no available data on human infections or environmental contamination. As part of implementation of water analysis methods for these parasites in Armenia, 24 raw water samples and two sediment samples were analysed for these parasites using a range of approaches, including modified Ziehl-Neelsen, Lugol stain, immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), qPCR and, on sediment samples, immunomagnetic separation and IFAT. Results suggest substantial contamination of raw water sources and indicate the need for further targeted studies using appropriate methods and collecting data on host infections in catchment areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V. Shcherbakov
- Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA. 7 P. Sevak str., 0014 Yerevan, Armenia
- Armenian National Agrarian University, 74 Teryan str., 0009 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Sargis A. Aghayan
- Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA. 7 P. Sevak str., 0014 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hasmik Sh. Gevorgyan
- Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA. 7 P. Sevak str., 0014 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Tigran A. Abgaryan
- Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA. 7 P. Sevak str., 0014 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Ruzanna H. Gevorgyan
- Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA. 7 P. Sevak str., 0014 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez
- Parasitology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Parasitology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
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Shalaby NE, Shoheib ZS, Yassin NA, El-Kaliny HH, Hasby Saad MA. Pyroptosis Tuning in Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis via the Natural Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Romidepsin. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13032. [PMID: 38497997 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an opportunistic protozoan, with many species of cross-human infectivity. It causes life-threatening diarrhoea in children and CD4-defective patients. Despite its limited efficacy, nitazoxanide remains the primary anti-cryptosporidial drug. Cryptosporidium infects the intestinal brush border (intracellular-extracytoplasmic) and down-regulates pyroptosis to prevent expulsion. Romidepsin is a natural histone deacetylase inhibitor that triggers pyroptosis. Romidepsin's effect on cryptosporidiosis was assessed in immunocompromised mice via gasdermin-D (GSDM-D) immunohistochemical expression, IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-18 blood levels by ELISA, and via parasite scanning by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Oocyst deformity and local cytokines were also assessed in ex vivo ileal explants. Following intraperitoneal injection of romidepsin, oocyst shedding significantly reduced at the 9th, 12th and 15th d.p.i. compared with infected-control and drug-control (nitazoxanide-treated) mice. H&E staining of intestinal sections from romidepsin-treated mice showed significantly low intestinal scoring with marked reduction in epithelial hyperplasia, villous blunting and cellular infiltrate. SEM revealed marked oocyst blebbing and paucity (in vivo and ex vivo) after romidepsin compared with nitazoxanide. Regarding pyroptosis, romidepsin triggered significantly higher intestinal GSDM-D expression in vivo, and higher serum/culture IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-18 levels in romidepsin-treated mice than in the control groups. Collectively, in cryptosporidiosis, romidepsin succeeded in enhancing pyroptosis in the oocysts and infected epithelium, reducing infection and shifting the brush border towards normalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha E Shalaby
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Zeinab S Shoheib
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Nabila A Yassin
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Heba H El-Kaliny
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Anatomy and Histology Department, Mutah University, Mutah, Jordan
| | - Marwa A Hasby Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. The risk of wild birds contaminating source water with zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia is probably overestimated. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169032. [PMID: 38123098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important waterborne protozoan parasites that are resistant to disinfectants commonly used for drinking water. Wild birds, especially wild migratory birds, are often implicated in the contamination of source and wastewater with zoonotic diseases, due to their abundance near water and in urban areas and their ability to spread enteric pathogens over long distances. This review summarises the diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, with a focus on zoonotic species, particularly in wild and migratory birds, which is critical for understanding zoonotic risks. The analysis revealed that both avian-adapted and zoonotic Cryptosporidium species have been identified in birds but that avian-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in wild migratory birds. Few studies have examined Giardia species and assemblages in birds, but the non-zoonotic Giardia psittaci and Giardia ardeae are the most commonly reported species. The identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, particularly C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in wild migratory birds, is likely due to mechanical carriage or spillback from birds co-grazing pastures contaminated with C. parvum from livestock. Therefore, the role of wild migratory birds in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia to source water is likely overestimated. To address knowledge gaps, it is important to conduct more extensive studies on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in a broader range of migratory wild birds. There is also a need to investigate the extent to which zoonotic infections with C. hominis/C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B are mechanical and/or transient, and to assess the load and viability of zoonotic oo/cysts shed in avian faeces. Understanding the contribution of birds to zoonoses is essential for effective disease surveillance, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Wang D, Jiang P, Wu X, Zhang Y, Wang C, Li M, Liu M, Yin J, Zhu G. Requirement of microtubules for secretion of a micronemal protein CpTSP4 in the invasive stage of the apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum. mBio 2024; 15:e0315823. [PMID: 38265238 PMCID: PMC10865969 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03158-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum is a global contributor to infantile diarrheal diseases and opportunistic infections in immunocompromised or weakened individuals. Like other apicomplexans, it possesses several specialized secretory organelles, including micronemes, rhoptry, and dense granules. However, the understanding of cryptosporidial micronemal composition and secretory pathway remains limited. Here, we report a new micronemal protein in C. parvum, namely, thrombospondin (TSP)-repeat domain-containing protein-4 (CpTSP4), providing insights into these ambiguities. Immunostaining and enzyme-linked assays show that CpTSP4 is prestored in the micronemes of unexcysted sporozoites but secreted during sporozoite excystation, gliding, and invasion. In excysted sporozoites, CpTSP4 is also distributed on the two central microtubules unique to Cryptosporidium. The secretion and microtubular distribution could be completely blocked by the selective kinesin-5 inhibitors SB-743921 and SB-715992, resulting in the accumulation of CpTSP4 in micronemes. These support the kinesin-dependent microtubular trafficking of CpTSP4 for secretion. We also localize γ-tubulin, consistent with kinesin-dependent anterograde trafficking. Additionally, recombinant CpTSP4 displays nanomolar binding affinity to the host cell surface, for which heparin acts as one of the host ligands. A novel heparin-binding motif is identified and validated biochemically for its contribution to the adhesive property of CpTSP4 by peptide competition assays and site-directed mutagenesis. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of intracellular trafficking and secretion of a cryptosporidial micronemal protein and the interaction of a TSP-family protein with host cells.IMPORTANCECryptosporidium parvum is a globally distributed apicomplexan parasite infecting humans and/or animals. Like other apicomplexans, it possesses specialized secretory organelles in the zoites, in which micronemes discharge molecules to facilitate the movement and invasion of zoites. Although past and recent studies have identified several proteins in cryptosporidial micronemes, our understanding of the composition, secretory pathways, and domain-ligand interactions of micronemal proteins remains limited. This study identifies a new micronemal protein, namely, CpTSP4, that is discharged during excystation, gliding, and invasion of C. parvum sporozoites. The CpTSP4 secretion depends on the intracellular trafficking on the two Cryptosporidium-unique microtubes that could be blocked by kinesin-5/Eg5 inhibitors. Additionally, a novel heparin-binding motif is identified and biochemically validated, which contributes to the nanomolar binding affinity of CpTSP4 to host cells. These findings indicate that kinesin-dependent microtubular trafficking is critical to CpTSP4 secretion, and heparin/heparan sulfate is one of the ligands for this micronemal protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mingxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jigang Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Hough I, O'Handley R, Speight N. Cryptosporidium-associated enteritis in captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Aust Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38342576 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. sporadically infect a range of Australian native mammals including koalas, red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, bilbies and brush tailed possums and can range from asymptomatic to fatal infections. Traditionally considered a disease of the young or immuno-compromised, and resulting in profuse diarrhoea in other species, here we report an atypical clinical syndrome associated with Cryptosporidium in a captive population of koalas. All affected animals were in-contact adults, and demonstrated anorexia, dehydration and abdominal pain in the absence of diarrhoea. Following euthanasia on welfare grounds, Cryptosporidium infection was confirmed postmortem in three of four symptomatic animals via faecal floatation and/or intestinal histopathology, with enteritis also diagnosed in the fourth koala. Further screening of the captive colony found the outbreak had been contained. Based on sequencing the cause of the infection was C. fayeri, but the source was undetermined. In conclusion, Cryptosporidium should be considered as a possible cause of generalised illness in koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Hough
