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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and direct genotyping using minisequencing in free-range pigs in Burkina Faso. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 230:10-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasite of warm-blooded vertebrates that also causes opportunistic infections in humans. Rodents are a natural host for asexually replicating forms, whereas cats serve as the definitive host for sexual development. The laboratory mouse provides a model to study pathogenesis. Strains of T. gondii are globally diverse, with more than 16 distinct haplogroups clustered into 6 major clades. Forward genetic analysis of genetic crosses between different lineages has been used to define the molecular basis of acute virulence in the mouse. These studies have identified a family of secretory serine/threonine rhoptry kinases that target innate immune pathways to protect intracellular parasites from destruction. Rhoptry kinases target immunity-related GTPases, a family of immune effectors that is expanded in rodents. Similar forward genetic studies may be useful to define the basis of pathogenesis in other hosts, including humans, where infections of different strains present with variable clinical severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Behnke
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
| | - J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110;
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Sousa I, Pena H, Santos L, Gennari S, Costa F. First isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chickens on São Luis island, Maranhão state, Brazil, with a new genotype described. Vet Parasitol 2016; 223:159-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ajzenberg D. 1995-2015: it is time to celebrate 20 years of (intensive) genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii strains. Future Microbiol 2016; 10:689-91. [PMID: 26000645 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ajzenberg
- 1Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, 87042, France.,2INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, 87025, France
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Vijaykumar BR, Lekshmi SU, Sai Kant R, Vaigundan D, Mahadevan A, Rajendran C, Shankar SK, Jayshree RS. Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from autopsy proven cases of AIDS associated cerebral toxoplasmosis in South India. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 39:106-112. [PMID: 26802459 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) infection can be devastating in the immunodeficient causing high morbidity and mortality. Due to limited availability of both diagnostic facilities and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), toxoplasmosis continues to be a significant problem amongst Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients in India. While scanty literature is available on T. gondii isolates in animals in India, little is known about the genetic diversity of the parasite in humans. Therefore, the present study investigated the genetic diversity of T. gondii in 25 confirmed cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis developing on the background of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/AIDS. PCR DNA sequencing was performed at four important genetic loci of T. gondii: BTUB, GRA6, alternative SAG2 (alt SAG2) and SAG3 on DNA from tissues obtained at postmortem. The amplified products from all the cases were successfully sequenced except at one locus for one case. Results of the present study suggest that majority of the patients (22/25; 88%) in South India are infected with strains that are recombinants of type II/III and/or strains representing T. gondii different from the archetypal lineages I, II, and III. In addition, clonal types III, MAS, and MAS variant genotypes were encountered. No clonal type I or II was seen in the present study. In addition, variants were observed at alt SAG2 and SAG3 but BTUB and GRA6 were highly conserved. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were observed mainly at two loci which are coding for surface antigens at alt SAG2 and SAG3. In conclusion, the present study reveals genetic diversity in India amongst strains of T. gondii from clinical cases of toxoplasmosis which is in accordance with other recent studies showing a high rate of genetic diversity in this parasite across the globe. There is a need to genotype T. gondii from different forms of toxoplasmosis in humans in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Vijaykumar
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Dr. M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
| | - Swathi U Lekshmi
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Dr. M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
| | - R Sai Kant
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Dr. M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
| | - D Vaigundan
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar 563101, India.
| | - Anita Mahadevan
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Dr. M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
| | - C Rajendran
- Defence Food Research Laboratory, Defence Research & Development Organisation, Siddhartha Nagar, Mysore 570011, India.
| | - S K Shankar
- Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Dr. M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
| | - R S Jayshree
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Dr. M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore 560029, India.
