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Helman E, Dellarupe A, Steffen KD, Bernstein M, Moré G. Morphological and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) from Argentina. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102859. [PMID: 38199523 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle. The objective of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in pig muscles from Argentina, by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular studies. Muscles samples from 561 pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were classified according to the breeding system in: intensive farming (IF, n = 295; animals kept in confinement during most of their productive cycle), or semi-extensive farming (SEF, n = 266; animals bred outdoors, generally family or backyard production). Results showed that 24.8% (139/561) were positive by light microscopy, with a significantly higher prevalence in the SEF (34.6%; 92/266) than the IF pigs (15.9%; 47/295) (p < 0.05). Of the 202 samples analyzed by PCR, 96 were positive (47.5%) for the 18S rRNA (18S ribosomal RNA) fragment. All samples analyzed by the S. suihominis specific coxI (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) PCR (n = 235; 96 positives by 18S rRNA PCR and 139 positives by light microscopy) were negative. Fourteen individual cysts were positive for the 18S rRNA PCR and sequenced. Consensus sequences obtained from the 18S rRNA fragment PCR ranged from 613 to 880 bp and showed 100% of identity between them and with previously reported S. miescheriana sequences. In all the pig samples analyzed by TEM, cyst wall ultrastructure was compatible with S. miescheriana. This is the first study that provides infection rates and describes and identifies morphological and molecular features of Sarcocystis spp. cysts in pigs from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Helman
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Andrea Dellarupe
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina.
| | - Kevin Denis Steffen
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Mariana Bernstein
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Langgasssstrasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
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Zhou R, Cui W, Zeng N, Su B, Chen Y, Shi H, Zhao S. Dnttip2 is essential for 18S rRNA processing and digestive organ development in zebrafish. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149838. [PMID: 38564939 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Dnttip2 is one of the components of the small subunit (SSU) processome. In yeast, depletion of dnttip2 leads to an inefficient processing of pre-rRNA and a decrease in synthesis of the mature 18S rRNA. However, the biological roles of Dnttip2 in higher organisms are poorly defined. In this study, we demonstrate that dnttip2 is a maternal gene in zebrafish. Depletion of Dnttip2 leads to embryonic lethal with severe digestive organs hypoplasia. The loss of function of Dnttip2 also leads to partial defects in cleavage at the A0-site and E-site during 18S rRNA processing. In conclusion, Dnttip2 is essential for 18S rRNA processing and digestive organ development in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Cui
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ni Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Baochun Su
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yayue Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Shuyi Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Cruz-Saavedra L, Ospina C, Patiño LH, Villar JC, Sáenz Pérez LD, Cantillo-Barraza O, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Ballesteros N, Cáceres T, Vallejo G, Ramírez JD. Enhancing Trypanosomatid Identification and Genotyping with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing: Development and Validation of an 18S rRNA Amplicon-Based Method. J Mol Diagn 2024; 26:323-336. [PMID: 38360211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids, including Trypanosoma and Leishmania species, present significant medical and veterinary challenges, causing substantial economic losses, health complications, and even fatalities. Diagnosing and genotyping these species and their genotypes is often complex, involving multiple steps. This study aimed to develop an amplicon-based sequencing (ABS) method using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing to enhance Trypanosomatid detection and genotyping. The 18S rDNA gene was targeted for its inter-species conservation. The Trypanosomatid-ABS method effectively distinguished between 11 Trypanosoma species (including Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma vivax, and Trypanosoma rangeli) and 6 Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (TcI to TcVI and TcBat), showing strong concordance with conventional methods (κ index of 0.729, P < 0.001). It detected co-infections between Trypanosomatid genera and T. cruzi, with a limit of detection of one parasite per mL. The method was successfully applied to human, animal, and triatomine samples. Notably, TcI predominated in chronic Chagas samples, whereas TcII and TcIV were found in the acute stage. Triatomine vectors exhibited diverse Trypanosomatid infections, with Triatoma dimidiata mainly infected with TcI and occasional TcBat co-infections, and Rhodnius prolixus showing TcI and TcII infections, along with T. rangeli co-infections and mixed TcII infections. Animals were infected with T. vivax, T. theileri, and T. evansi. The ABS method's high resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy make it a valuable tool for understanding Trypanosomatid dynamics, enhancing disease control strategies, and enabling targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Ospina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz H Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C Villar
- Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Research Group in Animal Sciences-GRICA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (UCC), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Tatiana Cáceres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Vallejo
- Tropical Parasitology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Juan D Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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Hammami I, Timoumi O, Larbi I, Rekik S, Maghzaoua D, Gharbi M. First report of Sarcocystis falcatula in naturally infected Razorbill auks (Alca torda) collected in Tunisian Mediterranean Sea shores. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:193. [PMID: 38656629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are apicomplexan cyst-forming parasites that can infect numerous vertebrates, including birds. Sarcosporidiosis infection was investigated in three muscles (breast, right and left thigh muscle) and one organ (heart) of four Razorbill auks (Alca torda) stranded between November and December 2022 on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Nabeul and Bizerte governorates, Northern Tunisia. Two of the four tested A. torda were PCR positive for 18S rRNA Sarcocystis spp. gene. Among the examined 16 muscles/organs, only one breast and one right thigh were Sarcocystis spp. PCR-positive (12.5% ± 8.3, 2/16). Our results showed a relatively high molecular prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Razorbill auks (A. torda). Sarcocystis spp. sequence described in the present study (GenBank number: OR516818) showed 99.56-100% identity to Sarcocystis falcatula. In conclusion, our results confirmed the infection of Razorbill auks (A. torda) by S. falcatula. Further research is needed on different migratory seabirds' species in order to identify other Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hammami
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Oumayma Timoumi
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Imen Larbi
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Veterinary Microbiology, LR 11 IPT 03, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Universite de Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Syrine Rekik
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Dhekra Maghzaoua
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Assefa A, Wamae K, Hennelly CM, Ngasala B, Muller M, Kalonji A, Phanzu F, Cunningham CH, Lin JT, Parr JB. Detection of P. malariae using a new rapid isothermal amplification lateral flow assay. Malar J 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38609964 PMCID: PMC11015614 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04928-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause the majority of malaria cases and deaths, infection by Plasmodium malariae and other Plasmodium species also causes morbidity and mortality. Current understanding of these infections is limited in part by existing point-of-care diagnostics that fail to differentiate them and have poor sensitivity for low-density infections. Accurate diagnosis currently requires molecular assays performed in well-resourced laboratories. This report describes the development of a P. malariae diagnostic assay that uses rapid, isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and lateral-flow-strip detection. METHODS Multiple combinations of custom RPA primers and probes were designed using publicly available P. malariae genomic sequences, and by modifying published primer sets. Based on manufacturer RPA reaction conditions (TwistDx nfo kit), an isothermal assay was optimized targeting the multicopy P. malariae 18S rRNA gene with 39 °C incubation and 30-min run time. RPA product was visualized using lateral strips (FAM-labeled, biotinylated amplicon detected by a sandwich immunoassay, visualized using gold nanoparticles). Analytical sensitivity was evaluated using 18S rRNA plasmid DNA, and clinical sensitivity determined using qPCR-confirmed samples collected from Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. RESULTS Using 18S rRNA plasmid DNA, the assay demonstrates a detection limit of 10 copies/µL (~ 1.7 genome equivalents) and 100% analytical specificity. Testing in field samples showed 95% clinical sensitivity and 88% specificity compared to qPCR. Total assay time was less than 40 min. CONCLUSION Combined with simplified DNA extraction methods, the assay has potential for future field-deployable, point-of-care use to detect P. malariae infection, which remains largely undiagnosed but a neglected cause of chronic malaria. The assay provides a rapid, simple readout on a lateral flow strip without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Assefa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Kevin Wamae
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher M Hennelly
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Meredith Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Clark H Cunningham
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica T Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Xue D, Chen T, Wu Y. Stability evaluation of candidate reference genes for real-time qPCR normalization in Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrycidae). J Econ Entomol 2024; 117:629-637. [PMID: 38245820 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Rhyzopertha dominica is a serious stored grain insect pest around the world. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a widely used experimental method in molecular biology for detecting the expression of target genes. As appropriate reference genes are essential for normalizing gene expression, the selection of suitable reference genes is the basis of RT-qPCR experiments. In this study, the expression profiles of 7 candidate reference genes of rps3, rps6, rps13, actin, gadph, tubulin, and 18S rRNA were analyzed under 4 different experimental conditions. The expression stability of candidate genes was evaluated using the ΔCt, GeNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and RefFinder methods. The results revealed that different reference genes were suitable for various experiments. Specifically, rps3 and rps6 were appropriate for the developmental stages and all samples: 18S rRNA and rps13 for temperature-related experiments, actin and rps6 for sex-related experiments, and rps6 and gadph for starvation stress. Our results lay essential groundwork for the normalization of RT-qPCR analyses and contribute to genomic and gene functional research of R. dominica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingrong Xue
- Institute of Grain Storage and Logistics, National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Chen
- Institute of Grain Storage and Logistics, National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing, China
- School of Culinary and Food Sciences, Zhengzhou Tourism College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Institute of Grain Storage and Logistics, National Engineering Research Center of Grain Storage and Logistics, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, Beijing, China
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Ficetola GF, Guerrieri A, Cantera I, Bonin A. In silico assessment of 18S rDNA metabarcoding markers for the characterization of nematode communities. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298905. [PMID: 38578734 PMCID: PMC10997105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298905] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Nematodes are keystone actors of soil, freshwater and marine ecosystems, but the complexity of morphological identification has limited broad-scale monitoring of nematode biodiversity. DNA metabarcoding is increasingly used to assess nematode diversity but requires universal primers with high taxonomic coverage and high taxonomic resolution. Several primers have been proposed for the metabarcoding of nematode diversity, many of which target the 18S rRNA gene. In silico analyses have a great potential to assess key parameters of primers, including taxonomic coverage, resolution and specificity. Based on a recently-available reference database, we tested in silico the performance of fourteen commonly used and one newly optimized primer for nematode metabarcoding. Most primers showed very good coverage, amplifying most of the sequences in the reference database, while four markers showed limited coverage. All primers showed good taxonomic resolution. Resolution was particularly good if the aim was the identification of higher-level taxa, such as genera or families. Overall, species-level resolution was higher for primers amplifying long fragments. None of the primers was highly specific for nematodes as, despite some variation, they all amplified a large number of other eukaryotes. Differences in performance across primers highlight the complexity of the choice of markers appropriate for the metabarcoding of nematodes, which depends on a trade-off between taxonomic resolution and the length of amplified fragments. Our in silico analyses provide new insights for the identification of the most appropriate primers, depending on the study goals and the origin of DNA samples. This represents an essential step to design and optimize metabarcoding studies assessing nematode diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- LECA, Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Isabel Cantera
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurelie Bonin
- Argaly, Bâtiment Cleanspace, Sainte-Hélène-du-Lac, France
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Chen HX, Yu ZJ, Ma J, Zhao CH, Cao FQ, Li L. Morphology, genetic characterization and phylogeny of Moniliformis tupaia n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) from the northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri chinensis Anderson (Mammalia: Scandentia). Parasitology 2024; 151:440-448. [PMID: 38525532 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
A new species of Moniliformis, M. tupaia n. sp. is described using integrated morphological methods (light and scanning electron microscopy) and molecular techniques (sequencing and analysing the nuclear 18S, ITS, 28S regions and mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes), based on specimens collected from the intestine of the northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri chinensis Anderson (Scandentia: Tupaiidae) in China. Phylogenetic analyses show that M. tupaia n. sp. is a sister to M. moniliformis in the genus Moniliformis, and also challenge the systematic status of Nephridiacanthus major. Moniliformis tupaia n. sp. represents the third Moniliformis species reported from China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xia Chen
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
- Ecological Postdoctoral Research Mobile Station, Hebei Normal University, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Jun Yu
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
- Ecological Postdoctoral Research Mobile Station, Hebei Normal University, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
- Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, P.R. China
| | - Cui-Hong Zhao
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Qiong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, P.R. China
| | - Liang Li
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
- Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, 050024 Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, P.R. China
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Choi JH, Omar A, Jung JH. Redescription and molecular phylogeny of Trochilia sigmoides Dujardin, 1841 (Ciliophora, Cyrtophoria) collected from South Korea. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126067. [PMID: 38447247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
During a survey of Korean marine ciliates, Trochilia sigmoides, the type species of the genus Trochilia, was collected and examined using in vivo observation and protargol impregnation. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and 18S rRNA gene sequencing have been applied for the first time to study this species. Morphologically, T. sigmoides is characterized by the small body size, the oval body outline, and the spiral dorsal ridges. The Korean population of T. sigmoides shows only minute differences to other populations reported in the literature, mainly in body size and the number of dorsal ridges. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences show that T. sigmoides and T. petrani are placed together with two members of the family Kyaroikeidae, causing the family Dysteriidae to be non-monophyletic. The present new data increase the knowledge about the morphology and phylogeny of the genus Trochilia and would assist in understanding the phylogenetic relationship between the free-living Dysteriidae and the parasitic Kyaroikeidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Choi
- Department of Biology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea
| | - Atef Omar
- Natural Science Research Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Jung
- Department of Biology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea.