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - R O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - N Speight
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
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Rotovnik R, Lathrop TS, Skov J, Jokelainen P, Kapel CMO, Stensvold CR. Detection of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. in small wild rodents using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 24:e00332. [PMID: 38188480 PMCID: PMC10767489 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00332] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium; however, data from molecular surveys in support of this hypothesis are still scarce. In this study, we screened faeces and rectal content from murid and cricetid rodents (N = 58) caught around three farms in Zealand, Denmark, for Cryptosporidium spp. by amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) of ribosomal genes. Selected samples were further examined using nested conventional PCR targeting SSU rRNA, gp60, and actin genes. Cryptosporidium-specific DNA was identified in 40/58 (69%) samples, and in 12 (30%) of the 40 positive animals, mixed cryptosporidial infections were observed. Cryptosporidium ditrichi was the species most commonly identified, found in 28 (48%) of the animals. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 4 (7%) of the animals, all of which were co-infected with C. ditrichi. The present study is the first to utilize NGS-based screening for Cryptosporidium species in wild rodents. Moreover, it is the first study to provide molecular data on Cryptosporidium in rodents sampled in Denmark and to detect DNA of C. ditrichi in Mus musculus, Myodes glareolus, and Microtus agrestis. The NGS approach was successfully applied to yield new knowledge, and the results showed that zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium are common in murid and cricetid rodents in Zealand, Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalina Rotovnik
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Tatiana Siegler Lathrop
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department for Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK–1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jakob Skov
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, DK–2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department for Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK–1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Keomoungkhoun B, Arjentinia IPGY, Sangmaneedet S, Taweenan W. Molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in dairy cattle in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Vet World 2024; 17:371-378. [PMID: 38595654 PMCID: PMC11000470 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.371-378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Cryptosporidium spp. are important parasites in the small intestines of humans and animals, particularly cattle. The aim of this study was to estimate the molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in dairy cattle in five districts of Khon Kaen province, Thailand, and to identify Cryptosporidium spp. Materials and Methods From July 2020 to October 2021, 296 fecal samples were collected from three groups of dairy cattle: Calves aged <3 months, calves aged 3 months-1 year, and calves aged >1 year. Cryptosporidium spp. were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying the 18s RNA gene. Both genus-specific and species-specific primers were used to identify Cryptosporidium confirmed by DNA sequencing. Age, house floor type, and water trough type were evaluated as risk factors. We analyzed all associated risk factor information using the logistic regression test in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results PCR results showed that 40 (13.51%) out of 296 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., including Cryptosporidium bovis (57.50%) and Cryptosporidium ryanae (2.50%). There was a significant association between Cryptosporidium incidence, cattle age, and house floor type (p < 0.05). National Center for Biotechnology Information Basic Local Alignment Search Tool displayed 99.48%-100% nucleotide similarity of each Cryptosporidium spp. isolate with references recorded on GenBank. Conclusion C. bovis and C. ryanae are commonly found in dairy cattle, especially calves, in Khon Kaen, Thailand, and the incidence was associated with age and house floor type. A molecular technique may be influential for species identification. The results of the present study would provide useful information for veterinarians and animal owners to understand better Cryptosporidium spp. and how to manage farms properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bamphen Keomoungkhoun
- Division of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Somboon Sangmaneedet
- Division of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Weerapol Taweenan
- Division of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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20
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Bujila I, Troell K, Ögren J, Hansen A, Killander G, Agudelo L, Lebbad M, Beser J. Cryptosporidium species and subtypes identified in human domestic cases through the national microbiological surveillance programme in Sweden from 2018 to 2022. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38291399 PMCID: PMC10826111 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. A national microbiological surveillance programme was implemented in Sweden in 2018 in order to increase knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis to better understand transmission patterns and potential zoonotic sources. This article summarises the results of the first five years of the surveillance programme. METHODS Cryptosporidium-positive faecal and DNA samples from domestically acquired infections were collected from clinical microbiological laboratories in Sweden. Species and subtype determination was performed using 60 kDa glycoprotein and/or small subunit ribosomal RNA gene analysis. RESULTS Between 2018 and 2022, 1654 samples were analysed and 11 different species were identified: C. parvum (n = 1412), C. mortiferum (n = 59), C. hominis (n = 56), C. erinacei (n = 11), C. cuniculus (n = 5), C. meleagridis (n = 3), C. equi (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), and one each of C. canis, C. ditrichi and C. felis. Subtyping revealed seven subtype families of C. parvum (new subtype families IIy and IIz) and 69 different subtypes (11 new subtypes). The most common C. parvum subtypes were IIdA22G1c, IIdA24G1, IIdA15G2R1 and IIaA16G1R1b. For C. hominis, four different subtype families and nine different subtypes (two new subtypes) were identified. For additional species, two new subtype families (IIIk and VId) and nine new subtypes were identified. All successfully subtyped C. mortiferum cases were subtype XIVaA20G2T1, confirming previous findings in Sweden. Several outbreaks were identified of which the majority were foodborne and a few were due to direct contact with infected animals. CONCLUSION Infection with C. parvum is the leading cause of human cryptosporidiosis acquired in Sweden, where more than 90% of domestic cases are caused by this zoonotic species and only a small proportion of cases are due to infection with other species. The rodent-associated C. mortiferum is considered an emerging zoonotic species in Sweden and the number of domestically acquired human cases has surpassed that of infection with C. hominis. A high diversity of species and subtypes, as well as diversity within the same subtype, was detected. Also, cryptosporidiosis appears to affect adults to a great extent in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Bujila
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Karin Troell
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Jessica Ögren
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anette Hansen
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection, Unit of Zoonoses and Antibiotic Resistance, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gustav Killander
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lady Agudelo
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marianne Lebbad
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jessica Beser
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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21
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Barbosa AD, Egan S, Feng Y, Xiao L, Balogun S, Ryan U. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia in marsupials-an update. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:107. [PMID: 38253768 PMCID: PMC10803519 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08129-w] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Marsupials, inhabiting diverse ecosystems, including urban and peri-urban regions in Australasia and the Americas, intersect with human activities, leading to zoonotic spill-over and anthroponotic spill-back of pathogens, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia. This review assesses the current knowledge on the diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in marsupials, focusing on the potential zoonotic risks. Cryptosporidium fayeri and C. macropodum are the dominant species in marsupials, while in possums, the host-specific possum genotype dominates. Of these three species/genotypes, only C. fayeri has been identified in two humans and the zoonotic risk is considered low. Generally, oocyst shedding in marsupials is low, further supporting a low transmission risk. However, there is some evidence of spill-back of C. hominis into kangaroo populations, which requires continued monitoring. Although C. hominis does not appear to be established in small marsupials like possums, comprehensive screening and analysis are essential for a better understanding of the prevalence and potential establishment of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in small marsupials. Both host-specific and zoonotic Giardia species have been identified in marsupials. The dominance of zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in marsupials may result from spill-back from livestock and humans and it is not yet understood if these are transient or established infections. Future studies using multilocus typing tools and whole-genome sequencing are required for a better understanding of the zoonotic risk from Giardia infections in marsupials. Moreover, much more extensive screening of a wider range of marsupial species, particularly in peri-urban areas, is required to provide a clearer understanding of the zoonotic risk of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF, 70040-020, Brazil.
| | - Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Samson Balogun
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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22
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Weitzel T, Brown A, Libman M, Perret C, Huits R, Chen L, Leung D, Leder K, Connor BA, Menéndez MD, Asgeirsson H, Schwartz E, Salvador F, Malvy D, Saio M, Norman FF, Amatya B, Duvingnaud A, Vaughan S, Glynn M, Angelo KM. Intestinal protozoa in returning travellers: a GeoSentinel analysis from 2007 to 2019. J Travel Med 2024:taae010. [PMID: 38245913 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged diarrhoea is common among returning travellers and is often caused by intestinal protozoa. However, the epidemiology of travel-associated illness caused by protozoal pathogens is not well described. METHODS We analysed records of returning international travellers with illness caused by Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, or Cystoisospora belli, reported to the GeoSentinel Network during January 2007-December 2019. We excluded records of travellers migrating, with an unascertainable exposure country, or from GeoSentinel sites that were not located in high-income countries. RESULTS There were 2517 cases, 82.3% giardiasis (n = 2072), 11.4% cryptosporidiosis (n = 287), 6.0% cyclosporiasis (n = 150), and 0.3% cystoisosporiasis (n = 8). Overall, most travellers were tourists (64.4%) on long trips (median durations: 18-30 days). Cryptosporidiosis more frequently affected people < 18 years (13.9%) and cyclosporiasis affected people ≥40 years (59.4%). Giardiasis was most frequently acquired in South-Central Asia (45.8%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (22.6%), cryptosporidiosis in Sub-Saharan Africa (24.7%) and South-Central Asia (19.5%), and cyclosporiasis in South East Asia (31.3%) and Central America (27.3%). and cystoisosporiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa (62.5%). Cyclosporiasis cases were reported from countries of uncertain endemicity (e.g. Cambodia) or in countries with no previous evidence of this parasite (e.g. French Guiana). The time from symptom onset to presentation at a GeoSentinel site was the longest among travellers with giardiasis (median: 30 days). Over 14% of travellers with cryptosporidiosis were hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS This analysis provides new insights into the epidemiology and clinical significance of 4 intestinal protozoa that can cause morbidity in international travellers. These data might help optimize pretravel advice and post-travel management of patients with travel-associated prolonged gastrointestinal illnesses. This analysis reinforces the importance of international travel-related surveillance to identify sentinel cases and areas where protozoal infections might be undetected or underreported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Weitzel
- Travel Medicine Program, Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ashley Brown
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael Libman
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cecilia Perret
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Ralph Huits
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Lin Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel Leung
- International Travel Clinic, University of Utah Hospital and Clinics, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Karin Leder
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bradley A Connor
- New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, New York, United States of America
| | - Marta Diaz Menéndez
- Tropical Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz Carlos III, CIBERINFECT, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hilmir Asgeirsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Center of Geographical Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
- Ramat Gan & Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Denis Malvy
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Francesca F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, CIBERINFEC, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bhawana Amatya
- CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Alexandre Duvingnaud
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stephen Vaughan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, South Health Campus, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marielle Glynn
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristina M Angelo
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Bitilinyu-Bangoh JEV, Riesebosch S, Rebel M, Chiwaya P, Verschoor SP, Voskuijl WP, Schallig HDFH. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in under-five children with diarrhoea in Blantyre, Malawi. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:68. [PMID: 38195415 PMCID: PMC10777657 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08979-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrhoeal diseases are common among children in low- and middle-income countries and are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are considered to be the main parasitic causes of diarrhoea in children. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection in children under five years of age presenting at two health centres (Ndirande and Limbe) in Blantyre, Malawi. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed from February to July 2019 and included 972 children under 5 years of age with diarrhoea. Stool samples were immediately tested after collection at enrolment with a rapid diagnostic test for Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of these protozoan parasitic infections, and differences in the basic demographic and anthroponotic variables (between children with diarrhoea and parasite infection, being either Cryptosporidium and Giardia or both versus children with diarrhoea but no RDT confirmed parasite infection) were assessed. Their association with Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection was analysed using simple logistic regressions. RESULTS Of the children recruited, 88 (9.1%) tested positive for Cryptosporidium and 184 (18.9%) for Giardia. Children with only a Giardia infection or a coinfection (of both parasites) were significantly older (mean age 24-26 months) compared to children with only a Cryptosporidium infection (mean age 13 months) or no parasitic infection (mean age 14 months). No significant differences were found with respect to gender, body temperature, stunting or wasting between the different groups of children with moderate to severe diarrhoea. Children attending the Ndirande health centre had almost two times higher odds of testing positive for both infections than those attending Limbe health centre. CONCLUSION Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections are highly prevalent in children < 5 years with moderate to severe diarrhoea attending the Limbe and Ndirande health centres in Blantyre, Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph E V Bitilinyu-Bangoh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University for Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Samra Riesebosch
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marije Rebel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Chiwaya
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University for Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Sjoerd P Verschoor
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Institute for Global Child Health, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Training Institute Global Health and Tropical Medicine (OIGT), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wieger P Voskuijl
- Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Institute for Global Child Health, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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24
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Ulusan Bagci O, Goksel O, Gumusburun R, Mert U, Bogatekin G, Toz S, Caner A. Molecular prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii and Cryptosporidium in patients with asthma. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116124. [PMID: 37913698 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. In addition to allergens, microorganisms can affect the clinical course of asthma. It has been shown that some fungi play an important role in the progression of asthma. However, the effects of Pneumocystis jirovecii and Cryptosporidium spp., on the disease are little known. We investigated P. jirovecii and Cryptosporidium spp. in the sputum and stool sample of patients with asthma (n = 40) by microscopy and PCR compared to the healthy group (n = 40). P. jirovecii (12.5 %), and Cryptosporidium spp. (12.5 %) were detected in the sputum samples of only asthmatic patients (p = 0.029 and 0.029 respectively). However, Crpytosporidium spp. was detected equally in stool samples of both groups (p = 0.682). Our results indicate that P. jirovecii and Cryptosporidium spp. should be considered in patients with asthma and molecular screening of these neglected eukaryotes in respiratory tract samples may be beneficial in the clinical management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ulusan Bagci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Goksel
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Asthma, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey; Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Group (EGESAM), Izmir, Turkey
| | - Reyhan Gumusburun
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Asthma, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ufuk Mert
- Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Group (EGESAM), Izmir, Turkey; Ataturk Health Care Vocational School, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulhan Bogatekin
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Asthma, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Seray Toz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Caner
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Basic Oncology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey; Ege University Translational Pulmonary Research Group (EGESAM), Izmir, Turkey.
