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Patiño LH, Castañeda S, Camargo M, Cao LY, Liggayu B, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Validation of real-time PCR assays for detecting Plasmodium and Babesia DNA species in blood samples. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107350. [PMID: 39134111 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107350] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Malaria and babesiosis are global health threats affecting humans, wildlife, and domestic animals, particularly in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Malaria can lead to severe outcomes, while babesiosis usually resembles a mild illness but can be severe and fatal in individuals with weakened immune systems. Swift, accurate detection of these parasites is crucial for treatment and control. We evaluated a real-time PCR assay for diagnosing five Plasmodium and three Babesia species from blood samples, assessing its sensitivity, specificity, and analytical performance by analyzing 46 malaria-positive and 32 Babesia spp-positive samples diagnosed through microscopy. The limit of detection for Plasmodium species ranged from 30 to 0.0003 copies/µL. For mixed infections, it was 0.3 copies/µL for P. falciparum/P. vivax and 3 copies/µL for P. malariae/P. knowlesi. Babesia species had a detection limit of 0.2 copies/µL. No cross-reactivity was observed among 64 DNA samples from various microorganisms. The assay showed good sensitivity, detecting Plasmodium and Babesia species with 100 % accuracy overall, except for P. falciparum (97.7 %) and B. microti (12.5 %). The low sensitivity of detecting B. microti was attributed to limitations in microscopy for species identification. This technique heavily relies on the proficiency of the examiner, as species within the genus cannot be distinguished under a microscope. Additionally, Babesia can be confused with the early trophozoite stage (ring forms) of Plasmodium parasites. The findings support multiplex qPCR's diagnostic superiority over the gold standard, despite higher costs. It offers enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and detects mixed infections, crucial for effective monitoring and diagnosis of malaria and babesiosis in endemic regions with significant public health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Milena Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Li Yong Cao
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bernadette Liggayu
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Redway A, Spry C, Brown A, Wiedemann U, Fathoni I, Garnie LF, Qiu D, Egan TJ, Lehane AM, Jackson Y, Saliba KJ, Downer-Riley N. Discovery of antiplasmodial pyridine carboxamides and thiocarboxamides. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100536. [PMID: 38663046 PMCID: PMC11068522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be a significant burden, particularly in Africa, which accounts for 95% of malaria deaths worldwide. Despite advances in malaria treatments, malaria eradication is hampered by insecticide and antimalarial drug resistance. Consequently, the need to discover new antimalarial lead compounds remains urgent. To help address this need, we evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of twenty-two amides and thioamides with pyridine cores and their non-pyridine analogues. Twelve of these compounds showed in vitro anti-proliferative activity against the intraerythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent species of Plasmodium infecting humans. Thiopicolinamide 13i was found to possess submicromolar activity (IC50 = 142 nM) and was >88-fold less active against a human cell line. The compound was equally effective against chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant parasites and did not inhibit β-hematin formation, pH regulation or PfATP4. Compound 13i may therefore possess a novel mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Redway
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica; Chemistry Divison, University of Technology, 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica
| | - Christina Spry
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Ainka Brown
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Ursula Wiedemann
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Imam Fathoni
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Larnelle F Garnie
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Deyun Qiu
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Timothy J Egan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, South Africa
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Yvette Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Kevin J Saliba
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Nadale Downer-Riley
- Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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Antwi-Baffour S, Mensah BT, Ahiakonu SA, Armah DNO, Ali-Mustapha S, Annison L. Evaluation of immunophenotypic alterations of peripheral blood lymphocytes and their sub-sets in uncomplicated P. Falciparum infection. BMC Immunol 2024; 25:44. [PMID: 38987710 PMCID: PMC11234552 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-024-00638-8] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. There is ample evidence showing the potential of malaria infection to affect the counts of lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood, but the extent of alteration might not be consistent in all geographical locations, due to several local factors. Although Ghana is among the malaria-endemic countries, there is currently no available data on the level of alterations that occur in the counts of lymphocyte subpopulations during P. falciparum malaria infection among adults. AIM The study was to determine the immunophenotypic alterations in the level of peripheral blood lymphocytes and their subsets in adults with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria infection and apparently healthy participants. METHODS The study was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted in two municipalities of the Volta region of Ghana. Blood samples were collected from study participants and taken through serology (P. falciparum/Pan Rapid Diagnostic Kits), microscopy (Thick and thin blood films) and Haematological (Flow cytometric and Full blood count) analysis. RESULTS A total of 414 participants, comprising 214 patients with malaria and 200 apparently healthy individuals (controls) were recruited into this study. Parasite density of the malaria patients ranged from 75/µL to 84,364/µL, with a mean of 3,520/µL. It was also observed that the total lymphocytes slightly decreased in the P. falciparum-infected individuals (Mean ± SD: 2.08 ± 4.93 × 109/L) compared to the control group (Mean ± SD: 2.47 ± 0.80 × 109/L). Again, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between parasite density and haematocrit levels (r = 0.321, p < 0.001). Apart from CD45 + T-cells, more people in the control group had normal values for the lymphocyte subsets measured compared to the malaria patients. CONCLUSIONS From the results obtained, there was high parasite density among the malaria patients suggestive of high intensity of infection in the case group. The malaria patients again showed considerable haematological alterations in lymphocyte sub-sets and the parasite density appeared to be strongly associated with CD4 + T-cell reduction. Also, the parasite density significantly associated with decreasing haematocrit levels. This indicates that lymphocyte subset enumeration can be used to effectively support malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Antwi-Baffour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 143, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Benjamin Tetteh Mensah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 143, Accra, Ghana
| | - Simon Aglona Ahiakonu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 143, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorinda Naa Okailey Armah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, P. O. Box KB 143, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samira Ali-Mustapha
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Nursing, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Lawrence Annison
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
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Joste V, Coppée R, Bailly J, Rakotoarivony Y, Toko Tchokoteu FG, Achache S, Pradines B, Cottrell G, Ariey F, Khim N, Popovici J, Mita T, Groger M, Ramharter M, Egbo T, Juma DW, Akala H, Houzé S, Clain J. Plasmodium ovale spp dhfr mutations associated with reduced susceptibility to pyrimethamine in sub-Saharan Africa: a retrospective genetic epidemiology and functional study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:669-678. [PMID: 38761813 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(24)00054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum dhfr gene confer resistance to pyrimethamine, which is widely used for malaria chemoprevention in Africa. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and evolution of dhfr mutations in Plasmodium ovale spp in Africa and their functional consequences, which are incompletely characterised. METHODS We analysed dhfr mutations and their frequencies in P ovale spp isolates collected between Feb 1, 2004, and Aug 31, 2023, from the French National Malaria Reference Centre collection and from field studies in Benin, Gabon, and Kenya. Genetic patterns of positive selection were investigated. Full-length recombinant wild-type and mutant DHFR enzymes from both P ovale curtisi and P ovale wallikeri were expressed in bacteria to test whether the most common mutations reduced pyrimethamine susceptibility. FINDINGS We included 518 P ovale spp samples (314 P ovale curtisi and 204 P ovale wallikeri). In P ovale curtisi, Ala15Ser-Ser58Arg was the most common dhfr mutation (39%; 124 of 314 samples). In P ovale wallikeri, dhfr mutations were less frequent, with Phe57Leu-Ser58Arg reaching 17% (34 of 204 samples). These two mutants were the most prevalent in central and east Africa and were fixed in Kenyan isolates. We detected six and four other non-synonymous mutations, representing 8% (24 isolates) and 2% (five isolates) of the P ovale curtisi and P ovale wallikeri isolates, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing and microsatellite analyses revealed reduced genetic diversity around the mutant pocdhfr and powdhfr genes. The mutant DHFR proteins showed structural changes at the pyrimethamine binding site in-silico, confirmed by a 4-times increase in pyrimethamine half-maximal inhibitory concentration in an Escherichia coli growth assay for the Phe57Leu-Ser58Arg mutant and 50-times increase for the Ala15Ser-Ser58Arg mutant, compared with the wild-type counterparts. INTERPRETATION The widespread use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria chemoprevention might have exerted fortuitous selection pressure for dhfr mutations in P ovale spp. This calls for closer monitoring of dhfr and dhps mutations in P ovale spp. FUNDING French Ministry of Health, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, and Global Emerging Infections Surveillance branch of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Joste
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, Paris, France; Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Paris, France.
| | - Romain Coppée
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, UR 7510 ESCAPE, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | | | - Yann Rakotoarivony
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France; Université Aix-Marseille, IRD, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | | | - Frédéric Ariey
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nimol Khim
- Malaria Research Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jean Popovici
- Malaria Research Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Toshihiro Mita
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mirjam Groger
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Timothy Egbo
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research - Africa (WRAIR-A), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis W Juma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research - Africa (WRAIR-A), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hoseah Akala
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research - Africa (WRAIR-A), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, Paris, France; Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Clain
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, Paris, France; Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Paris, France
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Nieto-Clavijo C, Morales L, Vega APG, Cortés LJC, Chaparro-Olaya J. Challenging diagnosis of Plasmodium ovale malaria in a Colombian traveler: the importance of including P. ovale wallikeri in molecular screening. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2024; 66:e29. [PMID: 38747850 PMCID: PMC11095243 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202466029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reports a challenging diagnosis of Plasmodium ovale malaria in a Colombian citizen returning from Cameroon. Initial microscopy screenings conducted at two private hospitals yielded conflicting results, with the first showing negative smears and the second diagnosing P. vivax. Subsequent microscopy examinations at two government laboratories identified P. ovale, although the routine species-specific PCR strategy was negative. PCR confirmation was finally obtained when P. ovale wallikeri primers were used. Although P. ovale is not frequently found in Colombia, there is a clear need to include both P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri in the molecular diagnostic strategy. Such need stems primarily from their extended latency period, which affects travelers, the increasing number of African migrants, and the importance of accurately mapping the distribution of Plasmodium species in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Nieto-Clavijo
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liliana Morales
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya
- Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Bogotá, Colombia
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Amanzougaghene N, Tajeri S, Franetich JF, Ashraf K, Soulard V, Bigeard P, Guindo CO, Bouillier C, Lemaitre J, Relouzat F, Legrand R, Kocken CHM, Zeeman AM, Roobsoong W, Sattabongkot J, Yang Z, Snounou G, Mazier D. Azithromycin disrupts apicoplast biogenesis in replicating and dormant liver stages of the relapsing malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium cynomolgi. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107112. [PMID: 38367843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107112] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The control and elimination of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax is hampered by the threat of relapsed infection resulting from the activation of dormant hepatic hypnozoites. Currently, only the 8-aminoquinolines, primaquine and tafenoquine, have been approved for the elimination of hypnozoites, although their use is hampered by potential toxicity. Therefore, an alternative radical curative drug that safely eliminates hypnozoites is a pressing need. This study assessed the potential hypnozoiticidal activity of the antibiotic azithromycin, which is thought to exert antimalarial activity by inhibiting prokaryote-like ribosomal translation within the apicoplast, an indispensable organelle. The results show that azithromycin inhibited apicoplast development during liver-stage schizogony in P. vivax and Plasmodium cynomolgi, leading to impaired parasite maturation. More importantly, this study found that azithromycin is likely to impair the hypnozoite's apicoplast, resulting in the loss of this organelle. Subsequently, using a recently developed long-term hepatocyte culture system, this study found that this loss likely induces a delay in the hypnozoite activation rate, and that those parasites that do proceed to schizogony display liver-stage arrest prior to differentiating into hepatic merozoites, thus potentially preventing relapse. Overall, this work provides evidence for the potential use of azithromycin for the radical cure of relapsing malaria, and identifies apicoplast functions as potential drug targets in quiescent hypnozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses and Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Shahin Tajeri
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Franetich
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kutub Ashraf
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Soulard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Bigeard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cheick Oumar Guindo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Camille Bouillier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses and Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Julien Lemaitre
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses and Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Francis Relouzat
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses and Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Roger Legrand
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses and Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Clemens H M Kocken
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Zeeman
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Wanlapa Roobsoong
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Chenggong New Town, Kunming, Yunnan Province,China
| | - Georges Snounou
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses and Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France.
