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Zhao W, Li Z, Sun Y, Li Y, Xue X, Zhang T, Huang H. Occurrence and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in diarrheic and asymptomatic children from South of Zhejiang province in China. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107341. [PMID: 39097254 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal pathogen that is found globally. Children are more susceptible and often suffer severe consequences after infection. Despite this, the health effects of this pathogen continue to be poorly understood and neglected. In Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, stool samples were obtained from 1032 children who were admitted to Yuying Children's Hospital. Out of these, 684 presented with diarrhea, while 348 were asymptomatic. The stool samples were screened for G. duodenali by targeting the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Subtypes of G. duodenalis were identified via amplification of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes in samples positive for the G. duodenalis. The findings indicated the presence of G. duodenalis in 0.9 % (9/1032) of the samples, with 9/684 (1.3 %) of the samples originating from children with diarrhea and none from the asymptomatic samples. All 9 samples that tested positive for G. duodenalis were determined to be of assemblage A. Of these, 6 samples were effectively genotyped at all 3 loci, resulting in the identification of 3 distinct MLGs: MLG-AII1 (n = 1), MLG-AII2 (n = 4), and MLG-AII2 (n = 1), all belonging to G. duodenalis assemblage AII. This was the first study that confirmed G. duodenalis infections in children residing in southern Zhejiang, China, with comparatively low rates of infection. The detection of G. duodenalis assemblage AII indicates a possibility of transfer from one human to another. The parasite's effect on the health of young children requires special attention and consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Zongxin Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanbin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yongtai Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xinjie Xue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Tiemin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Huicong Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
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Chen J, Zhou L, Cao W, Xu J, Yu K, Zhang T, Wang Y, Wang J, Huang H, Zhao W. Prevalence and assemblage identified of Giardia duodenalis in zoo and farmed Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) from the Heilongjiang and Fujian Provinces of China. Parasite 2024; 31:50. [PMID: 39212527 PMCID: PMC11363899 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Captive and free-living wildlife serve as significant hosts for Giardia duodenalis. Asiatic black bears, valued for their economic and medicinal importance, are extensively farmed in China and also prevalent in zoos. However, studies on G. duodenalis in these animals in China are limited. Here, 218 feces samples of Asiatic black bears were collected: 36 from a zoo in Heilongjiang Province, and 182 from a farm in Fujian Province. Nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene, followed by sequencing, was employed to determine the frequency and assemblage distribution of G. duodenalis. Positive samples underwent further analysis through multilocus genotyping (MLG) by amplifying the genes for glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), β-giardin (bg), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi). Of the 218 samples, G. duodenalis was detected in 22 cases at the SSU rRNA gene locus, including three from Heilongjiang and 19 from Fujian. Three assemblages were identified: A (n = 1), B (n = 16), and E (n = 2) in Fujian; and B (n = 3) in Heilongjiang. Out of the 22 positive samples, 20, 19, and 9 were effectively amplified and sequenced across the tpi, gdh, and bg loci, respectively. Seven samples were genotyped successfully at all three loci, identifying MLG-B1 (n = 1), MLG-B2 (n = 1), and MLG-B3 (n = 1), MLG-B4 (n = 1), MLG-B5 (n = 2), and MLG-B6 (n = 1) as the six assemblage B MLGs. This study marks the first documentation of G. duodenalis in Asiatic black bears in captivity in Fujian and Heilongjiang. The identification of zoonotic assemblages A and B, along with E, underscores potential public health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Liyuting Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Wenjie Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Junchen Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Kuai Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Jiayan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Huicong Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 PR China
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Popruk S, Tummatorn J, Sreesai S, Ampawong S, Thiangtrongjit T, Tipthara P, Tarning J, Thongsornkleeb C, Ruchirawat S, Reamtong O. Inhibition of Giardia duodenalis by isocryptolepine -triazole adducts and derivatives. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 26:100561. [PMID: 39151240 PMCID: PMC11377146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, a widespread parasitic flagellate protozoan causing giardiasis, affects millions annually, particularly impacting children and travellers. With no effective vaccine available, treatment primarily relies on the oral administration of drugs targeting trophozoites in the small intestine. However, existing medications pose challenges due to side effects and drug resistance, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic options. Isocryptolepine, derived from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, has demonstrated promising antimicrobial and anticancer properties. This study evaluated eighteen isocryptolepine-triazole adducts for their antigiardial activities and cytotoxicity, with ISO2 demonstrating potent antigiardial activity and minimal cytotoxicity on human intestinal cells. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant alterations in G. duodenalis metabolism upon ISO2 treatment, particularly affecting phospholipid metabolism. Notably, the upregulation of phytosphingosine and triglycerides, and downregulation of certain fatty acids, suggest a profound impact on membrane composition and integrity, potentially contributing to the parasite's demise. Pathway analysis highlighted glycerophospholipid metabolism, cytochrome b5 family heme/steroid binding domain, and P-type ATPase mechanisms as critical pathways affected by ISO2 treatment, underscoring its importance as a potential target for antigiardial therapy. These findings shed light on the mode of action of ISO2 against G. duodenalis and provide valuable insights for further drug development. Moreover, the study also offers a promising avenue for the exploration of isocryptolepine derivatives as novel therapeutic agents for giardiasis, addressing the urgent need for more effective and safer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jumreang Tummatorn
- Program on Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Suthasinee Sreesai
- Central Equipment Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Tipparat Thiangtrongjit
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phornpimon Tipthara
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charnsak Thongsornkleeb
- Program on Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Somsak Ruchirawat
- Program on Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand; Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6, Laksi, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Basheer Mohammed A. Incidence and Molecular Detection of Genotypes for Giardia lamblia Isolated From Children in Zakho District, Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Cureus 2024; 16:e66626. [PMID: 39258049 PMCID: PMC11386297 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a significant intestinal protozoan in humans worldwide, with a high incidence of infection in developing countries, particularly among children. Molecular analysis has identified eight assemblages (A to H), with A and B more frequently associated with human infections. Regardless of its importance, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on assemblages in Giardia lamblia adopted in the Zakho district, province of Duhok, Iraq. The present study aimed to determine the giardiasis infection rate and identify the assemblages of Giardia lamblia in children from four areas in the Zakho district. We collected fecal samples and conducted a microscopic examination. Genomic DNA was extracted, and assemblage identification was done via amplification of the gdh gene using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Out of 31 Giardia-positive samples, 23 were successfully amplified through semi-nested PCR. Nineteen isolates (82.60%) were assigned to assemblage B, and four (17.40%) to assemblage A. Assemblage B was identified as belonging to sub-assemblages B11 and B1V, while assemblage A was identified as sub-assemblages A1 and A11. This study provides insights about Giardia lamblia assemblages in the Zakho district, Duhok province, Iraq, and may serve as a beginning step toward understanding the molecular characterization of Giardia in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Basheer Mohammed
- Molecular Biology/Biology Department, Faculty of Science University of Zakho, Zakho, IRQ
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Gonçalves GHP, Leal DAG, Roratto PA, de Souza Junior JC, Souza SS, Peruchi AR, Nunes AJD, da Silva Filho HH, Hirano ZMB, Giongo A, Greinert-Goulart JA. Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis in free-living and captive howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in southern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 52:101048. [PMID: 38880578 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) are the group that most share infectious agents with humans due to their close taxonomic relationship. The southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) are endemic primates from Brazil and Argentina's Atlantic Forest. This study aimed to investigate the presence of intestinal parasites in free-living (FL) and captive (CA) southern brown howler monkeys. Thirty-nine stool samples were collected in two areas in southern Brazil, 15 FL and 24 CA. Stool sediments obtained by centrifugal sedimentation technique were used for microscopic analysis and direct immunofluorescence assay and evaluated by molecular analysis through amplification and sequencing of TPI fragments. Intestinal parasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Trypanoxyuris minutus were detected at coproparasitological analysis. This is the first report of the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in free-living howlers. The molecular characterization of G. duodenalis isolates indicated assemblage B for the first time found in free-living A. guariba clamitans. The high prevalence of G. duodenalis transmission in CA howler monkeys can be explained by direct contact with humans and frequent soil contact. The presence of a potentially zoonotic assemblage in these animals indicates that the process of fragmentation and cohabitation with humans and livestock affects the wildlife, thus indicating a need for eco-health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Henrique Pereira Gonçalves
- Graduate Program in Environmental Engineering, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Department of Natural Sciences, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Suzana Santos Souza
- Department of Natural Sciences, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | - Hercílio Higino da Silva Filho
- Department of Natural Sciences, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Howler Project, Indaial Biological Research Center, Indaial, SC, Brazil.