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25
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Toriro R, Pallett S, Woolley S, Bennett C, Hale I, Heylings J, Wilkins D, Connelly T, Muia K, Avery P, Stuart A, Morgan L, Davies M, Nevin W, Quantick O, Robinson G, Elwin K, Chalmers R, Burns D, Beeching N, Fletcher T, O’Shea M. Outbreak of Diarrhea Caused by a Novel Cryptosporidium hominis Subtype During British Military Training in Kenya. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae001. [PMID: 38250201 PMCID: PMC10798851 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We report clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory features of a large diarrhea outbreak caused by a novel Cryptosporidium hominis subtype during British military training in Kenya between February and April 2022. Methods Data were collated from diarrhea cases, and fecal samples were analyzed on site using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) BioFire FilmArray. Water was tested using Colilert kits (IDEXX, UK). DNA was extracted from feces for molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium A135, Lib13, ssu rRNA, and gp60 genes. Results One hundred seventy-two of 1200 (14.3%) personnel at risk developed diarrhea over 69 days. One hundred six primary fecal samples were tested, and 63/106 (59.4%; 95% CI, 0.49%-0.69%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Thirty-eight had Cryptosporidium spp. alone, and 25 had Cryptosporidium spp. with ≥1 other pathogen. A further 27/106 (25.5%; 95% CI, 0.18%-0.35%) had non-Cryptosporidium pathogens only, and 16/106 (15.1%; 95% CI, 0.09%-0.23%) were negative. C. hominis was detected in 58/63 (92.1%) Cryptosporidium spp.-positive primary samples, but the others were not genotypable. Twenty-seven C. hominis specimens were subtypable; 1 was gp60 subtype IeA11G3T3, and 26 were an unusual subtype, ImA13G1 (GenBank accession OP699729), supporting epidemiological evidence suggesting a point source outbreak from contaminated swimming water. Diarrhea persisted for a mean (SD) of 7.6 (4.6) days in Cryptosporidium spp. cases compared with 2.3 (0.9) days in non-Cryptosporidium cases (P = .001). Conclusions Real-time multiplex PCR fecal testing was vital in managing this large cryptosporidiosis outbreak. The etiology of a rare C. hominis gp60 subtype emphasizes the need for more genotypic surveillance to identify widening host and geographic ranges of novel C. hominis subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romeo Toriro
- Army Medical Services, Robertson House, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Camberley, Surrey, UK
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Scott Pallett
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephen Woolley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Charlie Bennett
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Isra Hale
- 3 Medical Regiment, Fulwood Barracks, Preston, Lancashire, UK
| | - Jennifer Heylings
- 28 (C-CBRN) Engineer Regiment, Rock Barracks, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK
| | - Daniel Wilkins
- 2nd Battalion the Rifles, Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn, UK
| | - Thomas Connelly
- 29 Public Health Division Medical Group, HQ 3 (UK) Division, Bulford, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Kennedy Muia
- British Army Training Unit (Kenya), Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Patrick Avery
- Defence Primary Healthcare, Medical Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Andrew Stuart
- Defence Primary Healthcare, Medical Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Laura Morgan
- HQ 1st (UK) Division, Imphal Barracks, York, Yorkshire, UK
| | - Mark Davies
- British Army Training Unit (Kenya), Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - William Nevin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | | | - Guy Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital, Sketty, Swansea, Wales, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Kristin Elwin
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital, Sketty, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Rachel Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital, Sketty, Swansea, Wales, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Daniel Burns
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicholas Beeching
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Thomas Fletcher
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Matthew O’Shea
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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26
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Alsaady IM. Cryptosporidium and irritable bowel syndrome. Trop Parasitol 2024; 14:8-15. [PMID: 38444793 PMCID: PMC10911187 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_10_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan parasite that causes gastrointestinal disease in a wide variety of hosts and is associated with waterborne outbreaks. Nonetheless, the parasite is underdiagnosed. Cryptosporidium has been proposed as an etiological cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in several studies. However, the exact mechanism of pathogenesis is unknown, and no direct link has been discovered. This review will discuss several parasite-induced modifications, such as immunological, microbiome, and metabolite modifications, as well as their interactions. To summarize, Cryptosporidium causes low inflammation, dysbiosis, and unbalanced metabolism, which leads to a lack of homeostasis in the intestine in a comparable pattern to postinfectious IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isra Mohammad Alsaady
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahad Medical Research Centre, Special Infectious Agents Unit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Kim M, Rueda L, Packham A, Moore J, Wuertz S, Shapiro K. Molecular detection and viability discrimination of zoonotic protozoan pathogens in oysters and seawater. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 407:110391. [PMID: 37742524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110391] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The presence of foodborne protozoan pathogens including Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cyclospora cayetanensis in commercial shellfish has been reported across diverse geographical regions. In the present study, a novel multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was validated to simultaneously detect and discriminate these four targeted parasites in oyster tissues including whole tissue homogenate, digestive gland, gills, and hemolymph, as well as seawater where shellfish grow. To differentiate viable and non-viable protozoan (oo)cysts, we further evaluated reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays through systematic laboratory spiking experiments by spiking not only dilutions of viable parasites but also mixtures of viable and non-viable parasites in the oyster tissues and seawater. Results demonstrate that multiplex PCR can detect as few as 5-10 (oo)cysts in at least one oyster matrix, as well as in 10 L of seawater. All parasites were detected at the lowest spiking dilution (5 (oo)cysts per extract) in hemolymph, however the probability of detection varied across the difference matrices tested for each parasite. RT-qPCR further discriminated viable from non-viable (heat-inactivated) C. parvum and T. gondii in seawater and hemolymph but did not perform well in other oyster matrices. This systematic spiking study demonstrates that a molecular approach combining multiplex PCR for sensitive and affordable screening of protozoan DNA and subsequent RT-qPCR assay for viability discrimination presents an important advance for accurately determining the risk of protozoal illness in humans due to consumption of contaminated shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Kim
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Lezlie Rueda
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Andrea Packham
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - James Moore
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA; Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 637551, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NTU, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Maradana MR, Marzook NB, Diaz OE, Mkandawire T, Diny NL, Li Y, Liebert A, Shah K, Tolaini M, Kváč M, Stockinger B, Sateriale A. Dietary environmental factors shape the immune defense against Cryptosporidium infection. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:2038-2050.e4. [PMID: 38052207 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of diarrheal-related deaths in children, especially in resource-poor settings. It also targets the immunocompromised, chronically infecting people living with HIV and primary immunodeficiencies. There is no vaccine or effective treatment. Although it is known from human cases and animal models that CD4+ T cells play a role in curbing Cryptosporidium, the role of CD8+ T cells remains to be defined. Using a Cryptosporidium tyzzeri mouse model, we show that gut-resident CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) confer resistance to parasite growth. CD8+ IELs express and depend on the ligand-dependent transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). AHR deficiency reduces CD8+ IELs, decreases their cytotoxicity, and worsens infection. Transfer of CD8+ IELs rescues severely immunodeficient mice from death following Cryptosporidium challenge. Finally, dietary supplementation of the AHR pro-ligand indole-3-carbinol in newborn mice promotes resistance to infection. Therefore, common dietary metabolites augment the host immune response to cryptosporidiosis, protecting against disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oscar E Diaz
- AhR Immunity Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ying Li
- AhR Immunity Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Anke Liebert
- AhR Immunity Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Kathleen Shah
- AhR Immunity Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Mauro Tolaini
- AhR Immunity Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Adam Sateriale
- Cryptosporidiosis Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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Zhao L, Wang M, Wang L, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Chai H, Fan W, Yi C, Ding Y, Wang J, Sulijid J, Liu Y. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy and beef cattle in Shanxi, China. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:8. [PMID: 38052995 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are key gastrointestinal protists in humans and animals worldwide. Infected cattle are considered the main source of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans. However, little is known about the genetic makeup of Cryptosporidium populations in Shanxi province, China. We analyzed 858 fecal samples collected from farms in Shanxi. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. was determined via polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene as well as restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Cryptosporidium parvum was subtyped following sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle was 11.19%, with a prevalence of 13.30% and 8.67% in Lingqiu and Yingxian, respectively. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy and beef cattle was 10.78% and 11.50%, respectively. Cryptosporidium infection was detected across all analyzed age groups. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in diarrhea and nondiarrhea samples was 18.24% and 9.72%, respectively, whereas that in intensively farmed and free-range cattle was 17.40% and 3.41%, respectively. We identified five Cryptosporidium species, with C. andersoni being the dominant species. Further, two cases of mixed infections of Cryptosporidium species were detected. All identified C. parvum isolates belonged to the subtype IIdA17G1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Mingyuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhansheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hailiang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chao Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yulin Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Jirintai Sulijid
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