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Beltrame A, Venturini S, Crichiutti G, Meroni V, Buonfrate D, Bassetti M. Recurrent seizures during acute acquired toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent traveller returning from Africa. Infection 2015; 44:259-62. [PMID: 26168861 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-015-0821-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We report an unusual case of acute acquired toxoplasmosis (AAT) presenting as lymphadenopathy and recurrent seizures in an immunocompetent 15-year-old boy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patient reported an 18-day vacation to Africa (Ethiopia), 39 days prior to the first seizure. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed sporadic single-spike or sharp-wave paroxysms and the magnetic resonance imaging (RMI) of the brain was negative. The serology for T. gondii was compatible with an acute infection defined as positive for both toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM and a low avidity (6 %), confirmed by a reference laboratory. The patient reported other two episodes of seizures, occurring 7 days apart. He was treated with pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine and leucovorin for 4 weeks, with an improvement of lymphadenitis and normalization of EEG. After 5 months, new seizures were reported and a diagnosis of epilepsy was done. Toxoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were negative. A treatment with valproic acid was started, obtaining control of the neurological disease. CONCLUSION Awareness of this neurologic manifestation by clinicians is required, also in immunocompetent patients. The relationship between toxoplasmosis and recurrent seizure needs to be investigated by new studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beltrame
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy. .,Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Sergio Venturini
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Crichiutti
- Department of Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Valeria Meroni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Microbiology and Virology Department Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italy
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Seroprevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in cancer patients in Anhui Province, Eastern China. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:162. [PMID: 25889184 PMCID: PMC4379604 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have indicated the predominance of Toxoplasma gondii genotype Chinese 1 in animals in China. However, little is known of the genetic features of the parasite in humans. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies based on which the genetic character of the parasite was identified in cancer patients in China. Methods A total of 1014 serum samples with malignant neoplasms were collected from six tertiary-care hospitals (HAUCM, APH, HAMU, XAH, FHH and HBMC) from January, 2012 to August, 2013. Antibodies against T. gondii were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood samples were subsequently used for PCR assay to detect T. gondii DNA (gra6). The DNA positive samples were subjected to genotyping using a multiplex multilocus nested PCR-RFLP at 10 loci, including sag1, sag2, sag3, btub, gra6, l358, c22-8, c29-2, pk1 and apico. Samples from the patients were anonymous and only data with regard to age and gender was available at sample collection. Results Overall, 8.38% (85/1014) of the examined patients showed positive antibodies against T. gondii. Among them, 61 (6.02%) were seropositive only for IgG, 16 (1.58%) were only for IgM, and 8 (0.79%) were found to be positive for both IgG and IgM. The seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma ranged from 5.8% to 11.0%, without regional difference (χ2 = 4.764, P = 0.445). No significant differences of the positive rates of T. gondii infection were noted in genders (male, 8.96%; female, 7.45%) (χ2 = 0.707, P = 0.400) and in ages (χ2 = 1.172, P = 0.947). Of 1014 DNA samples, 36 (3.55%) were positive for T. gondii by nested PCR at gra6 locus and nine gave rise to complete genotyping results. All samples with achieved PCR-RFLP genotyping showed a common genetic character of type Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9). Conclusion Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in immunosuppressed individuals is rarely reported in China and we presented a positive rate of 8.38% in cancer patients. Toxoplasma genomic DNA genotyping demonstrated a common genetic character of Chinese 1, indicating a possible pathogenic origin of animals in human infection.