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Ceylan O, Ma Z, Ceylan C, Culha MH, Galon EM, Ji S, Li H, Zafar I, Mohanta UK, Xuan X, Sevinc F. Wide bovine tick-borne pathogen spectrum: Predominancy of Theileria annulata and the first molecular detection of Ehrlichia minasensis in Turkey. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1037-1059. [PMID: 38072901 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases indulge in severe economic losses in the livestock industry by adversely affecting cattle breeding in tropical and subtropical zone countries, including Turkey, encompassing a wide land area representing diverse climatic conditions. This study aimed to investigate significant bovine tick-borne piroplasm, rickettsia, and some other bacterial agents by genus- or species-specific PCR and nested PCR techniques in Turkey. A total of 210 cattle blood samples were collected from sixteen provinces in different geographical regions of Turkey. PCR analyses were performed targeting the detection of Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon sp. 18S rRNA, Babesia/Theileria sp. 18S rRNA (V4), B. bigemina RAP-1a, B. bovis SBP-4, B. ovata AMA-1, B. naoaki AMA-1, T. annulata Tams-1, T. orientalis MPSP, T. mutans 18S rRNA, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia sp. 16S rRNA, A. marginale MSP4, A. bovis 16S rRNA, A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA, A. capra 16S rRNA, E. ruminantium pSC20, Mycoplasma sp. 16S rRNA, and Coxiella burnetii 16S rRNA genes. Overall, 133 (63.3%) cattle were found to be infected with at least one of the following protozoan or bacterial pathogens; B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. occultans, T. annulata, T. orientalis, A. marginale, A. phagocytophilum, and Mycoplasma sp. The total prevalence of pathogens was determined as follows; 0.5% B. bovis, 0.5% B. bigemina, 1.4% B. occultans, 41.0% T. annulata, 1.4% T. orientalis, 10.5% A. marginale, 13.8% A. phagocytophilum, 0.5% A. bovis, 2.9% Uncultured Anaplasma sp., 0.5% E. minasensis, 0.5% Uncultured Ehrlichia sp., and 23.3% Mycoplasma sp. Moreover, large part of the total infection (n:133) was composed of single infections (63.9%); however, double (24.8%), triple (7.5%), quadruple (2.3%), and quintuple (1.5%) co-infections were also encountered. In addition to some bovine pathogens such as B. occultans, T. orientalis, A. bovis, M. wenyonii, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, which were rarely reported in Turkey, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of Uncultured Ehrlichia sp. (0.5%), and E. minasensis (0.5%) with 100% nucleotide sequence identities. The study also indicates that the spectrum of pathogens harbored by Turkish cattle is quite wide, and these pathogens cause multiple co-infections with various combinations, and T. annulata stands out as the primary bovine pathogen among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ceylan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Selcuk University, Konya, 42130, Turkey.
| | - Zhuowei Ma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ceylan Ceylan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Siirt University, Siirt, 56000, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Hudai Culha
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Genetics, Selcuk University, Konya, 42130, Turkey
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Iqra Zafar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Uday Kumar Mohanta
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
- Faculty of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Ferda Sevinc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Selcuk University, Konya, 42130, Turkey
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11
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Engstrom CB, Raymond BB, Albeitshawish J, Bogdanovic A, Quarmby LM. Rosetta gen. nov. (Chlorophyta): Resolving the identity of red snow algal rosettes. J Phycol 2024; 60:275-298. [PMID: 38439561 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Thick-walled rosette-like snow algae were long thought to be a life stage of various other species of snow algae. Rosette-like cells have not been cultured, but by manually isolating cells from 38 field samples in southern British Columbia, we assigned a variety of rosette morphologies to DNA sequence. Phylogenetic analysis of Rubisco large-subunit (rbcL) gene, ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rRNA region, and 18S rRNA gene revealed that the rosette-like cells form a new clade within the phylogroup Chloromonadinia. Based on these data, we designate a new genus, Rosetta, which comprises five novel species: R. castellata, R. floranivea, R. stellaria, R. rubriterra, and R. papavera. In a survey of 762 snow samples from British Columbia, we observed R. floranivea exclusively on snow overlying high-elevation glaciers, whereas R. castellata was observed at lower elevations, near the tree line. The other three species were rarely observed. Spherical red cells enveloped in a thin translucent sac were conspecific with Rosetta, possibly a developmental stage. These results highlight the unexplored diversity among snow algae and emphasize the utility of single-cell isolation to advance the centuries-old problem of disentangling life stages and cryptic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey B Engstrom
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Breanna B Raymond
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joud Albeitshawish
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anastasia Bogdanovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynne M Quarmby
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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Foučková M, Uhrová K, Kubánková A, Pánek T, Čepička I. Lighting lantern above Psalteriomonadidae: Unveiling novel diversity within the genus Psalteriomonas (Discoba: Heterolobosea). Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126052. [PMID: 38302295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Psalteriomonadidae are a small family of anaerobic free-living protists belonging to Heterolobosea, Discoba. We cultured 74 new strains of mostly amoeboid Psalteriomonadidae obtained from mainly freshwater habitats and sequenced their 18S rRNA gene. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and genetic distances, we report multiple novel species, four of which we formally describe based on the light-microscopic morphology (Psalteriomonas minuta, P. australis, P. fimbriata, and P. parva). We also examined the ultrastructure of two Psalteriomonas species using transmission electron microscopy. We transfer Sawyeria marylandensis into the genus Psalteriomonas and synonymize Sawyeria with Psalteriomonas. In addition, we studied the flagellate stage of P. marylandensis comb. nov. for the first time, using light and scanning electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Foučková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Uhrová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Aneta Kubánková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Pánek
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Čepička
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic.
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13
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Bassini-Silva R, Almeida BR, Jacinavicius FDC, Lourenço EC, Welbourn C, Ochoa R, Famadas KM, Barros-Battesti DM. The genus Perissopalla Brennan and White, 1960 (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) in Brazil: Redescriptions, new localities, and host records with the first molecular data for the genus. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 49:101004. [PMID: 38462305 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The genus Perissopalla Brennan and White (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) is currently represented by ten species with three from Brazil: Perissopalla barticonycteris Brennan, Perissopalla ipeani Brennan, and Perissopalla tanycera Brennan. In the present study, these three species are redescribed and illustrated based on the types and additional non-type specimens. New host and locality records for P. ipeani and P. tanycera are included. Additionally, a partial sequence for the 18S rRNA gene for P. ipeani was provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Bassini-Silva
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Rocha Almeida
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Elizabete Captivo Lourenço
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Cal Welbourn
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, National Insect and Mite Collection, Washington, D.C., USA.
| | - Ronald Ochoa
- Systematic Entomology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, USA,.