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Tomassi MV, D'Abramo A, Vita S, Corpolongo A, Vulcano A, Ascoli Bartoli T, Bartolini B, Faraglia F, Nicastri E. A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria with acute respiratory distress syndrome and splenic infarction in a male traveller presenting in Italy. Malar J 2024; 23:93. [PMID: 38575935 PMCID: PMC10993526 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04911-4] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium ovale malaria is usually considered a tropical infectious disease associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, severe disease and death have previously been reported. CASE PRESENTATION A case of severe P. ovale malaria in a healthy Caucasian man with a triangle splenic infarction and clinical progression towards Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was reported despite a rapid response to oral chloroquine treatment with 24-h parasitaemia clearance. CONCLUSION Plasmodium ovale malaria is generally considered as a benign disease, with low parasitaemia. However, severe disease and death have occasionally been reported. It is important to be aware that occasionally it can progress to serious illness and death even in immunocompetent individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Virginia Tomassi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Abramo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy.
| | - Serena Vita
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Corpolongo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Vulcano
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ascoli Bartoli
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bartolini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Faraglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
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8
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Snounou G, Sharp PM, Culleton R. Appropriate naming of the two Plasmodium ovale species. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:207-208. [PMID: 38272740 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Georges Snounou
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses & Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Écologie et Émergence des Pathogènes Transmis par les Arthropodes (CNRS UMR2000). Centre François Jacob, Institut Pasteur, 28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France.
| | - Paul M Sharp
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Richard Culleton
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
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9
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Santos B, Ginete C, Gonçalves E, Delgadinho M, Miranda A, Faustino P, Arez AP, Brito M. Characterization of a cohort of Angolan children with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2024; 105:102822. [PMID: 38215581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2023.102822] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a monogenic disease, although its severity and response to treatment are very heterogeneous. OBJECTIVES This study aims to characterize a cohort of Angolan children with SCA and evaluate their response to hydroxyurea (HU) treatment and the potential side effects and toxicity. METHODS The study enrolled 215 patients between 3 and 12 years old before and after the administration of HU, at a fix dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 12 months. RESULTS A total of 157 patients started HU medication and 141 of them completed the 12-month treatment. After initiating HU treatment, the frequency of clinical events decreased (transfusions 53.4 %, hospitalizations 47.1 %). The response to HU medication varied among patients, with some experiencing an increase in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) of <5 %. The mean increase in HbF was 11.9 %, ranging from 1.8 % to 31 %. Responders to HU treatment were 57 %, inadequate responders 38.7 % and non-adherent 4.2 %. No clinical side effects related to HU were reported. Hematological toxicities were transient and reversible. Children naïve to HU and with lower HbF reported higher number of hospitalizations caused by malaria infection. During HU treatment, the frequency of malaria episodes did not appear to be affected by HbF levels. CONCLUSIONS the present study provided a valuable contribution to the understanding of the clinical and laboratory profiles of Angolan children with SCA. These findings support the evidence that the implementation of prophylactic measures and treatment with HU is associated with increased survival in children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brígida Santos
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola; Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino (HPDB), Luanda, Angola; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Ginete
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisângela Gonçalves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Delgadinho
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Armandina Miranda
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Faustino
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Arez
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Brito
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola; H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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10
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Šlapeta J, Sutherland CJ, Fuehrer HP. Calling them names: variants of Plasmodium ovale. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:205-206. [PMID: 38160179 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, UK
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Higgins M, Manko E, Ward D, Phelan JE, Nolder D, Sutherland CJ, Clark TG, Campino S. New reference genomes to distinguish the sympatric malaria parasites, Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3843. [PMID: 38360879 PMCID: PMC10869833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54382-5] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and wallikeri (Pow) being important human-infecting malaria parasites that are widespread across Africa and Asia, little is known about their genome diversity. Morphologically identical, Poc and Pow are indistinguishable and commonly misidentified. Recent rises in the incidence of Poc/Pow infections have renewed efforts to address fundamental knowledge gaps in their biology, and to develop diagnostic tools to understand their epidemiological dynamics and malaria burden. A major roadblock has been the incompleteness of available reference assemblies (PocGH01, PowCR01; ~ 33.5 Mbp). Here, we applied multiple sequencing platforms and advanced bioinformatics tools to generate new reference genomes, Poc221 (South Sudan; 36.0 Mbp) and Pow222 (Nigeria; 34.3 Mbp), with improved nuclear genome contiguity (> 4.2 Mbp), annotation and completeness (> 99% Plasmodium spp., single copy orthologs). Subsequent sequencing of 6 Poc and 15 Pow isolates from Africa revealed a total of 22,517 and 43,855 high-quality core genome SNPs, respectively. Genome-wide levels of nucleotide diversity were determined to be 2.98 × 10-4 (Poc) and 3.43 × 10-4 (Pow), comparable to estimates for other Plasmodium species. Overall, the new reference genomes provide a robust foundation for dissecting the biology of Poc/Pow, their population structure and evolution, and will contribute to uncovering the recombination barrier separating these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Higgins
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Emilia Manko
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Daniel Ward
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jody E Phelan
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Debbie Nolder
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- UK Health Security Agency, Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- UK Health Security Agency, Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Taane G Clark
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Susana Campino
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
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12
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Segbefia SP, Asandem DA, Amoah LE, Kusi KA. Cytokine gene polymorphisms implicated in the pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum infection outcome. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1285411. [PMID: 38404582 PMCID: PMC10884311 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1285411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines play a critical role in the immune mechanisms involved in fighting infections including malaria. Polymorphisms in cytokine genes may affect immune responses during an infection with Plasmodium parasites and immunization outcomes during routine administration of malaria vaccines. These polymorphisms can increase or reduce susceptibility to this deadly infection, and this may affect the physiologically needed balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the effect of selected cytokine gene polymorphisms on immune responses against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selorm Philip Segbefia
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Diana Asema Asandem
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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13
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Cepeda AS, Mello B, Pacheco MA, Luo Z, Sullivan SA, Carlton JM, Escalante AA. The Genome of Plasmodium gonderi: Insights into the Evolution of Human Malaria Parasites. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae027. [PMID: 38376987 PMCID: PMC10901558 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae027] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium species causing malaria in humans are not monophyletic, sharing common ancestors with nonhuman primate parasites. Plasmodium gonderi is one of the few known Plasmodium species infecting African old-world monkeys that are not found in apes. This study reports a de novo assembled P. gonderi genome with complete chromosomes. The P. gonderi genome shares codon usage, syntenic blocks, and other characteristics with the human parasites Plasmodium ovale s.l. and Plasmodium malariae, also of African origin, and the human parasite Plasmodium vivax and species found in nonhuman primates from Southeast Asia. Using phylogenetically aware methods, newly identified syntenic blocks were found enriched with conserved metabolic genes. Regions outside those blocks harbored genes encoding proteins involved in the vertebrate host-Plasmodium relationship undergoing faster evolution. Such genome architecture may have facilitated colonizing vertebrate hosts. Phylogenomic analyses estimated the common ancestor between P. vivax and an African ape parasite P. vivax-like, within the Asian nonhuman primates parasites clade. Time estimates incorporating P. gonderi placed the P. vivax and P. vivax-like common ancestor in the late Pleistocene, a time of active migration of hominids between Africa and Asia. Thus, phylogenomic and time-tree analyses are consistent with an Asian origin for P. vivax and an introduction of P. vivax-like into Africa. Unlike other studies, time estimates for the clade with Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal human malaria parasite, coincide with their host species radiation, African hominids. Overall, the newly assembled genome presented here has the quality to support comparative genomic investigations in Plasmodium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axl S Cepeda
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, USA
| | - Beatriz Mello
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, USA
| | - Zunping Luo
- Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Steven A Sullivan
- Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Jane M Carlton
- Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, USA
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14
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Yasir M, Park J, Han ET, Park WS, Han JH, Kwon YS, Lee HJ, Chun W. Virtual Screening of Flavonoids against Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein Utilizing Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des 2024; 20:616-627. [PMID: 37365785 DOI: 10.2174/1573409919666230626140339] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is one of the highly prevalent human malaria parasites. Due to the presence of extravascular reservoirs, P. vivax is extremely challenging to manage and eradicate. Traditionally, flavonoids have been widely used to combat various diseases. Recently, biflavonoids were discovered to be effective against Plasmodium falciparum. METHODS In this study, in silico approaches were utilized to inhibit Duffy binding protein (DBP), responsible for Plasmodium invasion into red blood cells (RBC). The interaction of flavonoid molecules with the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) binding site of DBP was investigated using a molecular docking approach. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulation studies were carried out to study the stability of top-docked complexes. RESULTS The results showed the effectiveness of flavonoids, such as daidzein, genistein, kaempferol, and quercetin, in the DBP binding site. These flavonoids were found to bind in the active region of DBP. Furthermore, the stability of these four ligands was maintained throughout the 50 ns simulation, maintaining stable hydrogen bond formation with the active site residues of DBP. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that flavonoids might be good candidates and novel agents against DBP-mediated RBC invasion of P. vivax and can be further analyzed in in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yasir
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jae Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
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15
