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Liu W, Wen S, Cheng Z, Tan Y. Insights into ecological effects of fish and shellfish mariculture on microeukaryotic community. Environ Res 2024; 245:117976. [PMID: 38141922 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117976] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the ecological effects of mariculture, the diversity distribution, determinant and interaction of microeukaryote communities from fish cage and suspended shellfish farming were investigated in three bays of South China Coast. Our alpha and beta diversity analyses showed that the difference of the microeukaryote community between fish and shellfish farming was more significant at local than regional scale, and microeukaryotes respond more to spatial effect than mariculture effect at regional scale. Mantel test, variation partitioning analysis and co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the environmental factors especially chemical and biotic factors contributed more to community assembly in fish than shellfish farming. Based on the comparisons of community composition and determinant between fish and shellfish farming, the effect mechanisms of the two farming types on microeukaryote community were proposed. Fish farming brings significant environmental variation and thus has strong bottom-up impacts on microeukaryotes, while shellfish farming exerts a grazing pressure on microeukaryotes by filter-feeding and has top-down control to them. Furthermore, the network stability analyses revealed weaker community stability in fish than shellfish farming, suggesting that the microeukaryote community was more sensitive to environmental change deduced by fish than shellfish farming. Overall, this study revealed the different influencing mechanisms of fish and shellfish mariculture on microeukaryotes, which will improve the understanding of the ecological effects of mariculture and provide guidance for the management of mariculture under future environmental pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shaowei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zijun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yehui Tan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Menezes SA, Tasca T. Extracellular vesicles in parasitic diseases - from pathogenesis to future diagnostic tools. Microbes Infect 2024:105310. [PMID: 38316376 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are still a major public health problem especially among individuals of low socioeconomic status in underdeveloped countries. In recent years it has been demonstrated that parasites can release extracellular vesicles that participate in the host-parasite communication, immune evasion, and in governing processes associated with host infection. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound structures released into the extracellular space that can carry several types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites, which directly impact the target cells. Extracellular vesicles have attracted wide attention due to their relevance in host-parasite communication and for their potential value in applications such as in the diagnostic biomarker discovery. This review of the literature aimed to join the current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in host-parasite interaction and summarize its molecular content, providing information for the acquisition of new tools that can be used in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. These findings shed light to the potential of extracellular vesicle cargo derived from protozoan parasites as novel diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Almeida Menezes
- Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
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Biradar K, Kumar S, Singh R, Dutta A, Walia IS, Kumar MS. Management of Rhinosporidiosis: by Coblation. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 76:1398-1401. [PMID: 38440563 PMCID: PMC10908882 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous disease commonly affecting the mucous membrane. It is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an aquatic parasite & seen affecting the nose, paranasal sinuses most commonly. A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital situated in Indian peninsula and five patients who were diagnosed and treated for rhinosporidiosis were analysed. Surgical excision by coblator along with medical management using Dapsone 100 mg once daily for 6 months given promising results in view of reducing recurrence. Combined approach of management including surgical excision using coblator and medical therapy with dapsone is effective in managing the rhinosporidiosis with no recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of ENT-HNS, Command Hospital Airforce, Bangalore, India
| | - Roohie Singh
- Department of ENT-HNS, Command Hospital Airforce, Bangalore, India
| | - Angshuman Dutta
- Department of ENT-HNS, Command Hospital Airforce, Bangalore, India
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Huang PJ, Weng YC, Huang KY, Lee CC, Yeh YM, Chen YT, Chiu CH, Tang P. ProFun: A web server for functional enrichment analysis of parasitic protozoan genes. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2024:S1684-1182(24)00008-2. [PMID: 38311498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2024.01.007] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The initial step to interpreting putative biological functions from comparative multi-omics studies usually starts from a differential expressed gene list followed by functional enrichment analysis (FEA). However, most FEA packages are designed exclusively for humans and model organisms. Although parasitic protozoan is the most important pathogen in the tropics, no FEA package is available for protozoan functional (ProFun) enrichment analysis. To speed up comparative multi-omics research on parasitic protozoans, we constructed ProFun, a web-based, user-friendly platform for the research community. METHODS ProFun utilizes the Docker container, ShinyProxy, and R Shiny to construct a scalable web service with load-balancing infrastructure. We have integrated a series of visual analytic functions, in-house scripts, and custom-made annotation packages to create three analytical modules for 40 protozoan species: (1) Gene Overlaps; (2) Over-representation Analysis (ORA); (3) Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). RESULTS We have established ProFun, a web server for functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. FEA becomes as simple as pasting a list of gene IDs into the textbox of our website. Users can customize enrichment parameters and results with just one click. The intuitive web interface and publication-ready charts enable users to reveal meaningful biological events and pinpoint potential targets for further studies. CONCLUSION ProFun is the first web application that enables gene functional enrichment analysis of parasitic protozoans. In addition to supporting FEA analysis, ProFun also allows the comparison of FEA results across complicated experimental designs. ProFun is freely available at http://dalek.cgu.edu.tw:8080/app/profun.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Jung Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chen Weng
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Ching Lee
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Ming Yeh
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Tong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Petrus Tang
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Fagundes-Moreira R, Baggio-Souza V, May-Junior JA, Berger L, Bilhalva LC, Reis AO, Sartorello L, Rampim LE, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D, Soares JF. Detection of Trypanosoma evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca): insights from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:88. [PMID: 38190005 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08101-0] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi is a widespread and neglected zoonotic parasite that affects domestic and wild animals, causing a disease commonly known as "surra." The Brazilian Pantanal wetland is recognized as an enzootic area for this protozoan, yet recognizing the importance of reservoir hosts also in order to prevent zoonotic outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland and explore associated clinical and hematological manifestations. A total of 42 animals were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification when positive. Trypanosoma evansi was detected in six free-ranging jaguars (six positive animals of 42 captures and 16 recaptures), representing the first molecular evidence of such infection in this animal species. Our findings suggest that jaguars may act as reservoir hosts of T. evansi in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. The better understanding of the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of T. evansi is also of importance to future reintroduction and translocation programs toward wildlife conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Baggio-Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Onçafari Association, São Paulo, Brazil
- Panthera Corporation, New York, USA
| | - Laura Berger
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lina Crespo Bilhalva
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adeyldes Oliveira Reis
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Silva RDFE, Bassi G, Câmara NOS, Moretti NS. Sirtuins: Key pieces in the host response to pathogens' puzzle. Mol Immunol 2023; 160:150-160. [PMID: 37437515 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Global warming is changing the distribution of different pathogens around the globe, and humans are more susceptible to new or re-emerging infections. The human response to microbes is complex and involves different mechanisms of the immune system. Regulation of gene expression of immunity genes and of metabolism of immune cells are essential in this process. Both mechanisms could be regulated by protein lysine acetylation that will control chromatin structure affecting gene expression or key enzyme activity involved in cellular processes. Protein acetylation is crucial for the immunity and involves two families of enzymes: lysine acetyltransferases (KATs), which will promote protein acetylation, and lysine deacetylases (KDACs) that will reduce this modification. Lysine deacetylases are divided into Zinc-dependent or HDACs and NAD+ -dependent, or Sirtuins. These enzymes are in the nucleus, cytosol, and mitochondria of mammalian cells affecting different cellular pathways, such as metabolism, gene expression, DNA repair, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, opening the opportunity to explore these proteins as drug targets in different diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative illness. Although widely explored in chronic diseases, very little is known about the role of Sirtuins during host response against microbes' infection. In this review we aim to explore the most recent literature evidencing a role for these enzymes during host responses to viruses, bacterial and protozoan infections, pointing out how these proteins can be manipulated by these pathogens to progress in the infection. Moreover, we will uncover the potential of host KDACs as therapeutic targets to prevent infections by activating effector immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Bassi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Pathogens, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Transplantation Immunobiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilmar Silvio Moretti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Pathogens, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Ratzlaff FR, Osmari V, da Silva D, de Paula Vasconcellos JS, Pötter L, Fernandes FD, de Mello Filho JA, de Avila Botton S, Vogel FSF, Sangioni LA. Identification of infection by Leishmania spp. in wild and domestic animals in Brazil: a systematic review with meta-analysis (2001-2021). Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1605-1619. [PMID: 37154922 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07862-y] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by protozoan species of the genus Leishmania. It generates different clinical manifestations in humans and animals, and it infects multiple hosts. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by sandfly vectors. The main objective of this systematic review was to identify the host, or reservoir animal species, of Leishmania spp., with the exception of domestic dogs, that were recorded in Brazil. This review included identification of diagnostic methods, and the species of protozoan circulating in the country. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted across index journals. This study covered the period from 2001 to 2021, and 124 studies were selected. Eleven orders possible hosts were identified, including 229 mammalian species. Perissodactyla had the highest number of infected individuals (30.69%, 925/3014), with the highest occurrence in horses. In Brazil, the most commonly infected species were found to be: horses, domestic cats, rodents, and marsupials. Bats, that were infected by one or more protozoan species, were identified as potential reservoirs of Leishmania spp. Molecular tests were the most commonly used diagnostic methods (94 studies). Many studies have detected Leishmania spp. (n = 1422): Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (n = 705), Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (n = 319), and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (n = 141). Recognizing the species of animals involved in the epidemiology and biological cycle of the protozoan is important, as this allows for the identification of environmental biomarkers, knowledge of Leishmania species can improve the control zoonotic leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Raquel Ratzlaff
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Osmari
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Daniele da Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Jaíne Soares de Paula Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pötter
- Laboratório de Pastos e Suplementos, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil.
