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May DA, Taha F, Child MA, Ewald SE. How colonization bottlenecks, tissue niches, and transmission strategies shape protozoan infections. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:1074-1086. [PMID: 37839913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Protozoan pathogens such as Plasmodium spp., Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma spp. are often associated with high-mortality, acute and chronic diseases of global health concern. For transmission and immune evasion, protozoans have evolved diverse strategies to interact with a range of host tissue environments. These interactions are linked to disease pathology, yet our understanding of the association between parasite colonization and host homeostatic disruption is limited. Recently developed techniques for cellular barcoding have the potential to uncover the biology regulating parasite transmission, dissemination, and the stability of infection. Understanding bottlenecks to infection and the in vivo tissue niches that facilitate chronic infection and spread has the potential to reveal new aspects of parasite biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana A May
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Fatima Taha
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Matthew A Child
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Sarah E Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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2
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Rashidi S, Mansouri R, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Muro A, Nguewa P, Manzano-Román R. The Defensive Interactions of Prominent Infectious Protozoan Parasites: The Host's Complement System. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1564. [PMID: 36358913 PMCID: PMC9687244 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111564] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system exerts crucial functions both in innate immune responses and adaptive humoral immunity. This pivotal system plays a major role dealing with pathogen invasions including protozoan parasites. Different pathogens including parasites have developed sophisticated strategies to defend themselves against complement killing. Some of these strategies include the employment, mimicking or inhibition of host's complement regulatory proteins, leading to complement evasion. Therefore, parasites are proven to use the manipulation of the complement system to assist them during infection and persistence. Herein, we attempt to study the interaction´s mechanisms of some prominent infectious protozoan parasites including Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania dealing with the complement system. Moreover, several crucial proteins that are expressed, recruited or hijacked by parasites and are involved in the modulation of the host´s complement system are selected and their role for efficient complement killing or lysis evasion is discussed. In addition, parasite's complement regulatory proteins appear as plausible therapeutic and vaccine targets in protozoan parasitic infections. Accordingly, we also suggest some perspectives and insights useful in guiding future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Rashidi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein 38811, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein 38811, Iran
| | - Reza Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd 8915173143, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft 7861615765, Iran
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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3
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Edreira MM, Francia ME, de Miguel N. Editorial: Host/Parasite Molecular and Cellular Interactions in the Establishment and Maintenance of Protozoan Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:930073. [PMID: 35685751 PMCID: PMC9171320 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.930073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin M. Edreira
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Trypanosomas, IQUIBICEN, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Martin M. Edreira, ; Maria E. Francia, ; Natalia de Miguel,
| | - Maria E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Martin M. Edreira, ; Maria E. Francia, ; Natalia de Miguel,
| | - Natalia de Miguel
- Laboratorio de Parásitos Anaerobios, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías, Universidad Nacional de San Martin (UNSAM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Martin M. Edreira, ; Maria E. Francia, ; Natalia de Miguel,
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Klockiewicz M, Długosz E, Jakubowski T. A review of the occurrence and clinical consequences of protozoan infections in carnivorous fur farm animals. Ann Agric Environ Med 2021; 28:199-207. [PMID: 34184498 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/120974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The aim was to review available data concerning the occurrence of protozoan parasites affecting carnivorous fur farm animals, such as: American mink, blue and silver foxes, and raccoon dogs. Although, many protozoan pathogens have been isolated in wild fur animals, some are still not recognised as relevant to particular fur farm animal species. Protozoans that have been isolated as causative agents of clinical cases and reported in these animals are: Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Leishmania infantum, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Unfortunately, in most reports, neither clinical symptoms nor detailed pathogenicity and clinical pathology are satisfactory discriminated. This data is essential for preparing treatment and preventive measure protocols. Additionally, attempts to better understand the infections might be useful in the case of outbreaks. RESULTS The results of the literature research revealed that some detected infections may have zoonotic potential, and are quite likely to be transmitted in both directions. The role of vectors, e.g. small rodents, birds, insects (sand-flies), or pets (cats and dogs), which might be involved in the transmission of various parasitic infections, is also discussed. The summarized list of protozoans involved can be used for further studies on the health and welfare aspects of fur farm animal breeding and public health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Klockiewicz
- University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Długosz
- University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Jakubowski
- University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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von Huth S, Thingholm LB, Kofoed PE, Bang C, Rühlemann MC, Franke A, Holmskov U. Intestinal protozoan infections shape fecal bacterial microbiota in children from Guinea-Bissau. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009232. [PMID: 33657123 PMCID: PMC7959362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite burden. In a large study of children in Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is not significantly altered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic protozoa, including Entamoeba (E.) spp. and Giardia (G.) lamblia. Within-sample diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenic E. coli (R2 = 0.0131, P = 0.0001) and Endolimax nana (R2 = 0.00902, P = 0.0001), and by pathogenic E. histolytica (R2 = 0.0164, P = 0.0001) and G. lamblia (R2 = 0.00676, P = 0.0001). Infections with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major bacterial phyla were differentially abundant in protozoan infection as compared to noninfected individuals, including increased abundance of Prevotella, Campylobacter and two Clostridium clades, and decreased abundance of Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Veillonella and one Clostridium clade. In the present study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are valuable to understand infection biology and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian von Huth
- Cancer and Inflammation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Louise B. Thingholm
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Poul-Erik Kofoed
- Department of Pediatrics, Kolding Hospital, Denmark
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Corinna Bang
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Malte C. Rühlemann
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Uffe Holmskov
- Cancer and Inflammation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Tomčala A, Michálek J, Schneedorferová I, Füssy Z, Gruber A, Vancová M, Oborník M. Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Chromerids. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1102. [PMID: 32722284 PMCID: PMC7464705 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081102] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are essential components of biological membranes, important for the maintenance of cellular structures, especially in organisms with complex life cycles like protozoan parasites. Apicomplexans are obligate parasites responsible for various deadly diseases of humans and livestock. We analyzed the fatty acids produced by the closest phototrophic relatives of parasitic apicomplexans, the chromerids Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis, and investigated the genes coding for enzymes involved in fatty acids biosynthesis in chromerids, in comparison to their parasitic relatives. Based on evidence from genomic and metabolomic data, we propose a model of fatty acid synthesis in chromerids: the plastid-localized FAS-II pathway is responsible for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids reaching the maximum length of 18 carbon units. Short saturated fatty acids (C14:0-C18:0) originate from the plastid are then elongated and desaturated in the cytosol and the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified giant FAS I-like multi-modular enzymes in both chromerids, which seem to be involved in polyketide synthesis and fatty acid elongation. This full-scale description of the biosynthesis of fatty acids and their derivatives provides important insights into the reductive evolutionary transition of a phototropic algal ancestor to obligate parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Tomčala
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, CENAKVA, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, Husova 458/102, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Michálek
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Schneedorferová
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltán Füssy
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
| | - Ansgar Gruber
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
| | - Marie Vancová
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (A.T.); (J.M.); (I.S.); (Z.F.); (A.G.); (M.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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7
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O’Day DH, Taylor RJ, Myre MA. Calmodulin and Calmodulin Binding Proteins in Dictyostelium: A Primer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1210. [PMID: 32054133 PMCID: PMC7072818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dictyostelium discoideum is gaining increasing attention as a model organism for the study of calcium binding and calmodulin function in basic biological events as well as human diseases. After a short overview of calcium-binding proteins, the structure of Dictyostelium calmodulin and the conformational changes effected by calcium ion binding to its four EF hands are compared to its human counterpart, emphasizing the highly conserved nature of this central regulatory protein. The calcium-dependent and -independent motifs involved in calmodulin binding to target proteins are discussed with examples of the diversity of calmodulin binding proteins that have been studied in this amoebozoan. The methods used to identify and characterize calmodulin binding proteins is covered followed by the ways Dictyostelium is currently being used as a system to study several neurodegenerative diseases and how it could serve as a model for studying calmodulinopathies such as those associated with specific types of heart arrythmia. Because of its rapid developmental cycles, its genetic tractability, and a richly endowed stock center, Dictyostelium is in a position to become a leader in the field of calmodulin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H. O’Day
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L6L 1X3, Canada
| | - Ryan J. Taylor
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (R.J.T.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Michael A. Myre
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA; (R.J.T.); (M.A.M.)