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Snounou G, Sharp PM, Culleton R. The two parasite species formerly known as Plasmodium ovale. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:21-27. [PMID: 38040603 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale was the last of the exclusively human malaria parasites to be described, in 1922, and has remained the least well studied. Beginning in 1995, two divergent forms of the parasite, later termed 'classic' and 'variant', were described. By 2010, it was realised that these forms are two closely related, but genetically distinct and non-recombining species; they were given the names Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri. Since then, substantial additional data have confirmed that the two parasites are indeed separate species, but the trinomial nomenclature has often led to confusion about their status, with many authors describing them as subspecies. We hereby formally name them Plasmodium ovalecurtisi and Plasmodium ovalewallikeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Snounou
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses & Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Paul M Sharp
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Richard Culleton
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
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16
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Potlapalli VR, Muller MS, Ngasala B, Ali IM, Na YB, Williams DR, Kharabora O, Chhetri S, Liu MS, Carey-Ewend K, Lin FC, Mathias D, Tarimo BB, Juliano JJ, Parr JB, Lin JT. Real-time PCR detection of mixed Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri infections in human and mosquito hosts. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011274. [PMID: 38064489 PMCID: PMC10732364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (Pow) represent distinct non-recombining Plasmodium species that are increasing in prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Though they circulate sympatrically, co-infection within human and mosquito hosts has rarely been described. Separate 18S rRNA real-time PCR assays that detect Poc and Pow were modified to allow species determination in parallel under identical cycling conditions. The lower limit of detection was 0.6 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 0.4-1.6) for Poc and 4.5 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 2.7-18) for Pow, or 0.1 and 0.8 parasites/μL, respectively, assuming 6 copies of 18s rRNA per genome. However, the assays showed cross-reactivity at concentrations greater than 103 plasmid copies/μL (roughly 200 parasites/μL). Mock mixtures were used to establish criteria for classifying mixed Poc/Pow infections that prevented false-positive detection while maintaining sensitive detection of the minority ovale species down to 100 copies/μL (<1 parasite/μL). When the modified real-time PCR assays were applied to field-collected blood samples from Tanzania and Cameroon, species identification by real-time PCR was concordant with nested PCR in 19 samples, but additionally detected two mixed Poc/Pow infections where nested PCR detected a single Po species. When real-time PCR was applied to oocyst-positive Anopheles midguts saved from mosquitoes fed on P. ovale-infected persons, mixed Poc/Pow infections were detected in 11/14 (79%). Based on these results, 8/9 P. ovale carriers transmitted both P. ovale species to mosquitoes, though both Po species could only be detected in the blood of two carriers. The described real-time PCR approach can be used to identify the natural occurrence of mixed Poc/Pow infections in human and mosquito hosts and reveals that such co-infections and co-transmission are likely more common than appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun R. Potlapalli
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Meredith S. Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Innocent Mbulli Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Yu Bin Na
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Danielle R. Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Oksana Kharabora
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Srijana Chhetri
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mei S. Liu
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kelly Carey-Ewend
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida United States of America
| | - Brian B. Tarimo
- Vector Immunity and Transmission Biology Unit, Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute-Bagamoyo Office, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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17
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Chaturvedi R, Biswas S, Bisht K, Sharma A. The threat of increased transmission of non- knowlesi zoonotic malaria in humans: a systematic review. Parasitology 2023; 150:1167-1177. [PMID: 37929579 PMCID: PMC10801384 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202300077x] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Of the 5 human malarial parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most prevalent species globally, while Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri are less prevalent and typically occur as mixed-infections. Plasmodium knowlesi, previously considered a non-human primate (NHP) infecting species, is now a cause of human malaria in Malaysia. The other NHP Plasmodium species, Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium brasilianum, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium simium, Plasmodium coatneyi and Plasmodium fieldi cause malaria in primates, which are mainly reported in southeast Asia and South America. The non-knowlesi NHP Plasmodium species also emerged and were found to cross-transmit from their natural hosts (NHP) – to human hosts in natural settings. Here we have reviewed and collated data from the literature on the NHPs-to-human-transmitting non-knowlesi Plasmodium species. It was observed that the natural transmission of these NHP parasites to humans had been reported from 2010 onwards. This study shows that: (1) the majority of the non-knowlesi NHP Plasmodium mixed species infecting human cases were from Yala province of Thailand; (2) mono/mixed P. cynomolgi infections with other human-infecting Plasmodium species were prevalent in Malaysia and Thailand and (3) P. brasilianum and P. simium were found in Central and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rini Chaturvedi
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shibani Biswas
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Host–Parasite Biology, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kanika Bisht
- Host–Parasite Biology, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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18
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Horak P, Auer H, Wiedermann U, Walochnik J. Malaria in Austria : A retrospective analysis of malaria cases diagnosed at a reference center in 2010-2020. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:617-624. [PMID: 37069405 PMCID: PMC10108813 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02179-3] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although malaria is not endemic to Austria, each year infections are imported by travellers, migrants and refugees. This study aims to provide an overview of malaria cases diagnosed at an Austrian institute for tropical medicine between 2010 and 2020. METHODS A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted based on the data of malaria cases confirmed at the Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna. Laboratory diagnostics included microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS Overall, 122 cases were identified. Annual case numbers were consistently higher from 2016 to 2020 than during the first half of the decade. Most malaria cases were diagnosed during summer and early autumn. This seasonal trend was not observed during the year 2020. With 55.1% (65/118) Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species, followed by Plasmodium vivax (19.5%, 23/118). The majority of patients were male (71.1%, 86/121) and the median age was 34.5 years (interquartile range, IQR 22.5-47.0 years). With a median age of 20.0 years (IQR 14.0-32.0 years), patients with P. vivax infections were younger than those infected with other Plasmodium species. Moreover, they were mostly male (82.6%, 19/23). CONCLUSION From 2010 to 2020, the number of malaria cases diagnosed at the center increased. Growing international mobility and changing travel behavior could at least partly be responsible for this trend and there are indications that particularly P. vivax infections were imported by migrants and refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horak
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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19
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He W, Sendor R, Potlapalli VR, Kashamuka MM, Tshefu AK, Phanzu F, Kalonji A, Ngasala B, Thwai KL, Juliano JJ, Lin JT, Parr JB. A novel duplex qualitative real-time PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri malaria. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.31.23297819. [PMID: 37961397 PMCID: PMC10635243 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.23297819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background P. ovale spp. infections are endemic across multiple African countries and are caused by two distinct non-recombining species, P. ovale curtisi (Poc) and P. ovale wallikeri (Pow). These species are thought to differ in clinical symptomatology and latency, but existing diagnostic assays have limited ability to detect and distinguish them. In this study, we developed a new duplex assay for the detection and differentiation of Poc and Pow that can be used to improve our understanding of these parasites. Methods Repetitive sequence motifs were identified in available Poc and Pow genomes and used for assay development and validation. We evaluated the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the best-performing assay using a panel of samples from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), then validated its performance using 55 P. ovale spp. samples and 40 non-ovale Plasmodium samples from the DRC. Poc and Pow prevalence among symptomatic individuals sampled across three provinces of the DRC were estimated. Results The best-performing Poc and Pow targets had 9 and 8 copies within the reference genomes, respectively. Our duplex assay had 100% specificity and 95% confidence lower limits of detection of 4.2 and 41.2 parasite genome equivalents/μl for Poc and Pow, respectively. Species was determined in 80% of all P. ovale spp.-positive field samples and 100% of those with >10 parasites/μl. Most P. ovale spp. field samples from the DRC were found to be Poc infections. Conclusions We identified promising multi-copy targets for molecular detection and differentiation of Poc and Pow and used them to develop a new duplex real-time PCR assay that performed well when applied to diverse field samples. Though low-density Pow infections are not reliably detected, the assay is highly specific and can be used for high-throughput studies of P. ovale spp. epidemiology among symptomatic cases in malaria-endemic countries like the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiao He
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Varun R. Potlapalli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kyaw Lay Thwai
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Joste V, Colard-Itté E, Guillochon É, Ariey F, Coppée R, Clain J, Houzé S. Genetic Profiling of Plasmodium ovale wallikeri Relapses With Microsatellite Markers and Whole-Genome Sequencing. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1089-1098. [PMID: 37329228 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad216] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Like Plasmodium vivax, both Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri have the ability to cause relapse in humans, defined as recurring asexual parasitemia originating from liver-dormant forms subsequent to a primary infection. Here, we investigated relapse patterns in P ovale wallikeri infections from a cohort of travelers who were exposed to the parasite in sub-Saharan Africa and then experienced relapses after their return to France. Using a novel set of 8 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, we genotyped 15 P ovale wallikeri relapses. For most relapses, the paired primary and relapse infections were highly genetically related (with 12 being homologous), an observation that was confirmed by whole-genome sequencing for the 4 relapses we further studied. This is, to our knowledge, the first genetic evidence of relapses in P ovale spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Joste
- Mère et enfant en milieu tropical, Institut Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris Cité
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard
| | - Emma Colard-Itté
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard
| | - Émilie Guillochon
- Mère et enfant en milieu tropical, Institut Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris Cité
| | - Frédéric Ariey
- Inserm U1016, Institut Cochin, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris Cité
| | - Romain Coppée
- Université Paris Cité and Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Clain
- Mère et enfant en milieu tropical, Institut Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris Cité
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Mère et enfant en milieu tropical, Institut Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris Cité
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard
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21
