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Duan J, Qin H, Sun M, Fu Y, Lang J, Zhang A, Qin Z, Guo Z, Xu H, Li X, Wang C, Zhang L. Occurrence and genotypic identification of Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Heilongjiang Province, China. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102871. [PMID: 38403046 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102871] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are three common zoonotic intestinal parasites, and cattle are important hosts of these three intestinal protozoa. In this study, 1632 fecal samples were collected from dairy farms in Heilongjiang Province, China, and screened for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 149 (9.13%) were positive for three zoonotic pathogens, including 104 (6.40%), 22 (1.35%), and 23 (1.41%) for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis, respectively. Based on partial SSU rRNA gene sequencing analysis, 104 positive samples of Blastocystis sp. were found, and a total of nine known subtypes were identified, including ST10 (61), ST3 (18), ST14 (6), ST26 (7), ST24 (3), ST25 (2), ST1 (2), ST5 (2), and ST21 (1). Among these, three subtypes (ST1, ST3, and ST5) were recognized as zoonotic subtypes, and two subtypes (ST10 and ST14) were specific to animals. All 23 Giardia duodenalis-positive samples belonged to assemblage E (n = 23) based on sequenced beta-giardin (bg) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Three known genotypes of E. bieneusi, namely J (n = 9), I (n = 6), and BEB4 (n = 7), were identified by sequence analysis of the internal transcriptional spacer region gene. Our study provides basic data for prevention and control in Heilongjiang Province; however, further research is required to better understand the prevalence and public health significance of these pathogens in the Heilongjiang region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Mengqing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Yin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Jiashu Lang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Aihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Ziyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Zhenxuan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China.
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China.
| | - Chunren Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China.
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Li L, Sui Y, Li X, Song P, Chen G, Liu H, Zuo S, Guo J, Wang Q, Sun Q, Dai H, Li J, Zhang T, Liu F, Zhang L, Dong H. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in pet cats in Henan Province, central China. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107188. [PMID: 38531428 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107188] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis often infect humans, cats, and other mammals, causing diarrhea and being responsible for numerous outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne infections worldwide. The rapid increase in the number of pet cats poses a substantial public health risk. However, there were few reports about the infection of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections in pet cats in Henan Province, central China. Thus, to understand the prevalence and genetic distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in pet cats, and to evaluate the zoonotic potential, possible transmission routes and public health implications of isolates, fecal samples (n = 898) were randomly collected from pet cats in 11 cities in Henan Province, central China. Nested PCR based on the SSU rRNA gene and bg gene was used to the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. The prevalence was 0.8 % (7/898) and 2.0 % (18/898) for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis respectively. Additionally, the Cryptosporidium spp. positive isolates were identified as C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 by gp60 gene. In the present study, the IIdA19G1 subtype was discovered in pet cats for the first time in China, enriching the information on the host type and geographical distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. in China. For G. duodenalis, a total of 18 G. duodenalis positive samples were identified, belonging to four assemblages: a zoonotic assemblage A1 (4/898), three host-specific assemblages C (8/898), D (5/898), and F (1/898). Interestingly, we found that pet cats infected with Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis are more likely to experience emaciation symptoms compared to the negative group. More importantly, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis detected in the present study were low, but the subtype IIdA19G1 of Cryptosporidium spp. and the assemblages A1, C, D, and F of G. duodenalis have the potential for zoonotic transmission. Thus, we should focus on preventing and controlling the risk of cross-species transmission that may occur in pet cats in Henan Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Li
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhen Sui
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengtao Song
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhen Chen
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Liu
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Zuo
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjie Guo
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Wang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyuan Sun
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Dai
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqiang Li
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- The Beijing Key Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China; The Beijing Key Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China.
| | - Longxian Zhang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiju Dong
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
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Oduro D, Baafi E, Opoku-Agyeman P, Adams T, Okai AA, Bruku S, Kyei S, Banahene P, Danso-Coffie C, Boafo E, Yeboah R, Futagbi G, Duah-Quashie NO. Enteric parasites Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium hominis in domestic and wildlife animals in Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:199. [PMID: 38698452 PMCID: PMC11064306 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06225-5] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools. METHODS Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9-12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity. RESULTS The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Esther Baafi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Philip Opoku-Agyeman
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tryphena Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akweley Abena Okai
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selassie Bruku
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sandra Kyei
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Phillip Banahene
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Caleb Danso-Coffie
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Boafo
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rhoda Yeboah
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Godfred Futagbi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Alhindawi M, Rhouati A, Noordin R, Cialla-May D, Popp J, Zourob M. Selection of ssDNA aptamers and construction of aptameric electrochemical biosensor for the detection of Giardia intestinalis trophozoite protein. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131509. [PMID: 38608978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131509] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is one of the most widespread intestinal parasites and is considered a major cause of epidemic or sporadic diarrhea worldwide. In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid aptameric diagnostic technique for G. intestinalis infection. First, the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) process generated DNA aptamers specific to a recombinant protein of the parasite's trophozoite. Ten selection rounds were performed; each round, the DNA library was incubated with the target protein conjugated to Sepharose beads. Then, the unbound sequences were removed by washing and the specific sequences were eluted and amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Two aptamers were selected, and the dissociation constants (Kd), were determined as 2.45 and 16.95 nM, showed their high affinity for the G. intestinalis trophozoite protein. Subsequently, the aptamer sequence T1, which exhibited better affinity, was employed to develop a label-free electrochemical biosensor. A thiolated aptamer was covalently immobilized onto a gold screen-printed electrode (SPGE), and the binding of the targeted protein was monitored using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The developed aptasensor enabled accurate detection of the G. intestinalis recombinant protein within the range of 0.1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL, with an excellent sensitivity (LOD of 0.35 pg/mL). Moreover, selectivity studies showed a negligible cross-reactivity toward other proteins such as bovine serum albumin, globulin, and G. intestinalis cyst protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alhindawi
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Al Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh 11355, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amina Rhouati
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Al Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh 11355, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Dana Cialla-May
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany; Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mohammed Zourob
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Al Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh 11355, Saudi Arabia.
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Lagunas-Rangel FA. Giardia telomeres and telomerase. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:179. [PMID: 38584235 PMCID: PMC10999387 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08200-6] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, the protozoan responsible for giardiasis, is a significant contributor to millions of diarrheal diseases worldwide. Despite the availability of treatments for this parasitic infection, therapeutic failures are alarmingly frequent. Thus, there is a clear need to identify new therapeutic targets. Giardia telomeres were previously identified, but our understanding of these structures and the critical role played by Giardia telomerase in maintaining genomic stability and its influence on cellular processes remains limited. In this regard, it is known that all Giardia chromosomes are capped by small telomeres, organized and protected by specific proteins that regulate their functions. To counteract natural telomere shortening and maintain high proliferation, Giardia exhibits constant telomerase activity and employs additional mechanisms, such as the formation of G-quadruplex structures and the involvement of transposable elements linked to telomeric repeats. Thus, this study aims to address the existing knowledge gap by compiling the available information (until 2023) about Giardia telomeres and telomerase, focusing on highlighting the distinctive features within this parasite. Furthermore, the potential feasibility of targeting Giardia telomeres and/or telomerase as an innovative therapeutic strategy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Alejandro Lagunas-Rangel
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, BMC Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Gustavo A. Madero, 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Szydłowicz M, Zajączkowska Ż, Lewicka A, Łukianowski B, Kamiński M, Holubová N, Sak B, Kváč M, Kicia M. Host-specific Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in shelter dogs from central Europe. Parasitology 2024; 151:351-362. [PMID: 38305092 PMCID: PMC11044064 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202400009x] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and microsporidia are unicellular opportunistic pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections in both animals and humans. Since companion animals may serve as a source of infection, the aim of the present screening study was to analyse the prevalence of these intestinal protists in fecal samples collected from dogs living in 10 animal shelters in central Europe (101 dogs from Poland and 86 from the Czech Republic), combined with molecular subtyping of the detected organisms in order to assess their genetic diversity. Genus-specific polymerase chain reactions were performed to detect DNA of the tested species and to conduct molecular subtyping in collected samples, followed by statistical evaluation of the data obtained (using χ2 or Fisher's tests). The observed prevalence was 15.5, 10.2, 1 and 1% for G. intestinalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium spp. and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, respectively. Molecular evaluation has revealed the predominance of dog-specific genotypes (Cryptosporidium canis XXe1 subtype; G. intestinalis assemblages C and D; E. cuniculi genotype II; E. bieneusi genotypes D and PtEbIX), suggesting that shelter dogs do not pose a high risk of human transmission. Interestingly, the percentage distribution of the detected pathogens differed between both countries and individual shelters, suggesting that the risk of infection may be associated with conditions typical of a given location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szydłowicz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Antonina Lewicka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Błażej Łukianowski
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Pathomorphology, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kamiński