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Sandhu SK, Morozov AY, Farkas JZ. Modelling evolution of virulence in populations with a distributed parasite load. J Math Biol 2020; 80:111-141. [PMID: 30972437 PMCID: PMC7012800 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-019-01351-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Modelling evolution of virulence in host-parasite systems is an actively developing area of research with ever-growing literature. However, most of the existing studies overlook the fact that individuals within an infected population may have a variable infection load, i.e. infected populations are naturally structured with respect to the parasite burden. Empirical data suggests that the mortality and infectiousness of individuals can strongly depend on their infection load; moreover, the shape of distribution of infection load may vary on ecological and evolutionary time scales. Here we show that distributed infection load may have important consequences for the eventual evolution of virulence as compared to a similar model without structuring. Mathematically, we consider an SI model, where the dynamics of the infected subpopulation is described by a von Förster-type equation, in which the infection load plays the role of age. We implement the adaptive dynamics framework to predict evolutionary outcomes in this model. We demonstrate that for simple trade-off functions between virulence, disease transmission and parasite growth rates, multiple evolutionary attractors are possible. Interestingly, unlike in the case of unstructured models, achieving an evolutionary stable strategy becomes possible even for a variation of a single ecological parameter (the parasite growth rate) and keeping the other parameters constant. We conclude that evolution in disease-structured populations is strongly mediated by alterations in the overall shape of the parasite load distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran K Sandhu
- Department of Mathematics, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Andrew Yu Morozov
- Department of Mathematics, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - József Z Farkas
- Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
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9
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Zininga T, Shonhai A. Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Heat Shock Protein System of Human Obligate Protozoan Parasites. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5930. [PMID: 31775392 PMCID: PMC6929125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate protozoan parasites of the kinetoplastids and apicomplexa infect human cells to complete their life cycles. Some of the members of these groups of parasites develop in at least two systems, the human host and the insect vector. Survival under the varied physiological conditions associated with the human host and in the arthropod vectors requires the parasites to modulate their metabolic complement in order to meet the prevailing conditions. One of the key features of these parasites essential for their survival and host infectivity is timely expression of various proteins. Even more importantly is the need to keep their proteome functional by maintaining its functional capabilities in the wake of physiological changes and host immune responses. For this reason, molecular chaperones (also called heat shock proteins)-whose role is to facilitate proteostasis-play an important role in the survival of these parasites. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and Hsp70 are prominent molecular chaperones that are generally induced in response to physiological stress. Both Hsp90 and Hsp70 members are functionally regulated by nucleotides. In addition, Hsp70 and Hsp90 cooperate to facilitate folding of some key proteins implicated in cellular development. In addition, Hsp90 and Hsp70 individually interact with other accessory proteins (co-chaperones) that regulate their functions. The dependency of these proteins on nucleotide for their chaperone function presents an Achille's heel, as inhibitors that mimic ATP are amongst potential therapeutic agents targeting their function in obligate intracellular human parasites. Most of the promising small molecule inhibitors of parasitic heat shock proteins are either antibiotics or anticancer agents, whose repurposing against parasitic infections holds prospects. Both cancer cells and obligate human parasites depend upon a robust protein quality control system to ensure their survival, and hence, both employ a competent heat shock machinery to this end. Furthermore, some inhibitors that target chaperone and co-chaperone networks also offer promising prospects as antiparasitic agents. The current review highlights the progress made so far in design and application of small molecule inhibitors against obligate intracellular human parasites of the kinetoplastida and apicomplexan kingdoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
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10
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Abstract
Protozoan diseases continue to be a worldwide social and economic health problem. Increased drug resistance, emerging cross resistance, and lack of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action significantly reduce the effectiveness of current antiprotozoal therapies. While drug resistance associated to anti-infective agents is a reality, society seems to remain unaware of its proportions and consequences. Parasites usually develops ingenious and innovative mechanisms to achieve drug resistance, which requires more research and investment to fight it. In this review, drug resistance developed by protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Capela
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.M.); (F.L.)
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11
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Feleke BE, Beyene MB, Feleke TE, Jember TH, Abera B. Intestinal parasitic infection among household contacts of primary cases, a comparative cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221190. [PMID: 31589618 PMCID: PMC6779256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infection affects 3.5 billion people in the world and mostly affecting the low socio-economic groups. The objectives of this research works were to estimate the prevalence and determinants of intestinal parasitic infection among family members of known intestinal parasite infected patients. Methods and materials A comparative cross-sectional study design was implemented in the urban and rural settings of Mecha district. The data were collected from August 2017toMarch 2019 from intestinal parasite infected patient household members. Epi-info software was used to calculate the sample size, 4531 household members were estimated to be included. Data were collected using interview technique, and collecting stool samples from each household contact of intestinal parasite patients. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among known contacts of intestinal parasite patients/family members. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors of intestinal parasitic infection among family members. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasite among household contacts of intestinal parasite-infected family members was 86.14% [95% CI: 86.14% - 87.15%]. Hookworm infection was the predominant type of infection (18.8%). Intestinal parasitic infection was associated with sex, environmental sanitation, overcrowding, personal hygiene, residence, substandard house, role in the household, source of light for the house, trimmed fingernails, family size, regular handwashing practice. Protozoa infection was associated with habit of ingesting raw vegetable, playing with domestic animals, water source and the presence of household water filtering materials. Conclusion High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was observed among household contacts of primary cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhanu Elfu Feleke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Bahir Dar, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Melkamu Bedimo Beyene
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Bahir Dar, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tadesse Hailu Jember
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia
| | - Bayeh Abera
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
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12
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Anas M, Kumari V, Gupta N, Dube A, Kumar N. Protein quality control machinery in intracellular protozoan parasites: hopes and challenges for therapeutic targeting. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:891-904. [PMID: 31228085 PMCID: PMC6717229 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-01016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular protozoan parasites have evolved an efficient protein quality control (PQC) network comprising protein folding and degradation machineries that protect the parasite's proteome from environmental perturbations and threats posed by host immune surveillance. Interestingly, the components of PQC machinery in parasites have acquired sequence insertions which may provide additional interaction interfaces and diversify the repertoire of their biological roles. However, the auxiliary functions of PQC machinery remain poorly explored in parasite. A comprehensive understanding of this critical machinery may help to identify robust biological targets for new drugs against acute or latent and drug-resistant infections. Here, we review the dynamic roles of PQC machinery in creating a safe haven for parasite survival in hostile environments, serving as a metabolic sensor to trigger transformation into phenotypically distinct stages, acting as a lynchpin for trafficking of parasite cargo across host membrane for immune evasion and serving as an evolutionary capacitor to buffer mutations and drug-induced proteotoxicity. Versatile roles of PQC machinery open avenues for exploration of new drug targets for anti-parasitic intervention and design of strategies for identification of potential biomarkers for point-of-care diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Anas
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Varsha Kumari
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Niharika Gupta
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Anuradha Dube
- Department of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
| | - Niti Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Delhi, India.
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Betanzos A, Bañuelos C, Orozco E. Host Invasion by Pathogenic Amoebae: Epithelial Disruption by Parasite Proteins. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E618. [PMID: 31416298 PMCID: PMC6723116 DOI: 10.3390/genes10080618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelium represents the first and most extensive line of defence against pathogens, toxins and pollutant agents in humans. In general, pathogens have developed strategies to overcome this barrier and use it as an entrance to the organism. Entamoeba histolytica, Naegleriafowleri and Acanthamoeba spp. are amoebae mainly responsible for intestinal dysentery, meningoencephalitis and keratitis, respectively. These amoebae cause significant morbidity and mortality rates. Thus, the identification, characterization and validation of molecules participating in host-parasite interactions can provide attractive targets to timely intervene disease progress. In this work, we present a compendium of the parasite adhesins, lectins, proteases, hydrolases, kinases, and others, that participate in key pathogenic events. Special focus is made for the analysis of assorted molecules and mechanisms involved in the interaction of the parasites with epithelial surface receptors, changes in epithelial junctional markers, implications on the barrier function, among others. This review allows the assessment of initial host-pathogen interaction, to correlate it to the potential of parasite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Betanzos
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Mexico City 03940, Mexico
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Bañuelos
- Coordinación General de Programas de Posgrado Multidisciplinarios, Programa de Doctorado Transdisciplinario en Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico para la Sociedad, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Esther Orozco
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
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Hernández PC, Morales L, Chaparro-Olaya J, Sarmiento D, Jaramillo JF, Ordoñez GA, Cortés F, Sánchez LK. Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors in children of three rural schools in Colombia. A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218681. [PMID: 31291262 PMCID: PMC6619675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rural children are one of the populations that are most vulnerable to gastrointestinal parasite infections. Such diseases decrease the quality of life and result in growth and cognitive delays in the long term. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the frequency of intestinal parasite infections among rural schoolchildren in the municipality of Apulo, Colombia. A total of 97 stool samples from children aged between 5 and 15 years were collected and examined via direct light microscopy. Microscopic examination was repeated with sediments obtained using a fecal parasite concentrator, and the Kato–Katz test was performed. Frequency of intestinal parasite infection was 100%. Endolimax nana (77.35%), Blastocystis sp. (71.1%), Giardia intestinalis (39.1%), Entamoeba coli (25.7%), and the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex (9.2%) were the most prevalent protozoa. Trichuris trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (12.3%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (6.15%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.1%). Among the analyzed associated factors, consumption of untreated water increased the risk of acquiring pathogenic intestinal parasites. Finally, because G. intestinalis was the most prevalent pathogenic protozoan, molecular analysis was conducted to establish genetic assemblages and subassemblages of Giardia through sequence-based genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase, and beta-giardin genes. A total of 14 G. intestinalis-positive samples were genotyped, which revealed the presence of subassemblages AI (n = 1), AII (n = 7), BIII (n = 2), BIV (n = 2), and BIII/BIV (n = 1) as well as a mixed subassemblage AII + BIII (n = 1). Our results indicate that gastrointestinal parasite infections in the tested population were mainly caused by suboptimal water quality. Moreover, molecular typing of G. intestinalis suggested contamination of water by animal- and human-derived cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C. Hernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | - Liliana Morales