- Centro Universitário Ritter Dos Reis (UniRitter), Campus FAPA, Av. Manoel Elias, 2001 - Passo das Pedras, Porto Alegre, 91240-261, Brazil.
| | - José Américo de Mello Filho
- Laboratório de Análises Ambientais por Geoprocessamento (LAGEO), Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 44 J, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Sônia de Avila Botton
- Laboratório de Saúde Única (LASUS), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 44, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
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Sgarioni AZ, Serafini PP, Pereira A, Emmerich T, Pontes TP, Ribeiro PR, Echenique J, Amorim DB, Klafke G, Reck J. A novel variant of Babesia sp. (Piroplasmida) as a hemoparasite in procellariiform seabirds. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07894-4. [PMID: 37314510 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Procellariiformes includes pelagic seabirds that only use land for breeding; and also, these sites mostly occur in insular habitats. These peculiar habits make the investigation of hemoparasites a challenging issue. Thus, the data on the blood parasites of Procellariiformes are still scarce. In the order Piroplasmida, 16 species of Babesia have been described in terrestrial birds and seabirds. However, there is no register for Babesia spp. in procellariiform seabirds. Hence, the objective of this survey was to investigate the occurrence of Babesia spp. in these seabirds. A total of 220 tissue samples from 18 different seabird species were analyzed; the samples comprised blood and fragments of liver and spleen. The samples were obtained from live rescued animals and carcasses found along the southern coast of Brazil. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Only one blood sample yielded a positive result, from an adult female Thalassarche chlororhynchos (Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross). The sequence obtained showed the highest identity with sequences of Babesia spp. of birds from the South Pacific, and the isolate was named Babesia sp. strain Albatross. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequence was grouped within the Babesia sensu stricto group, and further still into a subgroup including Babesia spp. of the Kiwiensis clade (parasites from birds). The phylogenetic analysis also showed that Babesia sp. strain Albatross clustered apart from the Peircei group, a clade that includes Babesia spp. from seabirds. As far as it is known, this is the first report of Babesia sp. in procellariiform seabirds. Babesia sp. strain Albatross may constitute a novel variant of tick-borne piroplasmids associated with the Procellariiformes order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelise Zabel Sgarioni
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Patricia P Serafini
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres (CEMAVE), Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Contaminação Aquática e Imunoquímica (LABCAI), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Tiffany Emmerich
- Unidade de Estabilização de Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale de Itajaí (UNIVALI), Penha, SC, Brazil
| | - Thamires P Pontes
- Unidade de Estabilização de Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale de Itajaí (UNIVALI), Penha, SC, Brazil
| | - Paula R Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Joanna Echenique
- Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Derek B Amorim
- Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos (CECLIMAR), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Imbé, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Klafke
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil.
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Qian C, Liu K, Pang M, Xu Z, Deng L, Liu H. Hypoxia and warming take sides with small marine protists: An integrated laboratory and field study. Sci Total Environ 2023; 882:163568. [PMID: 37084913 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163568] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia and ocean warming are two mounting global environmental threats influencing marine ecosystems. However, the interactive effects of rising temperature and depleted dissolved oxygen (DO) on marine protists remains unknown. Here, we conducted a series of laboratory experiments on four protozoa with distinct cell sizes to investigate the combined effects of temperature (19, 22, 25, 28, and 31 °C) and oxygen availability (hypoxia, 2 mg DO L-1 and normoxia, 7 mg DO L-1) on their physiological performances (i.e., growth, ingestion, and respiration rates). The hypoxia-induced inhibition in three physiological rates increased with the biovolume of the protists. As the larger surface area to volume (SA/V) quotients of smaller protists facilitate higher capabilities of oxygen absorption and utilization, the smaller protists suffered less inhibitions induced by hypoxia. Moreover, the hypoxia-induced inhibition in physiological rates was exacerbated by increasing temperature, which can be verified by the reductions in the temperature sensitivities (represented by the activation energy, E). These results suggest that hypoxia could lead to a shift of protistan community with enhanced domination of small protists, and warming could exacerbate such a trend. We further examined our laboratory results in the Pearl River Estuary, where extensive bottom hypoxia often occurs in summer. We found the mean protist biovolume in hypoxic waters was significantly lower than that at normal stations. Also, the mean protist biovolume decreased with declining DO concentration and rising temperature, indicating the interactive effect of temperature and oxygen availability. Collectively, we suggest that hypoxia could cause a higher proportion of small-sized cells in the marine protistan community, and the projected ocean warming could intensify the tendency, which could undermine the capacity of oceanic carbon sequestration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Kailin Liu
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Mengwen Pang
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Zhimeng Xu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Lixia Deng
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.
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Vasconcelos MPA, Sánchez-Arcila JC, Peres L, de Sousa PSF, Dos Santos Alvarenga MA, Castro-Alves J, de Fatima Ferreira-da-Cruz M, Maia-Herzog M, Oliveira-Ferreira J. Malarial and intestinal parasitic co-infections in indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:603-610. [PMID: 36842196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.02.012] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Brazilian Amazon rainforest region has a significant prevalence of malarial and intestinal parasitic infections in indigenous populations, accounting for a disproportionate burden. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and association between malarial and intestinal protozoan and helminth infections in four remote indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. A total of 430 individuals participated in the study, and Plasmodium infections were diagnosed by examination of thick blood smears and PCR. Stool samples 295 individuals (69%) were examined by direct smear and the Kato-Katz technique. The overall prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoan infection, and intestinal helminth infection was 14.2%, 100%, and 39.3%, respectively. Polyparasitism was predominant (83.7%), and most infected individuals had at least two or more different species of intestinal protozoan and/or helminth parasites. The prevalence of co-infection was 49.5%, and in individuals with intestinal protozoa and helminth infections (34%), Entamoeba. coli, Entamoeba histolytica, and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most common parasites. In individuals with malaria and protozoa infections (10.2%), P. vivax, E. coli, and E. histolytica predominated, and in individuals with malaria, protozoa, and helminth infections (5.4%). P. vivax, E. coli, E. histolytica, and A. lumbricoides predominated. Intestinal polyparasitism was common in the study population, and the presence of helminths was associated with an increased number of intestinal parasitic species. However, Plasmodium infections were neither a risk nor a protective factor for helminth infections; the same was true for helminth infections in relation to Plasmodium. The high prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism with Plasmodium co-infections highlights the need for combining strategies that may help control both malaria and intestinal parasite and generate a health approach aligned with indigenous perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pinheiro Alves Vasconcelos
- Centro de Medicina Tropical de Rondônia - CEMETRON, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Peres
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Júlio Castro-Alves
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Marilza Maia-Herzog
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional em Simulídeos, Oncocercose e Mansonelose, Coleção de Simulídeos do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bilhalva LC, de Almeida BA, Colombo P, de Faria Valle S, Soares JF. Hematologic variables of free-living Leptodactylus luctator with and without hemoparasites and thrombidiform mites in southern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 38:100834. [PMID: 36725158 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100834] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that anuran amphibian parasites can cause clinical signs in situations of environmental imbalance. In the family Leptodactylidae, information about hematology is scarce, although these are well-known tools for the diagnosis and prognosis in clinical practice and potential bioindicators of environmental stress. The objective of this study is to describe Leptodactylus luctator hematology, to report the occurrence of hemoparasites and thrombidiform mites, and to compare the hematological variables under the presence and absence of these organisms. Ectoparasites and heparinized blood samples from 40 free-living specimens of L. luctator were collected for analysis. Hematologic variables and total plasma protein were compared between groups with and without hemoparasites and intradermal mites. As results, structures compatible with hemogregarines, Lankesterella sp., five morphotypes of Trypanosoma spp., microfilaria, Aegyptianella sp., an unidentified intraleukocytic hemoparasite, and frog erythrocytic virus (FEV) inclusion bodies were identified in the blood samples, besides Hannemania spp. intradermal mites. The hemoparasite occurrence was higher than previously reported in other anuran families and locations. Also, L. luctator has smaller red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs), and a hyposegmentation of the neutrophil nucleus, when compared to many other amphibians. White blood cell, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were higher in animals parasitized by mites. There was no correlation between the number of parasitized RBCs and hematologic variables. This study provides anuran hematologic information, in addition to indicating a host reaction to infestation by Hannemania spp. mites, besides constituting the first record of the distribution of hemoparasites and intradermal mites in L. luctator of the study region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Crespo Bilhalva
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Bento Gonçalves Ave., Porto Alegre 91540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Albuquerque de Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Bento Gonçalves Ave., Porto Alegre 91540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Patrick Colombo
- Zoobotanical Foundation of Rio Grande do Sul (FZB-RS), 1427 Dr. Salvador França Ave., Porto Alegre 90690-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Stella de Faria Valle
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Bento Gonçalves Ave., Porto Alegre 91540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Medicine College, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Bento Gonçalves Ave., Porto Alegre 91540-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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12
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Gómez-Quintero LM, Múnera-Marín MA, Urán-Serna MA, Serna-Galvis EA, Galván-Diaz AL, Torres-Palma RA. Inactivation of Giardia intestinalis cysts in water using a sonochemical method based on mid-high-frequency waves. MethodsX 2023; 10:102068. [PMID: 36879762 PMCID: PMC9984674 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102068] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a pollutant of food and water, resistant to conventional disinfection treatments and its elimination requires effective methods action. Herein, mid-high-frequency ultrasound (375 kHz), which produces HO• and H2O2, was used as an alternative method of treatment to inactivate Giardia intestinalis cysts in water. The effect of ultrasound power (4.0, 11.2, 24.4 W) on the sonogeneration of radicals was tested, showing that 24.4 W was the condition most favorable to treat the parasite. The viability of the protozoan cysts was evaluated using the immunofluorescence technique and vital stains, showing this protocol was useful to quantify the parasite. The sonochemical method (at 375 kHz and 24.4 W) was applied at different treatment times (10, 20, and 40 min). A significant decrease in the protozoan concentration (reduction of 52.4% of viable cysts) was observed after 20 min of treatment. However, the extension of treatment time up to 40 min did not increase the inactivation. Disinfecting action was associated with attacks on the Giardia intestinalis cyst by sonogenerated HO• and H2O2 (which may induce structural damage, even the cell lysis). For future work is recommended to test combinations with UVC or Fenton process to enhance the inactivating action of this method.•Mid-high-frequency ultrasound produces HO• and H2O2 profitable to inactivate Giardia intestinalis.•Immunofluorescence technique and vital stains allowed us to quantify the parasite viability.•Giardia intestinalis cysts concentration decreased by 52.4% after only 20 min of sonication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura María Gómez-Quintero
- Grupo de Microbiología Ambiental, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marlon Alexis Múnera-Marín
- Grupo de Microbiología Ambiental, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - María Alejandra Urán-Serna
- Grupo de Microbiología Ambiental, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Efraím A. Serna-Galvis
- Grupo de Investigación en Remediación Ambiental y Biocatálisis (GIRAB), Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Catalizadores y Adsorbentes (CATALAD), Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Luz Galván-Diaz
- Grupo de Microbiología Ambiental, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ricardo A. Torres-Palma
- Grupo de Investigación en Remediación Ambiental y Biocatálisis (GIRAB), Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
- Corresponding author.