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Rabbits as reservoirs: An updated perspective of the zoonotic risk from Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110151. [PMID: 38422710 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Rabbits are highly abundant in many countries and can serve as reservoirs of diseases for a diversity of pathogens including the enteric protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Both parasites shed environmentally robust environmental stages (oo/cysts) and have been responsible for numerous waterborne outbreaks of diseases. Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum are responsible for most infections in humans, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B, cause most human cases of giardiasis. Cryptosporidium cuniculus, the dominant species infecting rabbits, is the only spceies other than C. hominis and C. parvum to have caused a waterborne outbreak of gastritis, which occurred in the United Kingdom in 2008. This review examines the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in rabbits to better understand the public health risks of contamination of water sources with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oo/cysts from rabbits. Despite the abundance of C. cuniculus in rabbits, reports in humans are relatively rare, with the exception of the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and reports of C. cuniculus in humans from the United Kingdom have declined substantially since the 2008 outbreak. Subtyping of C. cuniculus has supported the potential for zoonotic transmission. Relatively few studies have been conducted on Giardia, but assemblage B dominates. However, improved typing methods are required to better understand the transmission dynamics of Giardia assemblages in rabbits. Similarly, it is not well understood if pet rabbits or contaminated water are the main source of C. cuniculus infections in humans. Well-planned studies using high-resolution typing tools are required to understand the transmission dynamics better and quantify the public health risk of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Ktenas S, Roeber F, Meggiolaro MN, Ktenas A, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Comparison of Giardia duodenalis point-of-care antigen faecal tests to reference laboratory assays in non-symptomatic dogs. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110139. [PMID: 38295676 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent enteric parasites of dogs. Point-of-care antigen tests (POC) are rapid and do not require additional equipment, or a specialised diagnostic laboratory. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic tests available in veterinary practices and in a diagnostic laboratory for the detection of G. duodenalis on a cohort of group-housed dogs from New South Wales, Australia. Two different POC tests were used for the detection of G. duodenalis. Laboratory tests used were the multiplexed-tandem PCR panel (MT-PCR) that includes detection of G. duodenalis DNA, and two reference tests (an in-house TaqMan real-time PCR and a direct immunofluorescence assay, DFA). Canine faecal samples (n = 40) were tested simultaneously for the detection of G. duodenalis. Using either DFA or TaqMan real-time PCR as reference tests, 77.5% (31/40) and 82.5% (33/40) of dogs tested positive, respectively. Agreement (Kappa) between the DFA and TaqMan real-time PCR was 0.84 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.00). There was substantial G. duodenalis test outcome agreement between the two POC tests, Kappa = 0.75. Combining the two POC tests yielded 77% sensitivity and 100% specificity with DFA as reference, and for TaqMan real-time PCR it was 73% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The MT-PCR was in excellent agreement with each reference test, DFA or TaqMan real-time PCR. Due to the high specificity of both POC tests, they can be confidently used as rule-in diagnostics. Confirmatory testing that detects different biological parameters such as DNA, e.g. PCR (inc. MT-PCR), should be implemented before concluding that a dog is negative for the presence of G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Ktenas
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Florian Roeber
- Wongaburra Research Centre, Invetus Pty Ltd., NSW 2470, Australia
| | - Maira N Meggiolaro
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Athena Ktenas
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126066. [PMID: 38442435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Hao Y, Liu A, Li H, Zhao Y, Yao L, Yang B, Zhang W, Yang F. Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans and domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:155. [PMID: 38528567 PMCID: PMC10964600 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06219-3] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are significant parasitic diseases shared between humans and domestic animals. Due to the close contact between humans and domestic animals in rural areas, it is important to consider the potential transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected domestic animals to humans. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in domestic animals and villagers. METHODS A total of 116 fecal samples from villagers and 686 fecal samples from domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China, were analyzed for two parasites using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting various genetic loci and DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. RESULTS By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in humans was 0.9% (1/116), with one species of C. parvum (n = 1) detected; among domestic animals, the prevalence was 2.6% (18/686), with five species identified: C. suis (n = 7) and C. scrofarum (n = 7) in pigs, C. meleagridis (n = 1) in chickens, C. andersoni (n = 1) in cattle, and C. canis (n = 2) in foxes. C. parvum and C. canis were further subtyped as IIdA19G1 and XXa4 on the basis of gp60 gene. Regarding G. duodenalis, based on the SSU rRNA, bg, gdh, and tpi genes, the prevalence in domestic animals was 5.1% (31/608), with three assemblages identified: A (n = 1) in pigs, D (n = 1) in foxes, and E (n = 27) in geese, cattle, pigs, ducks, and sheep, along with mixed infection of A + E (n = 1) in one pig and B + E (n = 1) in one sheep. No G. duodenalis was detected in humans (0/116). CONCLUSIONS The present results show that no overlap of subtypes between animals and villagers was found in Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, indicating a minor role of domestic animals in infecting humans in this population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in domestic animals highlights the need for special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yiyang Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
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Zhao L, Wang Y, Wang M, Zhang S, Wang L, Zhang Z, Chai H, Yi C, Fan W, Liu Y. First report of Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle and beef cattle in Shanxi, China. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:403. [PMID: 38457002 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09342-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia duodenalis is an important intestinal parasitic protozoan that infects several vertebrates, including humans. Cattle are considered the major source of giardiasis outbreak in humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and multilocus genotype (MLG) of G. duodenalis in Shanxi, and lay the foundation for the prevention and control of Giardiosis. METHODS AND RESULTS DNA extraction, nested polymerase chain reaction, sequence analysis, MLG analysis, and statistical analysis were performed using 858 bovine fecal samples from Shanxi based on three gene loci: β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi). The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 28.3%, while its prevalence in Yingxian and Lingqiu was 28.1% and 28.5%, respectively. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in dairy cattle and beef cattle was 28.0% and 28.5%, respectively. G. duodenalis infection was detected in all age groups evaluated in this study. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in diarrhea and nondiarrhea samples was 32.4% and 27.5%, respectively, whereas that in intensively farmed and free-range cattle was 35.0% and 19.9%, respectively. We obtained 83, 53, and 59 sequences of bg, gdh, and tpi in G. duodenalis, respectively. Moreover, assemblage A (n = 2) and assemblage E (n = 81) by bg, assemblage A (n = 1) and assemblage E (n = 52) by gdh, and assemblage A (n = 2) and assemblage E (n = 57) by tpi were identified. Multilocus genotyping yielded 29 assemblage E MLGs, which formed 10 subgroups. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report cattle infected with G. duodenalis in Shanxi, China. Livestock-specific G. duodenalis assemblage E was the dominant assemblage genotype, and zoonotic sub-assemblage AI was also detected in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Mingyuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhansheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hailiang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chao Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality. Water Res 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rodents represent the single largest group within mammals and host a diverse array of zoonotic pathogens. Urbanisation impacts wild mammals, including rodents, leading to habitat loss but also providing new resources. Urban-adapted (synanthropic) rodents, such as the brown rat (R. norvegicus), black rat (R. rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus), have long successfully adapted to living close to humans and are known carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Two important enteric, zoonotic protozoan parasites, carried by rodents, include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Their environmental stages (oocysts/cysts), released in faeces, can contaminate surface and wastewaters, are resistant to common drinking water disinfectants and can cause water-borne related gastritis outbreaks. At least 48 species of Cryptosporidium have been described, with C. hominis and C. parvum responsible for the majority of human infections, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B are the main human-infectious assemblages. Molecular characterisation is crucial to assess the public health risk linked to rodent-related water contamination due to morphological overlap between species. This review explores the global molecular diversity of these parasites in rodents, with a focus on evaluating the zoonotic risk from contamination of water and wasterwater with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts from synanthropic rodents. Analysis indicates that while zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are prevalent in farmed and pet rodents, host-specific Cryptosporidium and Giardia species dominate in urban adapted rodents, and therefore the risks posed by these rodents in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively low. Many knowledge gaps remain however, and therefore understanding the intricate dynamics of these parasites in rodent populations is essential for managing their impact on human health and water quality. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce disease transmission and ensure safe drinking water in urban and peri‑urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Shady OMA, Shalash IA, Elshaghabee FMF, Negm MSI, Yousef GAB, Rizk EMA. Evaluating the Effect of Lactobacillus casei FEGY 9973 and Curcumin on Experimental Giardiasis. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:302-308. [PMID: 38060086 PMCID: PMC11001656 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00744-4] [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: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Giardia is a parasitic hard protozoan that causes a variety of parasitological and pathological changes in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and is resistant to a variety of disinfectants and treatments. This study used experimental animals infected with Giardia Lamblia to assess the potential therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Lactobacillus in yoghurt) and curcumin in comparison to one of the commonly used drugs (metronidazole). METHODS The study included 54 Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) that ranged in weight from 80 to 100 g and were divided into six groups: The effect of the used preparations was assessed in terms of parasitological and histopathological aspects in Group I non-infected healthy control, Group II infected non-treated, Group III infected treated with metronidazole MTZ, Group IV infected treated with Lactobacillus casei, Group V infected treated with curcumin, and Group VI infected treated with, Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Lactobacillus in yoghurt). The number of G. lamblia cysts per gram of stool was counted during the parasitological examination. RESULTS The difference between the infected non-treated group and all the treated groups was statistically significant (P0.05). When compared to the infected untreated group, Lactobacillus casei and, Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Lactobacillus in yoghurt) produced a 100% reduction in G. lamblia cyst shedding, curcumin produced an 87.80% reduction in number of cysts, and metronidazole produced a 78.4% reduction in number of cysts. CONCLUSION Our results highlight the potentially effective therapeutic effect of different preparations of probiotics and curcumin against Giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omima M Abou Shady
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | | | - Mohamed S I Negm
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gehad A B Yousef
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Enas M A Rizk
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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Asghari A, Mahdavi F, Yousefi A, Shamsi L, Badali R, Mohammadi MR, Irannejad H, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Shahabi S, Asgari Q, Motazedian MH, Bastaminejad S. Development of New PCR Protocols to Detect Genetic Diversity in the Metronidazole Metabolism Genes in Susceptible and Refractory Clinical Samples of Giardia duodenalis. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1073-1077. [PMID: 38499920 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00828-9] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigating the genetic variation in thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and nitroreductase (NR) genes in both treatment-resistant and -sensitive Giardia duodenalis isolates can provide valuable information in identifying potential markers of resistance to metronidazole. The rapid increase in metronidazole treatment failures suggests the presence of genetic resistance mechanisms. By analyzing these genes, researchers can gain insights into the efficacy of metronidazole against G. duodenalis and potentially develop alternative treatment strategies. In this regard, four G. duodenalis isolates (two clinically sensitive and two clinically resistant to metronidazole) were collected from various hospitals of Shiraz, southwestern Iran. METHODS Parasitological methods including sucrose flotation and microscopy were employed for the primary confirmation of G. duodenalis cysts in stool samples. Microscopy-positive samples were approved by SSU-PCR amplification of the parasite DNA. All four positive G. duodenalis specimens at SSU-PCR were afterward analyzed utilizing designed primers based on important metronidazole metabolism genes including TrxR, NR1, and NR2. RESULTS Unlike TrxR gene, the results of NR1 and NR2 genes showed that there are non-synonymous variations between sequences of treatment-sensitive and -resistant samples compared to reference sequences. Furthermore, the outcomes of molecular docking revealed that there is an interaction between the protein sequence and spatial shape of treatment-resistant samples and metronidazole in the position of serine amino acid based on the NR1 gene. CONCLUSION This issue can be one of the possible factors involved in the resistance of Giardia parasites to metronidazole. To reach more accurate results, a large sample size along with simulation and advanced molecular dynamics investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farzad Mahdavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Gilan, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Yousefi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Roya Badali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Saiyad Bastaminejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of ParaMedicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