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Ye C, Zhang L, Tang L, Duan Y, Liu J, Zhou H. Host genetic backgrounds: the key to determining parasite-host adaptation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1228206. [PMID: 37637465 PMCID: PMC10449477 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1228206] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases pose a significant threat to global public health, particularly in developing countries. Host genetic factors play a crucial role in determining susceptibility and resistance to infection. Recent advances in molecular and biological technologies have enabled significant breakthroughs in understanding the impact of host genes on parasite adaptation. In this comprehensive review, we analyze the host genetic factors that influence parasite adaptation, including hormones, nitric oxide, immune cells, cytokine gene polymorphisms, parasite-specific receptors, and metabolites. We also establish an interactive network to better illustrate the complex relationship between host genetic factors and parasite-host adaptation. Additionally, we discuss future directions and collaborative research priorities in the parasite-host adaptation field, including investigating the impact of host genes on the microbiome, developing more sophisticated models, identifying and characterizing parasite-specific receptors, utilizing patient-derived sera as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and developing novel treatments and management strategies targeting specific host genetic factors. This review highlights the need for a comprehensive and systematic approach to investigating the underlying mechanisms of parasite-host adaptation, which requires interdisciplinary collaborations among biologists, geneticists, immunologists, and clinicians. By deepening our understanding of the complex interactions between host genetics and parasite adaptation, we can develop more effective and targeted interventions to prevent and treat parasitic diseases. Overall, this review provides a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians working in the parasitology field and offers insights into the future directions of this critical research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Ye
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Yunyang Women and Children’s Hospital (Yunyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Lianhua Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Surgery, Yunyang Women and Children’s Hospital (Yunyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Lili Tang
- The 3rd Affiliated Teaching Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University (Affiliated Tumor Hospital), Urumqi, China
| | - Yongjun Duan
- Department of Pediatrics, Yunyang Women and Children’s Hospital (Yunyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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22
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Ren Z, Shi Q, Xu S, Xu J, Yin Y, Lin Z, Xu S, Ma X, Liu Y, Zhu G, He X, Lu J, Li Y, Zhang W, Liu J, Yang Y, Han ET, Cao J, Lu F. Elicitation of T-cell-derived IFN-γ-dependent immunity by highly conserved Plasmodium ovale curtisi Duffy binding protein domain region II (PocDBP-RII). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:269. [PMID: 37553591 PMCID: PMC10410920 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05897-9] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with Plasmodium ovale are widely distributed but rarely investigated, and the resulting burden of disease has been underestimated. Plasmodium ovale curtisi Duffy binding protein domain region II (PocDBP-RII) is an essential ligand for reticulocyte recognition and host cell invasion by P. ovale curtisi. However, the genomic variation, antigenicity and immunogenicity of PocDBP-RII remain major knowledge gaps. METHODS A total of 93 P. ovale curtisi samples were collected from migrant workers who returned to China from 17 countries in Africa between 2012 and 2016. The genetic polymorphism, natural selection and copy number variation (CNV) were investigated by sequencing and real-time PCR. The antigenicity and immunogenicity of the recombinant PocDBP-RII (rPocDBP-RII) protein were further examined, and the humoral and cellular responses of immunized mice were assessed using protein microarrays and flow cytometry. RESULTS Efficiently expressed and purified rPocDBP-RII (39 kDa) was successfully used as an antigen for immunization in mice. The haplotype diversity (Hd) of PocDBP-RII gene was 0.105, and the nucleotide diversity index (π) was 0.00011. No increased copy number was found among the collected isolates of P. ovale curtisi. Furthermore, rPocDBP-RII induced persistent antigen-specific antibody production with a serum IgG antibody titer of 1: 16,000. IFN-γ-producing T cells, rather than IL-10-producing cells, were activated in response to the stimulation of rPocDBP-RII. Compared to PBS-immunized mice (negative control), there was a higher percentage of CD4+CD44highCD62L- T cells (effector memory T cells) and CD8+CD44highCD62L+ T cells (central memory T cells) in rPocDBP-RII‑immunized mice. CONCLUSIONS PocDBP-RII sequences were highly conserved in clinical isolates of P. ovale curtisi. rPocDBP-RII protein could mediate protective blood-stage immunity through IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and memory T cells, in addition to inducing specific antibodies. Our results suggested that rPocDBP-RII protein has potential as a vaccine candidate to provide assessment and guidance for malaria control and elimination activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ren
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyang Shi
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Simin Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Changshu Second People's Hospital, Suzhou, 215500, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Lin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Sui Xu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Ma
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaobao Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoding Zhu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinlong He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Lu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinyue Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Dalhuisen T, Plenderleith LJ, Ursani I, Philip N, Hahn BH, Sharp PM. Unusually Divergent Ubiquitin Genes and Proteins in Plasmodium Species. Genome Biol Evol 2023; 15:evad137. [PMID: 37481258 PMCID: PMC10457151 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad137] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin is an extraordinarily highly conserved 76 amino acid protein encoded by three different types of gene, where the primary translation products are fusions either of ubiquitin with one of two ribosomal proteins (RPs) or of multiple ubiquitin monomers from head to tail. Here, we investigate the evolution of ubiquitin genes in mammalian malaria parasites (Plasmodium species). The ubiquitin encoded by the RPS27a fusion gene is highly divergent, as previously found in a variety of protists. However, we also find that two other forms of divergent ubiquitin sequence, each previously thought to be extremely rare, have arisen recently during the divergence of Plasmodium subgenera. On two occasions, in two distinct lineages, the ubiquitin encoded by the RPL40 fusion gene has rapidly diverged. In addition, in one of these lineages, the polyubiquitin genes have undergone a single codon insertion, previously considered a unique feature of Rhizaria. There has been disagreement whether the multiple ubiquitin coding repeats within a genome exhibit concerted evolution or undergo a birth-and-death process; the Plasmodium ubiquitin genes show clear signs of concerted evolution, including the spread of this codon insertion to multiple repeats within the polyubiquitin gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dalhuisen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsey J Plenderleith
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ismail Ursani
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nisha Philip
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice H Hahn
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul M Sharp
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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24
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Quaye IK, Aleksenko L, Paganotti GM, Peloewetse E, Haiyambo DH, Ntebela D, Oeuvray C, Greco B. Malaria Elimination in Africa: Rethinking Strategies for Plasmodium vivax and Lessons from Botswana. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:392. [PMID: 37624330 PMCID: PMC10458071 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080392] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The global malaria community has picked up the theme of malaria elimination in more than 90% of the world's population in the next decade. Recent reports of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) in sub-Saharan Africa, including in Duffy-negative individuals, threaten the efforts aimed at achieving elimination. This is not only in view of strategies that are tailored only to P. falciparum elimination but also due to currently revealed biological characteristics of P. vivax concerning the relapse patterns of hypnozoites and conservation of large biomasses in cryptic sites in the bone marrow and spleen. A typical scenario was observed in Botswana between 2008 and 2018, which palpably projects how P. vivax could endanger malaria elimination efforts where the two parasites co-exist. The need for the global malaria community, national malaria programs (NMPs), funding agencies and relevant stakeholders to engage in a forum to discuss and recommend clear pathways for elimination of malaria, including P. vivax, in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac K. Quaye
- Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network, Faculty of Engineering Computer and Allied Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, #1 Regent Ave, McCarthy Hill, Mendskrom, Dansoman, Accra P.O. Box DS1636, Ghana
| | - Larysa Aleksenko
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, London UB8 3PH, UK;
| | - Giacomo M. Paganotti
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Riverwalk, Gaborone P.O. Box 45498, Botswana;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elias Peloewetse
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag 00704, Botswana;
| | - Daniel H. Haiyambo
- Department of Human, Biological and Translational Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia School of Medicine, Hage Geingob Campus, Windhoek Private Bag 13301, Namibia;
| | - Davies Ntebela
- National Malaria Program, Ministry of Health, Gaborone Private Bag 0038, Botswana;
| | - Claude Oeuvray
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Terre Bonne Building Z0, Route de Crassier 1, Eysin, 1266 Geneva, Switzerland; (C.O.); (B.G.)
| | - Beatrice Greco
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Terre Bonne Building Z0, Route de Crassier 1, Eysin, 1266 Geneva, Switzerland; (C.O.); (B.G.)
| | - the PAVON Consortium
- PAVON, Regent University College of Science and Technology, #1 Regent Avenue, McCarthy Hiil, Mendskrom, Dansoman, Accra P.O. Box DS1636, Ghana
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25
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Ahmed MA, Baruah P, Saif A, Han JH, Al-Zharani M, Wazid SW, Alkahtani S, Patgiri SJ, Al-Eissa MS, Quan FS. In Silico Analysis Reveals High Levels of Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium knowlesi Cell Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites ( PkCelTOS) in Clinical Samples. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:380. [PMID: 37624318 PMCID: PMC10458480 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080380] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS), expressed on the surface of ookinetes and sporozoitesin Plasmodium species, is a promising malaria vaccine candidate. CelTOS is essential for parasite invasion into mosquito midgut and human hepatocytes, thereby contributing to malaria transmission and disease pathogenesis. This study explores the genetic diversity, polymorphisms, haplotypes, natural selection, phylogenetic analysis, and epitope prediction in the full-length Plasmodium knowlesi CelTOS gene in clinical samples from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and long-term laboratory strains from Peninsular Malaysia and the Philippines. Our analysis revealed a high level of genetic variation in the PkCelTOS gene, with a nucleotide diversity of π ~ 0.021, which was skewed towards the 3' end of the gene. This level of diversity is double that observed in PfCelTOS and 20 times that observed in PvCelTOS from worldwide clinical samples. Tests of natural selection revealed evidence for positive selection within clinical samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence of PkCelTOS revealed the presence of two distinct groups, although no geographical clustering was observed. Epitope prediction analysis identified two potential epitopes (96AQLKATA102 and 124TIKPPRIKED133) using the IEDB server and one epitope (125IKPPRIKED133) by Bcepred server on the C' terminal region of PkCelTOS protein. Both the servers predicted a common epitope region of nine amino acid length (IKPPRIKED) peptide, which can be studied in the future as a potential candidate for vaccine development. These findings shed light on the genetic diversity, polymorphism, haplotypes, and natural selection within PkCelTOS in clinical samples and provide insights about its future prospects as a potential candidate for P. knowlesi malaria vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Atique Ahmed
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh 786010, Assam, India (S.J.P.)
| | - Pratisthita Baruah
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh 786010, Assam, India (S.J.P.)
| | - Ahmed Saif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammed Al-Zharani
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia (M.S.A.-E.)
| | - Syeda Wasfeea Wazid
- Arogyo Society of Health, Welfare and Support (ASHWAS), Guwahati 785640, Assam, India;
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saurav J. Patgiri
- ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh 786010, Assam, India (S.J.P.)
| | - Mohammed S. Al-Eissa
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia (M.S.A.-E.)