| | - Katia Maria Famadas
- Laboratório de Artrópodes Parasitos, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Miyoshi S, Kawamoto A, Ninomiya Y, Hamada Y, Shimizu H, Honda Y, Takahashi K. Exploration of reference genes for the development of a diagnostic kit on vascular aging in human saliva. Dent Mater J 2024; 43:172-178. [PMID: 38246628 DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2023-242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Identifying reliable biomarkers in saliva can be a promising approach to developing a rapid diagnostic kit for detecting vascular aging. This study investigated the most suitable reference gene for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in saliva that is not affected by vascular aging variables. Whole saliva samples were collected to assess the expression of reference genes: actin beta (ACTB), 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), beta-2-microglobulin, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The most abundantly expressed gene was 18S rRNA, and the least expressed gene was GAPDH. Four genes were ranked according to their relative stability, as determined by mathematical algorithms, indicating that ACTB and 18S rRNA were stably expressed as reference genes. 18S rRNA was identified as the most promising reference gene for detecting systemic diseases using saliva from patients with vascular aging in these limited experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akiyo Kawamoto
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Osaka Dental University
| | - Yuichi Ninomiya
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hypertension, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
| | | | - Hideo Shimizu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Dental University
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15
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Stuart J, Ryan KG, Pearman JK, Thomson-Laing J, Hampton HG, Smith KF. A comparison of two gene regions for assessing community composition of eukaryotic marine microalgae from coastal ecosystems. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6442. [PMID: 38499675 PMCID: PMC10948787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Two gene regions commonly used to characterise the diversity of eukaryotic communities using metabarcoding are the 18S ribosomal DNA V4 and V9 gene regions. We assessed the effectiveness of these two regions for characterising diverisity of coastal eukaryotic microalgae communities (EMCs) from tropical and temperate sites. We binned amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into the high level taxonomic groups: dinoflagellates, pennate diatoms, radial centric diatoms, polar centric diatoms, chlorophytes, haptophytes and 'other microalgae'. When V4 and V9 generated ASV abundances were compared, the V9 region generated a higher number of raw reads, captured more diversity from all high level taxonomic groups and was more closely aligned with the community composition determined using light microscopy. The V4 region did resolve more ASVs to a deeper taxonomic resolution within the dinoflagellates, but did not effectively resolve other major taxonomic divisions. When characterising these communities via metabarcoding, the use of multiple gene regions is recommended, but the V9 gene region can be used in isolation to provide high-level community biodiversity to reflect relative abundances within groups. This approach reduces the cost of sequencing multiple gene regions whilst still providing important baseline ecosystem function information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Stuart
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand.
| | - Ken G Ryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - John K Pearman
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Kirsty F Smith
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand
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16
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Qin T, Ortega-Perez P, Wibbelt G, Lakim MB, Ginting S, Khoprasert Y, Wells K, Hu J, Jäkel T. A cyst-forming coccidian with large geographical range infecting forest and commensal rodents: Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:135. [PMID: 38491403 PMCID: PMC10943850 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06230-8] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographic distribution and host-parasite interaction networks of Sarcocystis spp. in small mammals in eastern Asia remain incompletely known. METHODS Experimental infections, morphological and molecular characterizations were used for discrimination of a new Sarcocystis species isolated from colubrid snakes and small mammals collected in Thailand, Borneo and China. RESULTS We identified a new species, Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov., that features a relatively wide geographic distribution and infects both commensal and forest-inhabiting intermediate hosts. Sarcocystis sporocysts collected from rat snakes (Coelognathus radiatus, C. flavolineatus) in Thailand induced development of sarcocysts in experimental SD rats showing a type 10a cyst wall ultrastructure that was identical with those found in Rattus norvegicus from China and the forest rat Maxomys whiteheadi in Borneo. Its cystozoites had equal sizes in all intermediate hosts and locations, while sporocysts and cystozoites were distinct from other Sarcocystis species. Partial 28S rRNA sequences of S. muricoelognathis from M. whiteheadi were largely identical to those from R. norvegicus in China but distinct from newly sequenced Sarcocystis zuoi. The phylogeny of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene placed S. muricoelognathis within the so-called S. zuoi complex, including Sarcocystis attenuati, S. kani, S. scandentiborneensis and S. zuoi, while the latter clustered with the new species. However, the phylogeny of the ITS1-region confirmed the distinction between S. muricoelognathis and S. zuoi. Moreover, all three gene trees suggested that an isolate previously addressed as S. zuoi from Thailand (KU341120) is conspecific with S. muricoelognathis. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences of S. muricoelognathis were almost identical with those from other members of the group suggesting a shared, recent ancestry. Additionally, we isolated two partial 28S rRNA Sarcocystis sequences from Low's squirrel Sundasciurus lowii that clustered with those of S. scandentiborneensis from treeshews. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide strong evidence of broad geographic distributions of rodent-associated Sarcocystis and host shifts between commensal and forest small mammal species, even if the known host associations remain likely only snapshots of the true associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Qin
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunity, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Paula Ortega-Perez
- Department of Pathology, AnaPath Services GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland
- Department Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Wibbelt
- Department Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Yuvaluk Khoprasert
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konstans Wells
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunity, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
| | - Thomas Jäkel
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Institute of Biology, Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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17
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Lima MB, Borges A, Wolf M, Santos HA, Dias RJP, Rossi MF. First record of Trypanosoma (Ornithotrypanum) infecting Neotropical birds. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:156. [PMID: 38457016 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08179-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Parasites play a pivotal role in ecosystem health, influencing human and zoonotic diseases, as well as biodiversity preservation. The genus Trypanosoma comprises approximately 500 species mostly found in wildlife animals. This study focuses on identifying trypanosomes found in the white-necked thrush (Turdus albicollis) and the yellow-legged thrush (Turdus flavipes) in the Neotropics. First, we demonstrate the utility of an 18S rDNA sequence-structure phylogeny as an alternative method for trypanosome classification, especially when gGAPDH sequences are unavailable. Subsequently, the sequence-structure phylogeny is employed to classify new trypanosome sequences discovered in wild birds, placing them within the Ornithotrypanum subgenus. This marks the first identification of Ornithotrypanum in Neotropical birds, contributing to the understanding of the distribution and ecological adaptation of avian trypanosomes. Beyond taxonomy, this study broadens our comprehension of the ecological implications of avian trypanosomes in the Neotropics, emphasizing the need for continued research in this field. These findings underscore the importance of alternative classification methods, which are essential to unravel the complex interactions between parasites, wildlife hosts, and their ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylena B Lima
- Laboratory of Protozoology (LabProto), Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alyssa Borges
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Wolf
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Würzburg, BiocenterWürzburg, Germany
| | - Huarrisson A Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberto Júnio Pedroso Dias
- Laboratory of Protozoology (LabProto), Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana F Rossi
- Laboratory of Protozoology (LabProto), Graduate Program in Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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18
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Arumugam U, Pandian RG, Jayasimhan P, Sudarsanan GB, Sornappan G. First report of Paracapillaria philippinensis infection in flowerhorn cichlid in India. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:150. [PMID: 38438689 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08175-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The flowerhorn cichlid is a popular ornamental fish in many Asian countries. The present study reports the occurrence of Paracapillaria philippinensis (Chitwood et al., 1968), a parasitic nematode in flowerhorn cichlid (Cichlasoma sp.) from south India. The infected fish demonstrated clinical symptoms viz. dark coloration, poor appetite, lethargy, erratic swimming, and white stringy faeces. Microscopic observation of the intestinal content and faeces revealed the presence of adult worms, larvae, and unembryonated eggs. PCR amplification of eukaryotic 18S rRNA, P. philippinensis-specific SSU rRNA gene, and the subsequent sequence analysis confirmed the species identity as P. philippinensis. The generated sequences were submitted in the GenBank, NCBI, under the accession numbers, MK895507.1, MK895446.1, MW144993.1, and OR685675.1. This is the first scientific report of P. philippinensis in fish from India, and it confirms that the flowerhorn cichlid can act as a definitive host for P. philippinensis. This report alerts fish handlers and enthusiasts to undertake suitable precautionary measures while handling live flowerhorn cichlids to prevent possible transmission of P. Philippinensis, which has the potential to infect humans causing intestinal capillariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Arumugam
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University- Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Rebecca Gnanadesika Pandian
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University- Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveenraj Jayasimhan
- ICAR - Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101, India
| | - Ganesh Babu Sudarsanan
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University- Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gangatharan Sornappan
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University- Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
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19
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Müller A, Stark M, Schottenhammel S, John U, Chacón J, Klingl A, Holzer VJC, Schöffer M, Gottschling M. The second most abundant dinophyte in the ponds of a botanical garden is a species new to science. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13015. [PMID: 38078515 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13015] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
In the microscopy realm, a large body of dark biodiversity still awaits to be uncovered. Unarmoured dinophytes are particularly neglected here, as they only present inconspicuous traits. In a remote German locality, we collected cells, from which a monoclonal strain was established, to study morphology using light and electron microscopy and to gain DNA sequences from the rRNA operon. In parallel, we detected unicellular eukaryotes in ponds of the Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg by DNA-metabarcoding (V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene), weekly sampled over the course of a year. Strain GeoK*077 turned out to be a new species of Borghiella with a distinct position in molecular phylogenetics and characteristic coccoid cells of ovoid shape as the most important diagnostic trait. Borghiella ovum, sp. nov., was also present in artificial ponds of the Botanical Garden and was the second most abundant dinophyte detected in the samples. More specifically, Borghiella ovum, sp. nov., shows a clear seasonality, with high frequency during winter months and complete absence during summer months. The study underlines the necessity to assess the biodiversity, particularly of the microscopy realm more ambitiously, if even common species such as formerly Borghiella ovum are yet unknown to science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Müller
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marina Stark
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Schottenhammel
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Uwe John
- Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB), Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Chacón
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Klingl
- Faculty of Biology-Plant Development and Electron Microscopy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Victoria Julia Christine Holzer
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marika Schöffer
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Gottschling
- Faculty of Biology-Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Cheng LW, Lee HC, Yan WX, Tseng YH, Huang WR, Wang PC, Chen SC. First report of a Kudoa lutjanus outbreak in farmed Chicken Grunts Parapristipoma trilineatum. J Aquat Anim Health 2024; 36:70-83. [PMID: 38143312 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As part of the National Disease Surveillance Program for Taiwanese Aquaculture, we investigated the causative agent of disease outbreaks in farmed Chicken Grunts Parapristipoma trilineatum. METHODS In this study, outbreak cases on two separate farms were noticed in coastal Pingtung County, Taiwan. In total, 50 juvenile fish showing clinical signs (such as emaciation and erratic swimming behavior) and broodstock (two females and two males) from both farms were collected to perform gross lesion assessment, histopathological examination, and molecular identification of the pathogen. RESULT Clinical symptoms were infected fish exhibited erratic swimming behavior, such as whirling and floating on the surface of the water. In the following months, cumulative mortality had reached 19% and 24%, respectively. The gross lesions in the infected fish included white oval cysts in the muscle, serosa of the internal organs, sclera of the eyes, and cerebral meninges. After conducting a wet mount examination of cysts using a light microscope, we observed a significant quantity of spores with morphological characteristics, suggesting their affiliation with the Myxosporea group. The spores were semiquadrate, with four tiny suture notches at the periphery; the mean spore length was 7.3 μm (SD = 0.5), and the mean spore width was 8.2 μm (SD = 0.6). The mean length and width of the pyriform polar capsules (nematocysts) were 3.6 μm (SD = 0.5) and 2.2 μm (SD = 0.5), respectively. The 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA sequences of these specimens were identical to those of Kudoa lutjanus. CONCLUSION As this was the first time an outbreak of K. lutjanus in Chicken Grunts was confirmed, its reappearance with substantial mortality should serve as a warning to the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wu Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Southern Taiwan Fish Diseases Research Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chung Lee