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Duguma T, Tekalign E. A Five-Year Retrospective Investigation of the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Iran J Parasitol 2023; 18:76-84. [PMID: 37197071 PMCID: PMC10183444 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i1.12382] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasites are responsible for a significant amount of disease and mortality around the world. In developing nations, intestinal parasites are a severe public health issue. Intestinal parasite infections are one of the most common illnesses in the world. They're frequently linked to poor personal and environmental cleanliness, as well as low-quality drinking water. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their shifting trends during a five-year period at Mizan-Tepi University of Teaching Hospital (MTUTH). Methods A cross-sectional retrospective survey using the past five years' (2017 to 2021) clinical records obtained from MTUTH Mizan-Aman town Southern west Ethiopia. Patients with complete age, sex, and stool parasite examination (direct wet mount or concentration techniques) records on the parasitology registration book were included. Data were entered and analysed using a Microsoft Excel sheet. The parasite prevalence was calculated using frequency and percentages. Results Overall, 17,030 patient records of the past five years were reviewed from the registration books of parasitology laboratory departments at MTUTH and only 546 records were taken for this study. Of these 336 (61.50%) were female and the rest 210 (38.50%) were males. One hundred eighty-two (182) 33.33% of patients had one or more intestinal parasites over five years from 2017 to 2021. From total of 546 patients' records 17.77% in 2017, 18.89% in 2018, 23.44% in 2019, 19.96% in 2020 and 19.96% in 2021 had complete information. Conclusion Intestinal parasite prevalence was high among patients who visited the Mizan-Tepi University of Teaching Hospital during the five-year period. Helminthes and protozoan parasites prevalence was higher in the 15-45 years age category. In order to avoid intestinal parasite-related disease, strategies other than mass drug administration are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Duguma
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Mizan-Tepi University, Ethiopia
| | - Eyob Tekalign
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Mizan-Tepi University, Ethiopia
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14
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de Oliveira FCR, Gallo SSM, Elizeu TKS, Ederli NB. Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of Cryptosporidium species in the saffron finch Sicalis flaveola. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:449. [PMID: 36564739 PMCID: PMC9789611 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03553-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is the most common protozoan that can infect a wide variety of animals, including mammals and birds. Fecal samples of six saffron finches, Sicalis flaveola, from a commercial establishment were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing of the amplified fragments. RESULTS The species Cryptosporidium galli was identified in all six saffron fiches, in addition to Cryptosporidium andersoni in one of the birds, indicating a mixed infection. Only two birds had feathers that were ruffled and dirty with feces. Concomitant infection with Isospora spp. was observed in all birds. CONCLUSIONS Saffron finches are a possible host of C. andersoni and this is the first report of this species in a captive bird and the third report of parasitism by C. galli in Sicalis flaveola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Carlos Rodrigues de Oliveira
- grid.412331.60000 0000 9087 6639Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602 Brazil
| | - Samira Salim Mello Gallo
- grid.412331.60000 0000 9087 6639Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602 Brazil
| | - Taynara Kerolayne Santos Elizeu
- grid.412331.60000 0000 9087 6639Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602 Brazil
| | - Nicole Brand Ederli
- grid.411173.10000 0001 2184 6919Instituto do Noroeste Fluminense de Educação Superior, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Avenida João Jasbick, Santo Antônio de Pádua, Rio de Janeiro, 28470-000 Brazil
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15
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Engel L, Hamedy A, Kornacka-Stackonis A, Langner T, Birka S, Koethe M. Toxoplasma gondii in raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany: a serosurvey based on meat juice. Parasitol Res 2022. [PMID: 36149498 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07646-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was determined in meat juice samples of 820 free-living raccoons from Germany. The animals were collected between December 2017 and April 2021. Using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the overall seroprevalence was found to be 48.5%. Statistical analysis revealed significant seroprevalence differences between seasons, sex, and weight of analysed raccoons. The prevalence in late winter/spring (57.7%) was significantly higher than in autumn (38.4%) (p < 0.0003). Male raccoons (50.5%) were more often seropositive than females (41.0%) (p = 0.028). Increasing animal weight had a significant impact on the relative probability of a positive serostatus (odds ratio: 1.783, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we found regional differences in seroprevalence, but there was no statistically significant difference resulting from animal age, degree of habitat urbanization and hunting year. Meat juice is a suitable medium for serological surveys for T. gondii in meat producing animals, as sampling is even possible after slaughter or during meat inspection when blood is no longer available. The observed high seroprevalence indicates that T. gondii infection is widespread among the German raccoon population providing a potentially relevant source of T. gondii transmission to humans upon consumption or handling of animal products.
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Abstract
Babesiosis is caused by intraerythrocytic parasites that are transmitted primarily by ticks, infrequently through blood transfusion, and rarely through transplacental transmission or organ transplantation. Human babesiosis is found throughout the world, but the incidence is highest in the Northeast and upper Midwestern United States. Babesiosis has clinical features that resemble malaria and can be fatal in immunocompromised and older patients. Diagnosis is confirmed by identification of Babesia parasites on blood smear or Babesia DNA with polymerase chain reaction. Standard treatment consists of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine for 7 to 10 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Waked
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102, USA.
| | - Peter J Krause
- Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Ratzlaff FR, Fernandes FD, Osmari V, Silva D, de Paula Vasconcellos JS, Braunig P, Vogel FSF, de Ávila Botton S, Dos Santos HF, Cargnelutti JF, Caldart ET, Campos A, de Mello Filho JA, Soares JF, Fagundes-Moreira R, Witt AA, Pacheco SM, Sangioni LA. Prevalence and molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in bats from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3193-3202. [PMID: 36048268 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect the occurrence of infection by Leishmania spp.in bats from 34 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS; southern Brazil) from 2016 to 2021. A total of 109 bats were provided by the Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde of RS, including six species belonged to Molossidae family, six to Vespertilionidae family, and two to Phyllostomidae family. Leishmania spp. was identified using the nested-PCR method by amplifying the SSU rDNA ribosomal subunit gene into four organ pools: (1) the liver, spleen, and lymph node; (2) heart and lungs; (3) skin; and (4) bone marrow of each bat. Three (3/109, 2.7%) animals tested positive for Leishmania spp. The respective PCR-positive organs came from pools 1 and 3. Two bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) were from the municipality of Canoas, and sequences analysis confirms the species identification as Leishmania infantum. In the third bat (Molossus molossus), from Rio Grande, it was not possible to determine the protozoa species, being considered Leishmania spp. Our results indicate that bats can participate in the biological cycle of Leishmania spp. and perform as host, reservoir, and/or source of infection of the protozoa in different areas of RS. More studies will be needed to elucidate the role of these Chiropteras in the circulation of Leishmania spp. This is the first study reporting the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in bats in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Raquel Ratzlaff
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Osmari
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Daniele Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Jaíne Soares de Paula Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Braunig
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Sônia de Ávila Botton
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Helton Fernandes Dos Santos
- Laboratório Central de Diagnóstico Em Patologia Aviária (LCDPA), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 44, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), CEP, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR-445, Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Aline Campos
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde (CEVS), Av. Ipiranga, 5400, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - José Américo de Mello Filho
- Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, 1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade de Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - André Alberto Witt
- Divisão de Defesa Sanitária Animal (DDA), Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural (SEAPDRA), Av. Getúlio Vargas, 1384, Porto Alegre, CEP, 90150-004, Brazil
| | - Susi Missel Pacheco
- Instituto Sauver - Organização não governamental, R. Dr. Paulo Franco Dos Réis, 40, Boa Vista, Porto Alegre, 90480-090, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
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18
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Henker LC, Silveira Flores Vogel F, Santana de Cecco B, Ribeiro Dos Santos I, Roman IJ, D'ambroso Fernandes F, Genro Cony F, Petinatti Pavarini S, Driemeier D. Abortion outbreak in a sheep flock caused by Toxoplasma gondii clonal type III. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2633-2639. [PMID: 35779119 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07581-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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of reproductive losses in small ruminants in several countries. We describe here an outbreak of T. gondii-associated abortion in sheep in Southern Brazil. The flock was comprised of 55 adult sheep, and late-term abortions and stillbirths were detected in 15/36 (41.66%) gestating ewes. Serum samples collected from 45 sheep were tested for T. gondii through indirect immunofluorescence assay; IgM and IgG positive results were detected in 44.44% (20/45) and 86.67% (39/45) of the cases, respectively. Four fetuses and two placentas were pathologically evaluated. Gross changes were restricted to fetal membranes and were characterized by multifocal white areas in the cotyledons. Microscopically, these areas corresponded to necrotic foci affecting the chorionic epithelium accompanied by rare cysts of T. gondii. The main histological change in fetal tissues consisted of well-demarked and sparsely distributed necrotic foci in the central nervous system. Tissue samples from all four fetuses and one placenta had positive PCR results for T. gondii. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotyping using ten markers (SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, alt.SAG2, SGA3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, and PK1) was carried out on one sample, and results were consistent with T. gondii clonal type III (ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP genotype #2, TgCpBr4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Cleber Henker
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária (SPV), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 63C, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Santana de Cecco
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária (SPV), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Igor Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária (SPV), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 63C, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 63C, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Genro Cony
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária (SPV), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária (SPV), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária (SPV), Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil
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Saldanha BM, Chame M, Nunes GKM, Sianto L, Leles D. PARASITES OF THE BRAZILIAN ROCK CAVY, KERODON RUPESTRIS: REVEALING THEIR HISTORY IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMIARID REGION. J Parasitol 2022; 108:395-402. [PMID: 36027573 DOI: 10.1645/20-56] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Using microscopy and/or immunodiagnosis, the authors analyzed 284 fecal samples from the Brazilian rock cavy, Kerodon rupestris, that were collected between 1984 and 2015 in Serra da Capivara National Park for the presence of helminths and protozoa. Fourteen morphospecies of helminth eggs of the following taxa were found: Trematoda, Nematoda, Strongylidae, Lagochilascaris sp., Strongylida, Trichuris (2 species), Oxyuridae (3 species), Ancylostomatidae (2 species), and Ascarididae (2 species), along with 3 protozoan taxa: Coccidia, Cryptosporidium sp., and Balantidium sp. During the last 30 yr, the population of K. rupestris has increased in the region as a consequence of the creation and management of the National Park, and data from this study show a concurrent increase in the diversity of intestinal parasites in this host, including new reports. Some of these species have zoonotic potential, which suggests that K. rupestris may be in contact with domestic farm animals and/or human feces. These results show the importance of integrating different diagnostic approaches for the identification of protozoa in the region and indicate that further methods need to be employed to increase recovery. This work highlights the usefulness of parasite studies in assessing the health of ecosystems, especially in protected areas, which should be considered by park managers and health agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna M Saldanha
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Professor Hernani Melo n.101, bairro São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Marcia Chame
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, n. 1480, bairro Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21031-210, Brazil
| | - Gleisse K M Nunes
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, n. 1480, bairro Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21031-210, Brazil