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, Core Research Institute (CRI), Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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26
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Miezan AJS, Gnagne AP, Bedia-Tanoh AV, Kone EGM, Konate-Toure AA, Angora KE, Bosson-Vanga AH, Kassi KF, Kiki-Barro PCM, Djohan V, Menan HEI, Yavo W. Molecular epidemiology of non-falciparum Plasmodium infections in three different areas of the Ivory Coast. Malar J 2023; 22:211. [PMID: 37468917 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04639-7] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a major public health problem, particularly in the tropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. Plasmodium falciparum is not only the most widespread but also the most deadly species. The share of Plasmodium infections caused by the other species (Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae) is clearly underestimated. The objective of the study was to determine the molecular epidemiology of plasmodial infection due to P. malariae and P. ovale in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS The study was cross-sectional. The study participants were recruited from Abengourou, San Pedro and Grand-Bassam. Sample collection took place from May 2015 to April 2016. Questionnaires were administered and filter paper blood samples were collected for parasite DNA extraction. The molecular analysis was carried out from February to March 2021. A nested PCR was used for species diagnosis. The data was presented in frequencies and proportions. RESULTS A total of 360 patients were recruited, including 179 men (49,7%) for 181 women (50,3%). The overall Plasmodium positive rate was 72.5% (261/360). The specific index was 77.4% and 1.5% for P. falciparum and P. malariae in mono-infection, respectively. There was also 15% P. falciparum and P. malariae co-infection, 3.4% P. falciparum and P. ovale co-infection and 2.3% P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale triple-infection. Typing of P. ovale subspecies showed a significant predominance of P. ovale curtisi (81.2% of cases). CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum remains the most prevalent malaria species in Côte d'Ivoire, but P. malariae and P. ovale are also endemic mostly in co-infection. Malaria elimination requires a better understanding of the specific epidemiological characteristics of P. malariae and P. ovale with a particular emphasis on the identification of asymptomatic carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assohoun J S Miezan
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
- National Institute of Public Health, B.P. V47, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Akpa P Gnagne
- National Institute of Public Health, B.P. V47, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Akoua V Bedia-Tanoh
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- National Institute of Public Health, B.P. V47, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Estelle G M Kone
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Abibatou A Konate-Toure
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- National Institute of Public Health, B.P. V47, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kpongbo E Angora
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Abo H Bosson-Vanga
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kondo F Kassi
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Pulchérie C M Kiki-Barro
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- National Institute of Public Health, B.P. V47, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Vincent Djohan
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Hervé E I Menan
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - William Yavo
- UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- National Institute of Public Health, B.P. V47, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
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27
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Pacheco MA, Escalante AA. Origin and diversity of malaria parasites and other Haemosporida. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:501-516. [PMID: 37202254 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Symbionts, including parasites, are ubiquitous in all world ecosystems. Understanding the diversity of symbiont species addresses diverse questions, from the origin of infectious diseases to inferring processes shaping regional biotas. Here, we review the current approaches to studying Haemosporida's species diversity and evolutionary history. Despite the solid knowledge of species linked to diseases, such as the agents of human malaria, studies on haemosporidian phylogeny, diversity, ecology, and evolution are still limited. The available data, however, indicate that Haemosporida is an extraordinarily diverse and cosmopolitan clade of symbionts. Furthermore, this clade seems to have originated with their vertebrate hosts, particularly birds, as part of complex community level processes that we are still characterizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, USA.
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, USA.
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28
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Malpartida-Cardenas K, Moser N, Ansah F, Pennisi I, Ahu Prah D, Amoah LE, Awandare G, Hafalla JCR, Cunnington A, Baum J, Rodriguez-Manzano J, Georgiou P. Sensitive Detection of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Malaria with Seven Novel Parasite-Specific LAMP Assays and Translation for Use at Point-of-Care. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0522222. [PMID: 37158750 PMCID: PMC10269850 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05222-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease with high impact in the sub-Saharan Africa region, where 95% of global cases occurred in 2021. While most malaria diagnostic tools are focused on Plasmodium falciparum, there is a current lack of testing non-P. falciparum cases, which may be underreported and, if undiagnosed or untreated, may lead to severe consequences. In this work, seven species-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays were designed and evaluated against TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR), microscopy, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Their clinical performance was assessed with a cohort of 164 samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients from Ghana. All asymptomatic samples with a parasite load above 80 genomic DNA (gDNA) copies per μL of extracted sample were detected with the Plasmodium falciparum LAMP assay, reporting 95.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] of 89.9 to 98.5) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI of 87.2 to 100) specificity. This assay showed higher sensitivity than microscopy and ELISA, which were 52.7% (95% CI of 39.7 to 67%) and 67.3% (95% CI of 53.3 to 79.3%), respectively. Nine samples were positive for P. malariae, indicating coinfections with P. falciparum, which represented 5.5% of the tested population. No samples were detected as positive for P. vivax, P. ovale, P. knowlesi, or P. cynomolgi by any method. Furthermore, translation to the point-of-care was demonstrated with a subcohort of 18 samples tested locally in Ghana using our handheld lab-on-chip platform, Lacewing, showing comparable results to a conventional fluorescence-based instrument. The developed molecular diagnostic test could detect asymptomatic malaria cases, including submicroscopic parasitemia, and it has the potential to be used for point-of-care applications. IMPORTANCE The spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites with Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions presents a major threat to reliable point-of-care diagnosis with current rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Novel molecular diagnostics based on nucleic acid amplification are needed to address this liability. In this work, we overcome this challenge by developing sensitive tools for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum and non-P. falciparum species. Furthermore, we evaluate these tools with a cohort of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria patients and test a subcohort locally in Ghana. The findings of this work could lead to the implementation of DNA-based diagnostics to fight against the spread of malaria and provide reliable, sensitive, and specific diagnostics at the point of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Malpartida-Cardenas
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Moser
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Ansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Ivana Pennisi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Ahu Prah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Gordon Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Julius Clemence R. Hafalla
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Aubrey Cunnington
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pantelis Georgiou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Yasir M, Park J, Han ET, Park WS, Han JH, Kwon YS, Lee HJ, Chun W. Computational Exploration of Licorice for Lead Compounds against Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein Utilizing Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083358. [PMID: 37110591 PMCID: PMC10141081 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is one of the human's most common malaria parasites. P. vivax is exceedingly difficult to control and eliminate due to the existence of extravascular reservoirs and recurring infections from latent liver stages. Traditionally, licorice compounds have been widely investigated against viral and infectious diseases and exhibit some promising results to combat these diseases. In the present study, computational approaches are utilized to study the effect of licorice compounds against P. vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP) to inhibit the malarial invasion to human red blood cells (RBCs). The main focus is to block the DBP binding site to Duffy antigen receptor chemokines (DARC) of RBC to restrict the formation of the DBP-DARC complex. A molecular docking study was performed to analyze the interaction of licorice compounds with the DARC binding site of DBP. Furthermore, the triplicates of molecular dynamic simulation studies for 100 ns were carried out to study the stability of representative docked complexes. The leading compounds such as licochalcone A, echinatin, and licochalcone B manifest competitive results against DBP. The blockage of the active region of DBP resulting from these compounds was maintained throughout the triplicates of 100 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, maintaining stable hydrogen bond formation with the active site residues of DBP. Therefore, the present study suggests that licorice compounds might be good candidates for novel agents against DBP-mediated RBC invasion of P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yasir
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jae Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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30
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Potlapalli V, Muller MS, Ngasala B, Ali IM, Na YB, Williams DR, Kharabora O, Chhetri S, Liu MS, Carey-Ewend K, Lin FC, Mathias D, Tarimo BB, Juliano JJ, Parr J, Lin JT. Real-time PCR detection of mixed Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri species infections in human and mosquito hosts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.31.535020. [PMID: 37034766 PMCID: PMC10081274 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.535020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (Pow) represent distinct non-recombining malaria species that are increasing in prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Though they circulate sympatrically, co-infection within human and mosquito hosts has rarely been described. Separate 18S rRNA real-time PCR assays that detect Poc and Pow were modified to allow species determination in parallel under identical cycling conditions. The lower limit of detection was 0.6 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 0.4-1.6) for Poc and 4.5 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI( 2.7- 18) for Pow, or 0.1 and 0.8 parasites/μL, respectively, assuming 6 copies of 18s rRNA per genome. However, the assays showed cross-reactivity at concentrations greater than 103 plasmid copies/μL (roughly 200 parasites/μL). Mock mixtures were used to establish criteria for classifying mixed Poc/Pow infections that prevented false-positive detection while maintaining sensitive detection of the minority ovale species down to 10° copies/μL (<1 parasite/μL). When the modified real-time PCR assays were applied to field-collected blood samples from Tanzania and Cameroon, species identification by real-time PCR was concordant with nested PCR, but additionally detected two mixed Poc/Pow infections where nested PCR detected a single Po species. When real-time PCR was applied to 14 oocyst-positive Anopheles midguts saved from mosquitoes fed on P. ovate-infected persons, mixed Poc/Pow infections were detected in 11 (79%). Based on these results, 8/9 P. ovate carriers transmitted both P. ovate species to mosquitoes, though both Po species could only be detected in the blood of two carriers. The described real-time PCR approach can be used to identify the natural occurrence of mixed Poc/Pow infections in human and mosquito hosts and reveals that such co-infections and co-transmission are likely more common than appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Potlapalli
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Meredith S Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Innocent Mbulli Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Yu Bin Na
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Danielle R Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Oksana Kharabora
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Srijana Chhetri
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Mei S Liu
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Kelly Carey-Ewend
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL USA
| | - Brian B Tarimo
- Vector Immunity and Transmission Biology Unit, Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute-Bagamoyo Office, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jonathan Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jessica T Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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31
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Ahmed MMA, Ragab EA, Zayed A, El-Ghaly EM, Ismail SK, Khan SI, Ali Z, Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA. Litoarbolide A: an undescribed sesquiterpenoid from the Red Sea soft coral Litophyton arboreum with an in vitro anti-malarial activity evaluation. Nat Prod Res 2023; 37:542-550. [PMID: 35491702 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2071268] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Soft corals distributed across the Red Sea coasts are a rich source of diverse and bioactive natural products. Chemical probing of the Red Sea soft coral Litophyton arboreum led to isolation and structural characterization of an undescribed sesquiterpenoid, litoarbolide A (1), along with 14 previously reported metabolites (2-15). The chemical structures of the isolates were assigned based on NMR as well as high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) data. Litoarbolide A is supposed to be the biosynthetic precursor to other sesquiterpenoids, which formed via further post-translational modifications. Furthermore, these metabolites were evaluated for anti-malarial activity, where only the acyclic sesquiterpenoid of a sec-germacrane nucleus (7) showed an activity against chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 at 3.7 and 2.2 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the isolated metabolites were all non-toxic to the Vero cell line. These findings support the consideration of L. arboreum in further natural anti-malarial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.,National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States.,Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States