- International Degree Program of Ornamental Fish Technology and Aquatic Animal Health, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Research Centre for Fish Vaccine and Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Xiao Yan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Southern Taiwan Fish Diseases Research Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Tseng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Southern Taiwan Fish Diseases Research Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Rou Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Southern Taiwan Fish Diseases Research Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chi Wang
- Southern Taiwan Fish Diseases Research Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- International Degree Program of Ornamental Fish Technology and Aquatic Animal Health, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Research Centre for Fish Vaccine and Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chu Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Southern Taiwan Fish Diseases Research Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- International Degree Program of Ornamental Fish Technology and Aquatic Animal Health, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Research Centre for Fish Vaccine and Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
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21
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Prokina KI, Tikhonenkov DV, López-García P, Moreira D. Morphological and molecular characterization of a new member of the phylum Rhodelphidia. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e12995. [PMID: 37548159 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12995] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Rhodelphidia is a recently discovered phylum within the supergroup Archaeplastida, comprising only two known representatives (Rhodelphis marinus and Rhodelphis limneticus). Despite its close phylogenetic relatedness to red algae, Rhodelphidia differ markedly by being nonphotosynthetic eukaryotrophic flagellates with gene- and intron-rich genomes. Here, we describe a new freshwater Rhodelphidia species, Rhodelphis mylnikovi sp. n., strain Rhod-M. It shows clear morphological differences with the two other Rhodelphis species, including larger cell body size, presence of two contractile vacuoles, short and blunt pseudopodia, absence of cysts, and tendency to cannibalism. 18S rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis placed it sister to the freshwater species R. limneticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina I Prokina
- Unité d'Ecologie Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters Russian Academy of Science, Borok, Russia
| | - Denis V Tikhonenkov
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters Russian Academy of Science, Borok, Russia
| | - Purificación López-García
- Unité d'Ecologie Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - David Moreira
- Unité d'Ecologie Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Kernif T, Medrouh B, Harrat Z, Saidi F, Ziam H. Characterisation of field tropical Theileriosis and associated risk factors in two bioclimatic areas of Algeria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102310. [PMID: 38241922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Tropical theileriosis (TT) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria annulata and commonly infects cattle in tropical and subtropical regions, including Algeria. It is a significant obstacle to cattle breeding programs established to improve production in Algeria. The present investigation aimed to estimate the current molecular prevalence, risk factors, and genetic characterisation of T. annulata in two bioclimatic areas of Algeria. In a cross-sectional study, 679 blood samples (629 from healthy cattle selected on farms and 50 from diseased cattle identified by veterinarians) were collected from the humid (n = 307+50) and semi-arid (n = 322) areas and screened by blood smear examination followed by polymerase chain reaction targeting cytochrome oxidase subunit 3 (cox III) mitochondrial and the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes for Theileria spp. Seventy-six positive samples (56 clinically healthy and 20 with clinical signs) for Theileria spp. were confirmed to be T. annulata by the merozoïtes surface antigen-1 (Tams1) gene showing a rate of 8.9 % in clinically healthy and 40.0 % in suspected cattle. Among the 307 bloods samples collected from healthy cattle in the humid area, 25 cattle (8.1 %) were positive for T. annulata. Of the 322 healthy cattle from the semi-arid site, 31 (9.6 %) were carriers of T. annulata DNA. In subclinical population, demographic and environmental parameters analysis indicated that T. annulata infection was higher in adult crossbred cattle raised in the intensive and semi-intensive system (P<0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, breed, farming system, and bioclimatic area are potential risk factors for T. annulata infection in cattle (P<0.05). Multiple alignments of cox III sequences of T. annulata showed high heterogeneity with 25 polymorphic sites (nucleotide diversity π = 0.02402), resulting in two haplotypes with a low genetic diversity index (Hd) of 0.533. The 18S rRNA sequence alignment revealed only one T. annulata genotype with 100 % identity to the strains isolated from cattle and ticks in Mediterranean and Asian countries. Our preliminary results will serve as a basis for further studies on the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of T. annulata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahar Kernif
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely-Brahim, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Bachir Medrouh
- Research Centre for Agropastoralism, Djelfa, 17000, Algeria
| | - Zoubir Harrat
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-epidemiology and Population Genetics, Pasteur Institute of Algeria, Dely-Brahim, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fairouz Saidi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Hocine Ziam
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment and Health, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria.
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Obadiah HI, Wieser SN, Nzelu IN, Olaolu OS, Jagab HS, Obishakin ET, Omudu EA, Atu BO, Byanet O, Schnittger L, Florin-Christensen M. First molecular detection of Sarcocystis suihominis in a domestic pig of Nigeria. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:142. [PMID: 38393400 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis are Apicomplexan protozoa with a dixenous life cycle that includes a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Domestic and wild pigs are intermediate hosts of S. suihominis, with formation of sarcocysts in their muscles, while humans and non-human primates act as final hosts. After ingesting raw or undercooked sarcocyst-infested pork, signs of gastroenteritis including inappetence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may develop in humans. Moreover, excretion of infective forms with human feces leads to dissemination of the parasite in the environment. In this study, macroscopic sarcocysts of white color, oval shape, and a diameter of approximately 3-8 mm were found in the skeletal muscle of a slaughtered domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) destined for human consumption in an abattoir of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Sarcocyst DNA was used as template to PCR amplify the near-complete length of the 18S rRNA gene and a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) gene. Amplicons were sequenced and used to construct phylogenetic trees with selected available Sarcocystis spp. sequences. In both cases, the placement of the analyzed sequences with S. suihominis was strongly supported, confirming the species identity of this macroscopic sarcocyst-forming parasite. This constitutes the first molecular identification of S. suihominis in Nigeria and the African continent. Proximity between pigs and humans, and poor sanitary conditions frequently encountered in pig farms of Nigeria might favor the dissemination of this zoonotic parasite, posing a threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Happiness Igwe Obadiah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Sarah Nathaly Wieser
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), (IPVET, INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Ifeoma Nancy Nzelu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Olushola Samuel Olaolu
- Biotechnology Center, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Hafsat Shaiabu Jagab
- Biotechnology Center, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | | | - Edward Agbo Omudu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Bernard Ortwer Atu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - Obadiah Byanet
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Leonard Schnittger
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), (IPVET, INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Argentina
| | - Monica Florin-Christensen
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), (IPVET, INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham, Argentina.
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Mejías-Alpízar MJ, Porras-Silesky C, Rodríguez EJ, Quesada J, Alfaro-Segura MP, Robleto-Quesada J, Gutiérrez R, Rojas A. Mitochondrial and ribosomal markers in the identification of nematodes of clinical and veterinary importance. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:77. [PMID: 38378676 PMCID: PMC10880205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show. METHODS Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed. RESULTS The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Mejías-Alpízar
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Catalina Porras-Silesky
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Esteban José Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Joban Quesada
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Paula Alfaro-Segura
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Joby Robleto-Quesada
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- National Reference Center for Bacteriology, Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), Tres Rios, Costa Rica
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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He L, Wang JY, Su QJ, Chen ZH, Xie F. Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR in ophiocordyceps sinensis under different experimental conditions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0287882. [PMID: 38319940 PMCID: PMC10846742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287882] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The Chinese caterpillar mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis), is a rarely medicinal fungus in traditional chinese herbal medicine due to its unique medicinal values, and the expression stability of reference genes is essential to normalize its gene expression analysis. In this study, BestKeeper, NormFinder and geNorm, three authoritative statistical arithmetics, were applied to evaluate the expression stability of sixteen candidate reference genes (CRGs) in O. sinensis under different stress [low temperature (4°C), light treatment (300 lx), NaCl (3.8%)] and different development stages (mycelia, primordia and fruit bodies) and formation of morphologic mycelium (aeriasubstrate, hyphae knot mycelium). The paired variation values indicated that two genes could be enough to accurate standardization exposed to different conditions of O.sinensis. Among these sixteen CRGs, 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and beta-Tubulin (β-TUB) showed the topmost expression stability in O.sinensis exposed to all conditions, while glutathione hydrolase proenzym (GGT) and Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) showed the least expression stability. The optimal reference gene in different conditions was various. β-TUB and Ubiquitin (UBQ) were identified as the two most stable genes in different primordia developmental stage, while phosphoglucomutase (PGM) with elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) and 18S rRNA with UBQ were the most stably expressed for differentially morphologic mycelium stages and different stresses, respectively. These results will contribute to more accurate evaluation of the gene relative expression levels in O.sinensis under different conditions using the optimal reference gene in real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, GanSu, P. R. China
| | - Jin Yi Wang
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, GanSu, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Jun Su
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, GanSu, P. R. China
| | - Zhao He Chen
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, GanSu, P. R. China
| | - Fang Xie
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, GanSu, P. R. China
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Omar A, Moon JH, Jung JH. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of two hypotrichous ciliates (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) from South Korea, including Hemiurosomoida koreana n. sp. Eur J Protistol 2024; 92:126045. [PMID: 38100885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2023.126045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The living morphology, infraciliature, and molecular phylogeny of a new soil ciliate, Hemiurosomoida koreana n. sp., discovered in a sample collected from a mountain in the northeast of South Korea, were investigated. The new species possesses the characteristics of the genus Hemiurosomoida, i.e., a reduced number of frontal-ventral-transverse cirri, three dorsal kineties of which kineties 1 and 2 each bears a caudal cirrus, and a single dorsomarginal kinety. It is distinguishable from congeners and other similar species by at least one distinct qualitative or quantitative character including the body size, the presence and arrangement of cortical granules, the number of adoral membranelles, marginal cirri, and dorsal dikinetids, or by the arrangement of transverse cirri. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences also support the assignment of the new species to the non-monophyletic genus Hemiurosomoida. In addition, the living morphology, infraciliature, and the 18S rRNA gene sequence of a Korean population of Nothoholosticha flava were studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atef Omar
- Natural Science Research Institute, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea.
| | - Ji Hye Moon
- Department of Biology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Jung
- Department of Biology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea.