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15
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. The risk of wild birds contaminating source water with zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia is probably overestimated. Sci Total Environ 2024; 912:169032. [PMID: 38123098 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important waterborne protozoan parasites that are resistant to disinfectants commonly used for drinking water. Wild birds, especially wild migratory birds, are often implicated in the contamination of source and wastewater with zoonotic diseases, due to their abundance near water and in urban areas and their ability to spread enteric pathogens over long distances. This review summarises the diversity of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, with a focus on zoonotic species, particularly in wild and migratory birds, which is critical for understanding zoonotic risks. The analysis revealed that both avian-adapted and zoonotic Cryptosporidium species have been identified in birds but that avian-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in wild migratory birds. Few studies have examined Giardia species and assemblages in birds, but the non-zoonotic Giardia psittaci and Giardia ardeae are the most commonly reported species. The identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia in birds, particularly C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B in wild migratory birds, is likely due to mechanical carriage or spillback from birds co-grazing pastures contaminated with C. parvum from livestock. Therefore, the role of wild migratory birds in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia to source water is likely overestimated. To address knowledge gaps, it is important to conduct more extensive studies on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in a broader range of migratory wild birds. There is also a need to investigate the extent to which zoonotic infections with C. hominis/C. parvum and G. duodenalis assemblages A and B are mechanical and/or transient, and to assess the load and viability of zoonotic oo/cysts shed in avian faeces. Understanding the contribution of birds to zoonoses is essential for effective disease surveillance, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Escrig JI, Miyamoto Y, Aznar AD, Eckmann L, Debnath A. Antigiardial and antiamebic activities of fexinidazole and its metabolites: new drug leads for giardiasis and amebiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0073123. [PMID: 38063401 PMCID: PMC10777846 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00731-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal parasites Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are major causes of morbidity and mortality associated with diarrheal diseases. Metronidazole is the most common drug used to treat giardiasis and amebiasis. Despite its efficacy, treatment failures in giardiasis occur in up to 5%-40% of cases. Potential resistance of E. histolytica to metronidazole is an increasing concern. Therefore, it is critical to search for more effective drugs to treat giardiasis and amebiasis. We identified antigiardial and antiamebic activities of the rediscovered nitroimidazole compound, fexinidazole, and its sulfone and sulfoxide metabolites. Fexinidazole is equally active against E. histolytica and G. lamblia trophozoites, and both metabolites were 3- to 18-fold more active than the parent drug. Fexinidazole and its metabolites were also active against a metronidazole-resistant strain of G. lamblia. G. lamblia and E. histolytica cell extracts exhibited decreased residual nitroreductase activity when metabolites were used as substrates, indicating nitroreductase may be central to the mechanism of action of fexinidazole. In a cell invasion model, fexinidazole and its metabolites significantly reduced the invasiveness of E. histolytica trophozoites through basement membrane matrix. A q.d. oral dose of fexinidazole and its metabolites at 10 mg/kg for 3 days reduced G. lamblia infection significantly in mice compared to control. The newly discovered antigiardial and antiamebic activities of fexinidazole, combined with its FDA-approval and inclusion in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis, offer decreased risk and a shortened development timeline toward clinical use of fexinidazole for treatment of giardiasis or amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Ignacio Escrig
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yukiko Miyamoto
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alejandro Delgado Aznar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Alemu Y, Abdissa A, Mekonnen Z, Sharew B, Johansen ØH, Bjørang O, Langeland N, Hanevik K, Moyo SJ. Prevalence and assemblage of Giardia duodenalis in a case-control study of children under 5 years from Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:38. [PMID: 38091122 PMCID: PMC10719145 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08029-5] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a common pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasite with high prevalence in developing countries, especially among children. The distribution of giardia assemblages among humans and their clinical relevance remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and assemblage of Giardia among children under 5 years of age in Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Employing a case-control design, 606 children presenting with diarrhea at Jimma university medical center and Serbo Health Center were enrolled from December 2016 to July 2018 along with 617 matched controls without diarrhea. Giardia was detected and typed using real-time PCR. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed. The total prevalence of Giardia was 41% (501/1223) and did not differ significantly between cases and controls (40% vs 42%). Prevalence increased by age, with the highest prevalence seen in children aged ≥ 25 months. Children without diarrhea with a history of diarrhea during the last month were more likely to be Giardia positive compared to children with no history diarrhea (OR 1.8 and 95%CI; 1.1-2.9). Regardless of current diarrhea symptoms, assemblage B predominated with 89%, followed by assemblage A (8%) and mixed infection assemblage A and B (3%). We report a high prevalence of Giardia by PCR detection in Jimma, Ethiopia, with assemblage B being predominant. There was a similar distribution of Giardia assemblages between children with and without diarrhea. Increasing age was a risk factor for Giardia infection. Community-based prevention and control strategies need to be employed to decrease the risk of giardia infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Alemu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Bizuwarek Sharew
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Øystein H Johansen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Ola Bjørang
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Nina Langeland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Center for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Center for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sabrina J Moyo
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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18
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Hart CJ, Riches AG, Tiash S, Abraham R, Fayd'Herbe K, Joch E, Zulfiqar B, Sykes ML, Avery VM, Šlapeta J, Abraham S, Ryan JH, Skinner-Adams TS. Thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole 5-carboxamides as potent and selective inhibitors of Giardia duodenalis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:54-62. [PMID: 37776606 PMCID: PMC10560980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is the causative agent of the neglected diarrhoeal disease giardiasis. While often self-limiting, giardiasis is ubiquitous and impacts hundreds of millions of people annually. It is also a common gastro-intestinal disease of domestic pets, wildlife, and livestock animals. However, despite this impact, there is no vaccine for Giardia currently available. In addition, treatment relies on chemotherapies that are associated with increasing failure rates. To identify new treatment options for giardiasis we recently screened the Compounds Australia Scaffold Library for new chemotypes with selective anti-Giardia activity, identifying three compounds with sub-μM activity and promising selectivity. Here we extended these studies by examining the anti-Giardia activity of series CL9569 compounds. This compound series was of interest given the promising activity (IC50 1.2 μM) and selectivity demonstrated by representative compound, SN00798525 (1). Data from this work has identified an additional three thieno [3,2-b]pyrrole 5-carboxamides with anti-Giardia activity, including 2 which displayed potent cytocidal (IC50 ≤ 10 nM) and selective activity against multiple Giardia strains, including representatives from both human-infecting assemblages and metronidazole resistant parasites. Preclinical studies in mice also demonstrated that 2 is well-tolerated, does not impact the normal gut microbiota and can reduce Giardia parasite burden in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Js Hart
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew G Riches
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Snigdha Tiash
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Abraham
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Keely Fayd'Herbe
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ellis Joch
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bilal Zulfiqar
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; Discovery Biology, Centre for Cellular Phenomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melissa L Sykes
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; Discovery Biology, Centre for Cellular Phenomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; Discovery Biology, Centre for Cellular Phenomics, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sam Abraham
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John H Ryan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tina S Skinner-Adams
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
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Pipaliya SV, Dacks JB, Croxen MA. Genomic survey maps differences in the molecular complement of vesicle formation machinery between Giardia intestinalis assemblages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011837. [PMID: 38109380 PMCID: PMC10758263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011837] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a globally important microbial pathogen with considerable public health, agricultural, and economic burden. Genome sequencing and comparative analyses have elucidated G. intestinalis to be a taxonomically diverse species consisting of at least eight different sub-types (assemblages A-H) that can infect a great variety of animal hosts, including humans. The best studied of these are assemblages A and B which have a broad host range and have zoonotic transmissibility towards humans where clinical Giardiasis can range from asymptomatic to diarrheal disease. Epidemiological surveys as well as previous molecular investigations have pointed towards critical genomic level differences within numerous molecular pathways and families of parasite virulence factors within assemblage A and B isolates. In this study, we explored the necessary machinery for the formation of vesicles and cargo transport in 89 Canadian isolates of assemblage A and B G. intestinalis. Considerable variability within the molecular complement of the endolysosomal ESCRT protein machinery, adaptor coat protein complexes, and ARF regulatory system have previously been reported. Here, we confirm inter-assemblage, but find no intra-assemblage variation within the trafficking systems examined. This variation includes losses of subunits belonging to the ESCRTIII as well as novel lineage specific duplications in components of the COPII machinery, ARF1, and ARFGEF families (BIG and CYTH). Since differences in disease manifestation between assemblages A and B have been controversially reported, our findings may well have clinical implications and even taxonomic, as the membrane trafficking system underpin parasite survival, pathogenesis, and propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta V. Pipaliya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Joel B. Dacks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice [Budweis], Czech Republic
| | - Matthew A. Croxen
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Alberta Public Health Laboratory, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Vargas-Villanueva JR, Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez F, Garza-Ontiveros M, Nery-Flores SD, Campos-Múzquiz LG, Vazquez-Obregón D, Rodriguez-Herrera R, Palomo-Ligas L. Tubulin as a potential molecular target for resveratrol in Giardia lamblia trophozoites, in vitro and in silico approaches. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107026. [PMID: 37722447 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107026] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a globally distributed protozoan parasite that causes intestinal disease. Recently, there is an increase in refractory cases of giardiasis to chemotherapeutic agents, and drugs available cause side effects that may limit its use or cause therapeutic non-compliance. Therefore, search for alternative and less harmful drugs to treat giardiasis is an important task. In this sense, resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol with a wide range of pharmacological effects such as antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RSV on Giardia lamblia trophozoites in vitro and in silico, focusing on tubulin affectation, a major protein of the Giardia cytoskeleton which participates in relevant processes for cell survival. In vitro determinations showed that RSV inhibits parasite growth and adherence, causes morphological changes, and induces apoptosis-like cell death through tubulin alterations demonstrated by immunolocalization and Western blot assays. Bioinformatic analysis by molecular docking suggested that RSV binds to Giardia tubulin interface heterodimer, sharing binding residues to those reported with depolymerization inhibitors. These findings suggest that RSV affects microtubular dynamics and make it an interesting compound to study for its safety and antigiardiasic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filiberto Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44430, Mexico; División de Salud, Centro Universitario de Tlajomulco, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, 45641, Mexico
| | - Mariana Garza-Ontiveros
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Saltillo. Saltillo, Coahuila, 25280, Mexico
| | - Sendar Daniel Nery-Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Saltillo. Saltillo, Coahuila, 25280, Mexico
| | | | - Dagoberto Vazquez-Obregón
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/ Instituto tecnológico de Saltillo. Departamento de Metal Mecánica. Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Raul Rodriguez-Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Saltillo. Saltillo, Coahuila, 25280, Mexico
| | - Lissethe Palomo-Ligas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila. Unidad Saltillo. Saltillo, Coahuila, 25280, Mexico.