| | - Ehab A Ragab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tanta University, College of Pharmacy, Tanta, Egypt.,Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Elsayed M El-Ghaly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Said K Ismail
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shabana I Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States.,Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States
| | - Amar G Chittiboyina
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States.,Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States
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32
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Culleton R, Pain A, Snounou G. Plasmodium malariae: the persisting mysteries of a persistent parasite. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:113-125. [PMID: 36517330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium malariae is a 'neglected malaria parasite' in as much as the amount of research conducted on it pales into insignificance when compared to that pertaining to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, its more notorious and pathogenic cousins. There has, however, been an increase in interest in this parasite over the past decade. Principally, this is because of the increasing use of sensitive molecular detection techniques that have revealed a wider than previously recorded prevalence in some regions (particularly in Africa), and high numbers of chronic, asymptomatic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Culleton
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan; Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Group, Bioscience Programme, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Georges Snounou
- CEA-Université Paris Sud 11-INSERM U1184, Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases (IMVA-HB), IDMIT Department, IBFJ, DRF, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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33
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Negm WA, Ezzat SM, Zayed A. Marine organisms as potential sources of natural products for the prevention and treatment of malaria. RSC Adv 2023; 13:4436-4475. [PMID: 36760290 PMCID: PMC9892989 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07977a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are a worldwide critical concern accounting for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases in 2020. Despite the various medicines available for the management, the deadliest VBD malaria, caused by Plasmodium sp., has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa only. This finding may be explained by the progressive loss of antimalarial medication efficacy, inherent toxicity, the rise of drug resistance, or a lack of treatment adherence. As a result, new drug discoveries from uncommon sources are desperately needed, especially against multi-drug resistant strains. Marine organisms have been investigated, including sponges, soft corals, algae, and cyanobacteria. They have been shown to produce many bioactive compounds that potentially affect the causative organism at different stages of its life cycle, including the chloroquine (CQ)-resistant strains of P. falciparum. These compounds also showed diverse chemical structures belonging to various phytochemical classes, including alkaloids, terpenoids, polyketides, macrolides, and others. The current article presents a comprehensive review of marine-derived natural products with antimalarial activity as potential candidates for targeting different stages and species of Plasmodium in both in vitro and in vivo and in comparison with the commercially available and terrestrial plant-derived products, i.e., quinine and artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa A. Negm
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tanta University, College of PharmacyEl-Guish StreetTanta 31527Egypt
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo UniversityKasr El-Aini StreetCairo 11562Egypt,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA)Giza 12451Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Tanta University, College of Pharmacy El-Guish Street Tanta 31527 Egypt
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34
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Tebben K, Yirampo S, Coulibaly D, Koné AK, Laurens MB, Stucke EM, Dembélé A, Tolo Y, Traoré K, Niangaly A, Berry AA, Kouriba B, Plowe CV, Doumbo OK, Lyke KE, Takala-Harrison S, Thera MA, Travassos MA, Serre D. Malian children infected with Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium falciparum display very similar gene expression profiles. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010802. [PMID: 36696438 PMCID: PMC9901758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites caused 241 million cases of malaria and over 600,000 deaths in 2020. Both P. falciparum and P. ovale are endemic to Mali and cause clinical malaria, with P. falciparum infections typically being more severe. Here, we sequenced RNA from nine pediatric blood samples collected during infections with either P. falciparum or P. ovale, and characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles. We found that human gene expression varies more between individuals than according to the parasite species causing the infection, while parasite gene expression profiles cluster by species. Additionally, we characterized DNA polymorphisms of the parasites directly from the RNA-seq reads and found comparable levels of genetic diversity in both species, despite dramatic differences in prevalence. Our results provide unique insights into host-pathogen interactions during malaria infections and their variations according to the infecting Plasmodium species, which will be critical to develop better elimination strategies against all human Plasmodium parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Tebben
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
| | - Salif Yirampo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K. Koné
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew B. Laurens
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Emily M. Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ahmadou Dembélé
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssouf Tolo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Andrea A. Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Christopher V. Plowe
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ogobara K. Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kirsten E. Lyke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mahamadou A. Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mark A. Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore Maryland, United States of America
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35
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Ornellas-Garcia U, Cuervo P, Ribeiro-Gomes FL. Malaria and leishmaniasis: Updates on co-infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122411. [PMID: 36895563 PMCID: PMC9989157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria and leishmaniasis are endemic parasitic diseases in tropical and subtropical countries. Although the overlap of these diseases in the same host is frequently described, co-infection remains a neglected issue in the medical and scientific community. The complex relationship of concomitant infections with Plasmodium spp. and Leishmania spp. is highlighted in studies of natural and experimental co-infections, showing how this "dual" infection can exacerbate or suppress an effective immune response to these protozoa. Thus, a Plasmodium infection preceding or following Leishmania infection can impact the clinical course, accurate diagnosis, and management of leishmaniasis, and vice versa. The concept that in nature we are affected by concomitant infections reinforces the need to address the theme and ensure its due importance. In this review we explore and describe the studies available in the literature on Plasmodium spp. and Leishmania spp. co-infection, the scenarios, and the factors that may influence the course of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uyla Ornellas-Garcia
- Laboratory of Malaria Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Malaria Research, Diagnosis and Training Center (CPD-Mal) of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patricia Cuervo
- Laboratory on Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flávia Lima Ribeiro-Gomes
- Laboratory of Malaria Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Malaria Research, Diagnosis and Training Center (CPD-Mal) of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Structure- and ligand-based drug design methods for the modeling of antimalarial agents: a review of updates from 2012 onwards. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:10481-10506. [PMID: 34129805 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1932598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria still persists as one of the deadliest infectious disease having a huge morbidity and mortality affecting the higher population of the world. Structure and ligand-based drug design methods like molecular docking and MD simulations, pharmacophore modeling, QSAR and virtual screening are widely used to perceive the accordant correlation between the antimalarial activity and property of the compounds to design novel dominant and discriminant molecules. These modeling methods will speed-up antimalarial drug discovery, selection of better drug candidates for synthesis and to achieve potent and safer drugs. In this work, we have extensively reviewed the literature pertaining to the use and applications of various ligand and structure-based computational methods for the design of antimalarial agents. Different classes of molecules are discussed along with their target interactions pattern, which is responsible for antimalarial activity. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Kojom Foko LP, Hawadak J, Kouemo Motse FD, Eboumbou Moukoko CE, Kamgain Mawabo L, Pande V, Singh V. Non-falciparum species and submicroscopic infections in three epidemiological malaria facets in Cameroon. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:900. [PMID: 36460990 PMCID: PMC9718470 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07901-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are growing reports on the prevalence of non-falciparum species and submicroscopic infections in sub-Saharan African countries but little information is available from Cameroon. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in four towns (Douala, Maroua, Mayo-Oulo, and Pette) from three malaria epidemiological strata (Forest, Sahelian, and Soudanian) of Cameroon. Malaria parasites were detected by Giemsa light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Non-falciparum isolates were characterized and their 18S gene sequences were BLASTed for confirmatory diagnosis. RESULTS PCR assay detected malaria parasites in 82.4% (98/119) patients, among them 12.2% (12/98) were asymptomatic cases. Three Plasmodium species viz. P. falciparum, P. ovale curtisi and P. vivax, and two co-infection types (P. falciparum + P. vivax and P. falciparum + P. ovale curtisi) were found. The remaining infections were mono-infections with either P. falciparum or P. ovale curtisi. All non-falciparum infections were symptomatic and microscopic. The overall proportion of submicroscopic infections was 11.8% (14/119). Most asymptomatic and submicroscopic infection cases were self-medicated with antimalarial drugs and/or medicinal plants. On analysis, P. ovale curtisi sequences were found to be phylogenetically closer to sequences from India while P. vivax isolates appeared closer to those from Nigeria, India, and Cameroon. No G6PD-d case was found among non-falciparum infections. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms our previous work on circulation of P. vivax and P. ovale curtisi and the absence of P. knowlesi in Cameroon. More studies are needed to address non-falciparum malaria along with submicroscopic infections for effective malaria management and control in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loick Pradel Kojom Foko
- grid.419641.f0000 0000 9285 6594ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New-Delhi 110077 India ,grid.411155.50000 0001 1533 858XDepartment of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand 263001 India
| | - Joseph Hawadak
- grid.419641.f0000 0000 9285 6594ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New-Delhi 110077 India ,grid.411155.50000 0001 1533 858XDepartment of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand 263001 India
| | - Francine Dorgelesse Kouemo Motse
- grid.29273.3d0000 0001 2288 3199Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Carole Else Eboumbou Moukoko
- grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, 24157 Douala, Cameroon ,Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, 1274 Yaoundé, Cameroon ,grid.413096.90000 0001 2107 607XLaboratory of Parasitology, Mycology and Virology, Postgraduate Training Unit for Health Sciences, Postgraduate School for Pure and Applied Sciences, The University of Douala, 24157 Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Veena Pande
- grid.411155.50000 0001 1533 858XDepartment of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand 263001 India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- grid.419641.f0000 0000 9285 6594ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New-Delhi 110077 India
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Development and Optimization of a Selective Whole-Genome Amplification To Study Plasmodium ovale Spp. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0072622. [PMID: 36098524 PMCID: PMC9602584 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00726-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2010, the human-infecting malaria parasite Plasmodium ovale spp. has been divided into two genetically distinct species, P. ovale wallikeri and P. ovale curtisi. In recent years, application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to P. ovale spp. allowed to get a better understanding of its evolutionary history and discover some specific genetic patterns. Nevertheless, WGS data from P. ovale spp. are still scarce due to several drawbacks, including a high level of human DNA contamination in blood samples, infections with commonly low parasite density, and the lack of robust in vitro culture. Here, we developed two selective whole-genome amplification (sWGA) protocols that were tested on six P. ovale wallikeri and five P. ovale curtisi mono-infection clinical samples. Blood leukodepletion by a cellulose-based filtration was used as the gold standard for intraspecies comparative genomics with sWGA. We also demonstrated the importance of genomic DNA preincubation with the endonuclease McrBC to optimize P. ovale spp. sWGA. We obtained high-quality WGS data with more than 80% of the genome covered by ≥5 reads for each sample and identified more than 5,000 unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) per species. We also identified some amino acid changes in pocdhfr and powdhfr for which similar mutations in P. falciparum and P. vivax are associated with pyrimethamine or cycloguanil resistance. In conclusion, we developed two sWGA protocols for P. ovale spp. WGS that will help to design much-needed large-scale P. ovale spp. population studies. IMPORTANCE Plasmodium ovale spp. has the ability to cause relapse, defined as recurring asexual parasitemia originating from liver-dormant forms. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data are of importance to identify putative molecular markers associated with relapse or other virulence mechanisms. Due to low parasitemia encountered in P. ovale spp. infections and no in vitro culture available, WGS of P. ovale spp. is challenging. Blood leukodepletion by filtration has been used, but no technique exists yet to increase the quantity of parasite DNA over human DNA when starting from genomic DNA extracted from whole blood. Here, we demonstrated that selective whole-genome amplification (sWGA) is an easy-to-use protocol to obtain high-quality WGS data for both P. ovale spp. species from unprocessed blood samples. The new method will facilitate P. ovale spp. population genomic studies.