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Lis JA, Domagała PJ. Inconsistencies in the Classification of the Family Cydnidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea) Revealed by Molecular Apomorphies in the Secondary and Tertiary Structures of 18S rRNA Length-Variable Region L (LVR L). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:939. [PMID: 38256014 PMCID: PMC10815949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The SSU nuclear rDNA (encoding 18S ribosomal RNA) is one of the most frequently sequenced genes in the molecular analysis of insects. Molecular apomorphies in the secondary and tertiary structures of several 18S rRNA length-variable regions (LVRs) located within the V2, V4, and V7 hypervariable regions can be good indicators for recovering monophyletic groups within some heteropteran families. Among the LVRs that have been analysed, the LVR L in the V4 hypervariable region is the longest and most crucial for such assessments. We analysed the 18S rRNA V4 hypervariable region sequences of 45 species from the family Cydnidae, including all 6 subfamilies (Amaurocorinae, Amnestinae, Cephalocteinae, Cydninae, Garsauriinae, and Sehirinae) and three pentatomoid families (Parastrachiidae, Thaumastellidae, and Thyreocoridae), which have often been included in the broadly defined Cydnidae family. This is the first time that representatives of all Cydnidae subfamilies have been included in a molecular analysis. Only taxa from two subfamilies, Sehirinae and Cydninae, have been used in previous molecular studies. The secondary and tertiary structures of the LVR L were predicted for each species using the two-step procedure already accepted for such analyses to recover any molecular apomorphy essential for determining monophyly. The results of our comparative studies contradict the current understanding of the relationships among burrowing bugs and the current family classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy A. Lis
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052 Opole, Poland;
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Beine-Golovchuk O, Kallas M, Kunze R, Griesel S, Baßler J. The Efg1-Bud22 dimer associates with the U14 snoRNP contacting the 5' rRNA domain of an early 90S pre-ribosomal particle. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:431-447. [PMID: 38000371 PMCID: PMC10783500 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1109] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The DEAD-box helicase Dbp4 plays an essential role during the early assembly of the 40S ribosome, which is only poorly understood to date. By applying the yeast two-hybrid method and biochemical approaches, we discovered that Dbp4 interacts with the Efg1-Bud22 dimer. Both factors associate with early pre-90S particles and smaller complexes, each characterized by a high presence of the U14 snoRNA. A crosslink analysis of Bud22 revealed its contact to the U14 snoRNA and the 5' domain of the nascent 18S rRNA, close to its U14 snoRNA hybridization site. Moreover, depletion of Bud22 or Efg1 specifically affects U14 snoRNA association with pre-ribosomal complexes. Accordingly, we concluded that the role of the Efg1-Bud22 dimer is linked to the U14 snoRNA function on early 90S ribosome intermediates chaperoning the 5' domain of the nascent 18S rRNA. The successful rRNA folding of the 5' domain and the release of Efg1, Bud22, Dpb4, U14 snoRNA and associated snoRNP factors allows the subsequent recruitment of the Kre33-Bfr2-Enp2-Lcp5 module towards the 90S pre-ribosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Beine-Golovchuk
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Kallas
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ruth Kunze
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Griesel
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Baßler
- Biochemie-Zentrum der Universität Heidelberg (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Ramakodi MP. Merging and concatenation of sequencing reads: a bioinformatics workflow for the comprehensive profiling of microbiome from amplicon data. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2024; 371:fnae009. [PMID: 38305133 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive profiling of microbial diversity is essential to understand the ecosystem functions. Universal primer sets such as the 515Y/926R could amplify a part of 16S and 18S rRNA and infer the diversity of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, the analyses of mixed sequencing data pose a bioinformatics challenge; the 16S and 18S rRNA sequences need to be separated first and analysed individually/independently due to variations in the amplicon length. This study describes an alternative strategy, a merging and concatenation workflow, to analyse the mixed amplicon data without separating the 16S and 18S rRNA sequences. The workflow was tested with 24 mock community (MC) samples, and the analyses resolved the composition of prokaryotes and eukaryotes adequately. In addition, there was a strong correlation (cor = 0.950; P-value = 4.754e-10) between the observed and expected abundances in the MC samples, which suggests that the computational approach could infer the microbial proportions accurately. Further, 18 samples collected from the Sundarbans mangrove region were analysed as a case study. The analyses identified Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, Cyanobacteria, and Crenarchaeota as dominant bacterial phyla and eukaryotic divisions such as Metazoa, Gyrista, Cryptophyta, Chlorophyta, and Dinoflagellata were found to be dominant in the samples. Thus, the results support the applicability of the method in environmental microbiome research. The merging and concatenation workflow presented here requires considerably less computational resources and uses widely/commonly used bioinformatics packages, saving researchers analyses time (for equivalent sample numbers, compared to the conventional approach) required to infer the diversity of major microbial domains from mixed amplicon data at comparable accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meganathan P Ramakodi
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Hyderabad Zonal Centre, CSIR-IICT Campus, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
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Wang Y, Zhao Z, Yu H, Shi H, Tao B, He Y, Chen J, Peng J, Gan M, Lo LJ. Stability and function of RCL1 are dependent on the interaction with BMS1. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad046. [PMID: 37451810 PMCID: PMC11023236 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad046] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During ribosome biogenesis, the small subunit (SSU) processome is responsible for 40S assembly. The BMS1/RCL1 complex is a core component of the SSU processome that plays an important role in 18S rRNA processing and maturation. Genetic studies using zebrafish mutants indicate that both Bms1-like (Bms1l) and Rcl1 are essential for digestive organ development. In spite of vital functions of this complex, the mutual dependence of these two nucleolar proteins for the stability and function remains elusive. In this study, we identified an RCL1-interacting domain in BMS1, which is conserved in zebrafish and humans. Moreover, both the protein stability and nucleolar entry of RCL1 depend on its interaction with BMS1, otherwise RCL1 degraded through the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway. Functional studies revealed that overexpression of RCL1 in BMS1-knockdown cells can partially rescue the defects in 18S rRNA processing and cell proliferation, and hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Rcl1 can resume zebrafish liver development in the bms1l substitution mutant bms1lsq163/sq163but not in the knockout mutant bms1lzju1/zju1, which is attributed to the nucleolar entry of Rcl1 in the former mutant. Our data demonstrate that BMS1 and RCL1 interaction is essential for not only pre-rRNA processing but also the communication between ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Pathology Department of Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Boxiang Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yinan He
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinrong Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meifu Gan
- Pathology Department of Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Li Jan Lo
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Shinde H, Kadam US. Growing prospects of RNA therapeutics: A case of METTL5 and 18S rRNA m 6A modification. Mol Ther 2024; 32:11-12. [PMID: 38118445 PMCID: PMC10787160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.12.005] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harshraj Shinde
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail Stop 3029, 1012 Wahl Hall West, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ulhas S Kadam
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam-do 52828, South Korea.
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Sakalauskas P, Kaminskienė E, Bukauskaitė D, Eigirdas V, Snegiriovaitė J, Mardosaitė-Busaitienė D, Paulauskas A. Molecular detection of Babesia vesperuginis in bats from Lithuania. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102283. [PMID: 38029454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Babesia vesperuginis is an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite that circulates among bats and ticks in many countries worldwide. However, the distribution of B. vesperuginis in the Baltic region has not been studied. A total of 86 dead bats from eight different species were collected and screened for Babesia spp. using real-time PCR. Overall, 52.3% (45/86) of the bats were found positive for Babesia spp. The prevalence of Babesia spp. in different organs varied, with the highest prevalence observed in heart tissues (37.0%) and the lowest in liver tissues (22.2%). However, the observed differences in prevalence among organs were not statistically significant. Blood samples from 125 bats of nine different species were also analyzed for Babesia spp. prevalence using real-time PCR and nested PCR. The results showed a prevalence of 35.2% and 22.4%, respectively. Moreover, 28.3% (17/60) of the examined blood samples were confirmed positive for Babesia spp. through blood smear analysis. The total of 32 partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene derived in this study were 100% identical to B. vesperuginis sequences from GenBank. In eight species of bats, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Vespertilio murinus, Eptesicus nilssonii, Eptesicus serotinus, Myotis daubentonii and Nyctalus noctula, Babesia parasites were identified. In E. nilssonii, Babesia spp. was identified for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Povilas Sakalauskas
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Evelina Kaminskienė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Vytautas Eigirdas
- Ventės Ragas Ornithological station, Marių 24, 99361 Ventė, Lithuania
| | - Justina Snegiriovaitė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania.