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Hashim YF, Al-Zubaidi MTS. Cryptosporidium species diagnosis in handlers of domestic pigeons in Baghdad City: Molecular and microscopic approaches. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10:744-750. [PMID: 38370907 PMCID: PMC10868689 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2023.j730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to detect the prevalence and diagnosis of molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium infection in handlers of domestic pigeons in Baghdad City. Traditional and molecular diagnostic methods were employed to detect and identify Cryptosporidium species. Materials and methods Sixty stool samples were collected from the handlers of domestic pigeons, and various techniques, including direct smear, flotation concentration, staining methods, and DNA extraction coupled with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were utilized. Results The results obtained from traditional methods indicated an overall infection rate of 55% in handlers of domestic pigeons, while significant variations were noted between male and female handlers. Age group 21-40 years were found to have higher infection rates were found to have higher infection rates. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium also displayed temporal variability throughout the study period. Molecular analysis using nested PCR revealed higher infection rates of 86% in handlers of domestic pigeon samples. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis identified the presence of Cryptosporidium parvam species in handlers of domestic pigeons, indicating zoonotic transmission potential. Conclusion These findings underscore the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among handlers of domestic pigeons in Baghdad City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya F. Hashim
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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Gunasekera S, Clode PL, King B, Monis P, Thierry B, Carr JM, Chopra A, Watson M, O'Dea M, Hijjawi N, Ryan U. Comparison of in vitro growth characteristics of Cryptosporidium hominis (IdA15G1) and Cryptosporidium parvum (Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1). Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2891-2905. [PMID: 37776335 PMCID: PMC10667462 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07979-0] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoeal disease and mortality in young children in resource-poor countries, for which no vaccines or adequate therapeutic options are available. Infection in humans is primarily caused by two species: C. hominis and C. parvum. Despite C. hominis being the dominant species infecting humans in most countries, very little is known about its growth characteristics and life cycle in vitro, given that the majority of our knowledge of the in vitro development of Cryptosporidium has been based on C. parvum. In the present study, the growth and development of two C. parvum isolates (subtypes Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1) and one C. hominis isolate (subtype IdA15G1) in HCT-8 cells were examined and compared at 24 h and 48 h using morphological data acquired with scanning electron microscopy. Our data indicated no significant differences in the proportion of meronts or merozoites between species or subtypes at either time-point. Sexual development was observed at the 48-h time-point across both species through observations of both microgamonts and macrogamonts, with a higher frequency of macrogamont observations in C. hominis (IdA15G1) cultures at 48-h post-infection compared to both C. parvum subtypes. This corresponded to differences in the proportion of trophozoites observed at the same time point. No differences in proportion of microgamonts were observed between the three subtypes, which were rarely observed across all cultures. In summary, our data indicate that asexual development of C. hominis is similar to that of C. parvum, while sexual development is accelerated in C. hominis. This study provides new insights into differences in the in vitro growth characteristics of C. hominis when compared to C. parvum, which will facilitate our understanding of the sexual development of both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gunasekera
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Peta L Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation, and Analysis and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Brendon King
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Paul Monis
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Abha Chopra
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mark Watson
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mark O'Dea
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Nawal Hijjawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 150459, Zarqa, 13115, Jordan
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
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Wang Z, Peng X, Bo X, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Yu F, Zhao A, Zhang Z, Qi M. Molecular evaluation of Cryptosporidium spp. in sheep in southern Xinjiang, China. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2989-2997. [PMID: 37792051 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are diarrheagenic intestinal parasites with multiple hosts worldwide. A total of 1252 fresh fecal samples of sheep were collected from 10 large-scale farms in southern Xinjiang. Based on the small subunit ribosomal (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium, 100 Cryptosporidium-positive samples (8.0%, 100/1252) were detected by PCR. Nine out of 10 farms were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest infection rate being 18.4% (23/125) on farm 9 in Qira. The infection rates of Cryptosporidium in pre-weaned lambs, weaned lambs, fattening sheep, and adult sheep were 20.3% (61/301), 10.3% (34/329), 0.9% (3/327), and 0.7% (2/295), respectively. Three Cryptosporidium species were identified, namely, C. xiaoi (n = 61), C. parvum (n = 22), and C. ubiquitum (n = 17). Of them, C. xiaoi was detected on all positive farms and in different age groups of sheep. The subtypes of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum were identified by PCR at the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Two C. parvum subtypes were identified: IIdA19G1 (n = 21) and IIdA15G1 (n = 1). One C. ubiquitum subtype was identified with XIIa (n = 17). These results indicated the common transmission and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in sheep in southern Xinjiang, and further investigations are needed on the zoonotic potential of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, 832000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Xia Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Xinwen Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, 832000, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Aiyun Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China.
| | - Meng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, 832000, China.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alaer, Xinjiang, 843300, China.
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Coleman CK, Kim J, Bailey ES, Abebe LS, Brown J, Simmons OD, Sobsey MD. Bromine and Chlorine Disinfection of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts, Bacillus atrophaeus Spores, and MS2 Coliphage in Water. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:18744-18753. [PMID: 37220325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Conventional water treatment practices utilizing chemical disinfection, especially chlorination, are considered generally effective in producing microbiologically safe drinking water. However, protozoan pathogens such as oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum are very resistant to chlorine, which has led to consideration of alternative disinfectants for their control. Free bromine, HOBr, has not been evaluated extensively as an alternative halogen disinfectant for inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum in drinking water or reclaimed water for non-potable uses. Bromine is a versatile disinfectant consisting of different chemical forms with persistent microbicidal efficacy under varied water quality conditions and is effective against a range of waterborne microbes of health concern. The objectives of this study are to (1) compare the efficacy of free bromine to free chlorine at similar concentrations (as milligrams per liter) for disinfection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Bacillus atrophaeus spores, and MS2 coliphage in a model buffered water and (2) evaluate the kinetics of inactivation of these microorganisms using appropriate disinfection models. Overall, at a target concentration of ∼5 mg/L, bromine averaged 0.6 log (73.8%) reductions of C. parvum oocyst infectivity after 300 min (CT: 1166 min·mg/L) and produced up to a 0.8 log reduction disinfectant activity. An ∼5.0 mg/L chlorine dose increased oocyst infectivity by only 0.4 log (64%) after 300 min (CT: 895 min·mg/L). Bacillus atrophaeus spores and MS2 coliphage treated with bromine and chlorine were reduced by 4 log10 (99.99%) for both disinfectants over the duration of the experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Knox Coleman
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - John Kim
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Emily S Bailey
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Lydia S Abebe
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Joe Brown
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Otto D Simmons
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7601, NC State University Campus, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Mark D Sobsey
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Barbosa AD, Egan S, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. How significant are bats as potential carriers of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia? Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis 2023; 4:100155. [PMID: 38149267 PMCID: PMC10750029 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100155] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Bats are known to harbour various pathogens and are increasingly recognised as potential reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. This paper reviews the genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in bats. The risk of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium from bats to humans appears low, with bat-specific Cryptosporidium genotypes accounting for 91.5% of Cryptosporidium-positive samples genotyped from bats worldwide, and C. parvum and C. hominis accounting for 3.4% each of typed positives, respectively. To date, there have only been sporadic detections of Giardia in bats, with no genetic characterisation of the parasite to species or assemblage level. Therefore, the role bats play as reservoirs of zoonotic Giardia spp. is unknown. To mitigate potential risks of zoonotic transmission and their public health implications, comprehensive research on Cryptosporidium and Giardia in bats is imperative. Future studies should encompass additional locations across the globe and a broader spectrum of bat species, with a focus on those adapted to urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D. Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Yun CS, Moon BY, Lee K, Kang SM, Ku BK, Hwang MH. The detection and phylogenetic characterization of Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis of cats in South Korea. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1296118. [PMID: 38029266 PMCID: PMC10663360 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1296118] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis are gastrointestinal protozoa parasites that cause diarrhea in various animals. However, information regarding the detection and phylogenetic characterization of gastrointestinal protozoa parasites in cats is limited throughout South Korea. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the detection and identify subspecies of gastrointestinal protozoa parasites in cats from South Korea. Methods A total of 290 fecal samples were collected from stray, companion, and shelter cats in six provinces. Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and G. duodenalis were identified by PCR. All positive samples were subtyped by PCR and sequencing of gp60, ITS-1, tpi, bg, and gdh. Results The overall detection of gastrointestinal protozoan parasitic infection was 17.93%. G. duodenalis was the most prevalent, with 7.93%, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (7.24%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (4.48%). In addition, C. felis (n=10), C. parvum (n=2), C. ryanae (n=1), Cystoisospora felis (n=14), Cystoisospora suis (n=5), Cystoisospora ohioensis (n=1), Cystoisospora spp. were identified in subspecies analysis of positive samples. C. felis showed a significant association with diarrhea (7.81%) and living condition (6.04%), and Cystoisospora felis in diarreha (9.38%) according to detection. Through phylogenetic analysis of the tpi, bg, and gdh genes from 23 G. duodenalispositive samples, it was confirmed that the samples of present study belonged to assemblage A, B, C, and D. Discussion South Korean cats have a high rate of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites infection with cat-specific Cryptosporidium and Cystoisospora, which are associated with living conditions and diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, zoonotic and other animal-specific subtype of protozoan parasites have been detected in cat feces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mi-Hye Hwang