| | - Zelinda Maria Braga Hirano
- Department of Natural Sciences, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Howler Project, Indaial Biological Research Center, Indaial, SC, Brazil
| | - Adriana Giongo
- Graduate Program in Environmental Engineering, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Juliane Araújo Greinert-Goulart
- Graduate Program in Environmental Engineering, Regional University of Blumenau, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Gabrielli S, Milardi GL, Scarinci L, Fanì C, Trotta M. Comparative performance evaluation of four different methods for diagnosing Giardia infection in dogs and zoonotic assemblages' identification. Vet Parasitol 2024; 329:110192. [PMID: 38749124 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. intestinalis or G. lamblia) is a parasitic protozoan that infects the upper intestinal tract of a broad range of hosts, including humans and domestic animals. Thus, it has raised concerns about the public health risk due to companion animals. Recently, with the improvement of living standards and increasing contacts between pets and humans, the zoonotic transmission of Giardia has dramatically increased. From a genetic point of view, G. duodenalis should be viewed as a complex species that includes eight different species-specific genetic assemblages. The laboratory diagnosis is mainly based on the finding of microscopic cysts in stool samples by coprological examination. Other methods include the detection of antigens, immunoassays or PCR protocols, which allow the identification of Giardia assemblages. The study aimed to compare the performance of Direct Fluorescence Antibody test (DFA), zinc sulfate flotation technique (ZnSO4), rapid diagnostic test (RDT), end-point PCR amplification (PCR) for the detection of Giardia and to identify the concerning assemblages in a canine population from Central Italy. Direct fluorescence antibody test is the reference standard for laboratory diagnosis of Giardia in fecal samples from dogs, despite the microscopic examination after flotation remains the most useful method in many veterinary diagnostic centers. The present findings demonstrate the high performance of DFA and ZnSO4 in detecting Giardia, while RDT may be useful as alternative or complementary method to the DFA and ZnSO4. PCR performance was low, but it allowed determining Giardia B zoonotic assemblage in 25% of the PCR-positive specimens (15 out of 60), while the remaining PCR-positive isolates belonged to the dog-specific assemblage C. The 26% prevalence of G. duodenalis detected by DFA in owned dogs and the identification of potentially zoonotic assemblages underline the potential risk for public health and indicate frequent cross-species transmission of the parasite between humans and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Luigi Milardi
- CDVet Research, Laboratorio Analisi Veterinarie, Via Giovanni Nicotera 7, Roma 00195, Italy
| | - Ludovica Scarinci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Fanì
- CDVet Research, Laboratorio Analisi Veterinarie, Via Giovanni Nicotera 7, Roma 00195, Italy
| | - Michele Trotta
- CDVet Research, Laboratorio Analisi Veterinarie, Via Giovanni Nicotera 7, Roma 00195, Italy
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González Maciel A, Rosas López LE, Romero-Velázquez RM, Ramos-Morales A, Ponce-Macotela M, Calderón-Guzmán D, Trujillo-Jiménez F, Alfaro-Rodríguez A, Reynoso-Robles R. Postnatal zinc deficiency due to giardiasis disrupts hippocampal and cerebellar development. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012302. [PMID: 38950061 PMCID: PMC11244800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardiasis and zinc deficiency have been identified as serious health problems worldwide. Although Zn depletion is known to occur in giardiasis, no work has investigated whether changes occur in brain structures. METHODS Three groups of gerbils were used: control (1), orogastrically inoculated on day 3 after birth with trophozoites of two isolates of Giardia intestinalis (HGINV/WB) group (2 and 3). Estimates were made at five ages covering: establishment of infection, Giardia population growth, natural parasite clearance and a post-infection age. QuantiChrome zinc assay kit, cresyl violet staining and TUNEL technique were used. RESULTS A significant decrease (p<0.01) in tissue zinc was observed and persisted after infection. Cytoarchitectural changes were observed in 75% of gerbils in the HGINV or WB groups. Ectopic pyramidal neurons were found in the cornus ammonis (CA1-CA3). At 60 and 90 days of age loss of lamination was clearly visible in CA1. In the dentate gyrus (DG), thinning of the dorsal lamina and abnormal thickening of the ventral lamina were observed from 30 days of age. In the cerebellum, we found an increase (p<0.01) in the thickness of the external granular layer (EGL) at 14 days of age that persisted until day 21 (C 3 ± 0.3 μm; HGINV 37 ± 5 μm; WB 28 ± 3 μm); Purkinje cell population estimation showed a significant decrease; a large number of apoptotic somas were observed scattered in the molecular layer; in 60 and 90 days old gerbils we found granular cell heterotopia and Purkinje cell ectopia. The pattern of apoptosis was different in the cerebellum and hippocampus of parasitized gerbils. CONCLUSION The morphological changes found suggest that neuronal migration is affected by zinc depletion caused by giardiasis in early postnatal life; for the first time, the link between giardiasis-zinc depletion and damaged brain structures is shown. This damage may explain the psychomotor/cognitive delay associated with giardiasis. These findings are alarming. Alterations in zinc metabolism and signalling are known to be involved in many brain disorders, including autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica González Maciel
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Morphology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Elizabeth Rosas López
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Morphology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Romero-Velázquez
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Morphology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrea Ramos-Morales
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Morphology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Ponce-Macotela
- Laboratory of Experimental Parasitology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Calderón-Guzmán
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Alfonso Alfaro-Rodríguez
- Division of Neurosciences, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Reynoso-Robles
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Morphology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
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Yang D, Liu Y, Ren Y, Hao L, Zhang X, Chen H, Liu J. Giardia intestinalis extracellular vesicles induce changes in gene expression in human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108788. [PMID: 38759775 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Giardiasis is a common waterborne zoonotic disease caused by Giardia intestinalis. Upon infection, Giardia releases excretory and secretory products (ESPs) including secreted proteins (SPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Although the interplay between ESPs and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) has been previously described, the functions of EVs in these interactions and their differences from those of SPs require further exploration. In the present study, EVs and EV-depleted SPs were isolated from Giardia ESPs. Proteomic analyses of isolated SPs and EVs showed 146 and 91 proteins, respectively. Certain unique and enriched proteins have been identified in SPs and EVs. Transcriptome analysis of Caco-2 cells exposed to EVs showed 96 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 56 upregulated and 40 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that Caco-2 genes related to metabolic processes, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the cAMP signaling pathway were affected. This study provides new insights into host-parasite interactions, highlighting the potential significance of EVs on IECs during infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China; College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yingnan Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yupeng Ren
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lili Hao
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, China
| | - Hongjun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Biosafety Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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Myint YY, Aung WPP, Wanchai M, Intapan PM, Sanpool O, Wai AP, Maw WW. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Giardia intestinalis Infestation and Assemblage of Isolates Among Monastery Primary School Children in Yangon, Myanmar. Cureus 2024; 16:e64155. [PMID: 39119432 PMCID: PMC11308980 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis is one of the major causes of diarrhea among children. To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and genotype of Giardia intestinalis, a cross-sectional descriptive study was done on stool samples of 462 children attending three monastery primary schools from North Okkalapa Township in Yangon, Myanmar from January 2016 to February 2019. Socioeconomic data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Direct wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, and trichrome staining techniques were used for the primary identification and then molecular identification was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing assay. G. intestinalis was identified in 11.7% (54/462) of students. There was no significant association with water source (p=0.948) and drinking untreated water (p=0.595). The infection was more common in children with low-educated parents, unsanitary garbage disposal practices, and no restrooms. All isolates were G. intestinalis assemblage B. This is the first study characterizing human isolates in a lower region of Myanmar, at the molecular level [MOU1]. These findings pointed out the high prevalence of G. intestinalis among primary school children from densely populated and low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yi Myint
- Microbiology, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Yangon, MMR
| | - Win Pa Pa Aung
- Microbiology, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Yangon, MMR
| | | | - Pewpan M Intapan
- Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, THA
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Khen, THA
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Khen, THA
| | - Aung Phyo Wai
- Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane Univeristy, Izumo, JPN
| | - Win Win Maw
- Microbiology, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Yangon, MMR
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de Queiroz AA, França EL, Gadenz GRB, Dalcin LDL, Fujimori M, França DCH, Gomes MA, Honorio-França AC. Correlation between Melatonin and Colostral Regulatory T Cells in Giardia lamblia Infection. Biomolecules 2024; 14:744. [PMID: 39062459 PMCID: PMC11275092 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) that affects people worldwide. Still, few studies report on the immunoregulatory effects of the biomolecules of colostrum during interactions with G. lamblia. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of melatonin and cortisol hormones, the percentage of Treg cells, and the levels of cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β in colostrum from mothers who tested positive for the parasite. This cross-sectional study analyzed colostrum samples from 25 puerperal. The samples were tested using an ELISA to determine if they were seropositive for G. lamblia and the type of antibody present (IgM and IgG). Based on the results, the samples were divided into three groups: a control group (N = 10) with no reaction to either IgM or IgG, a group seropositive for IgG (IgG+/IgM-; N = 8), and a group seropositive for IgM (IgM+/IgG-; N = 7). The concentrations of melatonin and cortisol were measured using the ELISA method. Additionally, cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β and immunophenotyping were analyzed using flow cytometry. In the group that tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia, the concentration of melatonin was lower. However, in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgG anti-G. lamblia, the level of this hormone had increased. The cortisol levels were similar between the groups, regardless of seropositivity. There was a higher percentage of Treg cells in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. TGF-β levels also increased in the colostrum of mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. In the seronegative group for G. lamblia, there was a positive correlation between melatonin concentration and the percentage of Treg cells. These data suggest that the increase in regulatory cells and cytokines and the reduction in melatonin in colostrum from mothers with recent giardia infection may contribute to the evolution and manifestation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriele Ataides de Queiroz
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (A.A.d.Q.); (M.A.G.)
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
| | - Eduardo Luzía França
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
| | - Gabriella Regina Borges Gadenz
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
| | - Letícia Damas Leão Dalcin
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
| | - Mahmi Fujimori
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
| | - Danielle Cristina Honorio França
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
| | - Maria Aparecida Gomes
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; (A.A.d.Q.); (M.A.G.)
| | - Adenilda Cristina Honorio-França
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças 31270-901, Brazil; (E.L.F.); (G.R.B.G.); (L.D.L.D.); (M.F.); (D.C.H.F.)
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11
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Ihara S, Nguyen BV, Miyamoto Y, Eckmann L. Mucosal vaccination in a murine gnotobiotic model of Giardia lamblia infection. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0006524. [PMID: 38722167 PMCID: PMC11237505 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00065-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is an important protozoan cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, delayed development and cognitive impairment in children in low- and middle-income countries, and protracted post-infectious syndromes in developed regions. G. lamblia resides in the lumen and at the epithelial surface of the proximal small intestine but is not mucosa invasive. The protozoan parasite is genetically diverse with significant genome differences across strains and assemblages. Animal models, particularly murine models, have been instrumental in defining mechanisms of host defense against G. lamblia, but mice cannot be readily infected with most human pathogenic strains. Antibiotic pretreatment can increase susceptibility, suggesting that the normal microbiota plays a role in controlling G. lamblia infection in mice, but the broader implications on susceptibility to diverse strains are not known. Here, we have used gnotobiotic mice to demonstrate that robust intestinal infection can be achieved for a broad set of human-pathogenic strains of the genetic assemblages A and B. Furthermore, gnotobiotic mice were able to eradicate infection with a similar kinetics to conventional mice after trophozoite challenge. Germ-free mice could also be effectively immunized by the mucosal route with a protective antigen, α1-giardin, in a manner dependent on CD4 T cells. These results indicate that the gnotobiotic mouse model is powerful for investigating acquired host defenses in giardiasis, as the mice are broadly susceptible to diverse G. lamblia strains yet display no apparent defects in mucosal immunity needed for controlling and eradicating this lumen-dwelling pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sozaburo Ihara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Brian V Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yukiko Miyamoto
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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12
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Hagen KD, Hart CJS, McInally SG, Dawson SC. Harnessing the power of new genetic tools to illuminate Giardia biology and pathogenesis. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae038. [PMID: 38626297 PMCID: PMC11151923 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia is a prevalent single-celled microaerophilic intestinal parasite causing diarrheal disease and significantly impacting global health. Double diploid (essentially tetraploid) Giardia trophozoites have presented a formidable challenge to the development of molecular genetic tools to interrogate gene function. High sequence divergence and the high percentage of hypothetical proteins lacking homology to proteins in other eukaryotes have limited our understanding of Giardia protein function, slowing drug target validation and development. For more than 25 years, Giardia A and B assemblages have been readily amenable to transfection with plasmids or linear DNA templates. Here, we highlight the utility and power of genetic approaches developed to assess protein function in Giardia, with particular emphasis on the more recent clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/Cas9-based methods for knockdowns and knockouts. Robust and reliable molecular genetic approaches are fundamental toward the interrogation of Giardia protein function and evaluation of druggable targets. New genetic approaches tailored for the double diploid Giardia are imperative for understanding Giardia's unique biology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari D Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Christopher J S Hart
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Shane G McInally
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Scott C Dawson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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13
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Lagunas-Rangel FA. Exploration of Giardia small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and their possible microRNA derivatives. Parasitology 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38767317 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202400060x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that are abundant in the nucleoli of eukaryotic cells and play a crucial role in various aspects of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation, including modifications such as 2′-O-methylation or pseudouridylation. On the other hand, Giardia duodenalis is a microaerophilic, flagellated, binucleate protozoan responsible for causing giardiasis. Although numerous snoRNAs have been detected in Giardia, their investigation remains limited. Nevertheless, they have been found to play a crucial role in the rRNA precursor processing pathway and influence other cellular functions. In addition, it has been proposed that some microRNAs are generated from these snoRNAs through excision by the Giardia endoribonuclease Dicer. These microRNAs are believed to contribute to the regulation of antigenic variation, which allows the parasite to evade the host immune response. Specifically, they play a role in modulating variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) and other cysteine-rich surface antigens (CSAs). The main objective of this study was to bring together the available data on snoRNAs in Giardia, uncovering their functions in various processes and their importance on a global scale. In addition, the research delved into potential microRNAs speculated to originate from snoRNAs, exploring their impact on cellular processes.