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Atteia A, Bec B, Gianaroli C, Serais O, Quétel I, Lagarde F, Gobet A. Evaluation of sequential filtration and centrifugation to capture environmental DNA and survey microbial eukaryotic communities in aquatic environments. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13887. [PMID: 37899641 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13887] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Sequential membrane filtration of water samples is commonly used to monitor the diversity of aquatic microbial eukaryotes. This capture method is efficient to focus on specific taxonomic groups within a size fraction, but it is time-consuming. Centrifugation, often used to collect microorganisms from pure culture, could be seen as an alternative to capture microbial eukaryotic communities from environmental samples. Here, we compared the two capture methods to assess diversity and ecological patterns of eukaryotic communities in the Thau lagoon, France. Water samples were taken twice a month over a full year and sequential filtration targeting the picoplankton (0.2-3 μm) and larger organisms (>3 μm) was used in parallel to centrifugation. The microbial eukaryotic community in the samples was described using an environmental DNA approach targeting the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene. The most abundant divisions in the filtration fractions and the centrifugation pellet were Dinoflagellata, Metazoa, Ochrophyta, Cryptophyta. Chlorophyta were dominant in the centrifugation pellet and the picoplankton fraction but not in the larger fraction. Diversity indices and structuring patterns of the community in the two size fractions and the centrifugation pellet were comparable. Twenty amplicon sequence variants were significantly differentially abundant between the two size fractions and the centrifugation pellet, and their temporal patterns of abundance in the two fractions combined were similar to those obtained with centrifugation. Overall, centrifugation led to similar ecological conclusions as the two filtrated fractions combined, thus making it an attractive time-efficient alternative to sequential filtration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Atteia
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Béatrice Bec
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Ophélie Serais
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Isaure Quétel
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Franck Lagarde
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
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Chi Y, Tang D, Lei J, Wei F, Al-Farraj SA, Bourland WA, Chen Z. Highly divergent morphology but a close molecular phylogenetic relationship between two little-known ciliate genera Actinobolina and Papillorhabdos (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Litostomatea) with description of two new species. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13007. [PMID: 37886908 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13007] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Free-living litostomatean ciliates, prominent microeukaryote predators commonly encountered in freshwater and marine habitats, play vital roles in maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycles. Nevertheless, understanding their biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships remains challenging due to insufficient morphological information and molecular data. As a new contribution to this group, three haptorian ciliates, including two new species (Actinobolina bivacuolata sp. nov. and Papillorhabdos foissneri sp. nov.) and the insufficiently described type species, Actinobolina radians, were isolated from wetlands around Lake Weishan, China and investigated by a combination of living morphology, stained preparations, and 18S rRNA gene sequence data. An illustrated key of the valid species within the two genera is provided. In addition, we reveal the phylogenetic positions of these two genera for the first time. Although they differ in all key morphologic characters such as general appearance (ellipsoidal with numerous tentacles vs. cylindrical), extrusomes (stored in tentacles vs. anchored to pellicle), circumoral kinety (present vs. absent), composition of somatic kineties (kinetosome clusters vs. monokinetids), and number of dorsal brush rows (1 vs. 4), they both cluster in a fully supported clade in the phylogenetic tree, which indicates that the biodiversity and additional molecular markers of this group need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chi
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Danxu Tang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Jingtao Lei
- Weishan Fishery Development Service Center, Jining, China
| | - Fan Wei
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Saleh A Al-Farraj
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - William A Bourland
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zigui Chen
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Jiménez P, Muñoz M, Cruz-Saavedra L, Camargo A, Ramírez JD. Blastocystis genetic diversity in animal and human samples from different departments of Colombia using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene (SSU rRNA) by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). Acta Trop 2024; 249:107090. [PMID: 38048971 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote that has raised attention due to its wide distribution in animals and humans. The risk of zoonotic circulation primarily arises from close contact with infected animals. Therefore, the following study aimed to evaluate the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in Colombian human and animal samples using complete sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. For this purpose, 341 human stool samples and 277 animal fecal samples (from cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, cats, and dogs), were collected from different Colombian regions and analyzed using PCR-based detection and full-length 18S SSU rRNA gene Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Among the 618 samples from both hosts, humans and animals, the results revealed widespread Blastocystis frequency, with 48.09% (n = 164) in humans and 31.4% (n = 87) detection in animals. Dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, and wild animals tested positive, aligning with global prevalence patterns. Also, 29 human samples and 23 animal samples were sequenced using ONT technology from which 11 long-read unique sequences were generated and cluster with their compared reference sequences. The subtype distribution varied within hosts, detecting ST1 and ST3 in both human and animal samples. Subtypes ST5, ST10, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST24, ST25 and ST26 were limited to animals hosts, some of which are considered to have zoonotic potential. On the other hand, ST2 was found exclusively in human samples from Bolivar region. Mixed infections occurred in both animal and humans, 60.86% and 27.58% respectively. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study in Colombia identifying ST15 in pigs and ST25 in sheep. The subtypes (STs) identified in this study indicate that certain animals may serve as reservoirs with the potential for zoonotic transmission. The identification of zoonotic subtypes highlights the use of Next Generation Sequencing as the depth and resolution of the sequences increases providing insights into STs of medical and veterinarian significance. It also reveals the coexistence of diverse subtypes among hosts. Further research is essential for understanding transmission dynamics, health implications, and detection strategies for Blastocystis occurrence in animals and humans, mainly associated to the role of animals as reservoirs and their close interaction with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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Meziti A, Smeti E, Daniilides D, Spatharis S, Tsirtsis G, Kormas KA. Increased contribution of parasites in microbial eukaryotic communities of different Aegean Sea coastal systems. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16655. [PMID: 38144191 PMCID: PMC10740597 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background-Aim Protistan communities have a major contribution to biochemical processes and food webs in coastal ecosystems. However, related studies are scarce and usually limited in specific groups and/or sites. The present study examined the spatial structure of the entire protistan community in seven different gulfs and three different depths in a regional Mediterranean Sea, aiming to define taxa that are important for differences detected in the marine microbial network across the different gulfs studied as well as their trophic interactions. Methods Protistan community structure analysis was based on the diversity of the V2-V3 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified using a 97% sequence identity threshold and were characterized based on their taxonomy, trophic role, abundance and niche specialization level. The differentially abundant, between gulfs, OTUs were considered for all depths and interactions amongst them were calculated, with statistic and network analysis. Results It was shown that Dinophyceae, Bacillariophyta and Syndiniales were the most abundant groups, prevalent in all sites and depths. Gulfs separation was more striking at surface corroborating with changes in environmental factors, while it was less pronounced in higher depths. The study of differentially abundant, between gulfs, OTUs revealed that the strongest biotic interactions in all depths occurred between parasite species (mainly Syndiniales) and other trophic groups. Most of these species were generalists but not abundant highlighting the importance of rare species in protistan community assemblage. Conclusion Overall this study revealed the emergence of parasites as important contributors in protistan network regulation regardless of depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Meziti
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Evangelia Smeti
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources & Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Daniil Daniilides
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Ecology and Systematics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofie Spatharis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - George Tsirtsis
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece
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Elshahawy IS, Fawaz M, Gomaa A, Mohammed E. Prevalence and first molecular identification of Sarcocystis species in feces of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) in Egypt. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:278. [PMID: 38110960 PMCID: PMC10726512 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03841-8] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcocystis species are obligatorily heteroxenous protozoan parasites with predator-prey life cycles. Global Knowledge about the epidemiology and the distribution pattern of different Sarcocystis species in dog feces are very scarce. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to declare the occurrence of Sarcocystis in the fecal specimens of the most common canids in Egypt, the domestic dogs, and to identify the species present using various parasitological and molecular approaches. METHODS A total of 100 dog fecal samples were collected and screened using fecal sugar flotation test for the presence of Sarcocystis oocysts/sporocysts. Additionally, thirty samples were used for genomic DNA extraction. The 18S rRNA gene fragment was the target of primers for a PCR, followed by purification and sequencing of the amplicons. RESULTS Currently, the results obtained reviewed that 4% of fecal samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp. using LM. Additionally, Sarcocystis spp. were verified in sixteen dogs (53.3%, 16/30) using PCR and subsequent sequencing protocols. Statistically, insignificant difference in prevalence of sarcocystosis relative to age and gender was noticed. Morphologically, the detected sporocysts measured 13.2-16.0 × 9.4-11 μm. Based on the 18S rRNA gene, sequencing analysis of amplicons from sporocysts DNA revealed 99.82% nucleotide homology with published S. tenella partial nucleotide sequences from sheep in Iraq and Iran. CONCLUSIONS This is the first molecular evidence in support of the final host role of domestic dogs in the life cycle of S. tenella in Egypt, which provides a precious diagnostic tool for further epidemiological studies and for the assessment of the effectiveness of control measures for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail S Elshahawy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt.
| | - Marwa Fawaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Aya Gomaa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Eman Mohammed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt
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Zhang Y, Qin Z, Zhang K, Lang J, Wang N, Niu Y, Zhang L. Morphological and molecular biology identification of Cystoisospora sp. in the blue fox, Alopex lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758). Parasitol Res 2023; 123:35. [PMID: 38086981 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08044-6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cystoisospora sp. in blue fox (Alopex lagopus), Sheather's sugar floatation method was conducted to detect coccidia in 423 fresh fecal samples randomly collected from blue fox farms from three cities in China. The overall prevalence of coccidia was 1.4% (6/423), and three Cystoisospora sp. (Cystoisospora fennechi, Cystoisospora sp. I and Cystoisospora vulpina) were identified by their morphological characteristics. The 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus sequences were sequenced for molecular biological identification, homology comparison, and phylogenetic analysis of Cystoisospora sp. by single-oocyst selection technology and multi-locus-nested PCR amplification. At the 18S rRNA and COI loci, C. vulpina had 99.48% and 99.59% homology, respectively, with Cystoisospora canis and Cystoisospora ohioensis from canines. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. vulpina was clustered in a clade with Cystoisospora sp. from Canidae, which the relatives are consistent with the hosts. To our knowledge, this is the first report on molecular identification and evolutionary analysis of C. vulpina at two different loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China
| | - Ziyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China
| | - Kaihui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiashu Lang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China
| | - Nanhao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China
| | - Yixuan Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, No. 15 Longzihu University Area, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, 450046, People's Republic of China.
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan Province, China.