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Ngoungou EB, Bhalla D, Nzoghe A, Dardé ML, Preux PM. Toxoplasmosis and epilepsy--systematic review and meta analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003525. [PMID: 25695802 PMCID: PMC4335039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is an important, widespread, parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The chronic infection in immunocompetent patients, usually considered as asymptomatic, is now suspected to be a risk factor for various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to estimate the risk of epilepsy due to toxoplasmosis. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted of several databases and journals to identify studies published in English or French, without date restriction, which looked at toxoplasmosis (as exposure) and epilepsy (as disease) and met certain other inclusion criteria. The search was based on keywords and suitable combinations in English and French. Fixed and random effects models were used to determine odds ratios, and statistical significance was set at 5.0%. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Six studies were identified, with an estimated total of 2888 subjects, of whom 1280 had epilepsy (477 positive for toxoplasmosis) and 1608 did not (503 positive for toxoplasmosis). The common odds ratio (calculated) by random effects model was 2.25 (95% CI 1.27-3.9), p = 0.005. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limited number of studies, and a lack of high-quality data, toxoplasmosis should continue to be regarded as an epilepsy risk factor. More and better studies are needed to determine the real impact of this parasite on the occurrence of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgard B. Ngoungou
- INSERM, UMR1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Limoges, France
- Université de Limoges, UMR 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- Département d’Epidémiologie-Biostatistiques et Informatique Médicale (DEBIM/EA NEMIT), Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Devender Bhalla
- INSERM, UMR1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Limoges, France
- Université de Limoges, UMR 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Amandine Nzoghe
- Département d’Epidémiologie-Biostatistiques et Informatique Médicale (DEBIM/EA NEMIT), Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, UMR1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Limoges, France
- Université de Limoges, UMR 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- CHU Limoges, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Limoges, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Preux
- INSERM, UMR1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Limoges, France
- Université de Limoges, UMR 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France
- CHU Limoges, CEBIMER, Limoges, France
- * E-mail:
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Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from Portugal, Austria and Israel reveals higher genetic variability within the type II lineage. Parasitology 2015; 142:948-57. [PMID: 25677825 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015000050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study compared genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from Portugal, Austria and Israel. For this, we genotyped 90 T. gondii isolates (16 from Portugal, 67 from Austria and 7 from Israel) using 10 nested PCR-restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) genetic markers and 15 microsatellite (MS) markers. By PCR-RFLP typing, 7 isolates from Portugal chickens were identified as type II (ToxoDB #1 or #3), 4 were type III (ToxoDB #2) and the remaining 4 isolates have unique genotype pattern were designated as ToxoDB #254. One mouse virulent isolate from a bovine fetus (Bos taurus) in Portugal was type I (ToxoDB #10) at all loci and designated as TgCowPr1. All 67 isolates from Austria and 7 from Israel were type II (ToxoDB #1 or #3). By MS typing, many additional genetic variations were revealed among the type II and type III isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates from the same geographical locations tend to cluster together, and there is little overlapping of genotypes among different locations. This study demonstrated that the MS markers can provide higher discriminatory power to reveal association of genotypes with geographical locations. Future studies of the type II strains in Europe by these MS markers will be useful to reveal transmission patterns of the parasite.
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Zhou J, Gan X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Ding X, Chen L, Du J, Luo Q, Wang T, Shen J, Yu L. Toxoplasma gondii prevalent in China induce weaker apoptosis of neural stem cells C17.2 via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling pathways. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:73. [PMID: 25649541 PMCID: PMC4322664 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular pathogen, has a strong affinity for the nervous system. TgCtwh3, a representative Chinese 1 Toxoplasma strain prevalent in China, has the polymorphic features of the effectors ROP16I/III with type I and GRA15II with type II Toxoplasma strains. The interaction of this atypical strain with host cells remains extremely elusive. Methods Using a transwell system, neural stem cells C17.2 were co-cultured with the tachyzoites of TgCtwh3 or standard type I RH strain. The apoptosis levels of C17.2 cells and the expression levels of related proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated pathway were detected by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Results The apoptosis level of C17.2 cells co-cultured with TgCtwh3 had a significant increase compared to the negative control group; however, the apoptosis level in the TgCtwh3 group was significantly lower than that in the RH co-culture group. Western blotting analyses reveal that, after the C17.2 cells were co-cultured with TgCtwh3 and RH tachyzoites, the expression levels of caspase-12, CHOP and p-JNK in the cells increased significantly when compared to the control groups. After the pretreatment of Z-ATAD-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase-12, the apoptosis level of the C17.2 cells co-cultured with TgCtwh3 or RH tachyzoites had an apparent decline, and correspondingly, the expression levels of those related proteins were notably decreased. Conclusions Our findings suggest that TgCtwh3 may induce the apoptosis of the C17.2 cells by up-regulation of caspase-12, CHOP, and p-JNK, which are associated with ERS signaling pathways. This work contributes to better understanding the possible mechanism of brain pathology induced by T. gondii Chinese 1 isolates prevalent in China, and also reveals the potential value of ERS inhibitors to treat such related diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China. .,Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Huaibei, Huaibei, 235000, PR China.
| | - Xiaofeng Gan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China. .,School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230039, PR China.