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14
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Menezes SA, Tasca T. Extracellular vesicles in parasitic diseases - from pathogenesis to future diagnostic tools. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105310. [PMID: 38316376 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are still a major public health problem especially among individuals of low socioeconomic status in underdeveloped countries. In recent years it has been demonstrated that parasites can release extracellular vesicles that participate in the host-parasite communication, immune evasion, and in governing processes associated with host infection. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound structures released into the extracellular space that can carry several types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites, which directly impact the target cells. Extracellular vesicles have attracted wide attention due to their relevance in host-parasite communication and for their potential value in applications such as in the diagnostic biomarker discovery. This review of the literature aimed to join the current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in host-parasite interaction and summarize its molecular content, providing information for the acquisition of new tools that can be used in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. These findings shed light to the potential of extracellular vesicle cargo derived from protozoan parasites as novel diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulo Almeida Menezes
- Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
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15
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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] [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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16
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Elmahallawy EK, Gareh A, Ghallab MMI, Köster PC, Dashti A, Aboelsoued D, Toaleb NI, Alzaylaee H, Gonzálvez M, Saleh AA, Alhegaili AS, Eldehn AF, Hernández-Castro C, Bailo B, González-Barrio D, Carmena D. Microscopy detection and molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis infection in outpatients seeking medical care in Egypt. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1377123. [PMID: 38645455 PMCID: PMC11026549 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Giardiosis remains one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic infections globally. Earlier molecular-based studies conducted in Egypt have primarily focused on paediatric clinical populations and most were based on single genotyping markers. As a result, there is limited information on the frequency and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis infections in individuals of all age groups. Methods Individual stool samples (n = 460) from outpatients seeking medical care were collected during January-December 2021 in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, northern Egypt. Initial screening for the presence of G. duodenalis was conducted by coprological examination. Microscopy-positive samples were further confirmed by real-time PCR. A multilocus sequence typing approach targeted amplification of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes was used for genotyping purposes. A standardised epidemiological questionnaire was used to gather basic sociodemographic and clinical features of the recruited patients. Results Giardia duodenalis cysts were observed in 5.4% (25/460, 95% CI: 3.6-7.9) of the stool samples examined by conventional microscopy. The infection was more frequent in children under the age of 10 years and in individuals presenting with diarrhoea but without reaching statistical significance. Stool samples collected during the winter period were more likely to harbour G. duodenalis. All 25 microscopy-positive samples were confirmed by real-time PCR, but genotyping data was only available for 56.0% (14/25) of the isolates. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (78.6%, 11/14) and B (21.4%, 3/14). All assemblage A isolates were identified as sub-assemblage AII, whereas the three assemblage B sequences belonged to the sub-assemblage BIII. Patients with giardiosis presenting with diarrhoea were more frequently infected by the assemblage A of the parasite. Conclusion This is one of the largest epidemiological studies evaluating G. duodenalis infection in individuals of all age groups in Egypt. Our molecular data suggest that G. duodenalis infections in the surveyed population are primarily of anthropic origin. However, because assemblages A and B are zoonotic, some of the infections identified can have an animal origin. Additional investigations targeting animal (domestic and free-living) and environmental (water) samples are warranted to better understand the epidemiology of giardiosis in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. I. Ghallab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa Ibrahim Toaleb
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hind Alzaylaee
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Amira A. Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Alaa S. Alhegaili
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Fathy Eldehn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kasr Al-Ainy Medical School, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- 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, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases (CIBER), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Eiler DR, Wimberly BT, Bilodeau DY, Taliaferro JM, Reigan P, Rissland OS, Kieft JS. The Giardia lamblia ribosome structure reveals divergence in several biological pathways and the mode of emetine function. Structure 2024; 32:400-410.e4. [PMID: 38242118 PMCID: PMC10997490 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a deeply branching protist and a human pathogen. Its unusual biology presents the opportunity to explore conserved and fundamental molecular mechanisms. We determined the structure of the G. lamblia 80S ribosome bound to tRNA, mRNA, and the antibiotic emetine by cryo-electron microscopy, to an overall resolution of 2.49 Å. The structure reveals rapidly evolving protein and nucleotide regions, differences in the peptide exit tunnel, and likely altered ribosome quality control pathways. Examination of translation initiation factor binding sites suggests these interactions are conserved despite a divergent initiation mechanism. Highlighting the potential of G. lamblia to resolve conserved biological principles; our structure reveals the interactions of the translation inhibitor emetine with the ribosome and mRNA, thus providing insight into the mechanism of action for this widely used antibiotic. Our work defines key questions in G. lamblia and motivates future experiments to explore the diversity of eukaryotic gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Eiler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Brian T Wimberly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Danielle Y Bilodeau
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - J Matthew Taliaferro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Philip Reigan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Olivia S Rissland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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18
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Zhao Z, Cao S, Sun M, Yang Q, Huang T, Yang X, Li J, Zhang X, Li X, Wang X, Jiang W, Gong P. Rapid visual detection of Giardia duodenalis in faecal samples using an RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a system. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:176. [PMID: 38573530 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08197-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection caused by Giardia duodenalis, which is a major economic and health burden for humans and livestock. Currently, a convenient and effective detection method is urgently needed. CRISPR/Cas12a-based diagnostic methods have been widely used for nucleic acid-based detection of pathogens due to their high efficiency and sensitivity. In this study, a technique combining CRISPR/Cas12a and RPA was established that allows the detection of G. duodenalis in faecal samples by the naked eye with high sensitivity (10-1 copies/μL) and specificity (no cross-reactivity with nine common pathogens). In clinical evaluations, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-based detection assay detected Giardia positivity in 2% (1/50) of human faecal samples and 47% (33/70) of cattle faecal samples, respectively, which was consistent with the results of nested PCR. Our study demonstrated that the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a technique for G. duodenalis is stable, efficient, sensitive, specific and has low equipment requirements. This technique offers new opportunities for on-site detection in remote and poor areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiteng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Songgao Cao
- Pingdu People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266700, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiankun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Taojun Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Yang
- Integrated Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Weina Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pengtao Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Zhang K, Shen H, Wang Y, Shen H, Zhang C, Zou X, Yu Y, Tian X, Wang Y. Identification of End-Binding 1 Protein as Novel α-4 Giardin-Binding Partners in Giardia lamblia Trophozoites. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:505-513. [PMID: 38206477 PMCID: PMC11001682 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00774-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia lamblia (syn. G. intestinalis, G. duodenalis) is a primitive opportunistic protozoon, and one of the earliest differentiated eukaryotes. Despite its primitive nature, G. lamblia has a sophisticated cytoskeleton system, which is closely related to its proliferation and pathogenicity. Meanwhile, α giardin is a G. lamblia-specific cytoskeleton protein, which belongs to the annexin superfamily. Interestingly, G. lamblia has 21 annexin-like α giardins, i.e., more than higher eukaryotes. The functional differences among α giardin members are not fully understood. METHODS We took α-4 giardin, a member of α giardin family, as a research object. A morpholino-mediated knockdown experiment was performed to identify the effect of α-4 giardin on G. lamblia trophozoites biological traits. A yeast two-hybrid cDNA library of G. lamblia strain C2 trophozoites was screened for interaction partners of α-4 giardin. Co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescent colocalization confirmed the relationship between G. lamblia EB1 (gEB1) and α-4 giardin. RESULTS α-4 Giardin could inhibit the proliferation and adhesion of G. lamblia trophozoites. In addition, it interacted with G. lamblia EB1 (gEB1). CONCLUSIONS α-4 Giardin was involved in proliferation and adhesion in G. lamblia trophozoites, and EB1, a crucial roles in mitosis, was an interacting partner of α-4 giardin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Hai'e Shen
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Hailin Shen
- The Second Hospital of Tangshan, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Chenshuo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Xu Zou
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Yuan Yu
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China.
| | - Xifeng Tian
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China.