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21
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Xu C, Tuo H, Wang W, Zhang Z, Yu F, Chuai L, Qi M, Jing B. Occurrence and genetic characteristics of Giardia duodenalis in donkeys in Xinjiang, China. Parasite 2023; 30:50. [PMID: 38015006 PMCID: PMC10683582 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a common enteric parasite in humans and animals. To examine the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Giardia in donkeys in Xinjiang, China, 758 fecal samples from donkeys were collected, and Giardia was screened via PCR at the SSU rRNA gene. A total of 17.0% (129/758) of samples tested positive for Giardia, with the infection rate in large-scale farm and domestic donkeys being 21.4% (124/580) and 2.8% (5/178), respectively; the infection rates in <1-year-old and ≥1-year-old donkeys were 19.3% (72/374) and 12.7% (41/323), respectively. Three Giardia assemblages were identified, with assemblage B (n = 102) as the prevalent assemblage, followed by assemblage A (n = 23) and assemblage E (n = 4). Of the 129 Giardia-positive isolates, 40, 34 and 59 sequences were obtained at the bg, gdh and tpi genes, respectively. Twenty-one isolates successfully allowed multilocus genotyping (MLG), with four novel assemblage A MLGs, named MLG-AI-1 (n = 1), MLG-AI-2 (n = 1), MLG-AI-3 (n = 1), and MLG-AI-4 (n = 1) and three novel assemblage B MLGs, named MLG-B1 (n = 1), MLG-B2 (n = 14), and MLG-B3 (n = 1). Moreover, two isolates formed two MLG-mixed sequences. The results suggest that donkeys are commonly infected with Giardia in Xinjiang, and there is genetic diversity and host adaptability among the isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Haixin Tuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Wen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Liwen Chuai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
| | - Bo Jing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar Xinjiang 843300 China
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Ghebremichael ST, Meng X, Yang Y, Andegiorgish AK, Wu Z, Chen J, Wei J, Li T, Bao J, Zhou Z, Pan G. First identification and coinfection detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:334. [PMID: 37951859 PMCID: PMC10640745 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03070-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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis (G. intestinalis) are enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea in pigs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these enteric parasites and their coinfection with E. bieneusi in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China (Chongqing and Sichuan) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based methods. RESULTS A total of 514 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pigs from 14 pig farms in Chongqing (five farms) and Sichuan (nine farms) Provinces. The prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis was 16.14% (83/514), 0% (0/514), and 8.95% (46/514), respectively. Nested PCR revealed 305 mono-infections of E. bieneusi, six of E. cuniculi, two of E. hellem, and nine of G. duodenalis and 106 concurrent infections of E. bieneusi with the other enteric pathogens. No infections of E. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium species were detected. The highest coinfection was detected between E. bieneusi and E. cuniculi (10.5%, 54/514), followed by E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis (5.8%, 30/514) and E. bieneusi and E. hellem (2.9%, 15/514). E. bieneusi was the most frequently detected enteric pathogen, followed by E. cuniculi, G. duodenalis and E. hellem. There was a significant age-related difference in the prevalence of E. cuniculi in fattening pigs (χ2 = 15.266, df = 3, P = 0.002) and G. duodenalis in suckling pigs (χ2 = 11.92, df = 3, P = 0.008) compared with the other age groups. Sequence analysis of the ITS region of Encephalitozoon species showed two genotypes (II and III) for E. cuniculi and one (TURK1B) for E. hellem. Only G. duodenalis assemblage A was identified in all nested PCR-positive samples. E. bieneusi was found more often than other enteric pathogens. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp. [E. cuniculi and E. hellem] and G. duodenalis were common enteric parasites in diarrheic pigs in Chongqing and Sichuan Provinces. In case of both mono-infection and coinfection, E. bieneusi was the most common enteric pathogen in diarrheic pigs. Thus, it may be a significant cause of diarrhea in pigs. Precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of these enteric parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Teweldeberhan Ghebremichael
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Department of Biology, Mai Nefhi College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yujiao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Amanuel Kidane Andegiorgish
- Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Zongrun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 400047, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Shih HW, Alas GCM, Paredez AR. Encystation stimuli sensing is mediated by adenylate cyclase AC2-dependent cAMP signaling in Giardia. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7245. [PMID: 37945557 PMCID: PMC10636121 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites use cAMP signaling to precisely regulate the place and time of developmental differentiation, yet it is unclear how this signaling is initiated. Encystation of the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia can be activated by multiple stimuli, which we hypothesize result in a common physiological change. We demonstrate that bile alters plasma membrane fluidity by reducing cholesterol-rich lipid microdomains, while alkaline pH enhances bile function. Through depletion of the cAMP producing enzyme Adenylate Cyclase 2 (AC2) and the use of a newly developed Giardia-specific cAMP sensor, we show that AC2 is necessary for encystation stimuli-induced cAMP upregulation and activation of downstream signaling. Conversely, over expression of AC2 or exogenous cAMP were sufficient to initiate encystation. Our findings indicate that encystation stimuli induce membrane reorganization, trigger AC2-dependent cAMP upregulation, and initiate encystation-specific gene expression, thereby advancing our understanding of a critical stage in the life cycle of a globally important parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Wei Shih
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Germain C M Alas
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Yun CS, Moon BY, Lee K, Kang SM, Ku BK, Hwang MH. The detection and phylogenetic characterization of Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis of cats in South Korea. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1296118. [PMID: 38029266 PMCID: PMC10663360 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1296118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis are gastrointestinal protozoa parasites that cause diarrhea in various animals. However, information regarding the detection and phylogenetic characterization of gastrointestinal protozoa parasites in cats is limited throughout South Korea. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the detection and identify subspecies of gastrointestinal protozoa parasites in cats from South Korea. Methods A total of 290 fecal samples were collected from stray, companion, and shelter cats in six provinces. Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and G. duodenalis were identified by PCR. All positive samples were subtyped by PCR and sequencing of gp60, ITS-1, tpi, bg, and gdh. Results The overall detection of gastrointestinal protozoan parasitic infection was 17.93%. G. duodenalis was the most prevalent, with 7.93%, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (7.24%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (4.48%). In addition, C. felis (n=10), C. parvum (n=2), C. ryanae (n=1), Cystoisospora felis (n=14), Cystoisospora suis (n=5), Cystoisospora ohioensis (n=1), Cystoisospora spp. were identified in subspecies analysis of positive samples. C. felis showed a significant association with diarrhea (7.81%) and living condition (6.04%), and Cystoisospora felis in diarreha (9.38%) according to detection. Through phylogenetic analysis of the tpi, bg, and gdh genes from 23 G. duodenalispositive samples, it was confirmed that the samples of present study belonged to assemblage A, B, C, and D. Discussion South Korean cats have a high rate of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites infection with cat-specific Cryptosporidium and Cystoisospora, which are associated with living conditions and diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, zoonotic and other animal-specific subtype of protozoan parasites have been detected in cat feces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mi-Hye Hwang
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
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25
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Pyzocha N, Cuda A. Common Intestinal Parasites. Am Fam Physician 2023; 108:487-493. [PMID: 37983700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Parasites are a source of significant illness worldwide. In the United States, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporiasis, and trichinellosis are nationally notifiable conditions. Pinworm, the most common intestinal parasite in children, is not a locally notifiable infection. Intestinal parasites have a wide range of acute and chronic symptoms but should be suspected in those who present with diarrhea lasting more than seven days. Infections most often occur through a fecal-oral route. Symptoms tend to be worse for children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals. To diagnose Giardia infection, stool microscopy with direct fluorescent antibody testing is recommended; metronidazole, nitazoxanide, or tinidazole is used for treatment. Microscopy with immunofluorescence is sensitive and specific for diagnosing Cryptosporidium infection. This infection is often self-resolving, but treatment with nitazoxanide is effective for symptoms lasting more than two weeks. Microscopy or polymerase chain reaction assays are recommended to diagnose Cyclospora infections, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim may be used to treat patients with persistent diarrhea. Trichinella infection is diagnosed by serum antibody testing, and severe symptoms are treated with albendazole in patients older than one year. Pinworm infections are diagnosed visually or by a tape test or paddle test; albendazole and pyrantel pamoate are both effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Pyzocha
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amanda Cuda
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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Ghosal A, Sardar SK, Haldar T, Maruf M, Saito-Nakano Y, Dutta S, Nozaki T, Ganguly S. Genotyping and epidemiological distribution of diarrhea-causing isolates of Giardia duodenalis in southeastern part of West Bengal, India. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2567-2584. [PMID: 37682345 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07956-7] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and genetic diversity of the protozoan pathogen Giardia duodenalis have been extensively studied worldwide. There is currently a lack of data regarding the genetic variability of the organism in eastern India. Understanding the circulating genotypes and associated risk factors is crucial for effective planning and implementing control measures. Therefore, the objective of the study was to conduct an epidemiological study to determine the prevalence and identify the various genotypes present. This survey adds to our knowledge on the occurrence and distribution of Giardia genotypes in the studied region. The overall prevalence was found to be 6.8%. This parasitic infection was significantly associated with two age groups, i.e., >0-5 years and >5-12 years. Using a multilocus genotyping method, we genotyped 52 human Giardia isolates that were obtained from diarrheal patients. Two distinct assemblages were found in the population-30.8% belonged to assemblage A; 63.5% belonged to assemblage B, prevalent in the population; and 5.7% belonged to a combined assemblage A+B. Sub-assemblage AII was found in 17.3% of the cases, followed by sub-assemblage AI (13.5%). High levels of genetic diversity were found within the population of assemblage B undergoing balancing selection. Overall, the high prevalence of the parasite observed, particularly among children, raises a major concern and necessitates implementation of robust control measures. Furthermore, we report the presence of numerous unique genotypes, circulating in this limited geographical boundary, which can be useful dataset for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajanta Ghosal
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, India
| | - Sanjib K Sardar
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, India
| | - Tapas Haldar
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, India
| | - Maimoon Maruf
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, India
| | - Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shanta Dutta
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, India
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sandipan Ganguly
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, India.
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Mateo M, Montoya A, Bailo B, Köster PC, Dashti A, Hernández‐Castro C, Saugar JM, Matas P, Xiao L, Carmena D. Prevalence and public health relevance of enteric parasites in domestic dogs and cats in the region of Madrid (Spain) with an emphasis on Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2542-2558. [PMID: 37725371 PMCID: PMC10650246 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1270] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well-being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. OBJECTIVES We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic variability and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats attended in a clinical veterinary setting in Spain. METHODS Canine (n = 252) and feline (n = 35) faecal samples were collected during 2017-2019 and analysed by coproparasitological methods. A rapid lateral immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Samples positive at microscopy examination and/or ICT were reassessed by molecular methods. RESULTS Overall, 48.8% (123/252) of dogs and 48.6% (17/35) of cats were infected by enteric parasites. In dogs, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent species (40.9%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), and Toxocara canis (5.2%). In cats, Joyeuxiella sp. and Toxocara cati were the dominant species (20.0% each), followed by G. duodenalis (14.3%), D. caninum (5.7%) and Cystoisospora felis and Toxascaris leonina (2.9% each). Pups and kittens were more likely to harbour intestinal parasites and develop clinical signs. Sequence analyses of dog isolates revealed the presence of assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 4) and C+D (n = 1) within G. duodenalis; C. parvum (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 4) within Cryptosporidium and PtEb IX (n = 1) in Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A novel C. canis subtype family, named XXi, is reported. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that (i) well-cared dogs carry zoonotic enteric protozoan parasites of public health relevance, (ii) proper hygiene practices and routine veterinary treatment are essential to prevent zoonotic infections, (iii) vulnerable populations should avoid contact with pups/kittens with diarrhoea and (iv) infected dogs might be major contributors to the environmental contamination with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and ParasitologyFaculty of PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal HealthFaculty of VeterinaryComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Carolina Hernández‐Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical PathologiesUniversity of AntioquiaMedellínColombia
| | - José M. Saugar
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious DiseasesHealth Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Pablo Matas
- Faculty of Veterinary, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX)Villanueva de la CañadaMadridSpain
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious DiseasesHealth Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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28
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Martínez-Conde C, Colín-Lozano B, Gutiérrez-Hernández A, Hernández-Núñez E, Yépez-Mulia L, Colorado-Pablo LF, Aguayo-Ortiz R, Escalante J, Rivera-Leyva JC, Sánchez-Carranza JN, Barbosa-Cabrera E, Navarrete-Vazquez G. Enhancing Giardicidal Activity and Aqueous Solubility through the Development of "RetroABZ", a Regioisomer of Albendazole: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14949. [PMID: 37834396 PMCID: PMC10573946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914949] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases, including giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia), present a considerable global health burden. The limited effectiveness and adverse effects of current treatment options underscore the necessity for novel therapeutic compounds. In this study, we employed a rational design strategy to synthesize retroalbendazole (RetroABZ), aiming to address the limitations associated with albendazole, a commonly used drug for giardiasis treatment. RetroABZ exhibited enhanced in vitro activity against G. lamblia trophozoites, demonstrating nanomolar potency (IC50 = 83 nM), outperforming albendazole (189 nM). Moreover, our in vivo murine model of giardiasis displayed a strong correlation, supporting the efficacy of RetroABZ, which exhibited an eleven-fold increase in potency compared to albendazole, with median effective dose (ED50) values of 5 µg/kg and 55 µg/kg, respectively. A notable finding was RetroABZ's significantly improved water solubility (245.74 µg/mL), representing a 23-fold increase compared to albendazole, thereby offering potential opportunities for developing derivatives that effectively target invasive parasites. The molecular docking study revealed that RetroABZ displays an interaction profile with tubulin similar to albendazole, forming hydrogen bonds with Glu198 and Cys236 of the β-tubulin. Additionally, molecular dynamics studies demonstrated that RetroABZ has a greater number of hydrophobic interactions with the binding site in the β-tubulin, due to the orientation of the propylthio substituent. Consequently, RetroABZ exhibited a higher affinity compared to albendazole. Overall, our findings underscore RetroABZ's potential as a promising therapeutic candidate not only for giardiasis but also for other parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Conde
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (C.M.-C.); (B.C.-L.); (A.G.-H.); (J.C.R.-L.); (J.N.S.-C.)
| | - Blanca Colín-Lozano
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (C.M.-C.); (B.C.-L.); (A.G.-H.); (J.C.R.-L.); (J.N.S.-C.)
| | - Abraham Gutiérrez-Hernández
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (C.M.-C.); (B.C.-L.); (A.G.-H.); (J.C.R.-L.); (J.N.S.-C.)
| | - Emanuel Hernández-Núñez
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, IPN, Unidad Mérida, Merida 97310, Yucatán, Mexico;
| | - Lilián Yépez-Mulia
- Unidad de Investigación Medica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad-Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Luis Fernando Colorado-Pablo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.F.C.-P.); (R.A.-O.)
| | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Ortiz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (L.F.C.-P.); (R.A.-O.)
| | - Jaime Escalante
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas-IICBA, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Julio C. Rivera-Leyva
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (C.M.-C.); (B.C.-L.); (A.G.-H.); (J.C.R.-L.); (J.N.S.-C.)
| | - Jessica Nayelli Sánchez-Carranza
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (C.M.-C.); (B.C.-L.); (A.G.-H.); (J.C.R.-L.); (J.N.S.-C.)
| | - Elizabeth Barbosa-Cabrera
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Gabriel Navarrete-Vazquez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (C.M.-C.); (B.C.-L.); (A.G.-H.); (J.C.R.-L.); (J.N.S.-C.)