| | - Luciana Sianto
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, n. 1480, bairro Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21031-210, Brazil
| | - Daniela Leles
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Professor Hernani Melo n.101, bairro São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 21041-210, Brazil
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de Moura GA, de Oliveira JR, Rocha YM, de Oliveira Freitas J, Rodrigues JPV, Ferreira VPG, Nicolete R. Antitumor and antiparasitic activity of antimicrobial peptides derived from snake venom: a systematic review approach. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5358-5368. [PMID: 35524668 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220507011719] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a scenario of increased pathogens with multidrug resistance phenotypes, it is necessary to seek new pharmacological options. This fact is responsible for an increase in neoplasms and multiresistant parasitic diseases. In turn, snake venom-derived peptides exhibited cytotoxic action on fungal and bacterial strains, possibly presenting activities in resistant tumor cells and parasites. Therefore, the aim of this work is to verify an antitumor and antiparasitic activity of antimicrobial peptides derived from snake venom. METHODS For this purpose, searches were performed in the Pubmed, Embase and Virtual Health Library databases by combining the descriptors peptides, venom and snake with antitumor/ antiparasitic agent and in silico. The inclusion criteria: in vitro and in vivo experimental articles in addition to in silico studies. The exclusion criteria: articles that were out of scope, review articles, abstracts, and letters to the reader. Data extracted: peptide name, peptide sequence, semi-maximal inhibitory concentration, snake species, tumor lineage or parasitic strain, cytotoxicity, in vitro and in vivo activity. RESULTS In total 164 articles were found, of which 14 were used. A total of ten peptides with antiproliferative activity on tumor cells were identified. Among the articles, seven peptides addressed the antiparasitic activity. CONCLUSION In conclusion, snake venom-derived peptides can be considered as potential pharmacological options for parasites and tumors, however more studies are needed to prove their specific activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana R de Oliveira
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Northeast Network of Biotechnology (RENORBIO), State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Yasmim M Rocha
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | | | - João Pedro V Rodrigues
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Vanessa P G Ferreira
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Northeast Network of Biotechnology (RENORBIO), State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
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Sophia DC, Aitor C, Claudia UC, Javier C, Delia G, Valeria G, Ezequiel HH, Maria Stefania L, Constanza N, Irene S, Nicole SP, Juliana V, Gerardo AJ, Domenico V, Domenico O, Javier M. Large-scale survey for canine vector-borne parasites in free-ranging dogs and foxes from six diverse bioclimatic regions of Chile. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100721. [PMID: 35431077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chile is a large country with a marked range of climate conditions that make it an ideal scenario for the study of vector-borne parasites (VBPs); however, knowledge about their distribution is limited to a few confined areas of this country. The presence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmids, Leishmania spp. and filarioids was investigated through molecular and serological methods in blood and serum samples of 764 free-ranging rural dogs, 154 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 91 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) from six bioclimatic regions across Chile. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was exclusively detected in foxes (43% prevalence), including sequences closely related to Hepatozoon felis (24.1%; only Andean foxes), Hepatozoon americanum (16.2%; only grey foxes), and Hepatozoon canis (1.25%; in one grey fox). Risk factor assessment identified a higher probability of Hepatozoon infection in juvenile foxes. DNA of piroplasmids was detected in 0.7% of dogs (Babesia vogeli) but in no fox, whilst antibodies against Babesia sp. were detected in 24% of the dogs and 25% of the foxes, suggesting a wider circulation of canine piroplasmids than previously believed. A positive association between the presence of antibodies against Babesia and high Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato burden was observed in dogs. Leishmania spp. DNA and antibodies were detected in 0.8% and 4.4% of the dogs, respectively. Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the only blood nematode detected (1.5% of the dogs and no fox). Differences in prevalence among bioregions were observed for some of the VBPs. These results expand our knowledge about the occurrence of vector-borne parasites in Chile, some of which are firstly reported herein. This information will facilitate the diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in domestic dogs and improve the control measures for both domestic and wild canids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cataldo Sophia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cevidanes Aitor
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ulloa-Contreras Claudia
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cabello Javier
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad Chiloé-Silvestre, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Gambino Delia
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Gargano Valeria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | | | | | - Napolitano Constanza
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile; Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sacristán Irene
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Europea de Madrid, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sallaberry-Pincheira Nicole
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vianna Juliana
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Acosta-Jamett Gerardo
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vicari Domenico
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Otranto Domenico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Millán Javier
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Zhuang L, Su J, Tu P. Cutaneous leishmaniasis presenting with painless ulcer on the right forearm: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2301-2306. [PMID: 35321164 PMCID: PMC8895175 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i7.2301] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis includes a range of chronic infections in humans and animals and can be caused by more than 20 species of Leishmania protozoa. The manifestations of leishmaniasis are diverse and dependent on the immune response capacity of the host and the type of Leishmania. In East Asia, leishmaniasis is relatively rare and prone to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.
CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 36-year-old male with cutaneous leishmaniasis. The patient had been misdiagnosed with a bacterial skin infection and was given a dressing change and oral levofloxacin, which proved ineffective. Histopathological examination revealed amastigote (Leishman-Donovan body) in the histocytes, and nucleic acid sequencing proved that the pathogen was Leishmania major. The patient was treated successfully by regional injection of sodium gluconate (600 mg) three times. The ulcer healed and did not recur at 1.5-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION Skin ulcers caused by leishmaniasis are easily misdiagnosed in non-epidemic countries, yet it should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhuang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University The First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- Department of Dermatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong province, China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Third Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Ping Tu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University The First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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Kumar A, Singh B, Tiwari R, Singh VK, Singh SS, Sundar S, Kumar R. Emerging role of γδ T cells in protozoan infection and their potential clinical application. Infect Genet Evol 2022; 98:105210. [PMID: 35031509 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells are thymus derived heterogeneous and unconventional T- lymphocyte expressing TCR γ (V γ9) and TCRδ (Vδ2) chain and play an important role in connecting innate and adaptive armaments of immune response. These cells can recognize wide ranges of antigens even without involvement of major histocompatibility complex and exert their biological functions by cytotoxicity or activating various types of immune cells. In recent past, γδ T cells have emerged as an important player during protozoa infection and rapidly expand after exposure with them. They have also been widely studied in vaccine induced immune response against many bacterial and protozoan infections with improved clinical outcome. In this review, we will discuss the various roles of γδ T cells in immunity against malaria and leishmaniasis, the two important protozoan diseases causing significant mortality and morbidity throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awnish Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Bhawana Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Rahul Tiwari
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | | | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India.
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Yang Y, Zhan A, Yuan Z. Differed biotic interactions influenced by anthropogenic disturbances among trophic levels in fragmented wetlands. Sci Total Environ 2022; 809:151179. [PMID: 34742954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151179] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental changes derived from various human activities have largely disturbed the structure and functioning of various biological communities. However, little is known on how such disturbance impacts species interactions in biological communities. This study aims to elucidate the variation of species interactions across multiple trophic levels and further determine crucial factor(s) in regulating observed variation. We collected plankton samples from Sanjiang Wetlands in Northeastern China and used random matrix theory (MRT)-based approach to construct species interaction networks for bacterioplanktons, protozoans, and metazoans, respectively. We found that biotic interactions were more complex at lower trophic levels. Network key species (e.g., module hubs and connectors) were detected only in the bacterioplankton network. More inter- and intra-module connections, particularly negative connections, were detected in the bacterioplankton network. Across all three trophic levels, the element sodium (Na) was the most important factor influencing the network structure, while at each trophic level, physicochemical factors, nutrients, and organic pollutants were identified as crucial determinants but their relative importance differed. In particular, no correlation was detected between the metazoan network and any environmental factor. After separating protozoan and metazoan communities into subgroups in relatively poor and good water environments, we found community interaction networks were more complex in good conditions than in poor conditions. A simple network structure (e.g., no inter-module connectors or intra-module hubs, and less competitive links) and less association with environmental factors in the higher trophic levels clearly illustrate that metazoan and protozoan communities in the fragmented wetlands are unstable and vulnerable. Therefore, further environmental changes may greatly influence species interactions in these communities. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into dynamics of influence of environmental changes on biotic interactions in aquatic biological communities, highlighting the necessity to use a multi-trophic strategy when assessing negative effects of environmental changes in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhan Yang
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 311400, China; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Aibin Zhan
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zhilin Yuan
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 311400, China
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Carvalho AR, Pérez-Pereira AI, Couto CMC, Tiritan ME, Ribeiro CMR. Assessment of effluents quality through ecotoxicological assays: evaluation of three wastewater treatment plants with different technologies. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:963-976. [PMID: 34345989 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15671-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The water quality of the effluents is mainly focused on physicochemical and microbiological parameters. However, the ecotoxicological assessments are crucial to ensure an effective water quality of the effluents. This work aims to assess the ecotoxicity of effluents originated from WWTPs with different wastewater treatment technologies. For that, effluent samples from three WWTPs with different treatment processes were seasonally collected. Physicochemical parameters were determined, the toxicity towards daphnia, protozoan, and microalgae organisms was evaluated, and data correlated. Toxicity assays showed different susceptibility of the organisms to the effluents and that toxicity is dependent on the season and wastewater treatment technology. No toxicity was observed to daphnia in winter and spring, but ~100% of mortality was observed in effluent from WWTP A in summer. Growth inhibition was observed for both protozoan and microalgae for all effluents and in all seasons with highest values in spring in WWTP C (~80%) for the protozoan while the highest microalgae growth inhibition percentage was observed for WWTP B in both spring (~80%) and summer (~80%). These results show that effluents might have negative impacts into their receiving water systems and highlight that a global assessment of effluent quality should include ecotoxicological assays to complement physicochemical and microbiological data for an operative environmental management of wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Carvalho
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116, Gandra, PRD, Portugal
| | - Ariana Isabel Pérez-Pereira
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116, Gandra, PRD, Portugal
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Maria Cavadas Couto
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116, Gandra, PRD, Portugal
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Laboratório de Química Aplicada, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116, Gandra, PRD, Portugal
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Maria Rosa Ribeiro
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116, Gandra, PRD, Portugal.
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal.