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20
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Hoofien A, Kori M. Giardia lamblia Diagnosed During Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Clinical Manifestation, Histopathologic Findings and the Association With Celiac Disease. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:194-197. [PMID: 37963271 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia lamblia may be found incidentally during upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, including when biopsies are taken for celiac disease (CeD) diagnosis. We aimed to study the clinical presentation and histopathology of G. lamblia and determine its association with CeD. METHODS A retrospective case series of pediatric patients diagnosed with G. lamblia based on intestinal biopsies between January 1999 and January 2023. Baseline data; demographics, symptoms, celiac serology, stool testing, macroscopic and histopathologic findings. Follow-up data; treatment and repeated celiac serology. RESULTS Of 38 patients with G. lamblia , 15 (39.5%) were female, mean age of 6.7 (±4.8 SD) years. Clinical symptoms; GI 19/38 (50%), growth retardation and/or iron deficiency anemia 8/38 (21.1%) or a combination 11/38 (28.9%). Celiac serology was positive in 13/38 (34.2%). Duodenal endoscopic findings; normal (n = 23, 60.5%), nodularity (n = 12, 32.4%), erosions in 2 (5.4%) and scalloping in 1 (2.7%). Histopathology; normal villi 24/38 (63.2%), villous shortening with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) 5/38 (13.2%), isolated IEL 3/38 (7.9%) and duodenitis in 6/38 (15.8%). Children with positive CeD serology were younger (4 vs. 8.1 years, P = 0.019), had fewer GI symptoms (23.1% vs. 64%, P = 0.017) and a higher rate of villous shortening with increased IEL (38.5% vs. 0, P < 0.001) versus children with negative serology. On follow-up, metronidazole treatment was recommended to all but was documented to be given in 22/38 (57.9%). Among the 13 children with positive CeD serology, serology normalized in 10 (77%). CONCLUSIONS G. lamblia is a rare histopathologic finding in children. It may be an incidental finding in CeD or may cause false positive celiac serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Hoofien
- From the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Kori
- From the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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21
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Gutiérrez L, Bartelt L. Current Understanding of Giardia lamblia and Pathogenesis of Stunting and Cognitive Deficits in Children from Low- and Middle-Income Countries. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2024; 11:28-39. [PMID: 38993355 PMCID: PMC11238937 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-024-00314-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Giardia lamblia is a common intestinal parasite worldwide, mainly in children from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Also, it has been associated with increased intestinal permeability, stunting, and cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, the pathogenesis of long-term consequences is difficult to elucidate. Recent Findings Recent studies try to understand the long-term consequences of Giardia infections. First, well-characterized studies associate Giardia with intestinal damage and child growth. Second, infections appear not to be associated with inflammation, but "lack of inflammation" may not, however, entirely exclude a pro-inflammatory pathway. Finally, some important amino acids are lower and could contribute to prolongate stunting and cognitive deficit. Summary Giardia infections in LMIC used to be associated with child growth shortfalls, gut permeability, and cognitive deficits. Multifactorial effects could be associated with Giardia, including nutritional, altered microbiota, and generation of potentially toxic microbial metabolic byproducts, all together increasing risk of long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lester Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Luther Bartelt
- Departments of Medicine, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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22
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Hagemann CL, Macedo AJ, Tasca T. Therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides against pathogenic protozoa. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:122. [PMID: 38311672 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Protozoal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The use of several antiprotozoal drugs is associated with serious adverse effects and resistance development, and drugs that are more effective are urgently needed. Microorganisms, mammalian cells and fluids, insects, and reptiles are sources of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that act against pathogenic microorganisms; these AMPs have been widely studied as a promising alternative therapeutic option to conventional antibiotics, aiming to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. One advantage of AMP molecules is their adaptability, as they can be easily fine-tuned for broad-spectrum or targeted activity by changing the amino acid residues in their sequence. Consequently, these variations in structural and physicochemical properties can alter the antimicrobial activities of AMPs and decrease resistance development. This article presents an overview of peptide activities against amebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. AMPs and their analogs demonstrate great potential as therapeutics, with potent and selective activity, when compared with commercially available drugs, and hold the potential to act as new scaffolds for the development of novel anti-protozoal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Lobato Hagemann
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90610-000, Brazil.
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23
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Gomes-Gonçalves S, Santos-Silva S, Cruz AVS, Rodrigues C, Soeiro V, Barradas P, Mesquita JR. A Thorny Tale of Parasites: Screening for Enteric Protozoan Parasites in Hedgehogs from Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:326. [PMID: 38275786 PMCID: PMC10812701 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Enteric protozoan parasites, such as Blastocystis sp., Balantioides coli, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, may have implications for both animal and human health.Transmitted through the fecal-oral route, these parasites cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. This study investigated the presence of these enteric protozoan parasites and genetically characterized them in hedgehogs from Portugal. A total of 110 hedgehog stool samples were collected. Molecular detection methods showed an overall occurrence of protozoa in 1.82% (2/110 95% CI: 0.22-6.41) of hedgehogs, with Blastocystis being found in one hedgehog and Cryptosporidium being found in another. No evidence for the presence of B. coli or G. duodenalis was found. This study suggests that there is a need to stay aware of hedgehogs as potential hosts of enteric protozoa. Ongoing research and surveillance efforts are recommended to explore practical prevention and control strategies. The results contribute to the limited knowledge of these parasites in Portuguese hedgehog populations and underscore their potential relevance to both veterinary and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gomes-Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (A.V.S.C.)
| | - Andreia V. S. Cruz
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (A.V.S.C.)
| | - Clarisse Rodrigues
- Centro de Recuperação e Interpretação do Ouriço—CRIDO, 4470-372 Maia, Portugal;
| | - Vanessa Soeiro
- Parque Biológico de Gaia, 4430-812 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
| | - Patrícia Barradas
- 1H-TOXRUN—One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, CRL(CESPU, CRL), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - João R. Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (A.V.S.C.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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24
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Nevin WD, Jones J, Tupper D, Dunbar JAT, Wilson D, Ross D, Woolley S, Dodd J, Biswas J, Lamb L, Beeching NJ, O’Shea MK, Fletcher TE. Gastrointestinal parasite infections in Nepalese Gurkha recruits arriving in the United Kingdom from 2012-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011931. [PMID: 38277403 PMCID: PMC10849272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections are a major cause of global morbidity, infecting hundreds of millions of people each year and potentially leading to lifelong infection and serious complications. Few data exist on screening for GIP infections in migrants entering the UK or on the current performance of different traditional diagnostic approaches. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of GIP infections in Nepalese Gurkha recruits screened on arrival in the UK. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We present a retrospective analysis of data from screening male adults (18-21 years) who arrived in the UK from Nepal between 2012 and 2020. Three separate faecal samples were obtained from participants at weekly intervals and processed for formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA) concentration/light microscopy and charcoal culture. Serum samples were analysed for IgG antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis by ELISA. Results were available from 2,263 participants, of whom 463 (20.5%, 95% CI 18.8%-22.2%) had a positive diagnostic test for at least one GIP infection. A total of 525 potential infections were identified. Giardia duodenalis was most common (231/2263, 10.2%), followed by S. stercoralis (102/2263, 4.5%), and hookworm species (86/2263, 3.8%). Analysis (microscopy and culture) of the initial stool sample diagnosed only 244/427 (57.1%) faecally identified pathogens, including 41/86 (47.7%) hookworm infections. The proportion of participants infected with any GIP showed a downward trend over the study period. Log-binomial regression showed risk of infection decreasing by 6.1% year-on-year (95% CI 3.2% - 9.0%). This was driven predominantly by a fall in hookworm, S. stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura prevalence. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The level of potentially pathogenic GIP infection in young Nepalese men migrating to the UK is high (20.5%) and requires a combined diagnostic approach including serology and analysis of multiple stool samples incorporating specialised parasitological methods. Advances in molecular approaches may optimise and simplify the intensive screening strategy required.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D. Nevin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Jones
- Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Donna Tupper
- Medical Centre, Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, United Kingdom
| | - James A. T. Dunbar
- Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, United Kingdom
- 212 Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps, Defence Medical Services, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Headquarters Defence Medical Services Group, Defence Medical Directorate, ICT Building, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Ross
- Defence Public Health Unit, Defence Medical Services, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Woolley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James Dodd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Biswas
- Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Lamb
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Beeching
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew K. O’Shea
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. Fletcher
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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25
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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] [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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Gao WW, Zhang S, Zhang TH, Xiao HD, Su N, Tao MF, Wu ZX, Zhang ZD, Zhu XQ, Xie SC. Prevalence and Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Donkeys in Shanxi Province, North China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3771. [PMID: 38136808 PMCID: PMC10740759 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a ubiquitous flagellated protozoan, causing significant economic losses to animal husbandry and posing threats to public health. China ranks the world's sixth largest major producer of donkeys, rearing approximately 2.6 million donkeys in 2019, but limited investigation of G. duodenalis prevalence has been conducted in the past, and it is yet to be known whether donkeys in Shanxi Province are infected with G. duodenalis. In the present study, a total of 815 fecal samples collected from donkeys in representative regions of Shanxi Province, North China, were examined for G. duodenalis using nested PCR. Then, the assemblages and multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were examined based on three established loci: namely, β-giardin (bg), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh). The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in donkeys in Shanxi Province was 16.81% (137/815). The region was identified as the main risk factor for the observed difference in G. duodenalis prevalence in donkeys among the three study areas (χ2 = 21.611, p < 0.001). Assemblages A, E, and B were identified, with the latter as the predominant assemblage. Three MLGs (MLG-novel-1 to 3) were formed based on sequence variation among the three loci. The present study reveals the presence of G. duodenalis in donkeys in Shanxi Province, North China, for the first time, which not only enriches the data on the distribution of G. duodenalis in donkeys in China but also provides useful baseline data for planning control strategies against G. duodenalis infection in the sampled areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Tian-Hong Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Han-Dan Xiao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Nan Su
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Meng-Fan Tao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan 030031, China;
| | - Ze-Xuan Wu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Ze-Dong Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (S.Z.); (T.-H.Z.); (H.-D.X.); (N.S.); (Z.-X.W.); (Z.-D.Z.); (X.-Q.Z.)