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Roya O, Abdolhossein D, Majid P. Genotyping of G. duodenalis in the People Referred to Health Centers of Semnan City. Arch Razi Inst 2023; 78:1555-1562. [PMID: 38590668 PMCID: PMC10998956 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2023.78.5.1555] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis), is one of the major causes of gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, infecting the small intestine of humans and animals. Based on the genetic characteristics of the parasite, eight genotypes (A to H) have been identified in clinical samples. The main purpose of the present study was to find the genetic diversity of Giardia in people referred to health centers in Semnan, Iran, using PCR. Totally, 300 stool samples were collected from people referred to health centers in Semnan. The stool samples were first examined using the microscopic method (direct method and Lugol staining), and the samples were checked with trichrome staining. After DNA extraction, the GDH gene of positive samples was amplified by the semi-nested PCR method. The genotype of positive samples was determined by the sequencing method. Out of 300 samples, only 20 (6.66%) samples were found to be positive in the microscopic examination of the stool. In the PCR test, only 13 (4.33%) of the samples were positive. According to the multiple alignment results, it was found that the isolates belonged to AII, BIII, and BIV genotypes. Most of which are related to people without clinical symptoms of diarrhea. Identification of AII, BIV, and BIII genotypes indicates the anthroponotic and anthropozoonotic transmission cycle of Giardia infection in Semnan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omidi Roya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dalimi Abdolhossein
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pirestani Majid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Archer J, Cunningham LJ, Juhàsz A, Jones S, Doull F, LaCourse JE, Mainga B, Makaula P, Kayuni SA, Musaya J, Stothard JR. Molecular Epidemiology and Assemblage Typing of Giardia duodenalis in School-Age Children Situated along the Southern Shoreline of Lake Malawi, Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:626-639. [PMID: 37549892 PMCID: PMC10484258 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0156] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost all human giardiasis infections are caused by Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B. Differentiation between human infections with these assemblages, as well as between single-assemblage (A or B) and mixed-assemblage (A and B) infections, is therefore needed to better understand the pathological impact of infection with either, or both, assemblages. We assessed the prevalence of G. duodenalis assemblages A and B using 305 fecal samples provided by school-age children situated along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi. Concurrently, intestinal pathology data were also collected to test for association(s) between assemblage infection status and intestinal health. Prevalence of G. duodenalis infection was 39.3% by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Of all identified infections, 32% were single G. duodenalis assemblage A and 32% were single G. duodenalis assemblage B, whereas 33% were mixed-assemblage infections. Fifteen unique G. duodenalis assemblage A and 13 unique G. duodenalis assemblage B β-giardin haplotypes were identified. There was a positive association between single infection with G. duodenalis assemblage B and both self-reporting of abdominal pain (odds ratio [OR]: 3.05, P = 0.004) and self-reporting of diarrhea (OR: 3.1, P = 0.003). No association between single infection with assemblage A and any form of intestinal pathology was found. Additionally, there was a positive association between mixed-assemblage infections and self-reporting of abdominal pain (OR: 3.1, P = 0.002). Our study highlights the importance G. duodenalis assemblage typing and reaffirms the need for improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Archer
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lucas J. Cunningham
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Juhàsz
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sam Jones
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ffion Doull
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James E. LaCourse
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bright Mainga
- Laboratory Department, Mangochi District Hospital, Mangochi, Malawi
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Programme of Clinical Tropical Research, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter Makaula
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Programme of Clinical Tropical Research, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Sekeleghe A. Kayuni
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Programme of Clinical Tropical Research, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- MASM Medi Clinics Limited, Medical Aid Society of Malawi, Area 12 Medi Clinic and Head Office, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Janelisa Musaya
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Programme of Clinical Tropical Research, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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31
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McGregor BA, Razmjou E, Hooshyar H, Seeger DR, Golovko SA, Golovko MY, Singer SM, Hur J, Solaymani-Mohammadi S. A shotgun metagenomic analysis of the fecal microbiome in humans infected with Giardia duodenalis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:239. [PMID: 37464386 PMCID: PMC10354925 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05821-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying the clinical outcome disparity during human infection with Giardia duodenalis are still unclear. In recent years, evidence has pointed to the roles of host factors as well as parasite's genetic heterogeneity as major contributing factors in the development of symptomatic human giardiasis. However, it remains contested as to how only a small fraction of individuals infected with G. duodenalis develop clinical gastrointestinal manifestations, whereas the majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic. Here, we demonstrate that diversity in the fecal microbiome correlates with the clinical outcome of human giardiasis. METHODS The genetic heterogeneity of G. duodenalis clinical isolates from human subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic giardiasis was determined using a multilocus analysis approach. We also assessed the genetic proximity of G. duodenalis isolates by constructing phylogenetic trees using the maximum likelihood. Total genomic DNA (gDNA) from fecal specimens was utilized to construct DNA libraries, followed by performing paired-end sequencing using the HiSeq X platform. The Kraken2-generated, filtered FASTQ files were assigned to microbial metabolic pathways and functions using HUMAnN 3.04 and the UniRef90 diamond annotated full reference database (version 201901b). Results from HUMAnN for each sample were evaluated for differences among the biological groups using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test with a post hoc Dunn test. RESULTS We found that a total of 8/11 (72.73%) human subjects were infected with assemblage A (sub-assemblage AII) of G. duodenalis, whereas 3/11 (27.27%) human subjects in the current study were infected with assemblage B of the parasite. We also found that the parasite's genetic diversity was not associated with the clinical outcome of the infection. Further phylogenetic analysis based on the tpi and gdh loci indicated that those clinical isolates belonging to assemblage A of G. duodenalis subjects clustered compactly together in a monophyletic clade despite being isolated from human subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic human giardiasis. Using a metagenomic shotgun sequencing approach, we observed that infected individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic giardiasis represented distinctive microbial diversity profiles, and that both were distinguishable from the profiles of healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify a potential association between host microbiome disparity with the development of clinical disease during human giardiasis, and may provide insights into the mechanisms by which the parasite induces pathological changes in the gut. These observations may also lead to the development of novel selective therapeutic targets for preventing human enteric microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A. McGregor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
| | - Elham Razmjou
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Hooshyar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Drew R. Seeger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
| | - Svetlana A. Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
| | - Mikhail Y. Golovko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
| | - Steven M. Singer
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
| | - Shahram Solaymani-Mohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND USA
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Hulverson MA, Michaels SA, Lee JW, Wendt KL, Tran LT, Choi R, Van Voorhis WC, Cichewicz RH, Ojo KK. Identification of Fungus-Derived Natural Products as New Antigiardial Scaffolds. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0064723. [PMID: 37039683 PMCID: PMC10269678 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00647-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need for effective therapies for treating diseases associated with the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia. In this study, a library of chemically validated purified natural products and fungal extracts was screened for chemical scaffolds that can inhibit the growth of G. lamblia. The phenotypic screen led to the identification of several previously unreported classes of natural product inhibitors that block the growth of G. lamblia. Hits from phenotypic screens of these naturally derived compounds are likely to possess a variety of mechanisms of action not associated with clinically used nitroimidazole and thiazolide compounds. They may therefore be effective against current drug-resistant parasite strains. IMPORTANCE There is a direct link between widespread prevalence of clinical giardiasis and poverty. This may be one of the reasons why giardiasis is a significant contributor to diarrheal morbidity, stunting, and death of children in resource-limited communities around the world. FDA-approved treatments for giardiasis include metronidazole, related nitroimidazole drugs, and albendazole. However, a substantial number of clinical infections are resistant to these treatments. The depth of the challenge is partly exacerbated by a lack of investment in the discovery and development of novel agents for treatment of giardiasis. Applicable interventions must include new drug development strategies that will result in the identification of effective therapeutics, particularly those that are inexpensive and can be quickly advanced to clinical uses, such as products from nature. This study identified novel chemical scaffolds from fungi that can form the basis of future medicinal chemistry optimization of novel antigiardial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Hulverson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Samantha A. Michaels
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Karen L. Wendt
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Linh T. Tran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ryan Choi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wesley C. Van Voorhis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert H. Cichewicz
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kayode K. Ojo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Giallourou N, Arnold J, McQuade ETR, Awoniyi M, Becket RVT, Walsh K, Herzog J, Gulati AS, Carroll IM, Montgomery S, Quintela PH, Faust AM, Singer SM, Fodor AA, Ahmad T, Mahfuz M, Mduma E, Walongo T, Guerrant RL, Balfour Sartor R, Swann JR, Kosek MN, Bartelt LA. Giardia hinders growth by disrupting nutrient metabolism independent of inflammatory enteropathy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2840. [PMID: 37202423 PMCID: PMC10195804 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38363-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia (Giardia) is among the most common intestinal pathogens in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although Giardia associates with early-life linear growth restriction, mechanistic explanations for Giardia-associated growth impairments remain elusive. Unlike other intestinal pathogens associated with constrained linear growth that cause intestinal or systemic inflammation or both, Giardia seldom associates with chronic inflammation in these children. Here we leverage the MAL-ED longitudinal birth cohort and a model of Giardia mono-association in gnotobiotic and immunodeficient mice to propose an alternative pathogenesis of this parasite. In children, Giardia results in linear growth deficits and gut permeability that are dose-dependent and independent of intestinal markers of inflammation. The estimates of these findings vary between children in different MAL-ED sites. In a representative site, where Giardia associates with growth restriction, infected children demonstrate broad amino acid deficiencies, and overproduction of specific phenolic acids, byproducts of intestinal bacterial amino acid metabolism. Gnotobiotic mice require specific nutritional and environmental conditions to recapitulate these findings, and immunodeficient mice confirm a pathway independent of chronic T/B cell inflammation. Taken together, we propose a new paradigm that Giardia-mediated growth faltering is contingent upon a convergence of this intestinal protozoa with nutritional and intestinal bacterial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Giallourou
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Centre of Excellence in Biobanking and Biomedical Research, Molecular Medicine Research Center, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Jason Arnold
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke Microbiome Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Muyiwa Awoniyi
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rose Viguna Thomas Becket
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Global Health and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy Herzog
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ajay S Gulati
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ian M Carroll
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Steven M Singer
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anthony A Fodor
- The University of North Carolina Charlotte, Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Charlotte, USA
| | - Tahmeed Ahmad
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafa Mahfuz
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Esto Mduma
- Haydom Global Health Research Centre, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Haydom, Tanzania
| | - Thomas Walongo
- Haydom Global Health Research Centre, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Haydom, Tanzania
| | - Richard L Guerrant
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, The University of Virginia Charlottesville, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - R Balfour Sartor
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan R Swann
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Margaret N Kosek
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, The University of Virginia Charlottesville, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Luther A Bartelt