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Viecenz JM, Garavaglia PA, Tasso LM, Maidana CG, Bautista Cannata JJ, García GA. Identification and biochemical characterization of an ATP-dependent dihydroxyacetone kinase from Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2021; 231:108178. [PMID: 34767777 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108178] [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: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) can be used as an energy source by many cell types; however, it is toxic at high concentrations. The enzyme dihydroxyacetone kinase (DAK) has shown to be involved in DHA detoxification and osmoregulation. Among protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma, T. brucei, which causes sleeping sickness, is highly sensitive to DHA and does not have orthologous genes to DAK. Conversely, T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas Disease, has two putative ATP-dependent DAK (TcDAKs) sequences in its genome. Here we show that T. cruzi epimastigote lysates present a DAK specific activity of 27.1 nmol/min/mg of protein and that this form of the parasite is able to grow in the presence of 2 mM DHA. TcDAK gene was cloned and the recombinant enzyme (recTcDAK) was expressed in Escherichia coli. An anti-recTcDAK serum reacted with a protein of the expected molecular mass of 61 kDa in epimastigotes. recTcDAK presented maximal activity using Mg+2, showing a Km of 6.5 μM for DHA and a K0.5 of 124.7 μM for ATP. As it was reported for other DAKs, recTcDAK activity was inhibited by FAD with an IC50 value of 0.33 mM. In conclusion, TcDAK is the first DAK described in trypanosomatids confirming another divergent metabolism between T. brucei and T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Matías Viecenz
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben"-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Paseo Colón 568, Buenos Aires, (1063), Argentina
| | - Patricia Andrea Garavaglia
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben"-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Paseo Colón 568, Buenos Aires, (1063), Argentina
| | - Laura Mónica Tasso
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben"-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Paseo Colón 568, Buenos Aires, (1063), Argentina
| | - Cristina Graciela Maidana
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben"-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Paseo Colón 568, Buenos Aires, (1063), Argentina
| | - Joaquín Juan Bautista Cannata
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB-INTECH) "Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde", Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, San Martín, (1650), Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Andrea García
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben"-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Paseo Colón 568, Buenos Aires, (1063), Argentina.
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Urbański LJ, Angeli A, Mykuliak VV, Azizi L, Kuuslahti M, Hytönen VP, Supuran CT, Parkkila S. Biochemical and structural characterization of beta-carbonic anhydrase from the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:115-124. [PMID: 34652457 PMCID: PMC8724216 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Trichomonas vaginalis is a unicellular parasite and responsible for one of the most common sexually transmittable infections worldwide, trichomoniasis. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are enzymes found in all lifeforms and are known to play a vital role in many biochemical processes in organisms including the maintenance of acid–base homeostasis. To date, eight evolutionarily divergent but functionally convergent forms of CAs (α, β, γ, δ, ζ, η, θ, and ι) have been discovered. The human genome contains only α-CAs, whereas many clinically significant pathogens express only β-CAs and/or γ-CAs. The characterization of pathogenic β- and γ-CAs provides important knowledge for targeting these biomolecules to develop novel anti-invectives against trichomoniasis. Here, we report the recombinant production and characterization of the second β-CA of T. vaginalis (TvaCA2). Light scattering analysis revealed that TvaCA2 is a dimeric protein, which was further supported with in silico modeling, suggesting similar structures between TvaCA2 and the first β-CA of T. vaginalis (TvaCA1). TvaCA2 exhibited moderate catalytic activity with the following kinetic parameters: kcat of 3.8 × 105 s−1 and kcat/KM of 4.4 × 107 M−1 s−1. Enzyme activity inhibition was studied with a set of clinically used sulfonamides and sulfonamide derivates. Twenty-seven out of the 39 compounds resulted in inhibition with a nanomolar range. These initial results encourage for future work entailing the design of more potent inhibitors against TvaCA2, which may provide new assets to fight trichomoniasis. Key messages • Protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis has two β-carbonic anhydrases (TvaCA1/2). • TvaCA1/TvaCA2 represents promising targets for antitrichomonal drug development. • TvaCA2 is a dimer of 20.3 kDa and possesses moderate catalytic activity. • The most efficient inhibitor was clinical drug acetazolamide with KI of 222.9 nM. • The 39 tested sulfonamides form the basis for the design of more potent inhibitors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00109-021-02148-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Urbański
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione Di Chimica Farmaceutica E Nutraceutica, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Via U. Schiff 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Vasyl V Mykuliak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Latifeh Azizi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marianne Kuuslahti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Arvo Ylpön katu 4, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione Di Chimica Farmaceutica E Nutraceutica, Università Degli Studi Di Firenze, Via U. Schiff 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Arvo Ylpön katu 4, 33520, Tampere, Finland
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28
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Abstract
Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness. In recent years, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has rapidly increased, growing its importance to human health. This systematic review aims to assess the distribution of Acanthamoeba sp. genotypes causing keratitis around the world, considering the sample collected type and the used identification method. Most of the cases were found in Asia and Europe. Not surprisingly, the T4 genotype was the most prevalent worldwide, followed by T3, T15, T11, and T5. Furthermore, the T4 genotype contains a higher number of species. Given the differences in pathology, susceptibility to treatment, and clinical outcome between distinct genotypes, it is essential to genotype isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases to help to establish a better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities, resulting in better drug therapies and successful treatment in cases of this important ocular infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Nunes Diehl
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia E Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Júlia Paes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia E Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia E Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências, Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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Bergmann A, Dou Z. Fluorescence-based Heme Quantitation in Toxoplasma Gondii. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4063. [PMID: 34263005 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4063] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent protozoan pathogen throughout the world. As a eukaryotic intracellular pathogen, Toxoplasma ingests nutrients from host cells to support its intracellular growth. The parasites also encode full or partial metabolic pathways for the biosynthesis of certain nutrients, such as heme. Heme is an essential nutrient in virtually all living organisms, acting as a co-factor for mitochondrial respiration complexes. Free heme is toxic to cells; therefore, it gets conjugated to proteins or other metabolites to form a "labile heme pool," which is readily available for the biosynthesis of hemoproteins. Previous literature has shown that Toxoplasma gondii carries a fully functional de novo heme biosynthesis pathway and principally depends on this pathway for intracellular survival. Our recent findings also showed that the parasite's intracellular replication is proportional to the total abundance of heme within the cells. Moreover, heme abundance is linked to mitochondrial oxygen consumption for ATP production in these parasites; thus, they may need to regulate their cellular heme levels for optimal infection when present in different environments. Therefore, quantitative measurement of heme abundance within Toxoplasma will help us to understand the roles of heme in subcellular activities such as mitochondrial respiration and other events related to energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Bergmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA.,Eukaryotic Pathogen Innovation Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Zhicheng Dou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA.,Eukaryotic Pathogen Innovation Center (EPIC), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
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30
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Venturini E, Scarso S, Prelazzi GA, Niccolai C, Bianchi L, Montagnani C, Lapini M, Chiappini E, Antonelli A, Rossolini GM, Galli L. Epidemiology and clinical features of intestinal protozoan infections detected by Real-time PCR in non-native children within an Italian tertiary care children's hospital: A cross-sectional study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 43:102107. [PMID: 34116243 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric parasite infections are underestimated due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of microscopy, which remains the diagnostic gold standard in routine clinical practice. This could be a major problem in high-income countries, where the burden of parasitic diseases is low. In recent years, Multiplex Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based methods have been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of four enteric protozoan species detected by RT-PCR in non-native children in Italy, and to describe their clinical characteristics. METHODS Adopted and immigrant children, evaluated for migration health assessment between 2017 and 2020 in a tertiary care children's hospital in Italy, were enrolled. Molecular analysis for Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, and Entamoeba histolytica, was conducted by in-house RT-PCR. RESULTS Overall, 209 children were enrolled and 70% of them resulted positive by RT-PCR for at least one enteric parasite. B. hominis (47.8%) was the most commonly identified protozoa, followed by D. fragilis (44.5%). Co-infections with multiple pathogens were detected in 35.4% of the samples. Almost 80% of parasite-positive children were asymptomatic and the most common symptom was flatulence (60.7% of symptomatic children). Eosinophils were significantly increased in RT-PCR positive children compared to the negative ones and children with D. fragilis presented the highest eosinophils count. CONCLUSIONS The In-house Multiplex RT-PCR assay provides a valid molecular detection system for selected enteric parasites. This novel and accurate diagnostic method can help in increasing the detection rate of parasite infection, especially in high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Scarso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Leila Bianchi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Montagnani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Manuela Lapini
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy.
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31
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Abstract
Parasites have coevolved with humans. Several of them colonize the human body and establish a symbiotic relationship. Other parasites cause severe and lethal diseases. Prevalence of parasitic infections is decreased in highly industrialized countries, largely due to enforced hygienic practices. In contrast, parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality in parts of the world with barriers to effective public hygiene. Some parasites have emerged as potent pathogens in specific patient populations, such as immune suppressed individuals, regardless of sanitation. This article reviews common parasites encountered in clinical practice and, in the setting of host-parasite symbiosis, discusses their immune regulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie L Braseth
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David E Elliott
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, 4546 JCP, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - M Nedim Ince
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, 4546 JCP, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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32
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Saito T, Masatani T, Kitoh K, Takashima Y. Releasing latent Toxoplasma gondii cysts from host cells to the extracellular environment induces excystation. Int J Parasitol 2021:S0020-7519(21)00193-4. [PMID: 34081969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, infects a wide variety of mammals and birds. Although T. gondii infects the brain and muscles in its latent cyst form containing bradyzoite stage parasites during chronic infection, when a chronically infected host becomes immunodeficient or is preyed upon by a predator, the latent cyst undergoes excystation. However, it is not yet known how T. gondii recognises the triggers of excystation in the microenvironment surrounding the cyst. In this study, we incubated T. gondii cysts from host cells in several solutions containing a variety of ionic compositions. Excystation occurred in a solution with an ionic composition which mimicked that of the extracellular environment. However, excystation did not occur in a solution that mimicked the intracellular environment. We also found that the specific Na+/K+ ratio and the presence of Ca2+, mimicking the extracellular environment, are required to trigger excystation. To examine whether the stage conversion of bradyzoite to tachyzoite occurs prior to egress, we constructed a gene-modified T. gondii strain expressing a green fluorescent protein specifically in the tachyzoite stage. During the process of cyst reactivation of this strain, green fluorescence was detected prior to excystation. This suggests that stage conversion from bradyzoite to tachyzoite occurs prior to cyst disruption. These results indicate that T. gondii bradyzoites monitor the ionic composition of their surroundings to recognise their expulsion from host cells, to effectively time their excystation and stage conversion.
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García-Catalán S, González-Moreno L, Del Arco A. Ca 2+-regulated mitochondrial carriers of ATP-Mg 2+/Pi: Evolutionary insights in protozoans. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2021; 1868:119038. [PMID: 33839167 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its uptake across the Ca2+ uniporter, intracellular calcium signals can stimulate mitochondrial metabolism activating metabolite exchangers of the inner mitochondrial membrane belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family (SLC25). One of these Ca2+-regulated mitochondrial carriers (CaMCs) are the reversible ATP-Mg2+/Pi transporters, or SCaMCs, required for maintaining optimal adenine nucleotide (AdN) levels in the mitochondrial matrix representing an alternative transporter to the ADP/ATP translocases (AAC). This CaMC has a distinctive Calmodulin-like (CaM-like) domain fused to the carrier domain that makes its transport activity strictly dependent on cytosolic Ca2+ signals. Here we investigate about its origin analysing its distribution and features in unicellular eukaryotes. Unexpectedly, we find two types of ATP-Mg2+/Pi carriers, the canonical ones and shortened variants lacking the CaM-like domain. Phylogenetic analysis shows that both SCaMC variants have a common origin, unrelated to AACs, suggesting in turn that recurrent losses of the regulatory module have occurred in the different phyla. They are excluding variants that show a more limited distribution and less conservation than AACs. Interestingly, these truncated variants of SCaMC are found almost exclusively in parasitic protists, such as apicomplexans, kinetoplastides or animal-patogenic oomycetes, and in green algae, suggesting that its lost could be related to certain life-styles. In addition, we find an intricate structural diversity in these variants that may be associated with their pathogenicity. The consequences on SCaMC functions of these new SCaMC-b variants are discussed.