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Sarmiento
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Felipe Jaramillo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gustavo A. Ordoñez
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Fabian Cortés
- Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lizeth K. Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
- Especialización en Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
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Salim B, Alanazi AD, Omori R, Alyousif MS, Alanazi IO, Katakura K, Nakao R. Potential role of dogs as sentinels and reservoirs for piroplasms infecting equine and cattle in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Acta Trop 2019; 193:78-83. [PMID: 30831114 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne diseases have been considered emerging and re-emerging threats, given their increasing global prevalence. In this molecular survey, we aimed to detect and identify common tick-borne pathogens in dogs from Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia. Initially, the study included 36 dogs visiting private veterinary clinics. PCRs targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) of haemoparasites (Babesia, Theileria and Hepatozoon) and the 16S rDNA of Anaplasmataceae were performed. The results showed that 26 (72.2%) dogs were infected by some of the haemoparasites under investigation. The sequencing analysis of the amplicons confirmed the infections due to two parasite species Theileria equi and Theileria velifera. Further examination of guard dogs kept in the horse stables of the Riyadh Municipality revealed that the majority of the tested dogs (65.2%: 30 out of 46) were infected with either of the parasites. In addition, the genotypes of all the parasites in these dogs were identical to those of the parasites in the dogs from the veterinary clinics. Thus, it can be concluded that dogs are infected with these haemoparasites and serve as a reservoir for both T. equi and T. velifera in the study area; however, the clinical implication of this finding is to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Salim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, P.O Box 32, Khartoum-North, Sudan; Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi, 11911, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ryosuke Omori
- Division of Bioinformatics, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Mohamed S Alyousif
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ibrahim O Alanazi
- National Centre for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh, 11442, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Raso CNDS, Millar PR, Brener B, de Mattos DPBG, Leles D, Fonseca ABM, Sudré AP. Increasing the Efficiency of Spontaneous Sedimentation for the Diagnosis of Intestinal Protozoa. J Parasitol 2019; 105:248-251. [PMID: 30921523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between a longer sedimentation time, the reading of a larger number of slides, and the collection of multiple samples on the efficiency of the spontaneous sedimentation technique. Twenty-two patients with a previous parasitological exam positive for intestinal protozoa were recruited to collect new fecal samples (3 samples per patient) before the beginning of antiparasitic treatment. All collected fecal samples were used for spontaneous sedimentation and centrifuge-flotation techniques. Of these, all 22 patients were positive based on spontaneous sedimentation, and 59.1% (13/22) based on centrifuge flotation. The number of samples and the number of slides analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation influenced the number of positive cases. The modifications applied to the spontaneous sedimentation technique increased its performance in protozoa diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Nascimento da Silveira Raso
- 1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas (PPGMPA); Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Patricia Riddell Millar
- 1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas (PPGMPA); Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Brener
- 1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas (PPGMPA); Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Danuza Pinheiro Bastos Garcia de Mattos
- 1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas (PPGMPA); Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Daniela Leles
- 1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas (PPGMPA); Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Pittella Sudré
- 1 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas (PPGMPA); Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
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Garcia-Longoria L, Marzal A, de Lope F, Garamszegi L. Host-parasite interaction explains variation in the prevalence of avian haemosporidians at the community level. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0205624. [PMID: 30840636 PMCID: PMC6402683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites are a selective force that shape host community structure and dynamics, but host communities can also influence parasitism. Understanding the dual nature from host-parasite interactions can be facilitated by quantifying the variation in parasite prevalence among host species and then comparing that variation to other ecological factors that are known to also shape host communities. Avian haemosporidian parasites (e.g. Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) are abundant and widespread representing an excellent model for the study of host-parasite interactions. Several geographic and environmental factors have been suggested to determine prevalence of avian haemosporidians in bird communities. However, it remains unknown whether host and parasite traits, represented by phylogenetic distances among species and degree of specialization in host-parasite relationships, can influence infection status. The aims of this study were to analyze factors affecting infection status in a bird community and to test whether the degree of parasite specialization on their hosts is determined by host traits. Our statistical analyses suggest that infection status is mainly determined by the interaction between host species and parasite lineages where tolerance and/or susceptibility to parasites plays an essential role. Additionally, we found that although some of the parasite lineages infected a low number of bird individuals, the species they infected were distantly related and therefore the parasites themselves should not be considered typical host specialists. Infection status was higher for generalist than for specialist parasites in some, but not all, host species. These results suggest that detected prevalence in a species mainly results from the interaction between host immune defences and parasite exploitation strategies wherein the result of an association between particular parasite lineages and particular host species is idiosyncratic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Garcia-Longoria
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz (Spain)
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, Lund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz (Spain)
| | - Florentino de Lope
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz (Spain)
| | - Laszlo Garamszegi
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, Seville, Spain
- MTA-ELTE, Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Department of Plant Systematics, Ecology and Theoretical Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Dudlová A, Jarčuška P, Jurišová S, Vasilková Z, Krčméry V, Juriš P. Prevalence of non-pathogenic types of gastrointestinal protozoa in population in Slovakia and their potential importance in the aspect of public health. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:819-825. [PMID: 30367755 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of non-pathogenic protozoa circulating in the human population of Slovakia. We particularly focused on the socially deprived areas with poor sanitation conditions, as they are one of the factors affecting the transmission of these infections. Within this study, 2760 people were coprologically screened for the presence of protozoan cysts. The analyzed group comprised 1173 men and 1587 women from different regions of Slovakia. The total prevalence (2.03%) of non-pathogenic protozoa species was determined. The prevalence of Entamoeba coli was 0.80%, the prevalence of Endolimax nana 0.58%, and the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis was 0.65%. The presence of non-pathogenic protozoa was more frequent in women than that in men, in all age groups. The highest incidence of Entamoeba coli was found in children aged one month - seven years (0.79%), the lowest in the age group of 19-88 years (0.66%). Endolimax nana was most frequent in 8-18 year-olds (0.95%), where the statistical significance was found (p<0.05). The prevalence of Blastocystis hominis by the age group ranged from 0.39 to 0.95%. We did not find any statistical significance (p>0.05) for Entamoeba coli, and similarly for Blastocystis hominis associated with the sex and age. Although the circulation of non-pathogenic protozoa in the human population is far from being limited to the developing countries, their occurrence is also frequent in the population of developed countries. Despite their controversial pathogenicity, they should not be neglected, particularly in the patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriána Dudlová
- St Elisabeth University of Health Care and Social Work, Námestie 1. mája, 080 00 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavol Jarčuška
- Department of Infectology and Travel Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of P. J. Šafárik, Rastislavova 43, 041 90 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Silvia Jurišová
- National Cancer Institute, Klenova 3019/1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Vasilková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Vladimír Krčméry
- St Elisabeth University of Health Care and Social Work, Námestie 1. mája, 080 00 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Juriš
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of P. J. Šafárik, Šrobárova 2, 041 80 Košice, Slovak Republic
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Knee J, Sumner T, Adriano Z, Berendes D, de Bruijn E, Schmidt WP, Nalá R, Cumming O, Brown J. Risk factors for childhood enteric infection in urban Maputo, Mozambique: A cross-sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006956. [PMID: 30419034 PMCID: PMC6258421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric infections are common where public health infrastructure is lacking. This study assesses risk factors for a range of enteric infections among children living in low-income, unplanned communities of urban Maputo, Mozambique. METHODS & FINDINGS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 17 neighborhoods of Maputo to assess the prevalence of reported diarrheal illness and laboratory-confirmed enteric infections in children. We collected stool from children aged 1-48 months, independent of reported symptoms, for molecular detection of 15 common enteric pathogens by multiplex RT-PCR. We also collected survey and observational data related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) characteristics; other environmental factors; and social, economic, and demographic covariates. We analyzed stool from 759 children living in 425 household clusters (compounds) representing a range of environmental conditions. We detected ≥1 enteric pathogens in stool from most children (86%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 84-89%) though diarrheal symptoms were only reported for 16% (95% CI: 13-19%) of children with enteric infections and 13% (95% CI: 11-15%) of all children. Prevalence of any enteric infection was positively associated with age and ranged from 71% (95% CI: 64-77%) in children 1-11 months to 96% (95% CI: 93-98%) in children 24-48 months. We found poor sanitary conditions, such as presence of feces or soiled diapers around the compound, to be associated with higher risk of protozoan infections. Certain latrine features, including drop-hole covers and latrine walls, and presence of a water tap on the compound grounds were associated with a lower risk of bacterial and protozoan infections. Any breastfeeding was also associated with reduced risk of infection. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of enteric infections, primarily among children without diarrhea, and weak associations between bacterial and protozoan infections and environmental risk factors including WASH. Findings suggest that environmental health interventions to limit infections would need to be transformative given the high prevalence of enteric pathogen shedding and poor sanitary conditions observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02362932.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Knee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Trent Sumner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Zaida Adriano