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Global Health and the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Wielinga C, Williams A, Monis P, Thompson RCA. Proposed taxonomic revision of Giardia duodenalis. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2023; 111:105430. [PMID: 36972861 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, Giardia enterica, Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia are the synonyms for a species complex of 8-11 phylogenetically distinct species of Giardia infecting a broad range of animals including humans. Retrospective alignment of 8409 gene sequences from 3 loci confirmed host associations of Assemblages and sub-Assemblages within this species complex and molecular species delimitation testing confirmed that the Assemblages and sub-Assemblages AI and AII should be recognised as distinct species. It is recommended to synonymise the Assemblages with historic species descriptions based on host associations and consider descriptions for new species where no corresponding description exists. Synonyms, Giardia duodenalis, Giardia intestinalis and Giardia enterica, to be removed from synonymy: synonymise "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage AI" syn. n. to Giardia duodenalis (Davaine, 1875), Kofoid and Christansen, 1915, synonymise "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage AII" syn. n. to Giardia intestinalis (Lambl, 1859; Blanchard, 1885), Alexeieff, 1914 and synonymise "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage B" syn. n. to Giardia enterica (Grassi, 1881a), Kofoid, 1920. Host specific Assemblages synonymised: synonymise canid-associated "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage C" syn. n. to Giardia canisHegner, 1922; synonymise artiodactyl-associated "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage E" syn. n. to Giardia bovisFantham, 1921; synonymise feline-associated "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage F" syn. n. to Giardia catiDeschiens, 1925; and synonymise rodent-associated "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage G" syn. n. to Giardia simoniLavier, 1924. New description for parasite type infecting specific host: canid-associated "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage D" named Giardia lupus, sp. n. (LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1651A8CB-CBA8-40D9-AB59-D4AB11AC18A3). New proposed names and descriptions for consideration for parasite types infecting specific hosts: cervid-associated "Giardia duodenalis-sub-Assemblage AIII" for consideration "cervus" and Pinnipedia-associated "Giardia duodenalis-Assemblage H" for consideration "pinnipedis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Wielinga
- School of Veterinary and Health Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Andrew Williams
- School of Veterinary and Health Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Paul Monis
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Health Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
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35
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Onursal A, Icgen B. Wastewater treatment plants discharges disseminated more Giardia than Cryptosporidium. Water Environ Res 2023; 95:e10839. [PMID: 36751137 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are causative agents for giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, respectively. These infections are mostly associated with waterborne diseases. The discharges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that reach surface waters cause waterborne transmission because there are no regulations for monitoring these protozoa. This emphasizes how crucial the removal capacities of WWTPs to prevent the spread of infectious parasitic pathogens. For this reason, in this study, five different types of WWTPs including conventional activated sludge (CAS), biological nutrient removal (BNR), sequencing batch reactor (SBR), membrane bioreactor (MBR), and WWTP with coagulation-flocculation and UV disinfection (CoFlUV) units were investigated over a year, seasonally in terms of their G. intestinalis and C. parvum removal capacities. The seasonal abundances of these protozoa-specific genes in both the influents and effluents of each WWTP were determined by qPCR. The reduction of protozoan rDNA copies in the effluent wastewater samples compared with the influent wastewater samples was assessed as log10 reduction values (LRVs). LRVs >3 were reachable for C. parvum in all types of WWTPs tested. However, only LRVs 1-2 were reachable for G. intestinalis in CAS, SBR, CoFlUV, and MBR. Significant seasonal variations were just observed in SBR and CAS for G. intestinalis and C. parvum (p < 0.05), respectively. The findings depicted that WWTPs tested disseminated more giardiasis causative agents than cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, G. intestinalis needs to be monitored in WWTPs' discharges to reduce any potential damage of this parasite to public health. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Removal of G. intestinalis and C. parvum in WWTPs was affected by the process. LRV 2.92 was the highest LRV achieved for G. intestinalis. LRV >3 was reachable for C. parvum. WWTPs discharges disseminated more G. intestinalis than C. parvum. WWTPs effluents should be monitored in terms of G. intestinalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Onursal
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Icgen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
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Park YJ, Cho HC, Jang DH, Park J, Choi KS. Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea in the Republic of Korea. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279533. [PMID: 36638106 PMCID: PMC9838842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279533] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that infects humans, companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. Infections in cattle caused by this parasite are often asymptomatic, but such infections can cause diarrhea, reduced weight gain, and ill-thrift in young calves. Although G. duodenalis causes diarrhea in calves, only a few studies have been conducted on calves in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of G. duodenalis assemblages in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea in the ROK, identify the association between the occurrence of G. duodenalis and the age of calf, and perform molecular characterization of G. duodenalis. We collected 455 fecal samples from pre-weaned native Korean calves (≤60 days old) with diarrhea in four different regions. G. duodenalis was detected using nested PCR targeting the beta-giardin (bg) gene, and positive samples were further genotyped for the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in calves with diarrhea was 4.4% (20/455) based on the analysis of bg. The highest prevalence was observed in calves aged 11-30 days (7.5%; 95% confidence interval: 3.7%-11.3%), whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in neonatal calves. From the 20 samples that were positive for bg, 16, 5, and 6 sequences were obtained following genotyping of bg, gdh, and tpi, respectively. Sequencing analysis of the bg gene revealed the presence of assemblage E (n = 15) and sub-assemblage AⅠ (n = 1) in the samples. Moreover, we detected mixed infections with assemblages E and A in two calves for the first time. Among the sequences obtained herein, two new subtypes of assemblage E were detected in gdh and tpi sequences each. The results suggest that G. duodenalis is an infectious agent causing diarrhea in calves, and pre-weaned calves are at a higher risk of infection than neonatal calves. Multilocus genotyping should be performed to confirm the presence of potentially zoonotic genotypes. These results highlight the importance of cattle as a source of zoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Chul Cho
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Jang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Morales-Luna L, Hernández-Ochoa B, Martínez-Rosas V, Navarrete-Vázquez G, Ortega-Cuellar D, Rufino-González Y, González-Valdez A, Arreguin-Espinosa R, Franco-Vásquez AM, Pérez de la Cruz V, Enríquez-Flores S, Martínez-Conde C, Canseco-Ávila LM, Gómez-Chávez F, Gómez-Manzo S. Giardia lamblia G6PD::6PGL Fused Protein Inhibitors Decrease Trophozoite Viability: A New Alternative against Giardiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214358. [PMID: 36430836 PMCID: PMC9697976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatments to combat giardiasis have been reported to have several drawbacks, partly due to the drug resistance and toxicity of current antiparasitic agents. These constraints have prompted many researchers to investigate new drugs that act against protozoan parasites. Enzyme inhibition is an important means of regulating pathogen metabolism and has recently been identified as a significant alternative target in the search for new treatments. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconolactonase (G6PD::6PGL) is a bifunctional enzyme involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia). The G. lamblia enzyme is unusual since, unlike the human enzyme, it is a fused enzyme. Here, we show, through inhibition assays, that an in-house chemical library of 120 compounds and four target compounds, named CNZ-7, CNZ-8, CMC-1, and FLP-2, are potent inhibitors of the G. lamblia G6PD::6PGL fused enzyme. With a constant (k2) of 2.3, 3.2, and 2.8 M−1 s−1, respectively, they provoke alterations in the secondary and tertiary protein structure and global stability. As a novel approach, target compounds show antigiardial activity, with IC50 values of 8.7, 15.2, 15.3, and 24.1 µM in trophozoites from G. lamblia. Moreover, these compounds show selectivity against G. lamblia, since, through counter-screening in Caco-2 and HT29 human cells, they were found to have low toxicity. This finding positions these compounds as a potential and attractive starting point for new antigiardial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Morales-Luna
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Víctor Martínez-Rosas
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
- Programa de Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico
| | - Daniel Ortega-Cuellar
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Yadira Rufino-González
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Abigail González-Valdez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Roberto Arreguin-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Adrián Marcelo Franco-Vásquez
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biomoléculas y Salud Infantil, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Carlos Martínez-Conde
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico
| | - Luis Miguel Canseco-Ávila
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Campus IV, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tapachula City 30700, Mexico
| | - Fernando Gómez-Chávez
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Osteoarticulares e Inmunológicas, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07320, Mexico
| | - Saúl Gómez-Manzo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-1084-0900 (ext. 1442)
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Seabolt MH, Roellig DM, Konstantinidis KT. Genomic comparisons confirm Giardia duodenalis sub-assemblage AII as a unique species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1010244. [PMID: 36325462 PMCID: PMC9618722 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1010244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a parasitic flagellated protozoan which infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans, and is subdivided into at least eight genetic assemblages commonly thought to represent cryptic species. Molecular studies have shown that G. duodenalis assemblage A, which parasitizes humans and animals, contains several phylogenetically distinct groupings known as sub-assemblages. Molecular studies employing poor phylogenetic-resolution markers routinely recover these sub-assemblages, implying that they represent evolutionarily distinct clades and possibly cryptic species, a hypothesis which is supported by epidemiologic trends. Here, we further tested this hypothesis by using available data from 41 whole genomes to characterize sub-assemblages and coalescent techniques for statistical estimation of species boundaries coupled to functional gene content analysis, thereby assessing the stability and distinctiveness of clades. Our analysis revealed two new sub-assemblage clades as well as novel signatures of gene content geared toward differential host adaptation and population structuring via vertical inheritance rather than recombination or panmixia. We formally propose sub-assemblage AII as a new species, Giardia hominis, while preserving the name Giardia duodenalis for sub-assemblage AI. Additionally, our bioinformatic methods broadly address the challenges of identifying cryptic microbial species to advance our understanding of emerging disease epidemiology, which should be broadly applicable to other lower eukaryotic taxa of interest. Giardia hominis n. sp. Zoobank LSID: urn:lsid: zoobank.org:pub:4298F3E1-E3EF-4977-B9DD-5CC59378C80E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H. Seabolt
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Public Health Office, Leidos Inc., Reston, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew H. Seabolt, ; Konstantinos T. Konstantinidis,
| | - Dawn M. Roellig
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Konstantinos T. Konstantinidis
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew H. Seabolt, ; Konstantinos T. Konstantinidis,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Giardia is a common intestinal parasite worldwide, and infection can be associated with clear, and sometimes persistent symptomatology. However, in children in high-prevalence settings, it is most often not associated with or is perhaps even protective against acute diarrhea. Nonetheless, recent longitudinal studies in high-prevalence settings increasingly identify an association with long-term outcomes that has been difficult to discern. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have made progress in disentangling this apparent paradox. First, prospective, well characterized cohort studies have repeatedly identified associations between Giardia infection, gut function, and child growth. Second, experimental animal and in-vitro models have further characterized the biological plausibility that Giardia could impair intestinal function and subsequently child development through different pathways, depending upon biological and environmental factors. Finally, new work has shed light on the potential for Giardia conspiring with specific other gut microbes, which may explain discrepant findings in the literature, help guide future higher resolution analyses of this pathogen, and inform new opportunities for intervention. SUMMARY Recent prospective studies have confirmed a high, if not universal, prevalence of persistent Giardia infections in low-and-middle income countries associated with child-growth shortfalls and altered gut permeability. However, the predominance of subclinical infections limits understanding of the true clinical impact of endemic pediatric giardiasis, and global disease burdens remain uncalculated. Integrating the role of Giardia in multipathogen enteropathies and how nutritional, microbial, metabolic, and pathogen-strain variables influence Giardia infection outcomes could sharpen delineations between pathogenic and potentially beneficial attributes of this enigmatic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dougherty
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Rex Digestive Healthcare, UNC REX Healthcare, Raleigh