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34
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Dos Santos Zanetti A, Malheiros AF, de Matos TA, Dos Santos C, Battaglini PF, Moreira LM, Lemos LMS, Castrillon SKI, da Costa Boamorte Cortela D, Ignotti E, Espinosa OA. Diversity, geographical distribution, and prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:17. [PMID: 33812449 PMCID: PMC8019558 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The genus Entamoeba includes a variety of widely distributed species adapted to live in the digestive tracts of humans and a large variety of animals of different classes. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, distribution, and molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. in different classes of hosts in Brazil. Studies that analyzed hosts from several classes, including humans and domestic, wild, or captive animals, were considered. The pooled prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 166 studies on humans and 16 on animals were included. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in the Brazilian population was 22% (95% CI: 21–24). The state with the highest prevalence was Paraiba with 72%, followed by Federal District with 53%, and Rondonia with 50%. In immunocompromized patients, the prevalence was 18%, and cancer (36%) was the most prevalent cause of immunosuppression. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in animal hosts was 12% (95% CI: 7–17). Captive wild animals and domestic farm animals showed the highest prevalence, with 16% and 15%, respectively. The species found more often were E. coli (86.5%), E. dispar (7.9%), and E. histolytica (3.1%). In conclusion, a high prevalence (22%) of Entamoeba spp. was found in the Brazilian population, with a prevalence of up to 50% mainly in the northern, northeastern, and central-western regions. The pathogenic species E. histolytica is distributed in most Brazilian regions, with significant prevalence percentages. Among animals, unidentified Entamoeba species were most prevalent in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andernice Dos Santos Zanetti
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Antonio Francisco Malheiros
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Amorim de Matos
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Carolina Dos Santos
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Paula Franciene Battaglini
- Residency in Infectious Diseases, Júlio Miller University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Luis Philippe Pereira Leite St., Alvorada, Cuiabá, 78048-902 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Luciana Melhorança Moreira
- Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, 78217-042 Caceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Larissa Maria Scalon Lemos
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Solange Kimie Ikeda Castrillon
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Denise da Costa Boamorte Cortela
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, 78217-042 Caceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Eliane Ignotti
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Omar Ariel Espinosa
- Faculty Estacio of Pantanal (Estacio FAPAN), São Luís, 2522 St - Cidade Nova, Caceres, 78201-000 Mato Grosso, Brazil
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35
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Abstract
All intracellular pathogens must escape (egress) from the confines of their host cell to disseminate and proliferate. The malaria parasite only replicates in an intracellular vacuole or in a cyst, and must undergo egress at four distinct phases during its complex life cycle, each time disrupting, in a highly regulated manner, the membranes or cyst wall that entrap the parasites. This Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster summarises our current knowledge of the morphological features of egress across the Plasmodium life cycle, the molecular mechanisms that govern the process, and how researchers are working to exploit this knowledge to develop much-needed new approaches to malaria control. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele S Y Tan
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michael J Blackman
- Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK .,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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36
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Costa AD, Jacomasso T, Mattos EC, Farias AB, Rampazzo RC, Pinto RS, Tassi W, Marciano MAM, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Murphy HR, da Silva AJ, Krieger MA. Ready-to-use qPCR for detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis or Trypanosoma cruzi in food matrices. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2021; 22:e00111. [PMID: 33681489 PMCID: PMC7930119 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2021.e00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Foodborne outbreaks caused by parasites have long been a public health issue. Among the available contamination detection methods, qPCR is one of the most sensitive and specific. However, it can be cumbersome and error-prone, if used by unexperienced users. Moreover, qPCR reagents usually require freezer temperatures for transportation and storage. We present a gelified reaction format that allows the reagents to be stored at 2-8 °C for up to 90 days without losing performance. The gelification process eliminates most operator mistakes during reaction setup, and renders the qPCR plates ready-to-use. The new reaction makeup was evaluated using artificially contaminated samples of distinct food matrices for sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. Samples consisted of cilantro leaves and raspberry fruits spiked with Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts, as well as açai pulp and sugarcane juice tainted with Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. No significant difference between the gelified and the non-gelified qPCR was found. Our results suggest that gelifying the assay may help to achieve more reproducible qPCR data across laboratories, thus supporting surveillance actions. (170 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre D.T. Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências e Tecnologias Aplicadas à Saúde (LaCTAS), Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Thiago Jacomasso
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Elaine C. Mattos
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL Santo André), Av. Ramiro Colleone 240, Santo André, SP 09040-160, Brazil
| | - Aline B. Farias
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Rita C.P. Rampazzo
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Rebeka S. Pinto
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Walleyd Tassi
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | | | | | - Helen R. Murphy
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 21403, USA
| | - Alexandre J. da Silva
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 21403, USA
| | - Marco A. Krieger
- Laboratório de Ciências e Tecnologias Aplicadas à Saúde (LaCTAS), Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná (IBMP), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader 3775, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
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Piersanti A, Juganson K, Mozzicafreddo M, Wei W, Zhang J, Zhao K, Ballarini P, Mortimer M, Pucciarelli S, Miao W, Miceli C. Transcriptomic responses to silver nanoparticles in the freshwater unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila. Environ Pollut 2021; 269:115965. [PMID: 33213949 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115965] [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: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being increasingly used as biocides in various consumer products and if released in the environment they can affect non-target organisms. Therefore, understanding the toxicity mechanism is crucial for both the design of more efficient nano-antimicrobials and for the design of nanomaterials that are biologically and environmentally benign throughout their life-cycle. Here, the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila was used to elucidate the mechanisms of action of AgNPs by analysing the gene expression profile by RNA-seq and the transcriptomic effects of AgNPs were compared to those induced by soluble silver salt, AgNO3. Exposure to AgNPs at sublethal concentrations for 24 h induced phagocytosis, transport pathways, response to oxidative stress, glutathione peroxidase activity, response to stimulus, oxidation-reduction, proteolysis, and nitrogen metabolism process. Based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), some biological processes appeared targets of both toxicants. In addition to many similarities in affected genes, some effects were triggered only by NPs, like phagocytosis, glutathione peroxidase activity, response to stimulus, protein phosphorylation and nitrogen metabolism process. This research provides evidence that AgNPs compared to AgNO3 at the same concentration of dissolved silver ions dysregulate a higher number of cellular pathways. These findings confirm that AgNPs can induce toxicity not only due to soluble silver ions released from the particles but also to particle intrinsic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Piersanti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Katre Juganson
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Kangping Zhao
- College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Patrizia Ballarini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Monika Mortimer
- China Jiliang University, Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, College of Quality and Safety Engineering, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Sandra Pucciarelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Wei Miao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Cristina Miceli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Italy.
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Zahedi A, Ryan U, Rawlings V, Greay T, Hancock S, Bruce M, Jacobson C. Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dam water on sheep farms - An important source of transmission? Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109281. [PMID: 33142151 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections can negatively impact livestock health and reduce productivity, and some species and genotypes infecting livestock have zoonotic potential. Infection occurs via the faecal-oral route. Waterborne infections are a recognised source of infection for humans, but the role of livestock drinking water as a source of infection in livestock has not been described. This study aimed to determine whether contaminated drinking water supplies, such as farm dams, are a likely transmission source for Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections for extensively managed sheep. Dam water samples (n = 47) were collected during autumn, winter and spring from 12 farm dams located on six different farms in south west Western Australia, and faecal samples (n = 349) were collected from sheep with access to these dams. All samples were initially screened for Cryptosporidium spp. at the 18S locus and Giardia spp. at the gdh gene using qPCR, and oocyst numbers were determined directly from the qPCR data using DNA standards calibrated by droplet digital PCR. Cryptosporidium-positive sheep faecal samples were typed and subtyped by sequence analysis of 18S and gp60 loci, respectively. Giardia-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing targeting tpi and gdh loci were performed on Giardia- positive sheep faecal samples to characterise Giardia duodenalis assemblages. To identify Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. in dam water samples, next-generation sequencing analysis of 18S and gdh amplicons were performed, respectively. Two species of Cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidium xiaoi and Cryptospordium ubiquitum (subtype family XIIa)) were detected in 38/345 sheep faecal samples, and in water from 9/12 farm dams during the study period, with C. xiaoi the species most frequently detected in both faeces and dam water overall. Giardia duodenalis assemblages AI, AII and E were detected in 36/348 faecal samples and water from 10/12 farm dams. For dam water samples where oo/cysts were detected by qPCR, Cryptosporidium oocyst concentration ranged from 518-2429 oocysts/L (n = 14), and Giardia cyst concentration ranged from 102 to 1077 cysts/L (n = 17). Cryptosporidium and Giardia with zoonotic potential were detected in farm dam water, including C. ubiquitum, C. hominis, C. parvum, C. cuniculus, C. xiaoi, and G. duodenalis assemblages A, B and E. The findings suggest that dam water can be contaminated with Cryptosporidium species and G. duodenalis assemblages that may infect sheep and with zoonotic potential, and farm dam water may represent one source of transmission for infections.