- We Consult, Maputo, Mozambique
- Departamento de Geografia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - David Berendes
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Wolf-Peter Schmidt
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rassul Nalá
- Ministério da Saúde, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Maputo, Maputo, Republic of Mozambique
| | - Oliver Cumming
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Brown
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Gondim KC, Atella GC, Pontes EG, Majerowicz D. Lipid metabolism in insect disease vectors. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 101:108-123. [PMID: 30171905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
More than a third of the world population is at constant risk of contracting some insect-transmitted disease, such as Dengue fever, Zika virus disease, malaria, Chagas' disease, African trypanosomiasis, and others. Independent of the life cycle of the pathogen causing the disease, the insect vector hematophagous habit is a common and crucial trait for the transmission of all these diseases. This lifestyle is unique, as hematophagous insects feed on blood, a diet that is rich in protein but relatively poor in lipids and carbohydrates, in huge amounts and low frequency. Another unique feature of these insects is that blood meal triggers essential metabolic processes, as molting and oogenesis and, in this way, regulates the expression of various genes that are involved in these events. In this paper, we review current knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of lipid metabolism in insect disease vectors, comparing with classical models whenever possible. We address lipid digestion and absorption, hemolymphatic transport, and lipid storage by the fat body and ovary. In this context, both de novo fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis are discussed, including the related fatty acid activation process and the intracellular lipid binding proteins. As lipids are stored in order to be mobilized later on, e.g. for flight activity or survivorship, lipolysis and β-oxidation are also considered. All these events need to be finely regulated, and the role of hormones in this control is summarized. Finally, we also review information about infection, when vector insect physiology is affected, and there is a crosstalk between its immune system and lipid metabolism. There is not abundant information about lipid metabolism in vector insects, and significant current gaps in the field are indicated, as well as questions to be answered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia C Gondim
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Georgia C Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emerson G Pontes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Barbosa CV, Barreto MM, Andrade RDJ, Sodré F, d’Avila-Levy CM, Peralta JM, Igreja RP, de Macedo HW, Santos HLC. Intestinal parasite infections in a rural community of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): Prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis subtypes. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29522552 PMCID: PMC5844535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections are considered a serious public health problem and widely distributed worldwide, mainly in urban and rural environments of tropical and subtropical countries. Globally, soil-transmitted helminths and protozoa are the most common intestinal parasites. Blastocystis sp. is a highly prevalent suspected pathogenic protozoan, and considered an unusual protist due to its significant genetic diversity and host plasticity. Methodology/main findings A total of 294 stool samples were collected from inhabitants of three rural valleys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stool samples were evaluated by parasitological methods, fecal culture, nested PCR and PCR/Sequencing. Overall prevalence by parasitological analyses was 64.3% (189 out of 294 cases). Blastocystis sp. (55.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by Endolimax nana (18.7%), Entamoeba histolytica complex (7.1%), hookworm infection (7.1%), Entomoeba coli (5.8%), Giardia intestinalis (4.1%), Iodamoeba butchilii (1.0%), Trichuris trichiura (1.0%), Pentatrichomonas hominis (0.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%). Prevalence of IPIs was significantly different by gender. Phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis sp. and BLAST search revealed five different subtypes: ST3 (34.0%), ST1 (27.0%), ST2 (27.0%), ST4 (3.5%), ST8 (7.0%) and a non-identified subtype. Conclusions/significance Our findings demonstrate that intestinal parasite infection rates in rural areas of the Sumidouro municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are still high and remain a challenge to public health. Moreover, our data reveals significant genetic heterogeneity of Blastocystis sp. subtypes and a possible novel subtype, whose confirmation will require additional data. Our study contributes to the understanding of potential routes of transmission, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in rural areas both at a regional and global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Valença Barbosa
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Magali Muniz Barreto
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosemary de Jesus Andrade
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Instituto Fernandes Figueira/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Sodré
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Masini d’Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Pereira Igreja
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Werneck de Macedo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena Lucia Carneiro Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Migriauli I, Meunargia V, Chkhaidze I, Sabakhtarishvili G, Gujabidze K, Khokrishvili G, Janashia J, Kamkamidze G. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTION IN HOSPITALISED PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN GEORGIA. Georgian Med News 2018:172-176. [PMID: 29578445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile, a Gram-positive spore-forming bacillus, is the most common identifiable etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The incidence of Clostridium difficile infections among hospitalized children has been increasing across the world. The aim of our study was to evaluate occurrence of Clostridium difficile and some other gastrointestinal pathogens among hospitalized pediatric patients in Georgia, as far as currently statistical data on the topic is very limited in the country. One of the objectives of the study was to test and pilot the real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction diagnostic systems for rapid and simultaneous identification of number of pathogens with a particular emphasis on diarrheal disease diagnostics as these are one of the primary public health priorities in Georgia and worldwide. Cross-Sectional study has been performed on 211 samples collected from 192 pediatric patients. Two pediatric hospitals were involved in the study: M. Iashvili Children's Central Hospital and Tbilisi Children's Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases. Laboratory investigations were done in the Clinic NeoLab, Tbilisi, Georgia. Study materials collected for testing were stool samples. Samples were tested by EIA kits (CerTest biotec, Zaragoza, Spain) for presence of A/B toxin according to the manufacturer's instructions. EIA test positive samples were analyzed by home-made multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (NeoPCR Diagnostics, NeoLab, Tbilisi, Gerogia) for confirmation of the infection and for simultaneous identification of additional gastrointestinal pathogens including Entamoeba histolitica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptsporidium parvum, Adenovirus, Rotavirus, Norovirus and Astrovirus. All samples were also tested for the presence of the above listed pathogenic agents using the same type EIA kits as for Clostridium difficile described above (CerTestbiotec, Zaragoza, Spain) for presence of the corresponding pathogen. The average age of the study participants was 3.5 years, 56.7% were male and 43.3% were female patients. Presence of Clostridium difficile have been documented in 21 samples out of 211 (10%). Besides the Clostridium difficile, other enteric pathogens have been revealed with the following frequencies: Rotavirus in 12 cases (5.7%), Adenovirus in 11 (5.2%), Giardia lamblia in 10 (4.7%), Astrovirus in 3 (1.4%), Cryptsporidium parvum in 3 (1.4%), Entamoeba histolitica in 2 (0.9%), Norovirus in 2 (0.9%). 49 samples were from out-patient cases (2 samples were positive for Clostridium difficile) and 162 samples were from in-patient cases (19 samples were positive for Clostridium difficile). Clostridium difficile is the frequent pathogenic agent causing diarrheal disease among hospitalized pediatric patients. Development of Clostridium difficile related diarrhea is associated with the antibiotic treatment of pediatric patients hospitalized due to different clinical diagnosis. Targeted early detection of these pathogens is important for the optimal management of diarrheal infection in pediatric patient which will lead to the better clinical outcome and reduction of morbidity rate among hospitalized pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Migriauli
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union; Clinic NeoLab, Tbilisi, Georgia; M. Iashvili Central Children Hospital, Tbilisi, Georgia; Tbilisi Children's Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Tbilisi; Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
| | - V Meunargia
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
| | - I Chkhaidze
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
| | - G Sabakhtarishvili
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
| | - K Gujabidze
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
| | - G Khokrishvili
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
| | - J Janashia
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
| | - G Kamkamidze
- David Tvildiani Medical University, AIETI Medical School, Tbilisi, Georgia; Health Research Union
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Vásquez-Ocmín P, Cojean S, Rengifo E, Suyyagh-Albouz S, Amasifuen Guerra CA, Pomel S, Cabanillas B, Mejía K, Loiseau PM, Figadère B, Maciuk A. Antiprotozoal activity of medicinal plants used by Iquitos-Nauta road communities in Loreto (Peru). J Ethnopharmacol 2018; 210:372-385. [PMID: 28887215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In the Peruvian Amazon, the use of medicinal plants is a common practice. However, there is few documented information about the practical aspects of their use and few scientific validation. The starting point for this work was a set of interviews of people living in rural communities from the Peruvian Amazon about their uses of plants. Protozoan diseases are a public health issue in the Amazonian communities, who partly cope with it by using traditional remedies. Validation of these traditional practices contributes to public health care efficiency and may help identify new antiprotozoal compounds. AIMS OF STUDY to inventory and validate the use of medicinal plants by rural people of Loreto region. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rural mestizos were interviewed about traditional medication of parasite infections with medicinal plants. Ethnopharmacological surveys were undertaken in two villages along Iquitos-Nauta road (Loreto region, Peru), namely 13 de Febrero and El Dorado communities. Forty-six plants were collected according to their traditional use for the treatment of parasitic diseases, 50 ethanolic extracts (different parts for some of the plants) were tested in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 sensitive strain and W2 chloroquine resistant strain), Leishmania donovani LV9 strain and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Cytotoxic assessment (HUVEC cells) of the active extracts was performed. Two of the most active plants were submitted to preliminary bioguided fractionation to ascertain and explore their activities. RESULTS From the initial plants list, 10 were found to be active on P. falciparum, 15 on L. donovani and 2 on the three parasites. The ethanolic extract from Costus curvibracteatus (Costaceae) leaves and Grias neuberthii (Lecythidaceae) bark showed strong in vitro activity on P. falciparum (sensitive and resistant strain) and L. donovani and moderate activity on T. brucei gambiense. CONCLUSIONS The Amazonian forest communities in Peru represents a source of knowledge on the use of medicinal plants. In this work, several extracts with antiprotozoal activity were identified. This work contributes to validate some traditional uses and opens subsequent investigations on active compounds isolation and identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Vásquez-Ocmín
- Equipe "Chimie des substances naturelles" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- Equipe "Chimiothérapie antiparasitaire" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Elsa Rengifo
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana, Avenida Abelardo Quiñonez Km. 4.5, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Soulaf Suyyagh-Albouz