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Mohring F, van Schalkwyk DA, Henrici RC, Blasco B, Leroy D, Sutherland CJ, Moon RW. Cation ATPase (ATP4) Orthologue Replacement in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium knowlesi Reveals Species-Specific Responses to ATP4-Targeting Drugs. mBio 2022; 13:e0117822. [PMID: 36190127 PMCID: PMC9600963 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01178-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several unrelated classes of antimalarial compounds developed against Plasmodium falciparum target a parasite-specific P-type ATP-dependent Na+ pump, PfATP4. We have previously shown that other malaria parasite species infecting humans are less susceptible to these compounds. Here, we generated a series of transgenic Plasmodium knowlesi orthologue replacement (OR) lines in which the endogenous pkatp4 locus was replaced by a recodonized P. knowlesi atp4 (pkatp4) coding region or the orthologous coding region from P. falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale subsp. curtisi, or Plasmodium vivax. Each OR transgenic line displayed a similar growth pattern to the parental P. knowlesi line. We found significant orthologue-specific differences in parasite susceptibility to three chemically unrelated ATP4 inhibitors, but not to comparator drugs, among the P. knowlesi OR lines. The PfATP4OR transgenic line of P. knowlesi was significantly more susceptible than our control PkATP4OR line to three ATP4 inhibitors: cipargamin, PA21A092, and SJ733. The PvATP4OR and PmATP4OR lines were similarly susceptible to the control PkATP4OR line, but the PocATP4OR line was significantly less susceptible to all ATP4 inhibitors than the PkATP4OR line. Cipargamin-induced inhibition of Na+ efflux was also significantly greater with the P. falciparum orthologue of ATP4. This confirms that species-specific susceptibility differences previously observed in ex vivo studies of human isolates are partly or wholly enshrined in the primary amino acid sequences of the respective ATP4 orthologues and highlights the need to monitor efficacy of investigational malaria drugs against multiple species. P. knowlesi is now established as an important in vitro model for studying drug susceptibility in non-falciparum malaria parasites. IMPORTANCE Effective drugs are vital to minimize the illness and death caused by malaria. Development of new drugs becomes ever more urgent as drug resistance emerges. Among promising compounds now being developed to treat malaria are several unrelated molecules that each inhibit the same protein in the malaria parasite-ATP4. Here, we exploited the genetic tractability of P. knowlesi to replace its own ATP4 genes with orthologues from five human-infective species to understand the drug susceptibility differences among these parasites. We previously estimated the susceptibility to ATP4-targeting drugs of each species using clinical samples from malaria patients. These estimates closely matched those of the corresponding "hybrid" P. knowlesi parasites carrying introduced ATP4 genes. Thus, species-specific ATP4 inhibitor efficacy is directly determined by the sequence of the gene. Our novel approach to understanding cross-species susceptibility/resistance can strongly support the effort to develop antimalarials that effectively target all human malaria parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Mohring
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Donelly A. van Schalkwyk
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan C. Henrici
- Center for Global Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Didier Leroy
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Colin J. Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- UK Health Security Agency Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert W. Moon
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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da Silva VS, Machado CR. Sex in protists: A new perspective on the reproduction mechanisms of trypanosomatids. Genet Mol Biol 2022; 45:e20220065. [PMID: 36218381 PMCID: PMC9552303 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0065] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Protist kingdom individuals are the most ancestral representatives of
eukaryotes. They have inhabited Earth since ancient times and are currently
found in the most diverse environments presenting a great heterogeneity of life
forms. The unicellular and multicellular algae, photosynthetic and heterotrophic
organisms, as well as free-living and pathogenic protozoa represents the protist
group. The evolution of sex is directly associated with the origin of eukaryotes
being protists the earliest protagonists of sexual reproduction on earth. In
eukaryotes, the recombination through genetic exchange is a ubiquitous mechanism
that can be stimulated by DNA damage. Scientific evidences support the
hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced DNA damage can promote
sexual recombination in eukaryotes which might have been a decisive factor for
the origin of sex. The fact that some recombination enzymes also participate in
meiotic sex in modern eukaryotes reinforces the idea that sexual reproduction
emerged as consequence of specific mechanisms to cope with mutations and
alterations in genetic material. In this review we will discuss about origin of
sex and different strategies of evolve sexual reproduction in some protists such
that cause human diseases like malaria, toxoplasmosis, sleeping sickness, Chagas
disease, and leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verônica Santana da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Genética,
Ecologia e Evolução, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato Machado
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Bioquímica e
Imunologia, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Brashear AM, Cui L. Population genomics in neglected malaria parasites. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:984394. [PMID: 36160257 PMCID: PMC9493318 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.984394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria elimination includes neglected human malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium malariae. Biological features such as association with low-density infection and the formation of hypnozoites responsible for relapse make their elimination challenging. Studies on these parasites rely primarily on clinical samples due to the lack of long-term culture techniques. With improved methods to enrich parasite DNA from clinical samples, whole-genome sequencing of the neglected malaria parasites has gained increasing popularity. Population genomics of more than 2200 P. vivax global isolates has improved our knowledge of parasite biology and host-parasite interactions, identified vaccine targets and potential drug resistance markers, and provided a new way to track parasite migration and introduction and monitor the evolutionary response of local populations to elimination efforts. Here, we review advances in population genomics for neglected malaria parasites, discuss how the rich genomic information is being used to understand parasite biology and epidemiology, and explore opportunities for the applications of malaria genomic data in malaria elimination practice.
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Akinyi MY, Chifwete M, Ndwiga L, Kimenyi KM, Osoti V, Ochola-Oyier LI. A cross-sectional analysis identifies a low prevalence of Plasmodium ovale curtisi infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in Kilifi county, Kenya. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17972.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The focus on P. falciparum diagnosis has led to an underestimation of the global burden of malaria resulting from neglected Plasmodium species. However, there is still scarce data on the prevalence of P. ovale globally. To address this knowledge gap, data collected from cross-sectional studies in Kilifi county were used to: 1) determine the prevalence of P. ovale curtisi infections; and 2) determine the sensitivity of different diagnostic assays in detecting P. ovale curtisi infections. Methods: A total of 531 individuals were sampled across three study sites in Kilifi County, Kenya between 2009 and 2020. Blood smears were prepared from peripheral blood and screened for Plasmodium parasite stages using light microscopy. Molecular screening involved DNA extraction of dried blood spots and blood in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting the 18 small ribosomal subunit and sequencing. Results: Microscopy screening revealed that the most prevalent species was P. falciparum (32.0%) followed by P. malariae (9.0%) and then P. ovale (1.5%). PCR screening identified additional P. ovale curtisi positives cases. Overall, 48 (8.2%) out of the 531 individuals harbored P. ovale curtisi infection with the highest prevalence reported in the tertiary health facility, (14.6%, 95% CI 8-23.6%), followed by the primary health facility (8.6%, 95% CI 5.4-11.9%), and the community from a cross-sectional blood survey, (6.5%, 95% CI 3.0-11.8%). Microscopy screening for P. ovale had a low sensitivity of 7% (95% CI 1-19-30%) and a high specificity of 99% (95% CI 98-100%). Sequencing results confirmed the presence of P.ovale curtisi. Conclusions: This study provides baseline data for P.ovale curtisi surveillance in Kilifi County, primarily using PCR to improve diagnosis. These results suggest that malaria elimination and eradication efforts should not only concentrate on P. falciparum but should embrace a holistic approach towards elimination of all Plasmodium species.
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Kar S, Sinha A. Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein-Based Vaccine: a Distant Dream. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:916702. [PMID: 35909975 PMCID: PMC9325973 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.916702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected but highly prevalent Plasmodium vivax in South-east Asia and South America poses a great challenge, with regards to long-term in-vitro culturing and heavily limited functional assays. Such visible challenges as well as narrowed progress in development of experimental research tools hinders development of new drugs and vaccines. The leading vaccine candidate antigen Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP), is essential for reticulocyte invasion by binding to its cognate receptor, the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC), on the host’s reticulocyte surface. Despite its highly polymorphic nature, the amino-terminal cysteine-rich region II of PvDBP (PvDBPII) has been considered as an attractive target for vaccine-mediated immunity and has successfully completed the clinical trial Phase 1. Although this molecule is an attractive vaccine candidate against vivax malaria, there is still a question on its viability due to recent findings, suggesting that there are still some aspects which needs to be looked into further. The highly polymorphic nature of PvDBPII and strain-specific immunity due to PvDBPII allelic variation in Bc epitopes may complicate vaccine efficacy. Emergence of various blood-stage antigens, such as PvRBP, PvEBP and supposedly many more might stand in the way of attaining full protection from PvDBPII. As a result, there is an urgent need to assess and re-assess various caveats connected to PvDBP, which might help in designing a long-term promising vaccine for P. vivax malaria. This review mainly deals with a bunch of rising concerns for validation of DBPII as a vaccine candidate antigen for P. vivax malaria.
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Bouzayene A, Zaffaroullah R, Bailly J, Ciceron L, Sarrasin V, Cojean S, Argy N, Houzé S, Joste V. Evaluation of two commercial kits and two laboratory-developed qPCR assays compared to LAMP for molecular diagnosis of malaria. Malar J 2022; 21:204. [PMID: 35761324 PMCID: PMC9238120 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04219-1] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is an infectious disease considered as one of the biggest causes of mortality in endemic areas. This life-threatening disease needs to be quickly diagnosed and treated. The standard diagnostic tools recommended by the World Health Organization are thick blood smears microscopy and immuno-chromatographic rapid diagnostic tests. However, these methods lack sensitivity especially in cases of low parasitaemia and non-falciparum infections. Therefore, the need for more accurate and reliable diagnostic tools, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction based methods which have proven greater sensitivity particularly in the screening of malaria, is prominent. This study was conducted at the French National Malaria Reference Centre to assess sensitivity and specificity of two commercial malaria qPCR kits and two in-house developed qPCRs compared to LAMP. Methods 183 blood samples received for expertise at the FNMRC were included in this study and were subjected to four different qPCR methods: the Biosynex Ampliquick® Malaria test, the BioEvolution Plasmodium Typage test, the in-house HRM and the in-house TaqMan qPCRs. The specificity and sensitivity of each method and their confidence intervals were determined with the LAMP-based assay Alethia® Malaria as the reference for malaria diagnosis. The accuracy of species diagnosis of the Ampliquick® Malaria test and the two in-house qPCRs was also evaluated using the BioEvolution Plasmodium Typage test as the reference method for species identification. Results The main results showed that when compared to LAMP, a test with excellent diagnostic performances, the two in-house developed qPCRs were the most sensitive (sensitivity at 100% for the in-house TaqMan qPCR and 98.1% for the in-house HRM qPCR), followed by the two commercial kits: the Biosynex Ampliquick® Malaria test (sensitivity at 97.2%) and the BioEvolution Plasmodium Typage (sensitivity at 95.4%). Additionally, with the in-house qPCRs we were able to confirm a Plasmodium falciparum infection in microscopically negative samples that were not detected by commercial qPCR kits. This demonstrates that the var genes of P. falciparum used in these in-house qPCRs are more reliable targets than the 18S sRNA commonly used in most of the developed qPCR methods for malaria diagnosis. Conclusion Overall, these results accentuate the role molecular methods could play in the screening of malaria. This may represent a helpful tool for other laboratories looking to implement molecular diagnosis methods in their routine analysis, which could be essential for the detection and treatment of malaria carriers and even for the eradication of this disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04219-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Bouzayene
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France.