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Bentancourt Rossoli JV, Moré G, Soto-Cabrera A, Moore DP, Morrell EL, Pedrana J, Scioli MV, Campero LM, Basso W, Hecker YP, Scioscia NP. Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:31. [PMID: 38085379 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08036-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of Sarcocystis species was investigated in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina. Nine species were captured (n = 356). Sarcocysts were detected in muscles of 8.7% (31/356) and 3.7% (4/106) of the rodents by histopathology and direct microscopic observation, respectively. PCR-sequencing targeting the 18S rRNA, cox1, and ITS1 regions was performed on samples with positive histopathology. Four different 18S rRNA sequences or sequence groups with high intra-group identities (99.6-100%) were detected in Mus musculus, Oxymycterus rufus, Akodon azarae, and Necromys lasiurus. Eight sequences showed 99.5-99.7% identity with S. dispersa. Thirteen sequences showed low identity (95.3-96.4%) with other Sarcocystis spp. The obtained coxI sequences (n = 9) were almost identical to each other and showed a high similarity with S. strixi (99.2-99.5%) and S. lutrae (99.1%), despite the 18S rRNA sequences from the same samples suggested the occurrence of at least two species. This suggests that coxI may not show high variability in Sarcocystis spp. that use rodents as intermediate hosts. Six ITS1 sequences were obtained, showing high identity but low coverage with several Sarcocystis spp. Multilocus sequence typing and BLAST analysis did not lead to an accurate species identification. Possible reasons are the detection of new species or the limited molecular information available from previously described Sarcocystis spp. Phylogeny suggests that the detected Sarcocystis spp. may use raptor birds or snakes as definitive hosts. This study represents the first molecular identification of Sarcocystis spp. in naturally infected rodents of the Cricetidae and Muridae families in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith V Bentancourt Rossoli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCEyN-UNMdP), Deán Funes 3350, Nivel 0, 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Agustina Soto-Cabrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCEyN-UNMdP), Deán Funes 3350, Nivel 0, 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadín P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eleonora L Morrell
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Pedrana
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Scioli
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía M Campero
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yanina P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226 Km 73,5, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo SALUVET, Facultad de Veterinaria, Avenida Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nathalia P Scioscia
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCEyN-UNMdP), Deán Funes 3350, Nivel 0, 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Fonseca MS, Santos AJ, Mendonça MA, Rodamilans GM, Marques FS, Biondi I, Lira-da-Silva RM, Aburjaile FF, Sokolonski AR, Soares RP, Meyer R, Portela RW. Trypanosoma sp. infection in Boa constrictor snakes: morphological, hematological, clinical biochemistry, molecular, and phylogenetic characteristics. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:21. [PMID: 38072845 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
There are few reports of Trypanosoma in snakes, as well as little information about its pathogenicity in these animals. Thus, the present study aimed to characterize Trypanosoma found in Boa constrictor snakes, to verify the influence of the parasitism on hematological and clinical biochemistry parameters, and to perform a phylogenetic study of the isolates. Blood samples from sixty-one boas were analyzed for the presence of trypanosomatids and by hematological and clinical biochemistry assays. The flagellates that were found in this analysis were used for cell culture, morphometry, and molecular analysis. Later, molecular typing phylogenetic studies were performed. Nine positive animals (14.75%) were identified by microscopy analysis. The hematological results showed that parasitized animals presented significantly lower levels of packed cell volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. In the leukogram, eosinophils and heterophils counts were higher in parasitized animals. Considering the molecular analyses, the isolates presented a higher identity of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene fragments with Trypanosoma serpentis. The phylogenetic tree, using the GAPDH, clustered all isolates with T. serpentis and Trypanosoma cascavelli. This is the first description of T. serpentis parasitizing boas and of the clinical changes caused by trypanosomatid infection in snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa S Fonseca
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Anderson J Santos
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Marcos A Mendonça
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M Rodamilans
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Franciane S Marques
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ilka Biondi
- Laboratório de Animais Peçonhentos e Herpetologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Bahia State, Feira de Santana, 44036-960, Brazil
| | - Rejane M Lira-da-Silva
- Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia e Animais Peçonhentos da Bahia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40170-290, Brazil
| | - Flavia F Aburjaile
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana R Sokolonski
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo P Soares
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Roberto Meyer
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ricardo W Portela
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Avenida Reitor Miguel Calmon s/n, Bahia State, Salvador, 40110-100, Brazil.
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Kupaeva D, Lebedeva T, Kobrinsky Z, Vanwalleghem D, Prudkovsky A, Kremnyov S. Margelopsid species search taxonomic home within Corymorphidae and Boreohydridae. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16265. [PMID: 38077448 PMCID: PMC10702351 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Planktonic lifestyle of polyps in representatives of Margelopsidae are very different from all other species in the hydrozoan clade Aplanulata. Their evolutionary origin and phylogenetic position have been the subject of significant speculation. A recent molecular study based only on COI data placed Margelopsidae as a sister group to all Aplanulata, an unexpected result because margelopsid morphology suggests affiliation with Tubulariidae or Corymorphidae. Here we used multigene analyses, including nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) and mitochondrial (16S rRNA and COI) markers of the hydroid stage of the margelopsid species Margelopsis haeckelii and the medusa stage of Margelopsis hartlaubii to resolve their phylogenetic position with respect to other hydrozoans. Our data provide strong evidence that M. haeckelii, the type species of Margelopsis, is a member of the family Corymorphidae. In contrast, M. hartlaubii is sister to Plotocnide borealis, a member of Boreohydridae. These results call into question the validity of the genus Margelopsis and the family Margelopsidae. The systematic position of M. haeckelii is discussed in light of the phylogeny of Corymorphidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Kupaeva
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana Lebedeva
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zachariah Kobrinsky
- Unaffiliated, Independent Wildlife Photographer, New York City, United States of America
| | | | - Andrey Prudkovsky
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav Kremnyov
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
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Potlapalli VR, Muller MS, Ngasala B, Ali IM, Na YB, Williams DR, Kharabora O, Chhetri S, Liu MS, Carey-Ewend K, Lin FC, Mathias D, Tarimo BB, Juliano JJ, Parr JB, Lin JT. Real-time PCR detection of mixed Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri infections in human and mosquito hosts. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011274. [PMID: 38064489 PMCID: PMC10732364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011274] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (Pow) represent distinct non-recombining Plasmodium species that are increasing in prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Though they circulate sympatrically, co-infection within human and mosquito hosts has rarely been described. Separate 18S rRNA real-time PCR assays that detect Poc and Pow were modified to allow species determination in parallel under identical cycling conditions. The lower limit of detection was 0.6 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 0.4-1.6) for Poc and 4.5 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 2.7-18) for Pow, or 0.1 and 0.8 parasites/μL, respectively, assuming 6 copies of 18s rRNA per genome. However, the assays showed cross-reactivity at concentrations greater than 103 plasmid copies/μL (roughly 200 parasites/μL). Mock mixtures were used to establish criteria for classifying mixed Poc/Pow infections that prevented false-positive detection while maintaining sensitive detection of the minority ovale species down to 100 copies/μL (<1 parasite/μL). When the modified real-time PCR assays were applied to field-collected blood samples from Tanzania and Cameroon, species identification by real-time PCR was concordant with nested PCR in 19 samples, but additionally detected two mixed Poc/Pow infections where nested PCR detected a single Po species. When real-time PCR was applied to oocyst-positive Anopheles midguts saved from mosquitoes fed on P. ovale-infected persons, mixed Poc/Pow infections were detected in 11/14 (79%). Based on these results, 8/9 P. ovale carriers transmitted both P. ovale species to mosquitoes, though both Po species could only be detected in the blood of two carriers. The described real-time PCR approach can be used to identify the natural occurrence of mixed Poc/Pow infections in human and mosquito hosts and reveals that such co-infections and co-transmission are likely more common than appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun R. Potlapalli
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Meredith S. Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Innocent Mbulli Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Yu Bin Na
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Danielle R. Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Oksana Kharabora
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Srijana Chhetri
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mei S. Liu
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kelly Carey-Ewend
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida United States of America
| | - Brian B. Tarimo
- Vector Immunity and Transmission Biology Unit, Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute-Bagamoyo Office, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Briceño C, Marcone D, Larraechea M, Hidalgo H, Fredes F, Ramírez-Toloza G, Cabrera G. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis in urban invasive monk parakeets. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:705-710. [PMID: 37357385 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic Cryptosporidium meleagridis was identified in invasive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from Santiago metropolis in Chile. Oocysts were isolated from nestlings' faeces, and a fragment of 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and sequenced. This finding emphasizes the importance of permanent pathogen monitoring in synanthropic species with wide global distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal Briceño
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, ConserLab, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Marcone
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, ConserLab, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matilde Larraechea
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, ConserLab, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Héctor Hidalgo
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Fredes
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Galia Ramírez-Toloza
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Kebzai F, Ashraf K, Rehman MU, Akbar H, Avais M, Khan M. Molecular detection and assessment of risk factors for Theileria lestoquardi in sheep from Balochistan, Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2957-2965. [PMID: 37779159 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07985-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and associated risk factors of theileriosis in sheep from Balochistan, Pakistan. For this purpose, a total of 408 blood samples were collected from tick-infested sheep in three different zones of Balochistan (i.e., Quetta, Zhob, and Loralai). All the collected samples were analyzed using conventional microscopy techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 18S small subunit rRNA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. The results of the microscopy and PCR confirmed the highest prevalence of Theileria species in district Zhob (14.22% and 15.68%) followed by district Loralai (11.52% and 13.97%) and district Quetta (10.29% and 12.00%), respectively. In addition, the prevalence of T. lestoquardi was higher in female sheep (84.12%), followed by adult sheep (74.71%) and the Hernai breed of sheep (28.23%) in the studied area. Similarly, the prevalence of theileriosis was higher in the summer season (40.59%), followed by the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. However, numerous risk factors such as age, sex, area, season, and breeds of the sheep were not significantly correlated (P > 0.05) with the presence of T. lestoquardi, except tick abundance and feeding pattern of animals (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the isolated T. lestoquardi displayed 99% sequence similarity with isolates from Germany, Egypt, Iraq, India, Iran, and Pakistan. Altogether these results showed that T. lestoquardi is the main species causing ovine theileriosis in Balochistan. As a result, large-scale studies are required to design practical control approaches to reduce the risk of theileriosis infection in Balochistan, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fareeda Kebzai
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Mujeeb Ur Rehman
- Single Cell Bioengineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, College of Oceanology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- Directorate Planning & Development, Livestock & Dairy Development Department Balochistan, Quetta, 87500, Pakistan.