- Equipe "Chimiothérapie antiparasitaire" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Carlos A Amasifuen Guerra
- Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Calle Pevas 5ta cuadra, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Sébastien Pomel
- Equipe "Chimiothérapie antiparasitaire" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Billy Cabanillas
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana, Avenida Abelardo Quiñonez Km. 4.5, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Kember Mejía
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana, Avenida Abelardo Quiñonez Km. 4.5, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- Equipe "Chimiothérapie antiparasitaire" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Bruno Figadère
- Equipe "Chimie des substances naturelles" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Alexandre Maciuk
- Equipe "Chimie des substances naturelles" BioCIS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 5 rue J.-B. Clément, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
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Bartolini A, Zorzi G, Besutti V. Prevalence of intestinal parasitoses detected in Padua teaching hospital, Italy, March 2011 - February 2013. Infez Med 2017; 25:133-141. [PMID: 28603232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of parasitic intestinal infections in patients attending Padua teaching hospital during a two-year period. Between 1st March 2011 and 28th February 2013, we examined stool specimens from 7341 patients (6127 Italians, 1214 non-Italians) for ova and parasites using microscopy, rapid enzyme immunoassays, culture techniques and molecular methods. Stools of 1080 patients (14.71%) were positive for parasites; a total of 1349 intestinal parasites were counted. Protozoa were detected in 1028/1080 patients (95.19%), while helminths were present in 80/1080 patients (7.41%). The protozoa most commonly detected were Blastocystis spp., Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia duodenalis. Enterobius vermicularis was the helminth most frequently encountered. Of the 1080 infected patients, 227 (21.02%) had more than one parasite in their stool. To conclude, in Italy intestinal parasitoses must be unquestionably considered in differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal diseases. For this purpose, sound knowledge of epidemiology is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bartolini
- Azienda Ospedaliera, Università di Padova, UOC di Microbiologia e Virologia, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Zorzi
- Azienda Ospedaliera, Università di Padova, UOC di Microbiologia e Virologia, Padova, Italy
| | - Valeria Besutti
- Azienda Ospedaliera, Università di Padova, UOC di Microbiologia e Virologia, Padova, Italy
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Laila R, Robin AHK, Yang K, Choi GJ, Park JI, Nou IS. Detection of Ribosomal DNA Sequence Polymorphisms in the Protist Plasmodiophora brassicae for the Identification of Geographical Isolates. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E84. [PMID: 28054984 PMCID: PMC5297718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clubroot is a soil-borne disease caused by the protist Plasmodiophora brassicae (P. brassicae). It is one of the most economically important diseases of Brassica rapa and other cruciferous crops as it can cause remarkable yield reductions. Understanding P. brassicae genetics, and developing efficient molecular markers, is essential for effective detection of harmful races of this pathogen. Samples from 11 Korean field populations of P. brassicae (geographic isolates), collected from nine different locations in South Korea, were used in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the clubroot-infected samples to sequence the ribosomal DNA. Primers and probes for P. brassicae were designed using a ribosomal DNA gene sequence from a Japanese strain available in GenBank (accession number AB526843; isolate NGY). The nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence of P. brassicae, comprising 6932 base pairs (bp), was cloned and sequenced and found to include the small subunits (SSUs) and a large subunit (LSU), internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2), and a 5.8s. Sequence variation was observed in both the SSU and LSU. Four markers showed useful differences in high-resolution melting analysis to identify nucleotide polymorphisms including single- nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), oligonucleotide polymorphisms, and insertions/deletions (InDels). A combination of three markers was able to distinguish the geographical isolates into two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawnak Laila
- Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-950, Korea.
| | | | - Kiwoung Yang
- Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-950, Korea.
| | - Gyung Ja Choi
- Center for Eco-friendly New Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea.
| | - Jong-In Park
- Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-950, Korea.
| | - Ill-Sup Nou
- Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-950, Korea.
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26
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Jacot D, Tosetti N, Pires I, Stock J, Graindorge A, Hung YF, Han H, Tewari R, Kursula I, Soldati-Favre D. An Apicomplexan Actin-Binding Protein Serves as a Connector and Lipid Sensor to Coordinate Motility and Invasion. Cell Host Microbe 2016; 20:731-743. [PMID: 27978434 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexa exhibit a unique form of substrate-dependent gliding motility central for host cell invasion and parasite dissemination. Gliding is powered by rearward translocation of apically secreted transmembrane adhesins via their interaction with the parasite actomyosin system. We report a conserved armadillo and pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing protein, termed glideosome-associated connector (GAC), that mediates apicomplexan gliding motility, invasion, and egress by connecting the micronemal adhesins with the actomyosin system. TgGAC binds to and stabilizes filamentous actin and specifically associates with the transmembrane adhesin TgMIC2. GAC localizes to the apical pole in invasive stages of Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium berghei, and apical positioning of TgGAC depends on an apical lysine methyltransferase, TgAKMT. GAC PH domain also binds to phosphatidic acid, a lipid mediator associated with microneme exocytosis. Collectively, these findings indicate a central role for GAC in spatially and temporally coordinating gliding motility and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Jacot
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò Tosetti
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isa Pires
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Jessica Stock
- School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Arnault Graindorge
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Fu Hung
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Huijong Han
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Rita Tewari
- School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG2 7UH, UK
| | - Inari Kursula
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7, 90220 Oulu, Finland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Atia MM, Elsettawy MAF, Fathy GM, Salama MA, Metally Ashoush SEM. COMPARISON OF IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC TEST AND MICROSCOPY IN THE DETECTION OF SOME ENTERIC PROTOZOA IN STOOL SAMPLES. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 2016; 46:625-632. [PMID: 30230759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Infection with pathogenic intestinal protozoa. as Giardia lamblia,, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium parvum cause considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition and mortality worldwide, especially among young children in developing countries. The present study was carried out on 71 cases (44 males & 27 females) chosen from Pediatric and Internal Medicine Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics of Zagazig University Hospitals, complaining of different gastrointestinal troubles with an age range of 6-60 years. Also, 20 apparently healthy individuals (11 males & 9 females) cross matched were considered as a control negative group. All stool samples were examined by direct wet smears, concentration techniques, staining of the smears using trichrome stain and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Copro-antigen detection in faecal sample was by using quick immunochromatographic test. A total of 71 cases suffering from different GIT manifestations showed G. lamblia (30.7%), Cryptosporidium parvum (19.8%), EntamoebahistolyticalE. dispar (11%) and mixed infection of three protozoa (6.6%). However, by copro-antigen G. lamblia was positive in (31.8%) of C. parvum in (20.9%); E. histolytica/E. dispar in (11%) of cases. Immunochromatography/copro-antigen test recorded sensitivity and spec- ificity of (100%) and (96.6%) respectively in G. lamblia detection. For C. parvum, sensitivity was (100%) and specificity was (97.1%) while for E. histolytica/E. dispar. sensitivity and specificity were (100%) for both. Immunochromatographic assay proved to be simple, easy and useful in confirming absence or the presence of intestinal protozoan infection in clinically suspected cases with negative stool examination.
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Schreeg ME, Marr HS, Tarigo JL, Cohn LA, Bird DM, Scholl EH, Levy MG, Wiegmann BM, Birkenheuer AJ. Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and Structures Aid in the Resolution of Piroplasmida phylogeny. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165702. [PMID: 27832128 PMCID: PMC5104439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomy of the order Piroplasmida, which includes a number of clinically and economically relevant organisms, is a hotly debated topic amongst parasitologists. Three genera (Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon) are recognized based on parasite life cycle characteristics, but molecular phylogenetic analyses of 18S sequences have suggested the presence of five or more distinct Piroplasmida lineages. Despite these important advancements, a few studies have been unable to define the taxonomic relationships of some organisms (e.g. C. felis and T. equi) with respect to other Piroplasmida. Additional evidence from mitochondrial genome sequences and synteny should aid in the inference of Piroplasmida phylogeny and resolution of taxonomic uncertainties. In this study, we have amplified, sequenced, and annotated seven previously uncharacterized mitochondrial genomes (Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. Coco, Babesia conradae, Babesia microti-like sp., and Cytauxzoon felis) and identified additional ribosomal fragments in ten previously characterized mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated mitochondrial and 18S sequences as well as cox1 amino acid sequence identified five distinct Piroplasmida groups, each of which possesses a unique mitochondrial genome structure. Specifically, our results confirm the existence of four previously identified clades (B. microti group, Babesia sensu stricto, Theileria equi, and a Babesia sensu latu group that includes B. conradae) while supporting the integration of Theileria and Cytauxzoon species into a single fifth taxon. Although known biological characteristics of Piroplasmida corroborate the proposed phylogeny, more investigation into parasite life cycles is warranted to further understand the evolution of the Piroplasmida. Our results provide an evolutionary framework for comparative biology of these important animal and human pathogens and help focus renewed efforts toward understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Schreeg
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Henry S. Marr
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jaime L. Tarigo
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David M. Bird
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Levy
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Wiegmann
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Birkenheuer
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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Li WC, Ying M, Gong PT, Li JH, Yang J, Li H, Zhang XC. Pentatrichomonas hominis: prevalence and molecular characterization in humans, dogs, and monkeys in Northern China. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:569-74. [PMID: 26481488 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pentatrichomonas hominis is an anaerobic amitochondrial flagellated protist that primarily colonizes the large intestines of a number of species, including cats, dogs, nonhuman primates, and humans. The prevalence of this parasite in dogs, monkeys, and humans is, however, poorly understood. In this study, a total of 362 fecal samples including 252 dogs, 60 monkeys, and 50 humans from northern China were collected for an epidemiological survey of P. hominis infection.The average prevalence of P. hominis infection determined by nested PCR was 27.38% (69/252), 4.00% (2/50), and 46.67% (28/60) in dogs, humans, and monkeys, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in 6-month-old dogs (41.53%) and children (7.69%) than in older dogs (14.39%) and adults (0%) (P < 0.05). Sequencing of amplicons revealed that four variable positions separated sequences into three types, called CC1-3. CC1 was the most prevalent in the study population. This study determined that P. hominis infection is common in dogs, monkeys, and humans, especially in children and young dogs. Given the infection prevalence, P. hominis may pose a risk of zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission.