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de Macedo LO, Bezerra-Santos MA, de Mendonça CL, Alves LC, Ramos RAN, de Carvalho GA. Prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. in goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:607-612. [PMID: 32801513 PMCID: PMC7410878 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria spp. infections lead to acute or chronic intestinal disorders in small ruminants, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection in small ruminants of the microregion of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 822) were obtained from goats (n = 414) and sheep (n = 408) and evaluated by the modified Gordon and Whitlock technique. Risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. Oocysts of Eimeria species were detected in 62.9% (517/822) of the animals, with 77.8% (322/414) in goats and 47.8% (195/408) in sheep. For goats, the herd size (OR = 5.52), rearing system (OR = 1.57), feeding place (OR = 2.60), absence of mineral salt in the diet (OR = 2.54), flooring type (OR = 2.83) and periodicity of cleaning (OR = 5.39) were considered risk factors. Conversely, for sheep only the herd size (OR = 3.16) and rearing system (OR = 2.45) were important factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. Data herein obtained brings meaningful information on the epidemiology of coccidiosis in small ruminants in Northeastern Brazil. The knowledge of these risk factors is useful to contribute to the development of preventive measures, thereby, reducing the economic impact caused by these protozoa in small ruminant production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oliveira de Macedo
- Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco 55292-270 Brazil
| | | | - Carla Lopes de Mendonça
- Clinic of Bovines of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco 55292-270 Brazil
| | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco 52171-900 Brazil
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Novobilský A, Höglund J. Small animal in vivo imaging of parasitic infections: A systematic review. Exp Parasitol 2020; 214:107905. [PMID: 32387050 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive small animal in vivo imaging is an essential tool in a broad variety of biomedical sciences and enables continuous monitoring of disease progression in order to develop and improve diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive measures. Imaging parasites non-invasively in live animals allows efficient parasite distribution evaluation in the host organism and objective evaluation of parasitic diseases' burden and progression in individual animals. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize recent trends in small animal in vivo imaging and compare and discuss imaging of single-cell and multicellular eukaryotic parasites. A literature survey was performed using Web of Science and PubMed databases in research articles published between 1990 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were using any imaging method to visualize a range of protozoan and helminth parasites in laboratory animals in vivo. A total of 92 studies met our inclusion criteria. Protozoans and helminths were imaged in 88% and 12% of 92 studies, respectively. The most common parasite genus studied was the protozoan Plasmodium followed by Trypanosoma and Leishmania. The most frequent imaging method was bioluminescence. Among the helminths, Schistosoma and Echinococcus were the most studied organisms. In vivo imaging is applicable in both protozoans and helminths. In helminths, however, the use of in vivo imaging methods is limited to some extent. Imaging parasites in small animal models is a powerful tool in preclinical research aiming to develop novel therapeutic and preventive strategies for parasitic diseases of interest both in human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Novobilský
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Hudcova 70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Johan Höglund
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Gadelha APR, Brigagao CM, da Silva MB, Rodrigues ABM, Guimarães ACR, Paiva F, de Souza W, Henriques C. Insights about the structure of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) and the activity of bisphosphonates on the proliferation and ultrastructure of Leishmania and Giardia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:168. [PMID: 32248823 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is positioned in the intersection of different sterol biosynthesis pathways such as those producing isoprenoids, dolichols and ergosterol. FPPS is ubiquitous in eukaryotes and is inhibited by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP). N-BP activity and the mechanisms of cell death as well as damage to the ultrastructure due to N-BP has not yet been investigated in Leishmania infantum and Giardia. Thus, we evaluated the effect of N-BP on cell viability and ultrastructure and then performed structural modelling and phylogenetic analysis on the FPPS enzymes of Leishmania and Giardia. Methods We performed multiple sequence alignment with MAFFT, phylogenetic analysis with MEGA7, and 3D structural modelling for FPPS with Modeller 9.18 and on I-Tasser server. We performed concentration curves with N-BP in Leishmania promastigotes and Giardia trophozoites to estimate the IC50via the MTS/PMS viability method. The ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, and the mechanism of cell death by flow cytometry. Results The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate risedronate had stronger anti-proliferative activity in Leishmania compared to other N-BPs with an IC50 of 13.8 µM, followed by ibandronate and alendronate with IC50 values of 85.1 µM and 112.2 µM, respectively. The effect of N-BPs was much lower on trophozoites of Giardia than Leishmania (IC50 of 311 µM for risedronate). Giardia treated with N-BP displayed concentric membranes around the nucleus and nuclear pyknosis. Leishmania had mitochondrial swelling, myelin figures, double membranes, and plasma membrane blebbing. The same population labelled with annexin-V and 7-AAD had a loss of membrane potential (TMRE), indicative of apoptosis. Multiple sequence alignments and structural alignments of FPPS proteins showed that Giardia and Leishmania FPPS display low amino acid identity but possess the conserved aspartate-rich motifs. Conclusions Giardia and Leishmania FPPS enzymes are phylogenetically distant but display conserved protein signatures. The N-BPs effect on FPPS was more pronounced in Leishmania than Giardia. This might be due to general differences in metabolism and differences in the FPPS catalytic site.![]()
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Wei W, Jiang C, Yang W, Miao W, Xiong J. Proteomic identification and expression of oral apparatus constituents in cell regeneration of giant ciliate Stentor coeruleus (strain WHEL). Gene 2020; 743:144624. [PMID: 32224274 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The giant ciliate Stentor coeruleus (S. coeruleus) is a suitable model organism for studying morphogenesis and regeneration at the single-cell level. It contains a prominent structure on the anterior end of the cell, known as the oral apparatus (OA). OA can be induced to shed by urea treatment and then new OA regenerates via a series of defined morphological events and the cell resumes normal feeding activity. We identified OA constituents in S. coeruleus by mass spectrometry. A total of 882 OA-associated proteins were identified; the homologs of 181 of these are known OA constituents in other organisms. The expression pattern of OA-associated genes during regeneration was investigated using single-cell transcriptome sequencing. The expression of most OA-associated genes was high during regeneration, indicating their stable expression after OA shedding. We also identified OA-associated differentially expressed genes that may be involved in regulating OA reconstruction. In summary, this study gives preliminary insight into the molecular basis of OA in S. coeruleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chuanqi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wentao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Miao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Kunming 650223, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology of China, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Greenwood KP, Reid SA. Clustering of cryptosporidiosis in Queensland, Australia, is not defined temporally or by spatial diversity. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:209-216. [PMID: 32126239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis, caused by infection with Cryptosporidium spp., is a globally distributed disease that manifests as diarrhoea for which there is no effective treatment. The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is difficult to detect and control, and can lead to severe disease in young children and the immunocompromised. Individual outbreaks across Australia have predominately been reported in urban areas associated with recreational water, but investigation of spatiotemporal distribution of disease is limited. This study evaluated the spatial and temporal patterns of clusters of notified cases of cryptosporidiosis in the north-eastern Australian state of Queensland, which has the highest average notified cases nationally. A spatiotemporal analysis in SaTScan of 12,263 notified cases from mid 2001 to mid 2015 identified 79 statistically significant disease clusters (P < 0.05). Analyses of annual incidence and disease cluster formation across the state illustrated the substantial randomness of clustering with no clear geographic distribution. Outbreaks were observed temporally across all latitudes and in rural and urban settings, with the majority of clusters centred in major and regional cities. Whilst clusters appeared in areas of high incidence, high incidence itself was not a predictor of clusters. Clusters generally formed during the hottest months between January and April, and cases were primarily children aged 0 to <5 years. Spatiotemporal analysis at a statewide level is an important indicator of regional disease patterns and can act as a trigger for targeted epidemiological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Greenwood
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Simon A Reid
- The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
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Wilson TM, Sousa SKH, Paludo GR, de Melo CB, Llano HAB, Soares RM, Castro MB. An undescribed species of Sarcocystis associated with necrotizing meningoencephalitis in naturally infected backyard chickens in the Midwest of Brazil. Parasitol Int 2020; 76:102098. [PMID: 32120051 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocistys -associated menigoencephalitis is virtually an unrecognized cause of neurological disease in chickens. An undescribed species of Sarcocystis cause fatal infection in two backyard chickens in the Midwest of Brazil. Infected chickens presented anorexia, weight loss, incoordination, ataxia and opisthotonos. Yellow necrotic foci in the gray and white matter of the telencephalon were the main gross lesion. Microscopically, necrotizing granulomatous and heterophilic meningoencephalitis with intralesional Sarcocystis -like schizonts and mezoites were observed in the central nervous system. Molecular analysis of frozen brain samples of the two chickens was identical and the protozoan was named Sarcocystis sp. Chicken-2016-DF-BR. Complete nested PCR- sequence of Sarcocystis sp. Chicken-2016-DF-BR was equally similar to Sarcocystis anasi (EU553477) and Sarcocystis albifronsi (EU502868). This is the first report of Sarcocistys -associated meningoencephalitis with molecular characterization in backyard chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tais M Wilson
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Susy K H Sousa
- Axys Análises Laboratório Veterinário, Porto Alegre, RS 91370-000, Brazil
| | - Giane R Paludo
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiano B de Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Animais, Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Horwald A B Llano
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508- 270, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508- 270, Brazil
| | - Marcio B Castro
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Tharmaratnam T, Kumanan T, Iskandar MA, D’Urzo K, Gopee-Ramanan P, Loganathan M, Tabobondung T, Tabobondung TA, Sivagurunathan S, Patel M, Tobbia I. Entamoeba histolytica and amoebic liver abscess in northern Sri Lanka: a public health problem. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:2. [PMID: 31992948 PMCID: PMC6977265 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-0193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. E. histolytica is endemic to sub-tropical and tropical countries and has been a major public health concern in northern Sri Lanka (SLK) for the last three decades. This has been attributed to a multitude of factors such as poor sanitation, hygiene, male sex, middle age, overcrowding, unsanitary practices in the production of indigenous alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, while rates of E. histolytica have declined substantially throughout the rest of the island, largely due to better infrastructure, it remains pervasive in the northern peninsula, which is generally less developed. Infection arises primarily from fecal-oral transmission through the consumption of contaminated drinking water containing cysts. Upon ingestion, cysts multiply into trophozoites and colonize the host colonic mucosa using lectin and cysteine proteases as virulence factors, leading to host invasion. Symptoms occur along a spectrum, from asymptomatology, to pyrexia, abdominal cramping, and amoebic dysentery. Colonization of the colon results in the formation of distinct flask-shaped ulcers along the epithelium, and eventual penetration of the lamina propria via the production of matrix metalloproteinases. ALA then develops through trophozoite migration via the mesenteric hepatic portal circulation, where microabscesses coalesce to form a single, large right-lobe abscess, commonly on the posterior aspect. The progression of infection to invasive disease is contingent on the unique interplay between host and pathogen factors, such as the strength of host-immunity to overcome infection and inherent pathogenicity of the Entamoeba species. As a preventable illness, E. histolytica complications such as ALA impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. This mini-review highlights epidemiological trends, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and opportunities for prevention of E. histolytica-induced ALA, to help address this endemic problem on the island of SLK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharmegan Tharmaratnam
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Thirunavukarasu Kumanan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
| | - Mina Amin Iskandar
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Katrina D’Urzo
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Prasaanthan Gopee-Ramanan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hamilton Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Radiology, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Mayura Loganathan
- Academic Family Health Team, Mount Sinai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Tyler Tabobondung
- Department of Family Medicine, Brantford General Hospital, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | | | - Seyon Sivagurunathan
- Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Stonechurch Family Health Clinic, Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Mitul Patel
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Iqdam Tobbia
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
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Potes-Morales C, Osorio-Delgado LA, Carranza JC, Vallejo GA. The first molecular detection of Blastocystis subtypes in human faecal samples from Ibague, Colombia. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00132. [PMID: 31956703 PMCID: PMC6957836 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. has become one of the protozoans arousing the greatest scientific interest because of the controversy surrounding its biology; it is currently considered one of the most prevalent organisms in humans and animals worldwide. Such prevalence increases, especially in tropical countries where infection rates are high, highlighting the need to conduct studies focused on understanding this protozoan's biology. Interestingly, molecular tools are emerging as the best option for diagnosing this infection. This study was thus aimed at conventional PCR molecular detection and characterisation of Blastocystis spp. in human faecal samples from Ibagué, Colombia, using primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. One hundred human faecal samples with confirmed Blastocystis spp. were studied, revealing the following subtype genetic diversity: ST1 50%, ST2 33% and ST3 17%. The results contributed to the limited information available regarding Blastocystis spp. in Colombia and created a reference point for further studies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterine Potes-Morales
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Laura A Osorio-Delgado
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Julio César Carranza
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Adolfo Vallejo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, A.A. No. 546, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia
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Le Guernic A, Geffard A, Le Foll F, Palos Ladeiro M. Comparison of viability and phagocytic responses of hemocytes withdrawn from the bivalves Mytilus edulis and Dreissena polymorpha, and exposed to human parasitic protozoa. Int J Parasitol 2019; 50:75-83. [PMID: 31857073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bivalve molluscs are now considered indicator species of aquatic contamination by human parasitic protozoa. Nonetheless, the possible effects of these protozoa on the immune system of their paratenic hosts are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two protozoa on hemocyte viability and phagocytosis from two mussels, the zebra mussel (freshwater habitat) and the blue mussel (seawater habitat). For these purposes, viability and phagocytic markers have been analysed on hemocytes from mussels without biological stress (control hemocytes), and on hemocytes exposed to a biological stress (Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts). We report, for the first known time, the interactions between protozoa and hemocytes of mussels from different aquatic environments. Zebra mussel hemocytes showed a decrease in phagocytosis of fluorescent microbeads after exposure to both protozoa, while blue mussel hemocytes reacted only to T. gondii oocysts. These decreases in the ingestion of microbeads can be caused by competition between beads and oocysts and can be influenced by the size of the oocysts. New characterisations of their immune capacities, including aggregation, remain to be developed to understand the specificities of both mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Le Guernic
- Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, UMR-I02 SEBIO, Campus Moulin de la Housse, 51687 Reims, France.