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Kanski S, Weber K, Busch K. [Feline and canine giardiosis: An Update]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:411-421. [PMID: 38056479 DOI: 10.1055/a-2191-1723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a facultative pathogenic intestinal parasite. Giardiosis in dogs and cats may appear with or without clinical signs. Typical signs include diarrhea with or without vomiting. The prevalence in young animals is high and may amount to up to 50%. There are 8 different genotypes (A - H), which are called assemblages. Assemblages C and D are most common in dogs and assemblage F most frequent in cats. However, animals may also be infected with the zoonotically effective assemblages A and B or exhibit mixed infections. The immunofluorescence test (IFA), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fecal centrifugation using zinc sulphate solution are currently recommended as diagnostic methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be used to determine the corresponding assemblage. Approved treatments for giardiosis include fenbendazole and metronidazole. In addition, undertaking specific hygiene measures is warranted. Only animals showing clinical signs or those living in the same household with high-risk patients (e. g. immunosuppressed humans) are recommended to receive medication. The aim of treatment is clinical improvement of the diseased dogs and cats. Frequently, complete elimination of Giardia is not attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Kanski
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Karin Weber
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Kathrin Busch
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Sun J, Qin Z, Fu Y, Qin H, Sun M, Dong H, Chao L, Zhang L, Li J. Assessment of potential zoonotic transmission of Giardia duodenalis from dogs and cats. One Health 2023; 17:100651. [PMID: 38116451 PMCID: PMC10728314 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is one of the major causes of diarrhea among humans, especially in young children. Statistical analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis in humans, dogs, and cats was 9.72% (10,921/112383), 15.60% (7510/48140), and 14.53% (1125/7740), respectively. Unquestionably, the canine-specific assemblages C and D and the feline-specific assemblage F were the dominant genotypes in dogs and cats, respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblages (A and B) in dogs and cats was 23.07% (875/3792) and 41.42% (169/408), respectively, implying that the potential transmission of G. duodenalis from dogs and cats to human infection cannot be ignored. The highest frequency of potentially zoonotic assemblages was found among working dogs (3.55%, 25/705) and the 1-5 age group (22.92%, 11/48). In summary, dogs and cats have a significant role in the zoonotic transmission of G. duodenalis due to their close contact with humans and the higher frequency presence of zoonotic assemblages. Further studies are necessary to explore the presence of G. duodenalis among humans and animals and in environmental samples. Researchers should adopt a one-health approach to gain a deeper understanding of G. duodenalis in dogs and cats and potential transmission routes to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ziyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Mengqing Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Haiju Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Liqin Chao
- Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Song YF, Chu MJ, Huang F, Liu Y, Lu HH, Li SA, Wang SY. First report of prevalence and assemblage analysis of Giardia duodenalis in pigs from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. Parasite 2023; 30:51. [PMID: 38015007 PMCID: PMC10683581 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal protozoan that can cause diarrhea and intestinal disease in animals and in humans. However, the prevalence and assemblages of G. duodenalis in pigs from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have not been reported. In this study, a total of 724 fecal samples (201 from nursery pigs, 183 from piglets, 175 from breeding pigs, and 165 from fattening pigs) were obtained in four areas of the region (Nanning, Yulin, Hezhou, and Guigang). The gene of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) of G. duodenalis was amplified by nested PCR. The results show that the prevalence of G. duodenalis in pigs was 3.59% (26/724), of which 14 samples belonged to assemblage A (53.85%) and 12 samples belonged to assemblage E (46.15%). The infection rates of G. duodenalis in Hezhou, Yulin, Nanning, and Guigang were 0%, 0.7%, 10.8% and 1.1%, respectively (χ2 = 45.616, p < 0.01); whereas 5.1% of breeding pigs, 6.0% of piglets, 2.4% of fattening pigs, and 1.0% of nursery pigs were infected with G. duodenalis (χ2 = 8.874, p < 0.05). The SSU rRNA-positive samples were amplified by PCR based on the β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triphosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Ten, eight and seven positive samples were detected, respectively. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the three genetic loci sequences, a multilocus genotyping A1 was found. The findings of this study provide basic data for the development of prevention and control of G. duodenalis infections in pigs and humans in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Fei Song
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture Nanning 530007 China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Meng-Jie Chu
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture Nanning 530007 China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Fei Huang
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture Nanning 530007 China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Yang Liu
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture Nanning 530007 China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Hui-Hong Lu
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture Nanning 530007 China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Si-Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou 350002 China
| | - Shu-Yan Wang
- Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture Nanning 530007 China
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Nosala C, Hagen KD, Guest SL, Hilton NA, Müller A, Laue M, Klotz C, Aebischer A, Dawson SC. Dynamic ventral disc contraction is necessary for Giardia attachment and host pathology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.04.547600. [PMID: 37461436 PMCID: PMC10349954 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.04.547600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a common parasitic protist that infects the small intestine and causes giardiasis, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and malabsorption. Giardiasis leads to cellular damage, including loss of microvilli, disruption of tight junctions, impaired barrier function, enzyme inhibition, malabsorption, and apoptosis. In the host, motile Giardia trophozoites attach to the duodenal microvilli using a unique microtubule organelle called the ventral disc. Despite early observations of disc-shaped depressions in microvilli after parasite detachment, little is known about disc-mediated attachment mechanisms and there little direct evidence showing that parasite attachment causes cellular damage. However, advancements in in vitro organoid models of infection and genetic tools have opened new possibilities for studying molecular mechanisms of attachment and the impact of attachment on the host. Through high-resolution live imaging and a novel disc mutant, we provide direct evidence for disc contraction during attachment, resolving the long-standing controversy of its existence. Specifically, we identify three types of disc movements that characterize contraction, which in combination result in a decrease in disc diameter and volume. Additionally, we investigate the consequences of attachment and disc contractility using an attachment mutant that has abnormal disc architecture. In a human organoid model, we demonstrate that this mutant has a limited ability to break down the epithelial barrier as compared to wild type. Based on this direct evidence, we propose a model of attachment that incorporates disc contraction to generates the forces required for the observed "grasping" of trophozoites on the host epithelium. Overall, this work highlights the importance of disc contractility in establishing and maintaining parasite attachment, leading to intestinal barrier breakdown.
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Gomes N, Ferreira-Sa L, Alves N, Dallago B, Moraes A, Carvalho JL, Nitz N, Hagström L, Braz S, Machado ER, Gurgel-Gonçalves R, Hecht M. Uncovering the effects of Giardia duodenalis on the balance of DNA viruses and bacteria in children's gut microbiota. Acta Trop 2023; 247:107018. [PMID: 37673134 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The neglected parasitosis giardiasis is one of the most common intestinal infections worldwide, affecting mainly infants and young children. Giardia duodenalis may disturb the local microbiome, leading to intestinal ecosystem disorders, and altering different processes in the host, such as the immune response. Nevertheless, the alterations promoted by G. duodenalis on the human gut microbiome have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we characterized the gut microbiota of G. duodenalis-infected children and determine the main alterations promoted by the parasite. To do so, fecal samples of 26 infected and four uninfected children aged 2 to 6 years old were processed for High Efficiency Microarray analysis, in order to describe their bacterial and viral profiles. Then, we quantified the total bacterial population by qPCR and assessed fecal calprotectin levels, which are closely related with gut inflammation. A total of 286 bacteria's species and 17 viruses' strains were identified. Our results revealed no statistically significant differences between G. duodenalis positive and negative groups in the taxa's phyla and families. However, bacterial species diversity was increased in children infected with G. duodenalis (p < 0.05), while the total number of bacteria was decreased (p < 0.05). Considering the virome analysis, 17 different strains were identified, 88% being bacteriophages. The correlation analysis revealed an important disruption in the balance of DNA virus and bacteria within the intestinal microbiota of Giardia-positive children. Our findings constitute the first description of the gut virome of Giardia-infected children and suggest that G. duodenalis infection exerts a modulatory effect on the gut microbiome, promoting local inflammation and altering the equilibrium of the parasite-microbiota-host triad. This highlights the importance of considering polymicrobial associations and understanding the broader context of giardiasis. Overall, our study provides new insights into the complex interactions between intestinal parasites and the microbiota, which may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nélio Gomes
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lana Ferreira-Sa
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nayra Alves
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dallago
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Aline Moraes
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Nadjar Nitz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Luciana Hagström
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Shélida Braz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Eleuza Rodrigues Machado
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology and Vector Biology Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana Hecht
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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España-Cueto S, Oliveira-Souto I, Salvador F, Goterris L, Treviño B, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Serre-Delcor N, Sulleiro E, Rodríguez V, Aznar ML, Bosch-Nicolau P, Espinosa-Pereiro J, Pou D, Molina I. Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome following a diagnosis of traveller's diarrhoea: a comprehensive characterization of clinical and laboratory parameters. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad030. [PMID: 36881659 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms may persist after acute traveller's diarrhoea (TD), even after adequate treatment of the primary cause. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) after returning from tropical or subtropical areas. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients presenting between 2009 and 2018 at the International Health referral centre in Barcelona with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms following a diagnosis of TD. PI-IBS was defined as the presence of persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal manifestations for at least 6 months after the diagnosis of TD, a negative stool culture for bacterial pathogens and a negative ova and parasite exam after targeted treatment. Epidemiological, clinical and microbiological variables were collected. RESULTS We identified 669 travellers with a diagnosis of TD. Sixty-eight (10.2%) of these travellers, mean age 33 years and 36 (52.9%) women, developed PI-IBS. The most frequently visited geographical areas were Latin America (29.4%) and the Middle East (17.6%), with a median trip duration of 30 days (IQR 14-96). A microbiological diagnosis of TD was made in 32 of these 68 (47%) patients, 24 (75%) of whom had a parasitic infection, Giardia duodenalis being the most commonly detected parasite (n = 20, 83.3%). The symptoms persisted for a mean of 15 months after diagnosis and treatment of TD. The multivariate analysis revealed that parasitic infections were independent risk factors for PI-IBS (OR 3.0, 95%CI 1.2-7.8). Pre-travel counselling reduced the risk of PI-IBS (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2-0.9). CONCLUSIONS In our cohort, almost 10% of patients with travellers' diarrhoea developed persistent symptoms compatible with PI-IBS. Parasitic infections, mainly giardiasis, seem to be associated with PI-IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio España-Cueto
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain
- The Fight Infections Foundation, Badalona, Spain
| | - Inés Oliveira-Souto
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Goterris
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Treviño
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Serre-Delcor
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Aznar
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Espinosa-Pereiro
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Pou