| | - Luther A. Bartelt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Hadi WS, Salman RS, Al-Fahham AA, Faryad Khan MU, Kadir S, Laft MH, Saeed BQ, Kadhum WR, Jalil AT, Kadhim MM. Evaluation of IL-17 and IL-35 in patients with giardiasis in Thi-Qar province, Iraq. J Med Life 2022; 15:1096-1099. [PMID: 36415524 PMCID: PMC9635227 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0328] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium, and Blastocystis are some parasites primarily responsible for human infections. Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis, is a common pathogenic protozoan found in the human duodenum and jejunum that causes giardiasis. This study collected stool and blood samples from patients with diarrhea aged less than 1 month to 15 years, from September 2020 to December 2020, in Thi-Qar province. Our study aimed to reveal the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia using direct microscopy examination and detect some immunological parameters such as IL-17 and IL-35 in patients infected with giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wed Shakir Hadi
- Directorate of Dhi Qar Education, Ministry of Education, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Rabab Shaker Salman
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Chemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Thi Qar University, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | | | - Sunarto Kadir
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia
| | | | - Balsam Qubais Saeed
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah,United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
- Corresponding Author: Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq. E-mail: Mustafa Mohammed Kadhim, Department of Dentistry, Kut College University, Kut, Iraq. College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq. E-mail:
| | - Mustafa Mohammed Kadhim
- Department of Dentistry, Kut College University, Kut, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Corresponding Author: Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq. E-mail: Mustafa Mohammed Kadhim, Department of Dentistry, Kut College University, Kut, Iraq. College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq. E-mail:
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Vioque F, Dashti A, Santín M, Ruiz-Fons F, Köster PC, Hernández-Castro C, García JT, Bailo B, Ortega S, Olea PP, Arce F, Chicharro C, Nieto J, González F, Viñuela J, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Wild micromammal host spectrum of zoonotic eukaryotic parasites in Spain. Occurrence and genetic characterisation. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2926-e2942. [PMID: 35752461 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Micromammals have historically been recognized as highly contentious species in terms of the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans. Limited information is currently available on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild micromammals. We examined 490 faecal samples, grouped into 155 pools, obtained from 11 micromammal species captured in 11 Spanish provinces for the presence of DNA from Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. The presence of Leishmania spp. was investigated in individual spleen samples. All micromammal species investigated harboured infections by at least one eukaryotic parasite, except Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Sorex coronatus and Sciurus vulgaris, but the sample size for these host species was very low. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most prevalent species found (3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-5.7), followed by G. duodenalis (2.8%, 95% CI: 1.6-4.6) and E. bieneusi (2.6%, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3). All pooled faecal samples tested negative for Blastocystis sp. Leishmania infantum was identified in 0.41% (95% CI: 0.05-1.46) of the 490 individual spleen samples analysed. Sequence analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium andersoni (5.9%), C. ditrichi (11.7%), C. muris (5.9%), C. parvum (5.9%), C. tyzzeri (5.9%), rat genotypes CR97 (5.9%) and W19 (5.9%), vole genotypes V (11.7%) and VII (5.9%) and Cryptosproridium spp. (35.3%) within Cryptosporidium (n = 17). Known genotypes C (66.7%) and Peru11 (25.0%) and a novel genotype (named MouseSpEb1, 8.3%) were detected within E. bieneusi (n = 12). None of the G. duodenalis-positive samples could be genotyped at the assemblage level. Molecular data indicate that wild micromammals were primarily infected by rodent-adapted species/genotypes of eukaryotic pathogens and thereby have a limited role as a source of human infections. The presence of ruminant-adapted species C. andersoni along with finding C. parvum is indicative of an overlap between domestic/peri-domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Vioque
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- EnvironmentalMicrobial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jesus T García
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Ortega
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Research on Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Arce
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Nieto
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Viñuela
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Grajeda BI, De Chatterjee A, Villalobos CM, Pence BC, Ellis CC, Enriquez V, Roy S, Roychowdhury S, Neumann AK, Almeida IC, Patterson SE, Das S. Giardial lipid rafts share virulence factors with secreted vesicles and participate in parasitic infection in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:974200. [PMID: 36081774 PMCID: PMC9445159 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.974200] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia, a protozoan parasite, is a major cause of waterborne infection, worldwide. While the trophozoite form of this parasite induces pathological symptoms in the gut, the cyst form transmits the infection. Since Giardia is a noninvasive parasite, the actual mechanism by which it causes disease remains elusive. We have previously reported that Giardia assembles cholesterol and GM1 glycosphingolipid-enriched lipid rafts (LRs) that participate in encystation and cyst production. To further delineate the role of LRs in pathogenesis, we isolated LRs from Giardia and subjected them to proteomic analysis. Various cellular proteins including potential virulence factors—e.g., giardins, variant surface proteins, arginine deaminases, elongation factors, ornithine carbomyltransferases, and high cysteine-rich membrane proteins—were found to be present in LRs. Since Giardia secretes virulence factors encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that induce proinflammatory responses in hosts, EVs released by the parasite were isolated and subjected to nanoparticle tracking and proteomic analysis. Two types of EV—i.e., small vesicles (SVs; <100 nm, exosome-like particles) and large vesicles (LVs; 100–400 nm, microvesicle-like particles)—were identified and found to contain a diverse group of proteins including above potential virulence factors. Although pretreatment of the parasite with two giardial lipid raft (gLR) disruptors, nystatin (27 μM) and oseltamivir (20 μM), altered the expression profiles of virulence factors in LVs and SVs, the effects were more robust in the case of SVs. To examine the potential role of rafts and vesicles in pathogenicity, Giardia-infected mice were treated with oseltamivir (1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg), and the shedding of cysts were monitored. We observed that this drug significantly reduced the parasite load in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that virulence factors partitioning in gLRs, released into the extracellular milieu via SVs and LVs, participate in spread of giardiasis and could be targeted for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian I. Grajeda
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Atasi De Chatterjee
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Carmen M. Villalobos
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Breanna C. Pence
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Cameron C. Ellis
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Vanessa Enriquez
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Sourav Roy
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Sukla Roychowdhury
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Aaron K. Neumann
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Steven E. Patterson
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Siddhartha Das
- Infectious Disease and Immunology, Border Biomedical Research Center and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Siddhartha Das,
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Chen HH, Deng Y, Li Z, Wang ZL, Run ZC, Zhang T, Cai YC, Zhang HW, Hu ZH, Chen JH, Tian LG, Li J. [Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia lamblia infections among colorectal cancer patients in Henan Province]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2022; 34:370-377. [PMID: 36116926 DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2022054] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and identify the risk factors of Giardia lamblia infections among patients with colorectal cancer in Henan Province. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed for questionnaire surveys among colorectal cancer patients in Henan Cancer Hospital during the period from March to July, 2021. Patients' stool samples were collected, and the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene of G. lamblia was amplified in stool samples using nested PCR assay to characterize the parasite genotype. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the risk factors of G. lamblia infections among colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS A total of 307 colorectal cancer patients were investigated, including 176 males (57.3%) and 131 females (42.7%). PCR assay detected 8.1% [95% confidential interval (CI): (0.056, 0.117)] prevalence of G. lamblia infections among the study subjects, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence between men [9.1%, 95% CI: (0.057, 0.143)] and women [6.9%, 95% CI: (0.037, 0.125)] (χ2 = 0.495, P = 0.482). In addition, there was no age-specific prevalence of G. lamblia infections among the participants (χ2 = 1.534, P = 0.675). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified use of septic tanks [odds ratio (OR) = 3.336, 95% CI: (1.201, 9.267)], daily use of well water [OR = 3.042, 95% CI: (1.093, 8.465)] and raising livestock [OR = 3.740, 95% CI: (1.154, 12.121)] as risk factors of G. lamblia infections among colorectal cancer patients, and the prevalence of abdominal pain was significantly greater in colorectal cancer patients with G. lamblia infections than in those without infections (P = 0.017). Among the 25 patients with G. lamblia infections, assemblage A was characterized in 24 (96.0%) cases and assemblage B in one case (4.0%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of G. lamblia is high among colorectal cancer patients in Henan Province, and assemblage A is the dominant genotype of G. lamblia. Use of septic tanks, daily use of well water and raising livestock are risk factors of G. lamblia infections among patients with colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Co-first authors
| | - Y Deng
- Henan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450016, China
- Co-first authors
| | - Z Li
- Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Z L Wang
- Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Z C Run
- Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - T Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Y C Cai
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - H W Zhang
- Henan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450016, China
| | - Z H Hu
- Research Base of National Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin and Vector-borne Infectious Diseases of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - J H Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - L G Tian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases and Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - J Li
- Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
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Li D, Deng H, Zheng Y, Zhang H, Wang S, He L, Zhao J. First Characterization and Zoonotic Potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Pigs in Hubei Province of China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:949773. [PMID: 35899055 PMCID: PMC9309367 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.949773] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic protozoa parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. Pigs are reservoir hosts for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, which can transmit cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis to humans and other animals. The current study sought to investigate the infection rates and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in pigs in Hubei of China. The nested PCR and sequence analyses of the small ribosomal subunit RNA (SSU rRNA) gene for Cryptosporidium spp. and the β-giardin (bg) gene for G. duodenalis was utilized to screen for the infection of those parasites in a total of 826 fresh fecal samples. Both Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infection rates were 0.97% (8/826). Of the genotyped positive isolates, 6/8 (75%) were C. scrofarum and 2/8 (25%) were C. suis, while two zoonotic species G. duodenalis assemblage E and assemblage A were also detected in 7/8 (87.5%) isolates and 1/8 (12.5%) isolates, respectively. The findings suggest that both of those parasites in pig in intensive farms of Hubei province, China, pose a potential public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaxin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Junlong Zhao,
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Kifleyohannes T, Nødtvedt A, Debenham JJ, Tysnes KR, Terefe G, Robertson LJ. Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in humans in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: an unexpectedly low occurrence of anthropozoonotic transmission. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106450. [PMID: 35395229 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Enteric protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are among the leading causes of diarrhoea in children. These parasites have particular impact in low- and middle-income countries. In these countries, people often live in close contact with their animals, highlighting the potential role of zoonotic routes of transmission in disease spread. The occurrence and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis infecting humans in Tigray, Ethiopia were investigated, along with the risk associated with infection. Stool samples from 249 asymptomatic people (4-80 years of age) in four rural districts in Tigray and 58 from symptomatic young children (1-33 months) attending health centres in Mekelle, Tigray's main city, were analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Participants in the rural areas completed questionnaires regarding potential risk factors, with emphasis on livestock contact and sources of water. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection was 6% and 5% in people in the rural districts and young children from Mekelle, respectively; equivalent figures for Giardia infection were 29% and 14%. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates revealed C. ubiquitum, subtype XIIa in a sample from rural districts, and C. hominis subtype IdA17 (1 sample) and IbA9G3 (2 samples) in infants from Mekelle with diarrhoea. For Giardia, Assemblage B predominated (22/25; 88%), but we also identified three samples with Assemblage A (AII). Our major finding was that, despite the close contact between people and livestock in our rural study sites, transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia between humans and their animals seems to be surprisingly uncommon. Our results are discussed in relation to other relevant studies, and also draws attention to the possibility that introduction of zoonotic species and/or subtypes, such as C. parvum, could have serious consequences for both human and animal health. As our study was conducted in Tigray, further investigation in different settings in Ethiopia could provide relevant information on transmission and zoonotic potential, and the potential for spread of zoonotic transmission. In addition, given the importance of these two parasites in causing diarrhoea in children, this information is vital for developing effective appropriate interventions against transmission that can be applied not only in Tigray or Ethiopia, but throughout Africa and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegabirhan Kifleyohannes