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
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Hsu CH, Liang C, Chi SC, Lee KJ, Chou CH, Lin CS, Yang WY. An Epidemiological Assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. Infection in Pet Animals from Taiwan. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3373. [PMID: 37958128 PMCID: PMC10649203 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are enteric protozoan pathogens in humans. and animals. Companion animals infected with zoonotic species/assemblages are a matter of major public concern around the world. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalences of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections and their co-infection statuses in dogs and cats living in Taiwan and to identify the species and assemblages. Fecal samples were collected from local animal shelters (n = 285) and a veterinary hospital (n = 108). Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the SSU-rRNA, β-giardin, and glutamate dehydrogenase genes for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. Results showed that the overall prevalences of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were 7.38% (29/393) and 10.69% (42/393). In addition, co-infection was detected in 1.02% (4/393) of all samples. Sample source, clinical sign, and breed may be risk factors that influence the infection rate. In Cryptosporidium-positive samples, C. canis and C. felis were detected most frequently. Although the canine-specific assemblages C and D (37/42) were dominant, the zoonotic human-specific assemblage A (1/42) was also found in Giardia-positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most positive samples belonged to host-specific subtypes/assemblages, while some Cryptosporidium or Giardia-positive samples could be zoonotic. The findings suggested that pet animals could be a cause of zoonotic transmission, causing human cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hui Hsu
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Chi Liang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Shi-Chien Chi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Kuan-Ju Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Chung-Hsi Chou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Wen-Yuan Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
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37
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OOTAWA T, TODA M, TAKAHASHI H, SARUTA T, MURAKAMI Y, IGUCHI Y, MASATANI T. Record of Cryptosporidium serpentis from Goniurosaurus kuroiwae sengokui (Reptilia, Squamata, Eublepharidae) in Tokashikijima, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:1142-1145. [PMID: 37558494 PMCID: PMC10600540 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0186] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In reptiles, infection with Cryptosporidium parasite can be lethal, especially in species of family Eublepharidae such as Eublepharis macularius and Goniurosaurus splendes species. We investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild reptiles, especially Goniurosaurus spp., in five islands of Japan. Nested PCR was performed to detect Cryptosporidium spp. in 38 fecal samples of 9 reptile species from five islands of Japan, and 3 (3/8) positive samples of Goniurosaurus kuroiwae sengokui from Tokashikijima, Okinawa Prefecture were detected. A BLAST search of the detected gene sequences revealed that the all 3 samples were identified as Cryptosporidium serpentis, a reptile-specific Cryptosporidium parasite. This is the first record of Cryptosporidium from a wild Goniurosaurus species in Japan and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuka IGUCHI
- Japan Wildlife Research Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsunori MASATANI
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu
University, Gifu, Japan
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Diseases, Faculty of Applied
Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research
(COMIT), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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38
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Bhalchandra S, Gevers K, Heimburg-Molinaro J, van Roosmalen M, Coppens I, Cummings RD, Ward HD. Identification of the glycopeptide epitope recognized by a protective Cryptosporidium monoclonal antibody. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0027523. [PMID: 37725059 PMCID: PMC10580954 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00275-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are a leading cause of pediatric diarrheal disease and death in low- and middle-income countries and pose a particular threat to immunocompromised individuals. As a zoonotic pathogen, Cryptosporidium can have devastating effects on the health of neonatal calves. Despite its impact on human and animal health, consistently effective drug treatments for cryptosporidiosis are lacking and no vaccine is available. We previously showed that C. parvum mucin-like glycoproteins, gp40, and gp900 express an epitope identified by a monoclonal antibody 4E9. 4E9 neutralized C. parvum infection in vitro as did glycan-binding proteins specific for the Tn antigen (GalNAc-α1-S/T). Here, we show that 4E9 ameliorates disease in vivo in a calf challenge model. The 4E9 epitope is present on C. hominis in addition to C. parvum gp40 and gp900 and localizes to the plasma membrane and dense granules of invasive and intracellular stages. To characterize the epitope recognized by 4E9, we probed a glycan array containing over 500 defined glycans together with a custom-made glycopeptide microarray containing glycopeptides from native mucins or C. parvum gp40 and gp15. 4E9 exhibited no binding to the glycan array but bound strongly to glycopeptides from native mucins or gp40 on the glycopeptide array, suggesting that the antibody epitope contains both peptide and glycan moieties. 4E9 only recognized glycopeptides with adjacent S or T residues in the motif S*/T*-X-S*/T* where X = 0 or 1. These data define the 4E9 epitope and have implications for the inclusion of the epitope in the development of vaccines or other immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Bhalchandra
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jamie Heimburg-Molinaro
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard D. Cummings
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Honorine D. Ward
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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39
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Fenwick M, Reers AR, Liu Y, Zigweid R, Sankaran B, Shin J, Hulverson MA, Hammerson B, Fernández Álvaro E, Myler PJ, Kaushansky A, Van Voorhis WC, Fan E, Staker BL. Identification of and Structural Insights into Hit Compounds Targeting N-Myristoyltransferase for Cryptosporidium Drug Development. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1821-1833. [PMID: 37722671 PMCID: PMC10580320 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00151] [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: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Each year, approximately 50,000 children under 5 die as a result of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoan parasite. There are currently no effective drugs or vaccines available to cure or prevent Cryptosporidium infection, and there are limited tools for identifying and validating targets for drug or vaccine development. We previously reported a high throughput screening (HTS) of a large compound library against Plasmodium N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), a validated drug target in multiple protozoan parasite species. To identify molecules that could be effective against Cryptosporidium, we counter-screened hits from the Plasmodium NMT HTS against Cryptosporidium NMT. We identified two potential hit compounds and validated them against CpNMT to determine if NMT might be an attractive drug target also for Cryptosporidium. We tested the compounds against Cryptosporidium using both cell-based and NMT enzymatic assays. We then determined the crystal structure of CpNMT bound to Myristoyl-Coenzyme A (MyrCoA) and structures of ternary complexes with MyrCoA and the hit compounds to identify the ligand binding modes. The binding site architectures display different conformational states in the presence of the two inhibitors and provide a basis for rational design of selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
K. Fenwick
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Alexandra R. Reers
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Yi Liu
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Rachael Zigweid
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Berkeley
Center for Structural Biology, Advanced Light Source, Berkeley National
Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Janis Shin
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Matthew A. Hulverson
- Center
for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Division of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Bradley Hammerson
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | | | - Peter J. Myler
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Department
of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Alexis Kaushansky
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Division of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Department
of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Division of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Erkang Fan
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Bart L. Staker
- Seattle
Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
- Center
for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
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40
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Lu S, Zou W, Chen X, Sun G, Cidan Y, Almutairi MH, Dunzhu L, Nazar M, Mehmood K, Zhu Y, Basang W, Li K. Effects of Cryptosporidium parvum infection on intestinal fungal microbiota in yaks (Bos grunniens). Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106322. [PMID: 37633503 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106322] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, researchers had started to focus on the relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and variation of intestinal microflora. Cryptosporidium is a widely known opportunistic and zoonotic pathogen. Several studies have shown that Cryptosporidium infection has impact to alter the gut microflora. However, there are only few studies referring to the fungal microflora changes in response to Cryptosporidium infection in highland ruminants. Therefore, the present study was performed for exploring the alternations of intestinal fungal microbiota in yaks after exposure to Cryptosporidium infection. In present study, Amplicon sequencing of ITS regions was used to study the variations of fungal microflora in yaks. After filtering the raw data, over 45 000 and 62 000 clean data were obtained in uninfected and infected yaks, respectively. By using alpha diversity analysis, it was found that there is no significant difference in the richness and evenness when positive samples were compared with negative ones, whereas intestinal fungal communities in different taxa in yaks were changed. The results of present study depicted that 2-phyla and 21-genera in the infected animals had significantly (P < 0.05) changed. These genera were Septoria, Coniothyrium, Cleistothelebolus, Bensingtonia, Cystobasidium, Filobasidium, Coprotus, Carex, Blumeria, Coprinellus, Leucosporidium, Phialophora, Isolepis, Ascobolus, Thecaphora, Mortierella, Urocystis, Symmetrospora and Lasiobolus. In addition, we found variations in 28 enzymes suggesting that the function of microbiota was also affected. It is concluded that there are drastic changes in the fungal microflora and microbiota functions after exposure to Cryptosporidium infection in yak. Our results help to focus on the prompt way for the development of new therapies to control Cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine & MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Wen Zou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine & MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Xiushuang Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine & MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Guangming Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, 850009, China
| | - Yangji Cidan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, 850009, China
| | - Mikhlid H Almutairi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luosang Dunzhu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, 850009, China
| | - Mudassar Nazar
- University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Sub-Campus, Burewala, 61010, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Yanbin Zhu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, 850009, China.
| | - Wangdui Basang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, 850009, China.