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Fernandez‐Becerra C, Xander P, Alfandari D, Dong G, Aparici‐Herraiz I, Rosenhek‐Goldian I, Shokouhy M, Gualdron‐Lopez M, Lozano N, Cortes‐Serra N, Karam PA, Meneghetti P, Madeira RP, Porat Z, Soares RP, Costa AO, Rafati S, da Silva A, Santarém N, Fernandez‐Prada C, Ramirez MI, Bernal D, Marcilla A, Pereira‐Chioccola VL, Alves LR, Portillo HD, Regev‐Rudzki N, de Almeida IC, Schenkman S, Olivier M, Torrecilhas AC. Guidelines for the purification and characterization of extracellular vesicles of parasites. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e117. [PMID: 38939734 PMCID: PMC11080789 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Parasites are responsible for the most neglected tropical diseases, affecting over a billion people worldwide (WHO, 2015) and accounting for billions of cases a year and responsible for several millions of deaths. Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has increased in recent years and demonstrated that EVs shed by pathogenic parasites interact with host cells playing an important role in the parasite's survival, such as facilitation of infection, immunomodulation, parasite adaptation to the host environment and the transfer of drug resistance factors. Thus, EVs released by parasites mediate parasite-parasite and parasite-host intercellular communication. In addition, they are being explored as biomarkers of asymptomatic infections and disease prognosis after drug treatment. However, most current protocols used for the isolation, size determination, quantification and characterization of molecular cargo of EVs lack greater rigor, standardization, and adequate quality controls to certify the enrichment or purity of the ensuing bioproducts. We are now initiating major guidelines based on the evolution of collective knowledge in recent years. The main points covered in this position paper are methods for the isolation and molecular characterization of EVs obtained from parasite-infected cell cultures, experimental animals, and patients. The guideline also includes a discussion of suggested protocols and functional assays in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Fernandez‐Becerra
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- IGTP Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i PujolBadalona (Barcelona)Spain
- CIBERINFECISCIII‐CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Patrícia Xander
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Daniel Alfandari
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - George Dong
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Iris Aparici‐Herraiz
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Mehrdad Shokouhy
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Melisa Gualdron‐Lopez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nicholy Lozano
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Nuria Cortes‐Serra
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Paula Abou Karam
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - Paula Meneghetti
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Rafael Pedro Madeira
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry UnitLife Sciences Core Facilities, WISRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e ToxicológicasFaculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)Belo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrasil
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Anabela‐Cordeiro da Silva
- Host‐Parasite Interactions GroupInstitute of Research and Innovation in HealthUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Host‐Parasite Interactions GroupInstitute of Research and Innovation in HealthUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | | | - Marcel I. Ramirez
- EVAHPI ‐ Extracellular Vesicles and Host‐Parasite Interactions Research Group Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de TripanossomatideosInstituto Carlos Chagas‐FiocruzCuritibaParanáBrasil
| | - Dolores Bernal
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències BiològiquesUniversitat de ValènciaBurjassotValenciaSpain
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i ParasitologiaUniversitat de ValènciaBurjassotValenciaSpain
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira‐Chioccola
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Fungos, Centro de Parasitologia e MicologiaInstituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL)São PauloBrasil
| | - Lysangela Ronalte Alves
- Laboratório de Regulação da Expressão GênicaInstituto Carlos ChagasFiocruz ParanáCuritibaBrazil
- Research Center in Infectious DiseasesDivision of Infectious Disease and Immunity CHU de Quebec Research CenterDepartment of MicrobiologyInfectious Disease and ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity LavalQuebec CityQuebecCanada
| | - Hernando Del Portillo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- IGTP Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i PujolBadalona (Barcelona)Spain
- ICREA Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avanc¸ats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Neta Regev‐Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - Igor Correia de Almeida
- Department of Biological SciencesBorder Biomedical Research CenterThe University of Texas at El PasoEl PasoTexasUSA
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Departamento de MicrobiologiaImunologia e Parasitologia, UNIFESPSão PauloBrazil
| | - Martin Olivier
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
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Hagen KD, Nosala C, Hilton N, Mueller A, Holthaus D, Laue M, Klotz C, Aebischer A, Dawson SC. The domed architecture of Giardias ventral disc is necessary for attachment and host pathogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.02.547441. [PMID: 37461435 PMCID: PMC10349935 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.02.547441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
After ingestion of dormant cysts, the widespread protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia colonizes the host gastrointestinal tract via direct and reversible attachment using a novel microtubule organelle, the ventral disc. Extracellular attachment to the host allows the parasite to resist peristaltic flow, facilitates colonization and is proposed to cause damage to the microvilli of host enterocytes as well as disrupt host barrier integrity. The 9 um in diameter ventral disc is defined by a highly complex architecture of unique protein complexes scaffolded onto a spiral microtubule (MT) array of one hundred parallel, uniformly spaced MT polymers that bend approximately one and a quarter turns to form a domed structure. To investigate the role of disc-mediated attachment in causing epithelial cell damage, we used a new approach to rapidly create a stable quadruple knockout of Giardia of an essential ventral disc protein, MBP, using a new method of CRISPR-mediated gene disruption with multiple positive selectable markers. MBP quadruple KO mutant discs lack the characteristic domed architecture and possess a flattened crescent or horseshoe-shaped conformation that lacks the overlapping region, with severe defects in the microribbon-crossbridge (MR-CB) complex structure. MBP KO mutants are also unable to resist fluid flow required for attachment to inert surfaces. Importantly, MBP KO mutants have 100% penetrance off positive selection, which is essential for quantification of in vivo impacts of disc and attachment mutants with host cells. Using a new gastrointestinal organoid model of pathogenesis, we found that MBP KO infections had a significantly reduced ability to cause the barrier breakdown characteristic of wild-type infections. Overall, this work provides direct evidence of the role of MBP in creating the domed disc, as well as the first direct evidence that parasite attachment is necessary for host pathology, specifically epithelial barrier breakdown.
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Zeinali S, Rezgi M, Gholinejad M, Jafari R. A large-scale study on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients referred to medical laboratories in Urmia, Northwest Iran. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:322. [PMID: 37730548 PMCID: PMC10510251 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), caused by helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in patients referred to three educational and medical centers affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Urmia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 2845 stool samples, including 2174 (76.4%) males and 671 (23.6%) females, were collected from patients referred to Imam Khomeini and Shahid Motahhari hospitals and Shahid Nikkhah Health Center in Urmia, Northwest Iran, from January 2020 to February 2022. The microscopic examination for IPIs was carried out using the wet mount method, and the hard-to-identify samples were stained by trichrome for accurate identification of protozoa. For diagnosis of infections by coccidian parasites modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining was used. RESULTS Based on the results, two hundred nine intestinal parasites were identified in 184 out of 2845 (6.5%) patients of which 136 out of 2174 males (6.3%) and 48 out of 671 females (7.2%) were positive. Some patients had tested positive for multiple protozoa. The observed intestinal protozoa are as follows: Blastocystis spp. 118 (4.1%), Endolimax Nana 42 (1.5%), Entamoeba coli 24 (0.8%), Giardia lamblia 13 (0.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. 6 (0.2%), Iodamoeba butschlii 3 (0.1%), Chilomastix mesnili 2 (0.1%), and an accidentally detected helminthic infection Enterobius vermicularis 1 (0.05%). CONCLUSION According to the results, the most prevalent IPIs in West Azerbaijan Province are caused by Blastocystis spp., and Giardia lamblia. Most intestinal protozoa observed in the study were nonpathogenic and commensal, which shows water or food contamination in the area. Thus, medical technologists in the parasitology section must be trained and aware of IPIs in medical laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Zeinali
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rezgi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Morteza Gholinejad
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Rasool Jafari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Lagunas-Rangel FA. The nucleolus of Giardia and its ribosomal biogenesis. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1961-1971. [PMID: 37400534 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan intestinal parasite that causes a significant number of infections worldwide each year, particularly in low-income and developing countries. Despite the availability of treatments for this parasitic infection, treatment failures are alarmingly common. As a result, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to effectively combat this disease. On the other hand, within the eukaryotic nucleus, the nucleolus stands out as the most prominent structure. It plays a crucial role in coordinating ribosome biogenesis and is involved in vital processes such as maintaining genome stability, regulating cell cycle progression, controlling cell senescence, and responding to stress. Given its significance, the nucleolus presents itself as a valuable target for selectively inducing cell death in undesirable cells, making it a potential avenue for anti-Giardia treatments. Despite its potential importance, the Giardia nucleolus remains poorly studied and often overlooked. In light of this, the objective of this study is to provide a detailed molecular description of the structure and function of the Giardia nucleolus, with a primary focus on its involvement in ribosomal biogenesis. Likewise, it discusses the targeting of the Giardia nucleolus as a therapeutic strategy, its feasibility, and the challenges involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Alejandro Lagunas-Rangel
- 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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Sana A, Rossi IV, Sabatke B, Bonato LB, Medeiros LCS, Ramirez MI. An Improved Method to Enrich Large Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Giardia intestinalis through Differential Centrifugation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1799. [PMID: 37763203 PMCID: PMC10532800 DOI: 10.3390/life13091799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a flagellated unicellular protozoan that colonizes the small intestine, causing the diarrheal disease called giardiasis. The production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by G. intestinalis and the role of these EVs in the parasite's interaction with the host have been described. According to biogenesis, EVs are grouped mainly into large (microvesicles-derived from the plasma membrane) and small (exosomes-derived from multivesicular bodies). Populations of EVs are heterogeneous, and improved methods to separate and study them are needed to understand their roles in cell physiology and pathologies. This work aimed to enrich the large extracellular vesicles (LEVs) of G. intestinalis in order to better understand the roles of these vesicles in the interaction of the parasite with the host. To achieve the enrichment of the LEVs, we have modified our previously described method and compared it by protein dosage and using Nano tracking analysis. Giardia intestinalis vesiculation was induced by incubation in a TYI-S-33 medium without serum, to which 1 mM of CaCl2 was added at 37 °C for 1 h. Then, the supernatant was centrifuged at 15,000× g for 1 h (15 K 1 h pellet), 15,000× g for 4 h (15 K 4 h pellet) and 100,000× g for 1.5 h (100 K 1h30 pellet). The pellet (containing EVs) was resuspended in 1× PBS and stored at 4 °C for later analysis. The EVs were quantified based on their protein concentrations using the Pierce BCA assay, and by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), which reports the concentration and size distribution of the particles. The NTA showed that direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h and centrifugation at 15,000× g for 4 h concentrated more EVs compared to centrifugation at 15,000× g for 1 h. Additionally, it revealed that centrifugation at 15,000× g 4 h was able to concentrate at the same particle concentration levels as a direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h. As for the enrichment of LEVs, the NTA has shown a higher concentration of LEVs in direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h, and in centrifugation at 15,000× g for 4 h, compared to centrifugation at 15,000× g for 1 h. Our results have shown that the most used method at 15,000× g for 1 h is not enough to obtain a representative population of large EVs, and we suggest that LEVs released by G. intestinalis can be better enriched by direct ultracentrifugation at 100,000× g for 1.5 h, or by centrifugation at 15,000× g for 4 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Sana
- EVAHPI—Extracellular Vesicles and Host–Parasite Interactions Research Group, Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil; (A.S.); (I.V.R.); (B.S.); (L.B.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, UFPR, Curitiba 81531-970, Brazil
| | - Izadora Volpato Rossi
- EVAHPI—Extracellular Vesicles and Host–Parasite Interactions Research Group, Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil; (A.S.); (I.V.R.); (B.S.); (L.B.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, UFPR, Curitiba 81531-970, Brazil
| | - Bruna Sabatke
- EVAHPI—Extracellular Vesicles and Host–Parasite Interactions Research Group, Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil; (A.S.); (I.V.R.); (B.S.); (L.B.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, UFPR, Curitiba 81531-970, Brazil
| | - Letícia Bassani Bonato
- EVAHPI—Extracellular Vesicles and Host–Parasite Interactions Research Group, Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil; (A.S.); (I.V.R.); (B.S.); (L.B.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, UFPR, Curitiba 81531-970, Brazil
| | | | - Marcel Ivan Ramirez
- EVAHPI—Extracellular Vesicles and Host–Parasite Interactions Research Group, Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil; (A.S.); (I.V.R.); (B.S.); (L.B.B.)