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Moss JA. Waterborne Pathogens: The Protozoans. Radiol Technol 2016; 88:27-48. [PMID: 27601690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne diseases associated with polluted recreational and potable waters have been documented for more than a century. Key microbial protozoan parasites, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are causative agents for gastrointestinal disease worldwide. Although not a first-line diagnostic approach for these diseases, medical imaging, such as radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine technologies, can be used to evaluate patients with long-term effects. This article describes protozoan pathogens that affect human health, treatment of common waterborne pathogen-related diseases, and associated medical imaging.
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Kondova I, Simon MA, Klumpp SA, MacKey J, Widmer G, Domingues HG, Persengiev SP, O'Neil SP. Trichomonad Gastritis in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) Infected with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus. Vet Pathol 2016; 42:19-29. [PMID: 15657268 DOI: 10.1354/vp.42-1-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In a retrospective study, 51 cases of gastritis (14%) were identified from among 341 necropsies performed on simian immunodeficiency virus (SlV)-infected rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta) at the New England Primate Research Center from 1993 to 2001. Protozoa were seen in the stomach of 13 monkeys (25%) with gastritis. Two histopathologic manifestations of gastritis were observed: seven cases of lymphoplasmacytic gastritis with trichomonad trophozoites within lumens of gastric glands and four cases of necrosuppurative gastritis containing intralesional periodic acid-Schiff-positive protozoa; two cases of gastritis had morphologic features of both types of gastritis. In instances of necrosuppurative and combined lymphoplasmacytic and necrosuppurative gastritis, protozoa were 4-35 μm in diameter and round to tear-shaped. Because of the unusual morphology of the protozoa in these latter cases, transmission electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to further identify these organisms. The protozoa were definitively identified as Tritrichomonas in all cases on the basis of ultrastructural characteristics (flagella and undulating membranes) and amplification of a 347-bp product of the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene of Tritrichomonas foetus, Tritrichomonas suis and Tritrichomonas mobilensis by PCR using DNA extracted from stomach tissue. On the basis of these observations, we conclude that Tritrichomonas can be a significant cofactor in the development of necrosup-purative gastritis in SIV-infected rhesus macaques.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- DNA, Protozoan/chemistry
- DNA, Protozoan/genetics
- Female
- Gastritis/pathology
- Gastritis/veterinary
- Gastritis/virology
- Immunohistochemistry/veterinary
- In Situ Hybridization/veterinary
- Macaca mulatta
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/veterinary
- Monkey Diseases/parasitology
- Monkey Diseases/pathology
- Monkey Diseases/virology
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
- Protozoan Infections/parasitology
- Protozoan Infections/pathology
- Protozoan Infections/virology
- Protozoan Infections, Animal
- RNA, Protozoan/chemistry
- RNA, Protozoan/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S/genetics
- Retrospective Studies
- Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/parasitology
- Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/pathology
- Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/virology
- Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/growth & development
- Tritrichomonas/genetics
- Tritrichomonas/growth & development
- Tritrichomonas/ultrastructure
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kondova
- Division of Comparative Pathology, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, MA 01772-9102, USA
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Abstract
Of all cancer patients, 28% had gastrointestinal parasites of medical importance.
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Howitt MR, Lavoie S, Michaud M, Blum AM, Tran SV, Weinstock JV, Gallini CA, Redding K, Margolskee RF, Osborne LC, Artis D, Garrett WS. Tuft cells, taste-chemosensory cells, orchestrate parasite type 2 immunity in the gut. Science 2016; 351:1329-33. [PMID: 26847546 PMCID: PMC5528851 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 592] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium forms an essential barrier between a host and its microbiota. Protozoa and helminths are members of the gut microbiota of mammals, including humans, yet the many ways that gut epithelial cells orchestrate responses to these eukaryotes remain unclear. Here we show that tuft cells, which are taste-chemosensory epithelial cells, accumulate during parasite colonization and infection. Disruption of chemosensory signaling through the loss of TRMP5 abrogates the expansion of tuft cells, goblet cells, eosinophils, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells during parasite colonization. Tuft cells are the primary source of the parasite-induced cytokine interleukin-25, which indirectly induces tuft cell expansion by promoting interleukin-13 production by innate lymphoid cells. Our results identify intestinal tuft cells as critical sentinels in the gut epithelium that promote type 2 immunity in response to intestinal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Howitt
- Departments of Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sydney Lavoie
- Departments of Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Monia Michaud
- Departments of Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arthur M Blum
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Sara V Tran
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joel V Weinstock
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Carey Ann Gallini
- Departments of Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin Redding
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Lisa C Osborne
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - David Artis
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Wendy S Garrett
- Departments of Immunology and Infectious Diseases and Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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HERMAN KM, HALL AJ, GOULD LH. Outbreaks attributed to fresh leafy vegetables, United States, 1973-2012. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:3011-21. [PMID: 25697407 PMCID: PMC4591532 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268815000047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Leafy vegetables are an essential component of a healthy diet; however, they have been associated with high-profile outbreaks causing severe illnesses. We reviewed leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1973 and 2012. During the study period, 606 leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks, with 20 003 associated illnesses, 1030 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths were reported. On average, leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks were larger than those attributed to other food types. The pathogens that most often caused leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks were norovirus (55% of outbreaks with confirmed aetiology), Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (18%), and Salmonella (11%). Most outbreaks were attributed to food prepared in a restaurant or catering facility (85%). An ill food worker was implicated as the source of contamination in 31% of outbreaks. Efforts by local, state, and federal agencies to control leafy vegetable contamination and outbreaks should span from the point of harvest to the point of preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. M. HERMAN
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - A. J. HALL
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - L. H. GOULD
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Zhao W, Liu J, Xu R, Zhang C, Pang Q, Chen X, Liu S, Hong L, Yuan J, Li X, Chen Y, Li J, Su XZ. The Gametocytes of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi Infect Chicken Thrombocytes, Not Other Blood Cells. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26218846 PMCID: PMC4517878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucocytozoon parasites infect a large number of avian hosts, including domestic chicken, and cause significant economical loss to the poultry industry. Although the transmission stages of the parasites were observed in avian blood cells more than a century ago, the specific host cell type(s) that the gametocytes infect remain uncertain. Because all the avian blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), are nucleated, and the developing parasites dramatically change the morphology of the infected host cells, it has been difficult to identify Leucocytozoon infected host cell(s). Here we use cell-type specific antibodies to investigate the identities of the host cells infected by Leucocytozoon sabrazesi gametocytes. Anti-RBC antibodies stained RBCs membrane strongly, but not the parasite-infected cells, ruling out the possibility of RBCs being the infected host cells. Antibodies recognizing various leukocytes including heterophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages did not stain the infected cells either. Antisera raised against a peptide of the parasite cytochrome B (CYTB) stained parasite-infected cells and some leukocytes, particularly cells with a single round nucleus as well as clear/pale cytoplasm suggestive of thrombocytes. Finally, a monoclonal antibody known to specifically bind chicken thrombocytes also stained the infected cells, confirming that L. sabrazesi gametocytes develop within chicken thrombocytes. The identification of L. sabrazesi infected host cell solves a long unresolved puzzle and provides important information for studying parasite invasion of host cells and for developing reagents to interrupt parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jianwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Ruixue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Cui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Qin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Shengfa Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Lingxian Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (X-zs); (J. Li)
| | - Xin-zhuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States of America
- * E-mail: (X-zs); (J. Li)
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Ballard SB, Reaves EJ, Luna CG, Silva ME, Rocha C, Heitzinger K, Saito M, Apaza S, Espetia S, Blazes DL, Tilley DH, Guzmán Aguilar RC, Gilman RH, Bausch DG. Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Noroviruses among Adults in an Endemic Setting, Peruvian Amazon Basin, 2004-2011. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131646. [PMID: 26161556 PMCID: PMC4498765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Successful vaccination strategies against norovirus will require understanding the burden of disease and relevant genotypes in populations. However, few data are available from cohort studies of adults living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Materials and Methods We conducted a nested case-control study within a Peruvian military cohort to characterize the burden of norovirus infection, predominant genotypes, and associated symptoms from 2004 through 2011. Randomly selected case and control stools were tested for norovirus, bacteria, and parasites. The odds ratio of the association between norovirus infection and diarrhea was estimated using multiple logistic regression and co-infection adjusted attributable fractions were calculated. Results Of the 3,818 cohort study participants, 624 developed diarrhea. Overall and norovirus-associated diarrhea incidence rates were 42.3 and 6.0 per 100 person-years, respectively. The most prevalent norovirus genogroup was GII (72.5%, 29/40), which was associated with diarrhea (AOR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3–8.7, P = 0.012). The co-infection adjusted GII attributable fraction was 6.4%. Discussion Norovirus was a frequent cause of diarrhea in an adult population followed longitudinally in an LMIC setting. Vaccine strategies should consider targeting adults in endemic settings and special populations that could serve as community transmission sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Blythe Ballard