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine & MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China.
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Peake L, Inns T, Jarvis C, King G, Rabie H, Henderson J, Wensley A, Jarratt R, Roberts C, Williams C, Orife O, Browning L, Neilson M, McCarthy C, Millar P, Love N, Elwin K, Robinson G, Mannes T, Young N, Chalmers R, Elson R, Vivancos R. Preliminary investigation of a significant national Cryptosporidium exceedance in the United Kingdom, August 2023 and ongoing. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300538. [PMID: 37883039 PMCID: PMC10604540 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.43.2300538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Routine laboratory surveillance has identified an unprecedented and ongoing exceedance of Cryptosporidium spp. across the United Kingdom, notably driven by C. hominis transmission, since 14 August 2023. Information from 477 reported cases in England and Wales, followed up with a standardised exposure questionnaire as of 25 September 2023, identified foreign travel in 250 (54%) of 463 respondents and swimming in 234 (66%) of 353 cases. A significant, common exposure has not yet been identified in first analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Peake
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Inns
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | | | - Grace King
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Hussein Rabie
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Joan Henderson
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Wensley
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Reece Jarratt
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Millar
- Health and Safety Committee (HSC) Public Health Agency, Belfast, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Love
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, the United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Elwin
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Swansea, the United Kingdom
| | - Guy Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Swansea, the United Kingdom
| | - Trish Mannes
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Nick Young
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Swansea, the United Kingdom
| | - Richard Elson
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, the United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, London, the United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Vivancos
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, the United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, the United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, the United Kingdom
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Bauer J, Kaske M, Oehm A, Schnyder M. Dynamics of protozoal excretion in the faeces of calves during the first 28 days after arrival at the fattening farm indicate infection before regrouping and show poor temporal correlation with diarrhoea. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:338. [PMID: 37759304 PMCID: PMC10523781 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05911-0] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calves in dairy cattle production in Switzerland are transported to a fattening farm at the age of 3-5 weeks, and frequently suffer from diarrhoea within the first 14 days after arrival. To characterise the role of intestinal protozoa in this, we investigated the excretion dynamics of Eimeria, Cryptosporidium and Giardia during the first 28 days after the arrival and regrouping of calves at fattening farms. METHODS A total of 610 faecal samples from 122 calves (mean age 37.3 days; mean body weight 79.8 kg) were collected on seven different fattening farms during the first 28 days after the arrival and regrouping of the animals. The farms were visited between January and April (cold season; n = 4) and between June and August (warm season; n = 3). The samples were collected rectally on days 1, 4, 7, 14 and 28, assessed for consistency, and analysed using the McMaster method for quantitative determination of the number of Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG), flotation for morphological differentiation of the unsporulated Eimeria oocysts, a concentration method for the semi-quantitative determination of Giardia cysts, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining for semi-quantitative determination of Cryptosporidium oocysts. RESULTS Overall, 50.8% (62/122) of the animals had diarrhoea during the study period. However, the faecal excretion of protozoal pathogens was neither associated with diarrhoea nor with body weight gain of the animals. Altogether, 90.2% (110/122) of the calves were Eimeria positive. Eimeria zuernii was excreted by 51 (41.8%) and Eimeria bovis by 68 (55.7%) animals. In the warm season more animals tested positive for Eimeria and OPGs were higher than in the cold season. There was no correlation between the age of the calves and the OPG values. Overall, 64.8% (79/122) of the calves excreted Eimeria oocysts within the first 7 days, indicating that they had been infected with the parasite on the dairy farm of origin. Eighty-nine calves (73.0%) excreted Giardia cysts, with more positive animals in the cold (80.3%) compared with the warm season (64.3%). Only Giardia duodenalis assemblage E was identified. Cryptosporidium oocysts were microscopically detected in 14 animals (11.5%) on five farms. Cryptosporidium spp. were present in a total of 12 animals, i.e. Cryptosporidium parvum in nine, Cryptosporidium ryanae in two, and Cryptosporidium bovis in one animal. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of the temporal dynamics of protozoal infections in calves is helpful for the implementation of appropriate measures to protect the health of these animals at a critical phase in their lives. Our results indicate that factors other than those examined in the present study contributed to the onset of diarrhoea in the calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bauer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266A, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Kaske
- Swiss Calf Health Service, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Oehm
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266A, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266A, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Srisuphanunt M, Wilairatana P, Kooltheat N, Damrongwatanapokin T, Karanis P. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in commercial oysters in southern Thailand. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 32:e00205. [PMID: 37577105 PMCID: PMC10412772 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric parasite Cryptosporidium is spread through the fecal-oral pathway, most commonly by the consumption of contaminated water but also through food. Because eating raw or barely cooked shellfish might put consumers at risk for cryptosporidiosis, identifying the parasite in oysters is important for public health. A total of 240 oysters, collected from two shellfish aquaculture sites in Thailand's Gulf coast, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani, were tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium. Escherichia coli, enterococci, and thermotolerant coliform total levels were measured to assess seawater quality in the shellfish production regions. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 13.8% of the samples processed by immunofluorescence analyses. The detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in oysters obtained from Surat Thani (17.5%) was higher than in those obtained from Nakhon Si Thammarat (9.2%). The difference in detection of positive samples obtained from Nakhon Si Thammarat and those obtained from Surat Thani may be attributed to the effects of physical, ecological, and anthropogenic conditions, resulting in an increased level of marine water contamination by Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. These findings demonstrate that native commercial oysters obtained from Thailand's southern Gulf coast contained Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts which might serve as a source of human infection. Consequently, these findings pose a serious public health concern and suggest that more quality control measures need to be implemented by the oyster aquaculture business to ensure the safety of seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuna Srisuphanunt
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Centre for One Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
- Hematology and Transfusion Science Research Center, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Nateelak Kooltheat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Hematology and Transfusion Science Research Center, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Thanis Damrongwatanapokin
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Centre for One Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Egkomi 2408, Cyprus
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44
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Van Hemert C, Ballweber LR, Sinnett DR, Atwood TC, Fischbach A, Gustine DD, Pabilonia KL. Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 32:e00206. [PMID: 37692371 PMCID: PMC10482744 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are zoonotic protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other taxa, including wildlife, often causing gastrointestinal illness. Both have been identified as One Health priorities in the Arctic, where climate change is expected to influence the distribution of many wildlife and zoonotic diseases, but little is known about their prevalence in local wildlife. To help fill information gaps, we collected fecal samples from four wildlife species that occur seasonally on the northern Alaska coastline or in nearshore marine waters-Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus)-and used immunofluorescence assays to screen for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. We detected Giardia cysts in 18.3% and Cryptosporidium oocysts in 16.5% of Arctic foxes (n = 109), suggesting that foxes may be potentially important hosts in this region. We also detected Giardia cysts in a single polar bear (12.5%; n = 8), which to our knowledge represents the first such report for this species. Neither parasite was detected in walruses or caribou.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lora R. Ballweber
- Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - David R. Sinnett
- U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS Wildlife Services, Palmer, AK, USA
| | - Todd C. Atwood
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - David D. Gustine
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Current affiliation: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management—Polar Bears, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kristy L. Pabilonia
- Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Silva-Ramos CR, Noriega J, Fajardo RF, Chala-Quintero SM, Del Pilar Pulido-Villamarín A, Pérez-Torres J, Castañeda-Salazar R, Cuervo C. Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. Isolates from Bats in Colombia. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:676-682. [PMID: 37531008 PMCID: PMC10462512 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp., frequently found in several animal species, including bats. Several Cryptosporidium genotypes have been described in bats worldwide, suggesting that bats are infected by host-specific Cryptosporidium spp. To date, there are no published reports about Cryptosporidium spp. in bats from Colombia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence and molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Colombian bats. METHODS A total of 63 gut samples from three bat species served for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. 18S rDNA gene by qPCR. The sequenced amplicons were used in subsequent phylogenetic analyses to identify them as species or genotypes. RESULTS Cryptosporidium spp. qPCR detection occurred in 9.5% (6/63) of bat intestines, and four sequences represented two new genotypes, called Cryptosporidium bat genotypes XIX and XX, were identified. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the detection of two novel Cryptosporidium bat genotypes, in two species of bats from a region of Colombia, requiring further studies to determine the relationhip between Cryptosporidium and bats in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Noriega
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rafael F Fajardo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sandra M Chala-Quintero
- Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Del Pilar Pulido-Villamarín
- Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jairo Pérez-Torres
- Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rubiela Castañeda-Salazar
- Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Mead JR. Indole metabolites generated by microbiota inhibit Cryptosporidium growth. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:716-717. [PMID: 37500333 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.003] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Funkhouser-Jones et al. recently identified gut metabolites that affected Cryptosporidium growth. A key focus, indole, was shown to inhibit the parasite in vivo and in vitro by decreasing the host mitochondria function and the membrane potential of parasite mitosomes. These findings help clarify the role microflora and metabolites play in host resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Mead
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare Organization of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
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Feng X, Deng J, Zhang Z, Yu F, Zhang J, Shi T, Sun H, Qi M, Liu X. Dominant infection of Cryptosporidium baileyi in broiler chickens in Zhejiang Province, China. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1993-2000. [PMID: 37347286 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07898-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a common enteric parasite in chickens. A total of 812 fecal specimens were collected from 11 broiler farms in Zhejiang Province, China, and analyzed by nested PCR amplification based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Cryptosporidium was 6.3% (51/812), and five of 11 farms were Cryptosporidium positive. Broilers aged > 90 days accounted for the highest infection rate of 16.1% (6/56), followed by those aged 30-60 days (10.6%, 38/358) and 60-90 days (4/378, 1.1%). Two Cryptosporidium species were identified by sequence analysis, with the predominant species being C. baileyi (96.1%, 49/51) and the minor infection being C. meleagridis (3.9%, 2/51). Based on the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, two C. meleagridis-positive isolates were identified as one known subtype, IIIbA24G1R1. This study indicated the common occurrence of C. baileyi in broiler chickens in this region and low zoonotic transmission potential of Cryptosporidium to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jinhua Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jianing Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Tuanyuan Shi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongchao Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xuehan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, China.
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Shan H, Wei C, Zhang J, He M, Zhang Z. Case Report: Severe Diarrhea Caused by Cryptosporidium Diagnosed by Metagenome Next-Generation Sequencing in Blood. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:5777-5782. [PMID: 37675126 PMCID: PMC10478782 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s422799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium is one of the major pathogens causing diarrhea worldwide. At present, cryptosporidiosis is difficult to prevent and control, especially in immunocompromised hosts. It may cause life-threatening diarrhea and malabsorption among children and immunocompromised patients. Therefore, it is very important to explore rapid diagnostic tools and treatment methods for Cryptosporidium infection. Case Presentation We reported a case of severe diarrhea caused by cryptosporidiosis in a liver transplant recipient, whose condition was finally confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and fecal microscopy. His illness was resolved with immunosuppression regulation, nitazoxanide administration, and infection control. Conclusion So far, nitazoxanide is still the first choice for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Our institutional experience suggested that nitazoxanide alone may be effective on the basis of adjusting immunosuppressant. In addition, even though diagnosis of Cryptosporidium infection is a challenge, mNGS can serve as a rapid screening tool in low-prevalence setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongwei Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Kumar D, Goel V, Meena S, Mathur P, Kabra SK, Lodha R, Singh S. Microsporidia in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Pediatric Patients with Diarrhea at a Tertiary Care Hospital. J Lab Physicians 2023; 15:443-449. [PMID: 37564235 PMCID: PMC10411068 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human microsporidiosis presents as an important and rapidly emerging opportunistic infection. However, the exact burden of this infection especially in the pediatric population of Northern India remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of microsporidia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative pediatric patients who presented with diarrhea. Methods A total of 263 children were recruited consisting of 98 HIV seropositive with diarrhea and 165 HIV seronegative but with diarrhea. Morning stool samples were collected and both direct and formol ether concentrated samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. The modified acid-fast staining was done for coccidian parasites and trichrome stain for microsporidia detection. Further, the species were detected using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a conserved region of the small ribosomal subunit rRNA gene of Enterocytozoon bieneusi , Encephalitozoon hellem , Encephalitozoon intestinalis , and Encephalitozoon cuniculi . Results Overall, one or more parasites were detected in 52.04% (51/98) of HIV seropositive and 53.33% (88/165) of seronegative children ( p = 0.8391). However, coccidian parasites were detected in a significantly huge number of HIV seropositive children (21.43% [21/98]) as compared with HIV seronegative children (4.24% [7/165]). Microsporidial DNA could be detected in HIV seropositive with diarrhea children (17.35% [17/98]) by PCR. A significant correlation between low CD4 count (≤ 200/μL) and intestinal parasite positivity could be established. Conclusion Microsporidia is a significant cause of diarrhea in HIV seropositive pediatric patients and should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnoses in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar
- Division of Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Microbiology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Suneeta Meena
- Division of Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Purva Mathur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Kabra
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Lodha
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarman Singh
- Division of Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Medical Sciences and Engineering Research (MEDSER) Centre, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal-462066, Madhya Pradesh, India
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50
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Bacchetti R, Connelly L, Browning L, Alexander CL. Changing Molecular Profiles of Human Cryptosporidiosis Cases in Scotland as a Result of the Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19 Pandemic. Br J Biomed Sci 2023; 80:11462. [PMID: 37701073 PMCID: PMC10493326 DOI: 10.3389/bjbs.2023.11462] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, the most frequently reported parasite in Scotland, causes gastrointestinal illness resulting in diarrhoea, nausea and cramps. Two species are responsible for most cases: Cryptosporidium hominis (C. hominis) and Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). Transmission occurs faecal-orally, through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or direct contact with faeces. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to global restrictions, including national lockdowns to limit viral transmission. Such interventions led to decreased social mixing, and reduced/no local and international travel, which are factors associated with transmission of multiple communicable diseases, including cryptosporidiosis. This report assessed the impact of the pandemic on Scottish cryptosporidiosis cases, and identified changes in circulating molecular variants of Cryptosporidium species. Molecular data generated using real time PCR and GP60 nested-PCR assays on laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis cases reported during 2018-22 were analysed. The Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories (SMiRL), Glasgow, received 774 Cryptosporidium-positive faeces during 2018-22, of which 486 samples were successfully subtyped. During this time period, C. hominis (n = 155; 21%) and C. parvum (n = 572; 77%) were the most commonly detected species. The total number of cases during 2020, which was greatly affected by the pandemic, was markedly lower in comparison to case numbers in the 2 years before and after 2020. The most predominant C. hominis family detected prior to 2020 was the Ib family which shifted to the Ie family during 2022. The most common C. parvum variant during 2018-22 was the IIa family, however a rise in the IId family was observed (n = 6 in 2018 to n = 25 in 2022). The dominant C. hominis subtype IbA10G2, which accounted for 71% of C. hominis subtypes in 2018-19 was superseded by three rare subtypes: IeA11G3T3 (n = 15), IdA16 (n = 8) and IbA9G3 (n = 3) by 2022. Frequently reported C. parvum subtypes in 2018-19 were IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA17G1R1, accounting for 59% of total C. parvum subtypes. By 2022, IIaA15G2R1 remained the most common (n = 28), however three unusual subtypes in Scotland emerged: IIdA24G1 (n = 7), IIaA16G3R1 (n = 7) and IIaA15G1R2 (n = 7). Continuous monitoring of Cryptosporidium variants following the pandemic will be essential to explore further changes and emergence of strains with altered virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Bacchetti
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories (Glasgow), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Connelly
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories (Glasgow), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Lynda Browning
- Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Claire L. Alexander
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories (Glasgow), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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