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil;
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Martí-Marco A, Moratal S, Torres-Blas I, Cardells J, Lizana V, Dea-Ayuela MA. Molecular Detection and Epidemiology of Potentially Zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa) from Eastern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2501. [PMID: 37570308 PMCID: PMC10416950 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoans Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. While both are commonly documented in domestic animals, few studies have analysed their presence in wildlife. To assess the prevalence of both parasites in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Valencian Community (eastern Spain), 498 wild boar faecal samples were collected from 2018 to 2022. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected by performing a nested PCR targeting a 578 bp sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. For G. duodenalis, a qPCR amplifying a fragment of 62 bp from the SSU rRNA was employed. Positive samples were genotyped for glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes. Different epidemiological factors were considered potential modulating variables in the transmission of both parasites. G. duodenalis prevalence was 1.20%, while Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence reached 21.7%. Coinfection was observed in 0.2%. Genotyping of G. duodenalis isolates only detected genotype E. Two species of Cryptosporidium spp. were identified: Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis. The results of this study demonstrate that the exposure to Cryptosporidium spp. in wild boars is high, particularly among young individuals belonging to the Typical Mediterranean climate. Moreover, the probability of infection is dependent on both the season and the density of wild boars. On the other side, exposure to G. duodenalis seems scarce and is influenced, in turn, by the climate. Both Cryptosporidium species detected in the present study have been reported in humans. Due to wild boar increasing in number and their colonisation of urban and peri-urban areas, this could represent an inherent health risk for the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Martí-Marco
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-M.); (S.M.); (J.C.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Samantha Moratal
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-M.); (S.M.); (J.C.)
| | - Irene Torres-Blas
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jesús Cardells
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-M.); (S.M.); (J.C.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Victor Lizana
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc 7, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (A.M.-M.); (S.M.); (J.C.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - María Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Ramón y Cajal, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
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Li J, Qin H, Li X, Zhang L. Role of rodents in the zoonotic transmission of giardiasis. One Health 2023; 16:100500. [PMID: 36844973 PMCID: PMC9947413 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Four species of Giardia out of nine have been identified in rodents based on molecular data: G. muris, G. microti, G. cricetidarum, and G. duodenalis. A total of seven G. duodenalis assemblages (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) have been identified in rodents to date. The zoonotic assemblages A and B are responsible for 74.88% (480/641) of the total identified genotypes in rodents by statistic. For sub-assemblage A in humans, AII is responsible for 71.02% (1397/1967) of the identified sub-assemblages, followed by AI with 26.39% (519/1967) and AIII with 1.17% (23/1967), indicating a significantly greater zoonotic potential for G. duodenalis infections in humans originating from animals. For sub-assemblages of type A in rodents, AI was identified in 86.89% (53/61), and AII in 4.92% (3/61). For assemblage B, 60.84% (390/641) were identified in rodents as having zoonotic potential to humans. In environmental samples, the zoonotic assemblages A and B were responsible for 83.81% (533/636) in water samples, 86.96% (140/161) in fresh produce samples, and 100% (8/8) in soil samples. The same zoonotic potential assemblage A or B simultaneously identified in humans, rodents, and environment samples had potential zoonotic transmission between humans and animals via a synanthropic environment. The infections and zoonotic potential for G. duodenalis were higher in farmed rodents and pet rodents than that in zoo, lab, and wild rodents. In conclusion, the role of rodents in zoonotic transmission of giardiasis should be noticed. In addition to rodents, dogs, cats, wild animals, and livestock could be involved in the zoonotic transmission cycle. This study aims to explore the current situation of giardiasis in rodents and seeks to delineate the role of rodents in the zoonotic transmission of giardiasis from the One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Huikai Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China
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Natali L, Luna Pizarro G, Moyano S, de la Cruz-Thea B, Musso J, Rópolo AS, Eichner N, Meister G, Musri MM, Feliziani C, Touz MC. The Exosome-like Vesicles of Giardia Assemblages A, B, and E Are Involved in the Delivering of Distinct Small RNA from Parasite to Parasite. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119559. [PMID: 37298511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetically related assemblages of the intestinal protozoa parasite Giardia lamblia are morphologically indistinguishable and are often derived from specific hosts. The Giardia assemblages are separated by large genetic distances, which might account for their relevant biological and pathogenic differences. In this work, we analyzed the RNAs cargo released into exosomal-like vesicles (ElVs) by the assemblages A and B, which differentially infect humans, and the assemblage E, which infects hoofed animals. The RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the ElVs of each assemblage contained distinct small RNA (sRNA) biotypes, suggesting a preference for specific packaging in each assemblage. These sRNAs were classified into three categories, ribosomal-small RNAs (rsRNAs), messenger-small RNAs (msRNAs), and transfer-small RNAs (tsRNAs), which may play a regulatory role in parasite communication and contribute to host-specificity and pathogenesis. Uptake experiments showed, for the first time, that ElVs were successfully internalized by the parasite trophozoites. Furthermore, we observed that the sRNAs contained inside these ElVs were first located below the plasma membrane but then distributed along the cytoplasm. Overall, the study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-specificity and pathogenesis of G. lamblia and highlights the potential role of sRNAs in parasite communication and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lautaro Natali
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Luna Pizarro
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Sofía Moyano
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Benjamin de la Cruz-Thea
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Juliana Musso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Andrea S Rópolo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Norbert Eichner
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry (RCB), Laboratory for RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Melina M Musri
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Constanza Feliziani
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - María C Touz
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
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Zhang H, Zhao C, Zhang X, Li J, Gong P, Wang X, Li X, Wang X, Zhang X, Cheng S, Yue T, Zhang N. A potential role for Giardia chaperone protein GdDnaJ in regulating Giardia proliferation and Giardiavirus replication. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:168. [PMID: 37226181 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05787-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia duodenalis (referred to as Giardia) is a flagellated binucleate protozoan parasite, which causes one of the most common diarrheal diseases, giardiasis, worldwide. Giardia can be infected by Giardiavirus (GLV), a small endosymbiotic dsRNA virus belongs to the Totiviridae family. However, the regulation of GLV and a positive correlation between GLV and Giardia virulence is yet to be elucidated. METHODS To identify potential regulators of GLV, we performed a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen to search for interacting proteins of RdRp. GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay were used to verify the direct physical interaction between GLV RdRp and its new binding partner. In addition, their in vivo interaction and colocalization in Giardia trophozoites were examined by using Duolink proximal ligation assay (Duolink PLA). RESULTS From Y2H screen, the Giardia chaperone protein, Giardia DnaJ (GdDnaJ), was identified as a new binding partner for GLV RdRp. The direct interaction between GdDnaJ and GLV RdRp was verified via GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation and BiFC. In addition, colocalization and in vivo interaction between GdDnaJ and RdRp in Giardia trophozoites were confirmed by Duolink PLA. Further analysis revealed that KNK437, the inhibitor of GdDnaJ, can significantly reduce the replication of GLVs and the proliferation of Giardia. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results suggested a potential role of GdDnaJ in regulating Giardia proliferation and GLV replication through interaction with GLV RdRp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shuqin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Taotao Yue
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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Wu JH, Lee JC, Ho CC, Chiu PW, Sun CH. A myeloid leukemia factor homolog is involved in tolerance to stresses and stress-induced protein metabolism in Giardia lamblia. Biol Direct 2023; 18:20. [PMID: 37095576 PMCID: PMC10127389 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eukaryotic membrane vesicles contain specific sets of proteins that determine vesicle function and shuttle with specific destination. Giardia lamblia contains unknown cytosolic vesicles that are related to the identification of a homolog of human myeloid leukemia factor (MLF) named MLF vesicles (MLFVs). Previous studies suggest that MLF also colocalized with two autophagy machineries, FYVE and ATG8-like protein, and that MLFVs are stress-induced compartments for substrates of the proteasome or autophagy in response to rapamycin, MG132, and chloroquine treatment. A mutant protein of cyclin-dependent kinase 2, CDK2m3, was used to understand whether the aberrant proteins are targeted to degradative compratments. Interestingly, MLF was upregulated by CDK2m3 and they both colocalized within the same vesicles. Autophagy is a self-digestion process that is activated to remove damaged proteins for preventing cell death in response to various stresses. Because of the absence of some autophagy machineries, the mechanism of autophagy is unclear in G. lamblia. RESULTS In this study, we tested the six autophagosome and stress inducers in mammalian cells, including MG132, rapamycin, chloroquine, nocodazole, DTT, and G418, and found that their treatment increased reactive oxygen species production and vesicle number and level of MLF, FYVE, and ATG8-like protein in G. lamblia. Five stress inducers also increased the CDK2m3 protein levels and vesicles. Using stress inducers and knockdown system for MLF, we identified that stress induction of CDK2m3 was positively regulated by MLF. An autophagosome-reducing agent, 3-methyl adenine, can reduce MLF and CDK2m3 vesicles and proteins. In addition, knockdown of MLF with CRISPR/Cas9 system reduced cell survival upon treatment with stress inducers. Our newly developed complementation system for CRISPR/Cas9 indicated that complementation of MLF restored cell survival in response to stress inducers. Furthermore, human MLF2, like Giardia MLF, can increase cyst wall protein expression and cyst formation in G. lamblia, and it can colocalize with MLFVs and interact with MLF. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that MLF family proteins are functionally conserved in evolution. Our results also suggest an important role of MLF in survival in stress conditions and that MLFVs share similar stress-induced characteristics with autophagy compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jen-Chi Lee
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Che Ho
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pei-Wei Chiu
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chin-Hung Sun
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Yu S, Zhao H, Qin X, Li X, Guo J, Li W. Giardia duodenalis-induced G0/G1 intestinal epithelial cell cycle arrest and apoptosis involve activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in vitro. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1127552. [PMID: 37006313 PMCID: PMC10050679 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1127552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasite that may cause host diarrhea and chronic gastroenteritis, resulting in great economic losses annually and representing a significant public health burden across the world. However, thus far, our knowledge on the pathogenesis of Giardia and the related host cell responses is still extensively limited. The aim of this study is to assess the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in regulating G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis during in vitro infection of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) with Giardia. The results showed that the mRNA levels of ER chaperone proteins and ER-associated degradation genes were increased and the expression levels of the main unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins (GRP78, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, p-IRE1, XBP1s and ATF6) were increased upon Giardia exposure. In addition, cell cycle arrest was determined to be induced by UPR signaling pathways (IRE1, PERK and ATF6) through upregulation of p21 and p27 levels and promotion of E2F1-RB complex formation. Upregulation of p21 and p27 expression was shown to be related to Ufd1-Skp2 signaling. Therefore, the cell cycle arrest was induced by ER stress when infected with Giardia. Furthermore, the apoptosis of the host cell was also assessed after exposure to Giardia. The results indicated that apoptosis would be promoted by UPR signaling (PERK and ATF6), but would be suppressed by the hyperphosphorylation of AKT and hypophosphorylation of JNK that were modulated by IRE1 pathway. Taken together, both of the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of IECs induced by Giardia exposure involved the activation of the UPR signaling. The findings of this study will deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of Giardia and the associated regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wei Li
- *Correspondence: Wei Li, ; Jiaying Guo,
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Wu J, Yang Y, Liu L, Zhu W, Liu M, Yu X, Li W. ROS-AMPK/mTOR-dependent enterocyte autophagy is involved in the regulation of Giardia infection-related tight junction protein and nitric oxide levels. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1120996. [PMID: 36999034 PMCID: PMC10043474 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1120996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, a cosmopolitan noninvasive protozoan parasite of zoonotic concern and public health importance, infects the upper portions of the small intestine and causes one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases globally termed giardiasis, especially in situations lacking safe drinking water and adequate sanitation services. The pathogenesis of giardiasis is complex and involves multiple factors from the interaction of Giardia and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic pathway that involves multiple pathological conditions including infection. Thus far, it remains uncertain if autophagy occurs in Giardia-infected IECs and if autophagic process is associated with the pathogenic factors of giardiasis, such as tight junction (TJ) barrier defects and nitric oxide (NO) release of IECs. Here Giardia-in vitro exposed IECs showed upregulation of a series of autophagy-related molecules, such as LC3, Beclin1, Atg7, Atg16L1, and ULK1, and downregulation of p62 protein. IEC autophagy induced by Giardia was further assessed by using autophagy flux inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ), with the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I significantly increased and downregulated p62 significantly reversed. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) rather than CQ could markedly reverse Giardia-induced downregulation of TJ proteins (claudin-1, claudin-4, occludin, and ZO-1; also known as epithelial cell markers) and NO release, implying the involvement of early-stage autophagy in TJ/NO regulation. We subsequently confirmed the role of ROS-mediated AMPK/mTOR signaling in modulating Giardia-induced autophagy, TJ protein expression, and NO release. In turn, impairment of early-stage autophagy by 3-MA and late-stage autophagy by CQ both exhibited an exacerbated effect on ROS accumulation in IECs. Collectively, we present the first attempt to link the occurrence of IEC autophagy with Giardia infection in vitro, and provides novel insights into the contribution of ROS-AMPK/mTOR-dependent autophagy to Giardia infection-related downregulation of TJ protein and NO levels.