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
- * E-mail:
| | - Erik J. Reaves
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | - C. Giannina Luna
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Maria E. Silva
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudio Rocha
- Bacteriology Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | - Kristen Heitzinger
- Bacteriology Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mayuko Saito
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollamiento, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Sonia Apaza
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollamiento, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Susan Espetia
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollamiento, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - David L. Blazes
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Drake H. Tilley
- Bacteriology Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Robert H. Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, Lima, Peru
| | - Daniel G. Bausch
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Department, United States Medical Research Unit No. 6, Lima, Peru
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
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Illing B, Moyano M, Niemax J, Peck MA. Direct Effects of Microalgae and Protists on Herring (Clupea harengus) Yolk Sac Larvae. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129344. [PMID: 26035592 PMCID: PMC4452712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated effects of microalgae (Rhodomonas baltica) and heterotrophic protists (Oxyrrhis marina) on the daily growth, activity, condition and feeding success of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) larvae from hatch, through the end of the endogenous (yolk sac) period. Yolk sac larvae were reared in the presence and absence of microplankton and, each day, groups of larvae were provided access to copepods. Larvae reared with microalgae and protists exhibited precocious (2 days earlier) and ≥ 60% increased feeding incidence on copepods compared to larvae reared in only seawater (SW). In the absence and presence of microalgae and protists, life span and growth trajectories of yolk sac larvae were similar and digestive enzyme activity (trypsin) and nutritional condition (RNA-DNA ratio) markedly declined in all larvae directly after yolk sac depletion. Thus, microplankton promoted early feeding but was not sufficient to alter life span and growth during the yolk sac phase. Given the importance of early feeding, field programs should place greater emphasis on the protozooplankton-ichthyoplankton link to better understand match-mismatch dynamics and bottom-up drivers of year class success in marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Illing
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Olbersweg 24, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Marta Moyano
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Olbersweg 24, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Niemax
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Olbersweg 24, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Myron A. Peck
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Olbersweg 24, Hamburg, Germany
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Alam-Eldin YH, Abdulaziz AM. Identification criteria of the rare multi-flagellate Lophomonas blattarum: comparison of different staining techniques. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3309-14. [PMID: 26032944 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary lophomoniasis (BPL) is an emerging disease of potential importance. BPL is presented by non-specific clinical picture and is usually accompanied by immunosuppression. Culture of Lophomonas blattarum is difficult and its molecular diagnosis has not yet been developed. Therefore, microscopic examination of respiratory samples, e.g., bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum, is the mainstay of BPL diagnosis. Creola bodies and ciliocytophthoria are two forms of bronchial cells which occur in chest diseases with non-specific clinical picture like that of BPL. Both forms could be misrecognized as multi-flagellates because of their motile cilia in the wet mounts and due to shape variability of L. blattarum in stained smears. The aim of the study is to compare different staining techniques for visualizing L. blattarum to improve the recognition and diagnosis of BPL, to distinguish respiratory epithelial cells from L. blattarum and to decide which stain is recommended in suspected cases of BPL. BAL samples from patients which contain L. blattarum, creola bodies, and ciliocytophthoria were collected then wet mounts were examined. The BAL samples were also stained by Papanicolaou (PAP), Giemsa, hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), trichrome, Gram, and Diff-Quik (DQ) stains. The different staining techniques were compared regarding the stain quality. In wet mounts, the ciliary movement was coordinate and synchronous while the flagellar movement was wavy and leaded to active swimming of L. blattarum. In stained slides, bronchial cells were characterized by the presence of basal nucleus and the terminal bar from which the cilia arise. Trichrome was the best stain in demonstration of cellular details of L. blattarum. H & E, PAP, and Giemsa stains showed good quality of stains. Gram and DQ stains showed only pale hues of L. blattarum. We recommended adding Wheatley's trichrome staining to the differential diagnosis workup of cases of non-specific chest infections, especially when BPL is suspected, to avoid overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Hussein Alam-Eldin
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Ramses Street, New Faculty Bldg., 4th floor, P.O. #11566, Cairo, Egypt,
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F. Rowley
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda L. Smith
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte E. Davies
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
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Scaglione FE, Pregel P, Cannizzo FT, Pérez-Rodríguez AD, Ferroglio E, Bollo E. Prevalence of new and known species of haemoparasites in feral pigeons in northwest Italy. Malar J 2015; 14:99. [PMID: 25888761 PMCID: PMC4350268 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0617-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemoparasites in feral pigeons have been studied in several countries but no data are available from Italy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in feral pigeons from northwest Italy, as well as the association between infection and host age or sex. METHODS Feral pigeons were collected during a regional culling programme from the Piedmont region (northwest Italy) and subjected to necropsy. Infections were detected from DNA extracted from the spleen following a nested PCR protocol. The association between sex or age and infection status was evaluated using the chi-squared test for independence or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Out of 51 animals, 15 were positive for Haemoproteus/Plasmodium spp. and eight for Leucocytozoon spp., with a significant difference between haemoparasites prevalence. There was no significant association between age or sex and infection status. The coinfection with different haemoparasites was very significant (p < 0.01), showing a greater relative risk to be infected by a second haemoparasite in birds already infected, in particular in male and in adult pigeons. DNA sequencing of Leucocytozoon spp. showed six different lineages in pigeons, and one of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Blood parasites are continuously circulating around the world, and the results presented in the paper suggest that cross infection of feral pigeons with haemoparasites typical of other migratory or nonmigratory bird species is possible. Moreover, the geographical location of Italy along the main migratory routes is a crucial factor to be considered for migratory birds, because they can be affected by blood parasites detected in feral pigeons, and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frine Eleonora Scaglione
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Paola Pregel
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Francesca Tiziana Cannizzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Antón Davìd Pérez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Nováis 2, E-28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Enrico Bollo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
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Merrill L, González-Gómez PL, Ellis VA, Levin II, Vásquez RA, Wingfield JC. A blurring of life-history lines: Immune function, molt and reproduction in a highly stable environment. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 213:65-73. [PMID: 25712433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis peruviensis) from valleys in the Atacama Desert of Chile, live in an extremely stable environment, and exhibit overlap in molt and reproduction, with valley-specific differences in the proportion of birds engaged in both. To better understand the mechanistic pathways underlying the timing of life-history transitions, we examined the relationships among baseline and stress-induced levels of corticosterone (CORT), testosterone, and bacteria-killing ability of the blood plasma (BKA), as well as haemosporidian parasite infections and the genetic structure of two groups of sparrows from separate valleys over the course of a year. Birds neither molting nor breeding had the lowest BKA, but there were no differences among the other three categories of molt-reproductive stage. BKA varied over the year, with birds in May/June exhibiting significantly lower levels of BKA than the rest of the year. We also documented differences in the direction of the relationship between CORT and BKA at different times during the year. The direction of these relationships coincides with some trends in molt and reproductive stage, but differs enough to indicate that these birds exhibit individual-level plasticity, or population-level variability, in coordinating hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity with life-history stage. We found weak preliminary evidence for genetic differentiation between the two populations, but not enough to indicate genetic isolation. No birds were infected with haemosporidia, which may be indicative of reduced parasite pressure in deserts. The data suggest that these birds may not trade off among different life-history components, but rather are able to invest in multiple life-history components based on their condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Merrill
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820, USA.
| | | | - Vincenzo A Ellis
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
| | - Iris I Levin
- Department of Biology, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA(1).