| | - Haroon Akbar
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Avais
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Masam Khan
- Single Cell Bioengineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, College of Oceanology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
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Srisutham S, Rattanakoch P, Kijprasong K, Sugaram R, Kantaratanakul N, Srinulgray T, Dondorp AM, Imwong M. A novel sensitive hexaplex high-resolution melt assay for identification of five human Plasmodium species plus internal control. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107020. [PMID: 37739253 PMCID: PMC10641754 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of malaria infection in humans remains challenging, further complicated by mixed Plasmodium species infections, potentially altering disease severity and morbidity. To facilitate appropriate control measures and treatment, rapid, sensitive, and specific detection assays, including those for the second minor species, would be required. This study aimed to develop a multiplex high-resolution melting (hexaplex PCR-HRM) assay with seven distinct peaks corresponding to five Plasmodium species of the Plasmodium genus, and an internal control to limit false negatives providing quality assurance testing results. METHODS Five species-specific primers for human malaria species were designed targeting on the Plasmodium 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and mitochondrial genes. The hexaplex PCR-HRM was developed for the simultaneous and rapid detection and differentiation of five human Plasmodium spp. The limit of detection (LoD), sensitivity, and specificity of the assay were evaluated. Artificial mixing was used to assess the ability to determine the second minor species. Furthermore, a hexaplex PCR-HRM assay was used to identify 120 Plasmodium-infected clinical isolates from Kanchanaburi, Western Thailand, where malaria is endemic. RESULTS The hexaplex PCR-HRM assay detected the targeted genome of five Plasmodium species at levels as low as 2.354-3.316 copies/uL with 91.76 % sensitivity and 98.04 % specificity. In artificial mixing, the assay could detect minority parasite species at 0.001 % of the predominant parasite population. Plasmodium vivax infections (99 %) accounted for the majority of malaria cases in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. CONCLUSIONS The developed hexaplex PCR-HRM assay we present in this study is a novel approach for multiplexing the Plasmodium genus and detecting five Plasmodium species with the advantage of detecting second minority parasite species. The developed one-step assay without any nesting protocols would reduce the risks of cross-contamination. Moreover, it also provides a simple, sensitive, specific, and low-cost approach for optional molecular detection of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suttipat Srisutham
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Paweesuda Rattanakoch
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Rungniran Sugaram
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | | | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Northern Ireland UK
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Rubiola S, Pasquariello L, Panebianco F, Capucchio MT, Colombino E, Bordese F, Giobbio E, Fioriello L, Braghin S, Korpysa-Dzirba W, Różycki M, Chiesa F. Macroscopic sarcocystosis in a pig carcass from an Italian abattoir. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2271-2277. [PMID: 37166530 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Different food-safety institutions, including the European Food Safety Authority, encourage monitoring and characterising Sarcocystis spp. in animals and foodstuffs; among meat-producing animals, domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) can host two different Sarcocystis spp., that is Sarcocystis miescheriana and the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis. Herein, we report for the first time the presence of macrocysts of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a domestic pig resulting in carcass condemnation. In North-West Italy, in June 2022 the carcass of a clinically healthy sow was condemned due to the detection of multifocal macroscopic whitish fusiform lesions. Affected muscle samples were submitted to histological and molecular analyses targeting the mtDNA cox1 and 18S rRNA genes. At gross examination and histology, well demarcated, oval or elongated macrocysts up to 8 mm in length characterized by a calcified central core surrounded by fibrosis were detected. The molecular amplification and sequencing of the cox1 mtDNA and 18S rRNA genes revealed the presence of Sarcocystis miescheriana DNA in all sampled macrocysts. Our study provides the first molecularly confirmed case of Sarcocystis miescheriana infection in a domestic pig in Italy. The present report highlights the need to increase data related to the occurrence and the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in meat-producing animals, and in wild and domestic pigs in particular, taking into account the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis suihominis and the possible financial losses related to carcass discard due to macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Rubiola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy.
| | - Linda Pasquariello
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Felice Panebianco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
| | - Federica Bordese
- ASL Cuneo 1, Dipartimento di Prevenzione, S.C. Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Weronika Korpysa-Dzirba
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Pulawy, 24-100, Poland
| | - Mirosław Różycki
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznań University of Life Science, Poznan, 60-637, Poland
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Torino, 10095, Italy
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Nakamura Y, Itagaki H, Tuji A, Shimode S, Yamaguchi A, Hidaka K, Ogiso-Tanaka E. DNA metabarcoding focused on difficult-to-culture protists: An effective approach to clarify biological interactions. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3630-3638. [PMID: 37853476 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16524] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA metabarcoding on a single organism is a promising approach to clarify the biological interactions (e.g., predator-prey relationships and symbiosis, including parasitism) of difficult-to-culture protists. To evaluate the effectiveness of this method, Radiolaria and Phaeodaria, which are ecologically important protistan groups, were chosen as target taxa. DNA metabarcoding on a single organism focused on the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene revealed potential symbionts, parasites and food sources of Radiolaria and Phaeodaria. Previously reported hosts and symbionts (parasites) were detected, and newly recognized combinations were also identified. The contained organisms largely differed between Radiolaria and Phaeodaria. In Radiolaria, members of the same order tended to contain similar organisms, and the taxonomic composition of possible symbionts, parasites, and food sources was fixed at the species level. Members of the same phaeodarian family, however, did not contain similar organisms, and body part (i.e., the central capsule or the phaeodium) was the most important factor that divided the taxonomic composition of detected organisms, implying that the selection of appropriate body part is important when trying to ascertain contained organisms, even for unicellular zooplankton. Our results show that DNA metabarcoding on a single organism is effective in revealing the biological interactions of difficult-to-culture protists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhide Nakamura
- Estuary Research Center, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiryori Itagaki
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tuji
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shinji Shimode
- Manazuru Marine Center for Environmental Research and Education, Yokohama National University, Manazuru, Japan
| | | | - Kiyotaka Hidaka
- Fisheries Resources Institute, Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Eri Ogiso-Tanaka
- Center for Molecular Biodiversity Research, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan
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48
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Macheriotou L, Derycke S, Vanreusel A. Environmental filtering along a bathymetric gradient: A metabarcoding meta-analysis of free-living nematodes. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:6177-6189. [PMID: 37971160 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and understanding patterns of biological diversity is crucial at a time when even the most remote and pristine marine ecosystems are threatened by resource exploitation such as deep-seabed mining. Metabarcoding provides the means through which one can perform comprehensive investigations of diversity by examining entire assemblages simultaneously. Nematodes commonly represent the most abundant infaunal metazoan group in marine soft sediments. In this meta-analysis, we compiled all publicly available metabarcoding datasets targeting the 18S rRNA v1-v2 region from sediment samples to conduct a global-scale examination of nematode amplicon sequence variant (ASV) alpha diversity patterns and phylogenetic community structure at different depths and habitats. We found that nematode ASV richness followed a parabolic trend, increasing from the intertidal to the shelf, reaching a maximum in the bathyal and decreasing in the abyssal zone. No depth- or habitat-specific assemblages were identified as a large fraction of genera were shared. Contrastingly, the vast majority of ASVs were unique to each habitat and/or depth zone; genetic diversity was thus highly localized. Overwhelmingly, nematode ASVs in all habitats exhibited phylogenetic clustering, pointing to environmental filtering as the primary force defining community assembly rather than competitive interactions. This finding stresses the importance of habitat preservation for the maintenance of marine nematode diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Macheriotou
- Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Derycke
- Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Oostende, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanreusel
- Marine Biology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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49
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Shannon RP, Bolek MG. A METHOD FOR ISOLATING AND SEQUENCING TRYPANOSOME CELLS TO INVESTIGATE SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS IN MULTIPLE MORPHOTYPE INFECTIONS. J Parasitol 2023; 109:592-602. [PMID: 38109931 DOI: 10.1645/23-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosome infections containing multiple morphologies have been described from all classes of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, non-avian reptiles, amphibians, and fish. These mixed infections make it challenging to evaluate trypanosome diversity, as it is not immediately clear whether the forms present in the bloodstream represent different species or a single pleomorphic species. Amphibians are common hosts for trypanosomes and are often infected by multiple trypanosome morphologies in the bloodstream. Based on morphological observations and life cycle studies, many authors have considered multiple trypanosome morphotypes found infecting the same frogs to be a single pleomorphic species. However, molecular evidence supporting pleomorphic trypanosome species in amphibians is lacking, primarily because linking sequence data to bloodstream trypanosome morphology in mixed infections is extremely challenging. Here we present methods to isolate individual trypanosome cells of 6 morphotypes from frog blood for nested PCR of the 18S rRNA and gGAPDH genes. Single trypanosome cells were isolated by dilution and 3 DNA extraction methods, and 5 nested PCR primer regimes were utilized to optimize amplification from very low starting concentrations. The success rates of extraction methods ranged from 29 to 50% with the use of a Direct PCR kit having the highest success rate. Although the success rate varied in the different combinations of extraction methods and primer regimes, multiple individuals of all 6 trypanosome morphotypes were sequenced for both genes in a novel way that links sequence data to cell morphology by observing isolated cells with a microscope before PCR amplification. All 6 morphologically distinguishable morphotypes coinfecting a frog were genetically distinct. The only other recent molecular study on amphibian trypanosomes also found genetic differences between morphotypes in multiple infections. Together these studies suggest that the occurrence of pleomorphism may be overestimated in amphibian trypanosomes. The methods presented here offer a promising solution to characterize trypanosome diversity within multiple morphotype infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Shannon
- Department of Integrative Biology, 501 Life Sciences West, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
| | - Matthew G Bolek
- Department of Integrative Biology, 501 Life Sciences West, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
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50
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Calchi AC, Yogui DR, Alves MH, Desbiez ALJ, Kluyber D, Vultão JG, Arantes PVC, de Santi M, Werther K, Teixeira MMG, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection of piroplasmids in mammals from the Superorder Xenarthra in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3169-3180. [PMID: 37848747 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08008-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Xenarthra mammals can be found from southern North America to southern South America, including all Brazilian biomes. Although it has been shown that Xenarthra mammals can play a role as reservoirs for several zoonotic agents, few studies investigate the diversity of piroplasmids (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in this group of mammals. Taking into account that piroplasmids can cause disease in animals and humans, understanding the prevalence and diversity of piroplasmids in Xenarthra mammals would contribute to conservation efforts for this group of animals as well as to infer risk areas for transmission of emergent zoonosis. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of piroplasmids in free-living mammals of the Superorder Xenarthra from four Brazilian states (Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Rondônia, and Pará). For this, DNA was extracted from blood or spleen samples from 455 animals. A nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene was used as screening for piroplasmids. Of the 455 samples analyzed, 25 (5.5%) were positive. Additionally, PCR assays based on 18S rRNA near-complete, cox-1, cox-3, hsp70, cytB, β-tubulin genes and the ITS-1 intergenic region were performed. Five out of 25 positive samples also tested positive for ITS-1-based PCR. The phylogenetic analysis positioned three 18S rRNA sequences detected in Priodontes maximus into the same clade of Babesia sp. detected in marsupials (Didelphis albiventris, Didelphis marsupialis, and Monodelphis domestica) and Amblyomma dubitatum collected from opossums and coatis in Brazil. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA sequence obtained from Dasypus novemcinctus was closely related to a Theileria sp. sequence previously detected in armadillos from Mato Grosso State, grouping in a subclade within the Theileria sensu stricto clade. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS-1 region, the sequences obtained from Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla were placed into a single clade, apart from the other piroplasmid clades. The present study demonstrated the molecular occurrence of Piroplasmida in anteaters and Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. in armadillos from Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, CEP, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Débora Regina Yogui
- ICAS - Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres - Projeto Bandeiras e Rodovias, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, MS, Brazil
- Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mario Henrique Alves
- ICAS - Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres - Projeto Bandeiras e Rodovias, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, MS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Conservation (PPGEC), Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Arnaud Leonard Jean Desbiez
- ICAS - Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres - Projeto Bandeiras e Rodovias, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, MS, Brazil
- RZSS - The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12, UK
| | - Danilo Kluyber
- ICAS - Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres - Projeto Bandeiras e Rodovias, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, MS, Brazil
- Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens, Naples, FL, USA
| | | | - Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, CEP, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Mariele de Santi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, CEP, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Karin Werther
- Wildlife Pathology Service, Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, CEP, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, CEP, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil.
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