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Xiaojuan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Lingzhi Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China. .,HTS & Compound Management, HD Biosciences Corporation, Shanghai, 201201, PR China.
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
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Zarlenga DS, Hoberg E, Rosenthal B, Mattiucci S, Nascetti G. Anthropogenics: Human Influence on Global and Genetic Homogenization of Parasite Populations. J Parasitol 2014; 100:756-72. [DOI: 10.1645/14-622.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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62
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Toxoplasmosis as a travel risk. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:592-601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Brazilian wildlife revealed abundant new genotypes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2014; 3:276-83. [PMID: 25426424 PMCID: PMC4241539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to isolate and genotype T. gondii from Brazilian wildlife. For this purpose, 226 samples were submitted to mice bioassay and screened by PCR based on 18S rRNA sequences. A total of 15 T. gondii isolates were obtained, including samples from four armadillos (three Dasypus novemcinctus, one Euphractus sexcinctus), three collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla), three whited-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), one spotted paca (Cuniculus paca), one oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), one hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), one lineated woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) and one maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). DNA from the isolates, originated from mice bioassay, and from the tissues of the wild animal, designated as "primary samples", were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP), using 12 genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L258, PK1, CS3 and Apico). A total of 17 genotypes were identified, with 13 identified for the first time and four already reported in published literature. Results herein obtained corroborate previous studies in Brazil, confirming high diversity and revealing unique genotypes in this region. Given most of genotypes here identified are different from previous studies in domestic animals, future studies on T. gondii from wildlife is of interest to understand population genetics and structure of this parasite.
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Isolation and biological and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from canine cutaneous toxoplasmosis in Brazil. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:4419-20. [PMID: 25253796 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02001-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous toxoplasmosis is a rare manifestation. This study represents a case report of an immunosuppressed dog that developed nodular dermal lesions caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The isolate (TgDgBr20) was characterized as mouse virulent and was genotyped as type BrI (ToxoDB genotype 6) using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and as Africa 1 through microsatellite analysis.
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Isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from pigeons and stray cats in Lisbon, Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:506-11. [PMID: 25195193 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cats and pigeons are important factors in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii as felids are the only definitive hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts, and pigeons share the same places of cats and humans constituting a good model and indicator of the ground field contamination. We aimed to study the virulence and genotypes of T. gondii isolated from pigeons and stray cats in Lisbon, Portugal. Fresh samples of brain from 41 pigeons and 164 cats revealing antibodies to T. gondii were inoculated in mice. Three isolates (one isolated from a cat and two isolated from pigeons) were virulent in the mouse model. Sag2-based genotyping of T. gondii was achieved in 70.7% (29/41) of samples isolated from pigeons (26 samples were type II, two were type III, and one strain was type I). From the cat brain samples, 50% (82/164) yielded Sag2 positive results, where 72 belonged to genotype II and 10 were no type III (it was not possible to discriminate between type I and II). Further genotyping was obtained by multiplex PCR of 5 microsatellites (TUB2, TgM-A, W35, B17, B18), allowing the identification of two recombinant strains that had been previously identified as type II by Sag2 amplification (one isolated from cat brain and the other from pigeon brain). This is the first evidence of recombinant strains circulating in Portugal and the first report of T. gondii genotyping from cats in this country. This study also highlights the importance of environmental contamination in the synanthropic cycle constituting a potential source of human infection.