| | - Rodrigo A Vásquez
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, IEB, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Macchioni F, Segundo H, Gabrielli S, Totino V, Gonzales PR, Salazar E, Bozo R, Bartoloni A, Cancrini G. Dramatic decrease in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and new insights into intestinal protozoa in children living in the Chaco region, Bolivia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 92:794-796. [PMID: 25711609 PMCID: PMC4385775 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites among 268 2-12-year-old children living in rural areas, small villages, and semi-urban areas of the Chaco region, south-eastern Bolivia. The overall parasitism was 69%. Only protozoa, helminths, or co-infections were observed in 89.2%, 5.9%, or 4.9% of the positive children, respectively. A significant progressive increase in overall parasite prevalence was found when passing from rural areas to small villages and semi-urban areas. The most commonly found species were Entamoeba coli (38.4%), Giardia intestinalis (37.7%), and Blastocystis spp. (16%). Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent helminth (5.6%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms (1.5% and 0.4%) evidenced only in rural areas and in villages. Molecular diagnostics identified Blastocystis subtypes 9 and 2, and 5 infections by Entamoeba histolytica and 4 by Entamoeba dispar. The dramatic decrease in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths with respect to that observed about 20 years ago (> 40%) evidences the success of the preventive chemotherapy intervention implemented in 1986. Health education and improved sanitation should be intensified to control protozoan infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- *Address correspondence to Alessandro Bartoloni, Largo Brambilla 3, Firenze, 50134. E-mail:
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Tonkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin J. Boulanger
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Neres-Norberg A, Guerra-Sanches F, Blanco Moreira-Norberg PR, Madeira-Oliveira JT, Santa-Helena AA, Serra-Freire NM. [Intestinal Parasitism in Terena Indigenous People of the Province of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil]. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2014; 16:859-870. [PMID: 26120856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Considering that intestinal protozoans and helminths infect more than half of the world population, with high prevalence in the poorest regions, the objective of this study was to conduct parasitological research among indigenous Terena people established in the state of MatoGrosso do Sul. An inquiry was performed to find the incidence of parasitism in these communities. METHODOLOGY 134 aliquots of feces from individuals of the indigenous community were examined. Samples were conserved in Merthiolate-iodine-formol solution (MIF). The laboratory exams were carried out using the techniques of Hoffman, Pons and Janer; Willis and Kinyoun. RESULTS We identified infections of nematode helminths of the species Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostomidae, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura; and cestodes of the species Hymenolepis nana and Taenia spp. Also found were the protozoan species: Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, and Entamoeba histolytica. 23.1 % of the samples studied were negative. Of the 76.9 % of samples with parasites, there were non-statistically significant differences in parasitism between men and women examined between 1 and 33 years-of-age. There were also no significant differences between monospecific parasitism and with concurrent species. In terms of parasitic diversity, seven species of nematode and cestodes helminths were found along with five species of Archamoebae protozoa: flagellates and enterozoans. CONCLUSIONS These results were the basis for orientation and appropriate drug intervention and reveal the need for the implementation governmental, social and educational measures to improve the living conditions of that community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bargieri
- Institut Pasteur, Malaria Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Paris, France
| | - Vanessa Lagal
- Institut Cochin, Laboratory Barriers and Pathogens, INSERM U-1016, CNRS UMR-8104, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Andenmatten
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institut Cochin, Laboratory Barriers and Pathogens, INSERM U-1016, CNRS UMR-8104, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Markus Meissner
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Ménard
- Institut Pasteur, Malaria Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Sahimin N, Alias SN, Woh PY, Edah MA, Mohd Zain SN. Comparison between Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC) and Giemsa-stained Thin Film (GTF) technique for blood protozoan infections in wild rats. Trop Biomed 2014; 31:422-431. [PMID: 25382468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The quantitative buffy coat (QBC) technique and conventional Giemsa thin blood smear was compared to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the technique in detecting blood parasitic infection of the rodent populations from four urban cities in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 432 blood samples from four rat species (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus diardii, Rattus exulans and Rattus argentiventer) were screened using both techniques and successfully detected two blood protozoan species (Trypanosoma lewisi and Plasmodium sp.) with Trypanosoma lewisi predominantly infecting the population. Results showed that Giemsa-stained thin film (GTF) was the better detection method on blood parasitemia (46.7%) compared to Quantitative Buffy Coat method (38.9%) with overall detection technique sensitivity and specificity at 83.2% and 74.8% respectively. The sensitivity in detection of Trypanosoma lewisi was 84.4% with value slightly lower for Plasmodium sp. infections at 76.6%. Statistical analysis proved that GTF technique was significantly more sensitive in the detection of blood protozoan infections in the rodent population compared to QBC (p<0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- N Sahimin
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S N Alias
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - P Y Woh
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M A Edah
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S N Mohd Zain
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ramos JM, Rodríguez-Valero N, Tisiano G, Fano H, Yohannes T, Gosa A, Fruttero E, Reyes F, Górgolas M. Different profile of intestinal protozoa and helminthic infections among patients with diarrhoea according to age attending a rural hospital in southern Ethiopia. Trop Biomed 2014; 31:392-397. [PMID: 25134911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the association of intestinal parasitic diseases with age and gender in patients with diarrhea attending a rural hospital in southern Ethiopia in the period 2007-2012. A total of 32,191 stool examination was performed in patients who presented with diarrhea. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in the present study was 26.5%. Predominant parasites detected were Giardia lamblia (15.0%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.0%). The median of age of diarrheal patients with Hymenolepis species, Schistosoma mansoni and G. lamblia was significantly lower (5 y., 10.5 y., and 18 y., respectively; p<0.001). The median age of diarrheal patients with Taenia species, S. stercoralis, and E. histolytica/dispar was significantly higher (24 y., 24 y., and 20 y., respectively; p<0.01). In conclusion, Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent intestinal parasite and the profile of intestinal parasitic infections is influenced by age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ramos
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, PO Box 121 Shasehmane, Ethiopia
| | - Natalia Rodríguez-Valero
- Department of Emergencies, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Carrer Sant Quintí, 89, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Tisiano
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, PO Box 121 Shasehmane, Ethiopia
| | - Haji Fano
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, PO Box 121 Shasehmane, Ethiopia
| | - Tafese Yohannes
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, PO Box 121 Shasehmane, Ethiopia
| | - Ashenafi Gosa
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, PO Box 121 Shasehmane, Ethiopia
| | - Enza Fruttero
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Molinette Hospital, Corso Lazzari Francesco Detto Il Bramant, 10100 Turín Turin, Italy
| | - Francisco Reyes
- Gambo Rural General Hospital, PO Box 121 Shasehmane, Ethiopia
| | - Miguel Górgolas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Av. Reyes Católicos 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
The study presents the results of a two-year research of protozoan infections of cattles from the Northern-Bačka district (Voјvodina, Serbia). The research was conducted on cow-farms and in private cattle-breeding households, with variuos levels of hygenie. The study included 224 specimens (71 calves, 48 hifers and 105 cows). 22.91% of examined heifers and 15.23% of cows were infected with the ciliate Buxtonella sulcata. The presence of coccidiosis was detected in 45.07% of the calves, 14.58% of the heifers and 6.67% of the cows. The clinical signs of diarrhoea were established in all of the specimens which had more than 1,500 cysts of B.sulcata in 1g of faeces. In the examined calves the number of oocysts was less than 1500 in 1g of faeces, so the coccidiosis did not influence the incidence of the diarrhoea. The results show the first diagnostic record of the ciliate B.sulcata of bovines in Serbia, and this finding contributes to the existing knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of protozoan disease of cattle in this area.
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Rojekittikhun W, Chaisiri K, Mahittikorn A, Pubampen S, Sa-Nguankiat S, Kusolsuk T, Maipanich W, Udonsom R, Mori H. Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and cats in a refuge in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2014; 45:31-39. [PMID: 24964651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We collected fecal samples from 500 dogs and 300 cats from an animal refuge in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand to test for gastrointestinal protozoa and helminths using a formalin-ether concentration technique. The overall prevalence of parasites in stool from dogs was 36.2% (181/500), 35.7% (177/500) had helminths and 2.8% (14/500) had protozoa. The helminths were: hookworm (30.6%), Trichuris vulpis (16.0%), Toxocara canis (6.6%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.2%), Spirometra mansoni (0.6%), and Dipylidium caninum (0.2%). Giardia duodenalis (2.8%) was found in the stool of dogs. The overall prevalence of parasites in stool from cats was 44.3% (133/300), 43.3% (130/300) were helminths and 6.0% (18/300) were protozoa. The helminths were hookworm (34.7%), T. cati (9.7%), S. mansoni (4.0%), Platynosomum fastosum (2.7%), Strongyloides sp (0.7%), and Echinostoma sp (0.3%). Two species of protozoa, Isospora sp (5.7%) and G. duodenalis (0.3%) were found in the stool of cats. Two percent of dogs and 5.0% of cats had mixed protozoan and helminthic infections. Dogs with double, triple, and quadruple helminthic infections were found at rates of 22.0%, 2.8%, and 0.2%, respectively. Cats with double and triple helminthic infections were found at rates of 9.7% and 1.0%, respectively. Quadruple helminthic infections were not found in cats, and double protozoan infections were not found in either dogs or cats.
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Abstract
The natural habitat of the multiflagellate protozoon Lophomonas blattarum is as an endocommensal in the hindgut of insects such as cockroaches. However, it also causes bronchopulmonary disease in humans. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on this organism in the context of respiratory disease. The biology epidemiology, route of transmission, pathogenic mechanisms and diagnosis methods are also described. A total of 61 cases were identified in the literature. The majority of these reports were from China, with some cases from Peru and Spain. Most cases were adult males, although paediatric cases were reported in Peru. Clinical presentation was non-specific, including symptoms such as fever, cough and breathless. Antiprotozoal therapy was generally effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Martinez-Girón
- Protozoal Respiratory Pathology Research Unit. Fundación INCLÍNICA, Calvo Sotelo, 16-3 dcha, 33007-Oviedo, Spain
| | - Hugo Cornelis van Woerden
- Institute of Primary Care & Public Health, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK
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