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
| | - Ane Nødtvedt
- Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - John James Debenham
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Kristoffer R Tysnes
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Getachew Terefe
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Dashti A, Alonso H, Escolar-Miñana C, Köster PC, Bailo B, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Evaluation of a Novel Commercial Real-Time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0053122. [PMID: 35502919 PMCID: PMC9241732 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00531-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica are the most common diarrhea-causing protozoan species globally. Misdiagnosis is a concern for asymptomatic and chronic infections. Multiplexing, i.e., the detection of more than one parasite in a single test by real-time PCR, allows high diagnostic performance with favorable cost-effectiveness. We conducted a clinical evaluation of the VIASURE Cryptosporidium, Giardia, & E. histolytica real-time PCR assay (CerTest Biotec, San Mateo de Gállego, Spain) against a large panel (n = 358) of well-characterized DNA samples positive for Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 96), G. duodenalis (n = 115), E. histolytica (n = 25), and other parasitic species of the phyla Amoebozoa (n = 11), Apicomplexa (n = 14), Euglenozoa (n = 8), Heterokonta (n = 42), Metamonada (n = 37), Microsporidia (n = 4), and Nematoda (n = 6). DNA samples were obtained from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates in a national reference center. Estimated sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 and 0.99 for Cryptosporidium spp., 0.94 and 1 for G. duodenalis, and 0.96 and 1 for E. histolytica, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 1 and 0.98 for Cryptosporidium spp., 0.99 and 0.98 for G. duodenalis, and 1 and 0.99 for E. histolytica, respectively. The assay identified six Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium canis, Cryptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium scrofarum, and Cryptosporidium ryanae) and four G. duodenalis assemblages (A, B, C, and F). The VIASURE assay provides rapid and accurate simultaneous detection and identification of the most commonly occurring species and genetic variants of diarrhea-causing parasitic protozoa in humans. IMPORTANCE Thorough independent assessment of the diagnostic performance of novel diagnostic assays is essential to ascertain their true usefulness and applicability in routine clinical practice. This is particularly true for commercially available kits based on multiplex real-time PCR aimed to detect and differentiate multiple pathogens in a single biological sample. In this study, we conducted a clinical evaluation of the VIASURE Cryptosporidium, Giardia, & E. histolytica real-time PCR assay (CerTest Biotec) for the detection and identification of the diarrhea-causing enteric protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. histolytica. A large panel of well-characterized DNA samples from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates from a reference center was used for this purpose. The VIASURE assay demonstrated good performance for the routine testing of these pathogens in clinical microbiological laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Henar Alonso
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatrics, Radiology, and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Cristina Escolar-Miñana
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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Asghari A, Motazedian MH, Asgari Q, Shamsi L, Sarkari B, Shahabi S, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B. Occurrence, genetic characterization, and zoonotic importance of Giardia duodenalis in various species of rodents (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 85:101812. [PMID: 35429925 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a well-known flagellated parasite and the causative agent of protozoal diarrhea in animals and humans worldwide. Current study was aimed at determination of G. duodenalis prevalence, genetic variation and zoonotic significance in various species of rodents in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. In brief, 120 fecal specimens were collected from rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus) during May up to November 2021 and microscopically examined for Giardia cysts. Further molecular characterization of positive samples was done by nested-PCR, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. A total prevalence of 3.3% (4/120) was observed in rodents, with highest rate in black rats [5% (2/40)]. Regarding brown rats and house mice, only one sample was found to be positive, showing 2.5% and 2.5% prevalence, respectively. It is noteworthy that Giardia B and G assemblages were found in black rats (one case/genotype), whereas the only positive samples from brown rats and house mice were characterized as assemblage G. The major findings of the present study were the presence of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic Giardia assemblages in examined rats in Shiraz and the potential of black rats to harbor Giardia infection to humans. These concerns should be taken seriously in terms of public health. Nevertheless, the true epidemiology and assemblage distribution of Giardia is still open to question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Rojas L, Grüttner J, Ma’ayeh S, Xu F, Svärd SG. Dual RNA Sequencing Reveals Key Events When Different Giardia Life Cycle Stages Interact With Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862211. [PMID: 35573800 PMCID: PMC9094438 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862211] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a protozoan parasite causing diarrheal disease, giardiasis, after extracellular infection of humans and other mammals’ intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of the upper small intestine. The parasite has two main life cycle stages: replicative trophozoites and transmissive cysts. Differentiating parasites (encysting cells) and trophozoites have recently been shown to be present in the same regions of the upper small intestine, whereas most mature cysts are found further down in the intestinal system. To learn more about host-parasite interactions during Giardia infections, we used an in vitro model of the parasite’s interaction with host IECs (differentiated Caco-2 cells) and Giardia WB trophozoites, early encysting cells (7 h), and cysts. Dual RNA sequencing (Dual RNAseq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both Giardia and the IECs, which might relate to establishing infection and disease induction. In the human cells, the largest gene expression changes were found in immune and MAPK signaling, transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress. The different life cycle stages of Giardia induced a core of similar DEGs but at different levels and there are many life cycle stage-specific DEGs. The metabolic protein PCK1, the transcription factors HES7, HEY1 and JUN, the peptide hormone CCK and the mucins MUC2 and MUC5A are up-regulated in the IECs by trophozoites but not cysts. Cysts specifically induce the chemokines CCL4L2, CCL5 and CXCL5, the signaling protein TRKA and the anti-bacterial protein WFDC12. The parasite, in turn, up-regulated a large number of hypothetical genes, high cysteine membrane proteins (HCMPs) and oxidative stress response genes. Early encysting cells have unique DEGs compared to trophozoites (e.g. several uniquely up-regulated HCMPs) and interaction of these cells with IECs affected the encystation process. Our data show that different life cycle stages of Giardia induce different gene expression responses in the host cells and that the IECs in turn differentially affect the gene expression in trophozoites and early encysting cells. This life cycle stage-specific host-parasite cross-talk is an important aspect to consider during further studies of Giardia’s molecular pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rojas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jana Grüttner
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Feifei Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan G. Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Staffan G. Svärd,
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49
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Hardin WR, Alas GCM, Taparia N, Thomas EB, Steele-Ogus MC, Hvorecny KL, Halpern AR, Tůmová P, Kollman JM, Vaughan JC, Sniadecki NJ, Paredez AR. The Giardia ventrolateral flange is a lamellar membrane protrusion that supports attachment. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010496. [PMID: 35482847 PMCID: PMC9089883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Attachment to the intestinal epithelium is critical to the lifestyle of the ubiquitous parasite Giardia lamblia. The ventrolateral flange is a sheet-like membrane protrusion at the interface between parasites and attached surfaces. This structure has been implicated in attachment, but its role has been poorly defined. Here, we identified a novel actin associated protein with putative WH2-like actin binding domains we named Flangin. Flangin complexes with Giardia actin (GlActin) and is enriched in the ventrolateral flange making it a valuable marker for studying the flanges' role in Giardia biology. Live imaging revealed that the flange grows to around 1 μm in width after cytokinesis, then remains uniform in size during interphase, grows in mitosis, and is resorbed during cytokinesis. A flangin truncation mutant stabilizes the flange and blocks cytokinesis, indicating that flange disassembly is necessary for rapid myosin-independent cytokinesis in Giardia. Rho family GTPases are important regulators of membrane protrusions and GlRac, the sole Rho family GTPase in Giardia, was localized to the flange. Knockdown of Flangin, GlActin, and GlRac result in flange formation defects. This indicates a conserved role for GlRac and GlActin in forming membrane protrusions, despite the absence of canonical actin binding proteins that link Rho GTPase signaling to lamellipodia formation. Flangin-depleted parasites had reduced surface contact and when challenged with fluid shear force in flow chambers they had a reduced ability to remain attached, confirming a role for the flange in attachment. This secondary attachment mechanism complements the microtubule based adhesive ventral disc, a feature that may be particularly important during mitosis when the parental ventral disc disassembles in preparation for cytokinesis. This work supports the emerging view that Giardia's unconventional actin cytoskeleton has an important role in supporting parasite attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Hardin
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Germain C. M. Alas
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nikita Taparia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth B. Thomas
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Melissa C. Steele-Ogus
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kelli L. Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Aaron R. Halpern
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pavla Tůmová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1 Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Justin M. Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Joshua C. Vaughan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nathan J. Sniadecki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Lab Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Alexander R. Paredez
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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50
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Ihara S, Miyamoto Y, Le CHY, Tran VN, Hanson EM, Fischer M, Hanevik K, Eckmann L. Conserved metabolic enzymes as vaccine antigens for giardiasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010323. [PMID: 35468132 PMCID: PMC9037923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010323] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a leading protozoal cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. Infection is associated with abdominal pain, malabsorption and weight loss, and protracted post-infectious syndromes. A human vaccine is not available against G. lamblia. Prior studies with human and murine immune sera have identified several parasite antigens, including surface proteins and metabolic enzymes with intracellular functions. While surface proteins have demonstrated vaccine potential, they can exhibit significant variation between G. lamblia strains. By comparison, metabolic enzymes show greater conservation but their vaccine potential has not been established. To determine whether such proteins can serve as vaccine candidates, we focused on two enzymes, α-enolase (ENO) and ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT), which are involved in glycolysis and arginine metabolism, respectively. We show in a cohort of patients with confirmed giardiasis that both enzymes are immunogenic. Intranasal immunization with either enzyme antigen in mice induced strong systemic IgG1 and IgG2b responses and modest mucosal IgA responses, and a marked 100- to 1,000-fold reduction in peak trophozoite load upon oral G. lamblia challenge. ENO immunization also reduced the extent and duration of cyst excretion. Examination of 44 cytokines showed only minimal intestinal changes in immunized mice, although a modest increase of CCL22 was observed in ENO-immunized mice. Spectral flow cytometry revealed increased numbers and activation state of CD4 T cells in the small intestine and an increase in α4β7-expressing CD4 T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes of ENO-immunized mice. Consistent with a key role of CD4 T cells, immunization of CD4-deficient and Rag-2 deficient mice failed to induce protection, whereas mice lacking IgA were fully protected by immunization, indicating that immunity was CD4 T cell-dependent but IgA-independent. These results demonstrate that conserved metabolic enzymes can be effective vaccine antigens for protection against G. lamblia infection, thereby expanding the repertoire of candidate antigens beyond primary surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sozaburo Ihara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Institute for Adult Diseases, Asahi Life Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Miyamoto
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christine H. Y. Le
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Vivien N. Tran
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Elaine M. Hanson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Marvin Fischer
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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