| | - Alain Geffard
- Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, UMR-I02 SEBIO, Campus Moulin de la Housse, 51687 Reims, France
| | - Frank Le Foll
- Normandie Univ, unilehavre, UMR-I 02 SEBIO, FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Mélissa Palos Ladeiro
- Reims Champagne-Ardenne University, UMR-I02 SEBIO, Campus Moulin de la Housse, 51687 Reims, France
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El-Khabaz KAS, Abdel-Hakeem SS, Arfa MI. Protozoan and helminthes parasites endorsed by imported camels ( Camel dromedaries) to Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:607-615. [PMID: 31749532 PMCID: PMC6841872 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01138-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and species spectrum of some blood and intestinal parasites affecting imported camels was studied on a total of 120 clinically suspected camels (males) imported to Egypt from Sudan during the period from January till July 2016 in Abu-Simbel quarantine station, Aswan governorate. Blood and fecal samples were collected from all camels under the study. The fecal samples were collected and examined by sedimentation-floatation techniques for detection of parasitic eggs/oocysts. Coprological examination revealed that the prevalence rate of the parasitic infection was 60% (72 out of 120). Eighteen species of helminthes/protozoan parasites eggs/oocysts were encountered stongyles species were the hightest prevalent of nematodes 12.5%. Four genera of flat worms were identified in the present study including Paramphistomum sp. 0.8%, Fasciola sp. 3.3%, Moniezia sp. 7.5% and Dicrocoelim sp. 0.8%. Four species of Eimeria were identified (E. cameli, E. dromedarii, E. rajasthaniand E. pellerdyi) in infected camels the commenst one is E. cameli 15.8%, Cryptospridium sp. and Balatidium coli were recorded with a prevalence rate about 15.8%, 8.3% and 6.7% respectively. Blood smears from jugular vein revealed that 2.5% of camels were infected with Dipetalonema evansi. Wide spectrum and high prevalence of internal parasites were observed in the present study which may be lead to severe economic losses, so the application of control measures and treatment of infected camels with specific and effective drugs during the quarantine period are most important to prevent spreading of parasitic infestation and/or introduction of parasites previously not exist in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A. S. El-Khabaz
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Sara S. Abdel-Hakeem
- Parasitology Lab, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Asyut, 71526 Egypt
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Rui-Min Z, Su-Hua L, Ya-Lan Z, Yan D, Wei-Qi C, Cheng-Yun Y, Ying L, Dan Q, Yu-Ling Z, Xi-Meng L, Hong-Wei Z, Bian-Li X. [Investigation on human intestinal parasitic diseases in ecological regions of Qinba Mountains in Henan Province in 2015]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2019; 31:148-154. [PMID: 31184045 DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2017210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand and analyze the epidemic status of human intestinal parasitic diseases in the ecological region of the Qinba Mountains in Henan Province, so as to provide the evidence for the control of the diseases in this region. METHODS According to the methods of National Survey Scheme on Major Human Parasitic Diseases, 26 survey spots were selected in 8 counties (cities) in ecological regions of Qinba Mountains in Henan Province in 2015. After collecting the human fecal samples, the eggs of intestinal helminthes were detected with the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method, the species of Ancylostoma of the hookworm egg-positive samples were identified with the tube fecal culture method, the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were detected by using the adhesive tape method in children aged 3 to 6 years, and the cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined by iodine staining. The infections of intestinal parasites in different populations and the related influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS Totally 6 706 residents were recruited in this study, 8 kinds of parasites were found including 3 species of helminthes and 5 species of protozoans. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 3.39%, covering 2.92% for helminthes and 0.49% for protozoans. The infection rate of E. vermicularis in children aged 3 to 6 years was 3.93%. The 3 identified helminthes were Ascaris lumbricoides, E. vermicularis, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, with the highest infection rate of E. vermicularis (2.68%, χ2 = 306.362, P < 0.05). The 5 identified protozoans were Entamoeba hartmani, E. coli, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, and Blastocystis hominis, and the infection rate of E. nana was the highest (χ2 = 23.842, P < 0.05). Among the 8 counties (cities), the highest infection rate of helminthes, mainly with Enterobius infection, existed in Ruyang County, and the infection rate of protozoans in Xin'an County was the highest, mainly with E. nana infection. There was a significant difference in the infection rates of helminthes and protozoans among the 8 counties (cities) (helminthes: χ2 = 357.525, P < 0.05; protozoans: χ2 = 38.795, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the helminth infection rate between males and females ( χ2 = 0.034, P > 0.05), but the protozoan infection rate of the males was higher than that of the females ( χ2 = 12.946, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of the 0-9 years old group was the highest ( χ2 = 62.600, P < 0.05), up to 6.60%, mainly with E. vermicularis infection. There was no significant difference in the infection rate of intestinal parasites among nationalities ( χ2 = 0.212, P > 0.05). The helminth infection rate of preschool children was the highest and up to 8.43%, mainly with E. vermicularis infection. The infection of A. lumbricoides was mainly happened among farmers, with the infection rate of 0.31%. There was a significant difference in the helminth infection rate among different occupations (χ2 = 84.333, P < 0.05). The intestinal parasites infection rate of the illiterate population was the highest and up to 7.63%, there was a significant difference among the populations with different educational levels (χ2 = 72.013, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of plain areas was higher than that of valley and hill ( χ2 = 11.690, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of people with low-income was the highest and up to 10.32% (χ2 = 244.999, P < 0.05). The protozoan infection rate of people with middle-income was the highest, who had the annual per capita net income of 6 000 to 7 999 Yuan ( χ2 = 24.749, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of people drinking well water was much higher than that of people drinking tap water (χ2 = 62.255, P < 0.05). The protozoan infection rate of people without insect repellent was higher than that of people with insect repellent (χ2 = 5.235, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The infection rates of human intestinal parasites in the ecological region of the Qinba Mountains in Henan Province have decreased sharply. E. vermicularis infection in children should be the main point of prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Rui-Min
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Li Su-Hua
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Zhang Ya-Lan
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Deng Yan
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Chen Wei-Qi
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Yang Cheng-Yun
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Liu Ying
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Qian Dan
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Zhao Yu-Ling
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Lin Xi-Meng
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Zhang Hong-Wei
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Xu Bian-Li
- Henan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Organism, Zhengzhou 450016, China
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Riepe TB, Calhoun DM, Johnson PTJ. Comparison of direct and indirect techniques for evaluating endoparasite infections in wild-caught newts (Taricha torosa and T. granulosa). Dis Aquat Organ 2019; 134:137-146. [PMID: 31120040 DOI: 10.3354/dao03365] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Studies of amphibian parasites have increased over the past 20 yr, in part because of their role in amphibian population declines and deformities. Such patterns underscore the importance of non-lethal methods for detecting and quantifying endoparasitic infections. The goal of this study was to compare results of indirect methods (fecal smears and fecal floats) with quantitative necropsies to detect endoparasitic infections in adult newts. In 2015, we collected fecal samples from 68 adult newts (Taricha granulosa and T. torosa) in the East Bay region of California and used fecal smears, sodium nitrate fecal flotation solution, and Sheather's sugar flotation solution to assess infection (i.e. the presence and/or abundance of a parasite). Across all methods, we detected 3 protozoans (Eimeria tarichae, Tritrichomonas sp., and Balantidium sp.) and 3 nematodes (Rhabdias tarichae, Cosmocercoides variabilis, and Chabaudgolvania sp.). Based on generalized linear mixed models, the likelihood of detection varied between hosts (with T. torosa showing more overall infection relative to T. granulosa) and by assessment method: while fecal smears were more sensitive in detecting protozoans, comprehensive necropsies were the most reliable for quantifying infections of R. tarichae. Nonetheless, both the likelihood of R. tarichae detection within fecal samples as well as the number of infectious stages observed correlated strongly with infection intensity from necropsy, highlighting the utility of non-lethal assessment methods. The overall congruence between indirect methods and gross necropsy helps to validate the use of less-invasive methods for parasite detection and abundance, especially for sensitive or protected host taxa such as amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawni B Riepe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Ramaley N122 CB334, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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