| | - Rizwana Zaffaroullah
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Justine Bailly
- University of Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Ciceron
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Sarrasin
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France.,University of Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France.,University of Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France.,University of Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Valentin Joste
- National Malaria Reference Centre, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018, Paris, France.,University of Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, 75006, Paris, France
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Dash M, Sachdeva S, Bansal A, Sinha A. Gametogenesis in Plasmodium: Delving Deeper to Connect the Dots. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:877907. [PMID: 35782151 PMCID: PMC9241518 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.877907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the coming decades, eliminating malaria is the foremost goal of many tropical countries. Transmission control, along with an accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria, effective treatment and prevention are the different aspects that need to be met synchronously to accomplish the goal. The current review is focused on one of these aspects i.e., transmission control, by looking deeper into the event called gametogenesis. In the Plasmodium life cycle, gametocytes are the first life forms of the sexual phase. The transmission of the parasite and the disease is critically dependent on the number, viability and sex ratio of mature gametocytes and their further development inside mosquito vectors. Gametogenesis, the process of conversion of gametocytes into viable gametes, takes place inside the mosquito midgut, and is a tightly regulated event with fast and multiple rounds of DNA replication and diverse cellular changes going on within a short period. Interrupting the gametocyte-gamete transition is ought to restrict the successful transmission and progression of the disease and hence an area worth exploring for designing transmission-blocking strategies. This review summarizes an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of the biochemical and physiological mechanism of gametogenesis in Plasmodium, which could be targeted to control parasite and malaria transmission. This review also raises certain key questions regarding gametogenesis biology in Plasmodium and brings out gaps that still accompany in understanding the spectacular process of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoswini Dash
- Parasite Host Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh (GB) Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Sherry Sachdeva
- Parasite Host Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhisheka Bansal
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhinav Sinha
- Parasite Host Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Abhinav Sinha,
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The evolution of primate malaria parasites: A study on the origin and diversification of Plasmodium in lemurs. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2022; 174:107551. [PMID: 35690381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107551] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Among the primate malaria parasites, those found in lemurs have been neglected. Here, six Plasmodium lineages were detected in 169 lemurs. Nearly complete mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA, ≈6Kb) and apicoplast loci (≈6Kb) were obtained from these parasites and other Haemosporida species. Plasmodium spp. in lemurs are a diverse clade that shares a common ancestor with other primate parasites from continental Africa. Time-trees for the mtDNA were estimated under different scenarios, and the origin of the lemur clade coincides with the proposed time of their host species' most recent common ancestor (Lemuridae-Indriidae). A time tree with fewer taxa was estimated with mtDNA + Apicoplast loci. Those time estimates overlapped but were younger and had narrower credibility intervals than those from mtDNA alone. Importantly, the mtDNA + Apicoplast estimates that the clade including the most lethal malaria parasite in humans, Plasmodium falciparum, may have originated with Homininae (African apes). Finally, the phylogenetic congruence of the lemurs and their parasites was explored. A statistically significant scenario identified four cospeciation, two duplications, four transfer (host-switches), and zero loss events. Thus, the parasite species sampled in lemurs seem to be radiating with their hosts.
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Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relatedness of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri in sub-Saharan Africa. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061147. [PMID: 35744665 PMCID: PMC9227610 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
P. ovale was until recently thought to be a single unique species. However, the deployment of more sensitive tools has led to increased diagnostic sensitivity, including new evidence supporting the presence of two sympatric species: P. ovale curtisi (Poc) and P. ovale wallikeri (Pow). The increased reports and evolution of P. ovale subspecies are concerning for sub-Saharan Africa where the greatest burden of malaria is borne. Employing published sequence data, we set out to decipher the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relatedness of P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri using the tryptophan-rich protein and small subunit ribosomal RNA genes from Gabon, Senegal, Ethiopia and Kenya. Higher number of segregating sites were recorded in Poc isolates from Gabon than from Ethiopia, with a similar trend in the number of haplotypes. With regards to Pow, the number of segregating sites and haplotypes from Ethiopia were higher than from those in Gabon. Poc from Kenya, had higher segregating sites (20), and haplotypes (4) than isolates from Senegal (8 and 3 respectively), while nucleotide from Senegal were more diverse (θw = 0.02159; π = 0.02159) than those from Kenya (θw = 0.01452; π = 0.01583). Phylogenetic tree construction reveal two large clades with Poc from Gabon and Ethiopia, and distinct Gabonese and Ethiopian clades on opposite ends. A similar observation was recorded for the phylogeny of Poc isolates from Kenya and Senegal. With such results, there is a high potential that ovale malaria control measures deployed in one country may be effective in the other since parasite from both countries show some degree of relatedness. How this translates to malaria control efforts throughout the continent would be next step deserving more studies.
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Fuehrer HP, Campino S, Sutherland CJ. The primate malaria parasites Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium brasilianum and Plasmodium ovale spp.: genomic insights into distribution, dispersal and host transitions. Malar J 2022; 21:138. [PMID: 35505317 PMCID: PMC9066925 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the twentieth century, there was an explosion in understanding of the malaria parasites infecting humans and wild primates. This was built on three main data sources: from detailed descriptive morphology, from observational histories of induced infections in captive primates, syphilis patients, prison inmates and volunteers, and from clinical and epidemiological studies in the field. All three were wholly dependent on parasitological information from blood-film microscopy, and The Primate Malarias” by Coatney and colleagues (1971) provides an overview of this knowledge available at that time. Here, 50 years on, a perspective from the third decade of the twenty-first century is presented on two pairs of primate malaria parasite species. Included is a near-exhaustive summary of the recent and current geographical distribution for each of these four species, and of the underlying molecular and genomic evidence for each. The important role of host transitions in the radiation of Plasmodium spp. is discussed, as are any implications for the desired elimination of all malaria species in human populations. Two important questions are posed, requiring further work on these often ignored taxa. Is Plasmodium brasilianum, circulating among wild simian hosts in the Americas, a distinct species from Plasmodium malariae? Can new insights into the genomic differences between Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri be linked to any important differences in parasite morphology, cell biology or clinical and epidemiological features?
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susana Campino
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Happi GM, Nangmo PK, Dzouemo LC, Kache SF, Kouam ADK, Wansi JD. Contribution of Meliaceous plants in furnishing lead compounds for antiplasmodial and insecticidal drug development. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 285:114906. [PMID: 34910951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Malaria remains one of the greatest threats to human life especially in the tropical and sub-tropical regions where it claims hundreds of thousands of lives of young children every year. Meliaceae represent a large family of trees and shrubs, which are widely used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments including fever due to malaria. The in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial as well as insecticidal investigations of their extracts or isolated compounds have led to promising results but to the best of our knowledge, no specific review on the traditional uses, phytochemistry of the antiplasmodial, insecticidal and cytotoxic lead compounds and extracts of Meliaceae plants has been compiled. AIMS To review the literature up to 2021 on the Meliaceae family with antiplasmodial, insecticidal and cytotoxic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A number of online libraries including PubMed, Scifinder, Google Scholar and Web of Science were used in searching for information on antiplasmodial metabolites from Meliaceous plants. The keywords Meliaceae, malaria, Plasmodium, Anopheles and antiplasmodial were used to monitor and refine our search without language restriction. RESULTS The phytochemical investigations of genera of the family Meliaceae led to the isolation and characterization of a wide range of structural diversity of compounds, 124 of which have been evaluated for their antiplasmodial potency against 11 chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. A total of 45 compounds were reported with promising insecticidal potentials against two efficient vector species, Anopheles stephensi Liston and A. gambiae Giles. Limonoids were the most abundant (51.6%) reported compounds and they exhibited the most promising antiplasmodial activity such as gedunin (3) which demonstrated an activity equal to quinine or azadirachtin (1) displaying promising larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal effects on different larval instars of A. stephensi with almost 100% larval mortality at 1 ppm concentration. CONCLUSION Studies performed so far on Meliaceae plants have reported compounds with significant antiplasmodial and insecticidal activity, lending support to the use of species of this family in folk medicine, for the treatment of malaria. Moreover, results qualified several of these species as important sources of compounds for the development of eco-friendly pesticides to control mosquito vectors. However, more in vitro, in vivo and full ADMET studies are still required to provide additional data that could guide in developing novel drugs and insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervais Mouthé Happi
- Department of Chemistry, Higher Teacher Training College, The University of Bamenda, P.O Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Pamela Kemda Nangmo
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, P.O. Box 13033, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Liliane Clotide Dzouemo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Douala, P. O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Sorelle Fotsing Kache
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Jean Duplex Wansi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Douala, P. O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon.
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Rosa-Gonçalves P, Ribeiro-Gomes FL, Daniel-Ribeiro CT. Malaria Related Neurocognitive Deficits and Behavioral Alterations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:829413. [PMID: 35281436 PMCID: PMC8904205 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.829413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Typical of tropical and subtropical regions, malaria is caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and is, still today, despite all efforts and advances in controlling the disease, a major issue of public health. Its clinical course can present either as the classic episodes of fever, sweating, chills and headache or as nonspecific symptoms of acute febrile syndromes and may evolve to severe forms. Survivors of cerebral malaria, the most severe and lethal complication of the disease, might develop neurological, cognitive and behavioral sequelae. This overview discusses the neurocognitive deficits and behavioral alterations resulting from human naturally acquired infections and murine experimental models of malaria. We highlighted recent reports of cognitive and behavioral sequelae of non-severe malaria, the most prevalent clinical form of the disease worldwide. These sequelae have gained more attention in recent years and therapies for them are required and demand advances in the understanding of neuropathogenesis. Recent studies using experimental murine models point to immunomodulation as a potential approach to prevent or revert neurocognitive sequelae of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Rosa-Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa, Diagnóstico e Treinamento em Malária, Fiocruz and Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia, campus Duque de Caxias, Colégio Pedro II, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Pamela Rosa-Gonçalves,
| | - Flávia Lima Ribeiro-Gomes
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa, Diagnóstico e Treinamento em Malária, Fiocruz and Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa, Diagnóstico e Treinamento em Malária, Fiocruz and Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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