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Cannabis sativa: A look at protozoa, helminths, insect vectors, and pests. Fitoterapia 2023; 166:105467. [PMID: 36893925 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Active principles extracted from plants, such as essential oils, have been commonly described in the literature as therapeutic targets for numerous pathological conditions. Cannabis sativa, which has an ancient and peculiar history, has been used for various purposes, from recreational to compounds of pharmacotherapeutic and industrial importance, such as pesticides based on this plant. It is a plant that contains approximately 500 described cannabinoid compounds and is the target of in vitro and in vivo studies at different locations. This review clarifies the role of cannabinoid compounds in parasitic infections caused by helminths and protozoa. In addition, this study briefly presented the use of C. sativa constituents in the formulation of pesticides for vector control, as the latter topic is justified by the economic burden faced by several regions where vector-borne diseases are a troubling reality. Studies involving cannabis compounds with pesticidal potential should be encouraged, especially those that evaluate their effectiveness against the different life cycles of insects, seeking to interrupt vector proliferation after egg laying. Actions aimed at the management and cultivation of plant species with ecologically correct pharmacotherapeutic and pesticide potentials are becoming urgent.
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Popruk S, Abu A, Ampawong S, Thiangtrongjit T, Tipthara P, Tarning J, Sreesai S, Reamtong O. Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Revealed Effects of Metronidazole on Giardia duodenalis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030408. [PMID: 36986506 PMCID: PMC10052756 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a significant protozoan that affects humans and animals. An estimated 280 million G. duodenalis diarrheal cases are recorded annually. Pharmacological therapy is crucial for controlling giardiasis. Metronidazole is the first-line therapy for treating giardiasis. Several metronidazole targets have been proposed. However, the downstream signaling pathways of these targets with respect to their antigiardial action are unclear. In addition, several giardiasis cases have demonstrated treatment failures and drug resistance. Therefore, the development of novel drugs is an urgent need. In this study, we performed a mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study to understand the systemic effects of metronidazole in G. duodenalis. A thorough analysis of metronidazole processes helps identify potential molecular pathways essential for parasite survival. The results demonstrated 350 altered metabolites after exposure to metronidazole. Squamosinin A and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)hexacosanamide were the most up-regulated and down-regulated metabolites, respectively. Proteasome and glycerophospholipid metabolisms demonstrated significant differential pathways. Comparing glycerophospholipid metabolisms of G. duodenalis and humans, the parasite glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase was distinct from humans. This protein is considered a potential drug target for treating giardiasis. This study improved our understanding of the effects of metronidazole and identified new potential therapeutic targets for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Amanee Abu
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tipparat Thiangtrongjit
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Phornpimon Tipthara
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| | - Suthasinee Sreesai
- Central Equipment Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Liu M, Yang Y, Zhu W, Wu J, Yu X, Li W. Specific TLR-mediated HSP70 activation plays a potential role in host defense against the intestinal parasite Giardia duodenalis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1120048. [PMID: 36937289 PMCID: PMC10017776 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1120048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, an important flagellated noninvasive protozoan parasite, infects the upper small intestine and causes a disease termed giardiasis globally. Few members of the heat shock protein (HSP) family have been shown to function as potential defenders against microbial pathogens, while such information is lacking for Giardia. Here we initially screened and indicated that in vitro Giardia challenge induced a marked early upregulation of HSP70 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). As noted previously, apoptotic resistance, nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cytostatic effect and parasite clearance, and epithelial barrier integrity represent effective anti-Giardia host defense mechanisms. We then explored the function of HSP70 in modulating apoptosis, NO release, and tight junction (TJ) protein levels in Giardia-IEC interactions. HSP70 inhibition by quercetin promoted Giardia-induced IEC apoptosis, viability decrease, NO release reduction, and ZO-1 and occludin downregulation, while the agonist celastrol could reverse these Giardia-evoked effects. The results demonstrated that HSP70 played a previously unrecognized and important role in regulating anti-Giardia host defense via attenuating apoptosis, promoting cell survival, and maintaining NO and TJ levels. Owing to the significance of apoptotic resistance among those defense-related factors mentioned earlier, we then elucidated the anti-apoptotic mechanism of HSP70. It was evident that HSP70 could negatively regulate apoptosis in an intrinsic way via direct inhibition of Apaf-1 or ROS-Bax/Bcl-2-Apaf-1 axis, and in an extrinsic way via cIAP2-mediated inhibition of RIP1 activity. Most importantly, it was confirmed that HSP70 exerted its host defense function by downregulating apoptosis via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation, upregulating NO release via TLR4/TLR2 activation, and upregulating TJ protein expression via TLR2 activation. HSP70 represented a checkpoint regulator providing the crucial link between specific TLR activation and anti-Giardia host defense responses. Strikingly, independent of the checkpoint role of HSP70, TLR4 activation was proven to downregulate TJ protein expression, and TLR2 activation to accelerate apoptosis. Altogether, this study identified HSP70 as a potentially vital defender against Giardia, and revealed its correlation with specific TLR activation. The clinical importance of HSP70 has been extensively demonstrated, while its role as an effective therapeutic target in human giardiasis remains elusive and thus needs to be further clarified.
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Nemati S, Shalileh F, Mirjalali H, Omidfar K. Toward waterborne protozoa detection using sensing technologies. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1118164. [PMID: 36910193 PMCID: PMC9999019 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1118164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Drought and limited sufficient water resources will be the main challenges for humankind during the coming years. The lack of water resources for washing, bathing, and drinking increases the use of contaminated water and the risk of waterborne diseases. A considerable number of waterborne outbreaks are due to protozoan parasites that may remain active/alive in harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, a regular monitoring program of water resources using sensitive techniques is needed to decrease the risk of waterborne outbreaks. Wellorganized point-of-care (POC) systems with enough sensitivity and specificity is the holy grail of research for monitoring platforms. In this review, we comprehensively gathered and discussed rapid, selective, and easy-to-use biosensor and nanobiosensor technologies, developed for the early detection of common waterborne protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Shalileh
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Omidfar
- Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular–Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Saleh NE, Sharaf HM, Elnemr HI, Elzeiny SM, Ali KM, Nabih N. Intestinal Giardiasis in Children Undergoing Upper Endoscopy for Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Implication for Diagnosis. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:18-29. [PMID: 35302404 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2022.2053013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan causing diarrheal outbreaks worldwide. Microscopic stool examination is widely used. We conducted this study to explore intestinal giardiasis in children undergoing upper endoscopy for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS The study included 160 children undergoing upper endoscopy for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms (patients) and 90 children as controls. We collected stool samples for microscopic examination and ELISA coproantigen detection from all participants. We examined duodenal biopsies for patients. RESULTS In patients, stool examination revealed Giardia in 23.8% and coproantigen detection was positive in 37.5%. Endoscopic duodenal biopsies revealed Giardia trophozoites in 5% of patients, in addition to various pathological changes. CONCLUSION Giardiasis was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in children with unexplained gastrointestinal complaints than the controls. Diagnosis by coproantigen detection was superior to microscopic stool examination, with a sensitivity of 90.9%. Duodenal biopsies examination confirmed the infection in fewer cases but added other diagnostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora E Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hend M Sharaf
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hossam I Elnemr
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Sherine M Elzeiny
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khadiga M Ali
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nairmen Nabih
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Pathogenic parasites in vegetables in the Middle East and North Africa: Occurrence of Ascaris eggs and Giardia cysts, and epidemiological implications. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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