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66
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Can H, Döşkaya M, Ajzenberg D, Özdemir HG, Caner A, İz SG, Döşkaya AD, Atalay E, Çetinkaya Ç, Ürgen S, Karaçalı S, Ün C, Dardé ML, Gürüz Y. Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates and toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in stray cats of İzmir, Turkey. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104930. [PMID: 25127360 PMCID: PMC4134241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, some Toxoplasma gondii genotypes are being associated with serious clinical presentations. A recent report showing the Africa 1 genotype in two local congenital toxoplasmosis cases acquired in Turkey formed the basis of this study because atypical Africa 1 genotype is most frequently detected in animals and patients from sub-Saharan Africa. Since stray cats are considered as the linkage between wild life and urban life in T. gondii transmission, the present study aimed to isolate and characterize T. gondii strains circulating in stray cats of İzmir (Western Turkey). A secondary objective was to determine toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in this cat population. Tissues obtained from 100 deceased stray cats were bioassayed and isolated strains were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers. In addition, toxoplasmosis seroprevalence was analyzed in 1121 cat sera collected from several large veterinary clinics in İzmir. Among the 22 isolates, 19 were Type II (86.3%), two were Type III (9%) and one was Africa 1 genotype (4.5%). The overall seropositivity rates in cats were 42-48% and 33.4-34.4% according to IFA and ELISA, respectively. Seroprevalence in deceased cats was significantly higher than in healthy cats (P = 0.0033). Finding both the major clonal Type II lineage together with the Type III lineage also found in Middle East, and an atypical genotype, Africa 1 appears consistent with the specific geographic location of Turkey between three continents and raises the possibility of transportation of these strains between continents through trade routes or long distance migratory birds. In addition, the first large study of toxoplasma seroprevalence in a stray cat population was also reported. The relatively high seropositivity rates and the variety of T. gondii genotypes confirm the local stray cat population as a risk factor for human toxoplasmosis in İzmir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Can
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ege University Faculty of Sciences, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel Ajzenberg
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France and INSERM UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | - Ayşe Caner
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sultan Gülce İz
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University Faculty of Engineering, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Esra Atalay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ege University Faculty of Sciences, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Saygun Ürgen
- Department of Veterinary Affairs, Municipality of İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sabire Karaçalı
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ege University Faculty of Sciences, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ege University Faculty of Sciences, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France and INSERM UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/İzmir, Turkey
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Mammari N, Vignoles P, Halabi MA, Darde ML, Courtioux B. In vitro infection of human nervous cells by two strains of Toxoplasma gondii: a kinetic analysis of immune mediators and parasite multiplication. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98491. [PMID: 24886982 PMCID: PMC4041771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The severity of toxoplasmic infection depends mainly on the immune status of the host, but also on the Toxoplasma gondii strains, which differ by their virulence profile. The relationship between the human host and T. gondii has not yet been elucidated because few studies have been conducted on human models. The immune mechanisms involved in the persistence of T. gondii in the brains of immunocompetent subjects and during the reactivation of latent infections are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the kinetics of immune mediators in human nervous cells in vitro, infected with two strains of T. gondii. Human neuroblast cell line (SH SY5Y), microglial (CMH5) and endothelial cells (Hbmec) were infected separately by RH (type I) or PRU (type II) strains for 8 h, 14 h, 24 h and 48 h (ratio 1 cell: 2 tachyzoites). Pro-inflammatory protein expression was different between the two strains and among different human nervous cells. The cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and the chemokines MCP-1 and GROα, and SERPIN E1 were significantly increased in CMH5 and SH SY5Y at 24 h pi. At this point of infection, the parasite burden declined in microglial cells and neurons, but remained high in endothelial cells. This differential effect on the early parasite multiplication may be correlated with a higher production of immune mediators by neurons and microglial cells compared to endothelial cells. Regarding strain differences, PRU strain, but not RH strain, stimulates all cells to produce pro-inflammatory growth factors, G-CSF and GM-CSF. These proteins could increase the inflammatory effect of this type II strain. These results suggest that the different protein expression profiles depend on the parasitic strain and on the human nervous cell type, and that this could be at the origin of diverse brain lesions caused by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Mammari
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Philippe Vignoles
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
| | - Mohamad Adnan Halabi
- National Center for Scientific Research France 7276, France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, University of Limoges, Faculty of Pharmacy, Limoges, France
| | - Marie Laure Darde
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
- Universitary Hospital, Department of Parasitology, Biological Resource Centre for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - Bertrand Courtioux
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
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Isolation and pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected (rustic farm) pigs in southern Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:207-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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69
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Evidence for genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in selected intermediate hosts in Serbia. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:173-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Tibayrenc M, Ayala FJ. New insights into clonality and panmixia in Plasmodium and toxoplasma. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2014; 84:253-68. [PMID: 24480316 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800099-1.00005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Until the 1990s, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma were widely considered to be potentially panmictic species, because they both undergo a meiotic sexual cycle in their definitive hosts. We have proposed that both parasites are able of clonal (nonrecombining) propagation, at least in some cycles. Toxoplasma was soon shown to be a paradigmatic case of clonal population structure in North American and in European cycles. But the proposal provoked an outcry in the case of Plasmodium and still appears as doubtful to many scientists. However, the existence of Plasmodium nonrecombining lines has been fully confirmed, although the origin of these lines is debatable. We discuss the current state of knowledge concerning the population structure of both parasites in the light of the recent developments of pathogen clonal evolution proposed by us and of new hypotheses presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Tibayrenc
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, MIVEGEC (IRD 224-CNRS 5290-UM1-UM2), IRD Center, Montpellier, France.
| | - Francisco J Ayala
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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Li M, Mo XW, Wang L, Chen H, Luo QL, Wen HQ, Wei W, Zhang AM, Du J, Lu FL, Lun ZR, Shen JL. Phylogeny and virulence divergency analyses of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:133. [PMID: 24678633 PMCID: PMC3986613 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a very successful parasite that can infect virtually all warm blooded animals with a worldwide distribution. It causes a large range of clinical manifestations in both humans and domesticated animals. In addition, marked biological differences exist among T. gondii strains in the pathogenicity and geographical distribution. Molecular epidemiology studies primarily based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method revealed that three main types are predominant in North America and Europe, whereas other diverse genotypes are found in other parts of the world. Microsatellite (MS) as a type of genetic marker has been widely used in many organisms. Limited MS genotyping, however, to fingerprint T. gondii isolates has been reported and little is known about the MS data of the strains predominantly prevalent in China. METHODS Genotyping of twenty-eight Chinese T. gondii isolates were performed using 15 MS markers located on 12 different chromosomes. Results were analyzed in terms of population structure by a Bayesian statistical approach. Phylogenetic analysis was obtained from a Neighbor-Net phylogenetic network. The virulence analyses of some representative isolates were determined by inoculation of mice and cell invasion assays. The gene expressions of some virulence-associated factors (VFs) were performed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT- PCR). RESULTS Three haplogroups were clustered among the 28 isolates although minor genetic differences were found within haplogroups. The majority of strains belong to one haplogroup corresponding to the previously described Chinese 1 type (ToxoDB#9). Phylogenetic networks uncovered a limited diversity of T. gondii strains and the virulence differs in the strains sharing the same genotype. No remarkable difference, however, was noted in the tested VFs except for dense granule protein3 (GRA3), which was found to have a higher expression in low virulent TgCtwh6 (Wh6) strain than that in high virulent TgCtwh3 (Wh3) strain. CONCLUSION The profile of microsatellite typing data from Chinese T. gondii strains revealed a limited genetic diversity and the selected VFs and phylogenetic network analyses displayed less divergence, although the strain virulence differs in the Chinese 1 type of T. gondii predominantly prevalent in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ji-Long Shen
- Anhui Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovičková M, Israili ZH. Toxoplasmosis--a global threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90203. [PMID: 24662942 PMCID: PMC3963851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is becoming a global health hazard as it infects 30-50% of the world human population. Clinically, the life-long presence of the parasite in tissues of a majority of infected individuals is usually considered asymptomatic. However, a number of studies show that this 'asymptomatic infection' may also lead to development of other human pathologies. AIMS OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to collect available geoepidemiological data on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and search for its relationship with mortality and disability rates in different countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS Prevalence data published between 1995-2008 for women in child-bearing age were collected for 88 countries (29 European). The association between prevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific disease burden estimated with age-standardized Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or with mortality, was calculated using General Linear Method with Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP), geolatitude and humidity as covariates, and also using nonparametric partial Kendall correlation test with GDP as a covariate. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with specific disease burden in particular countries explaining 23% of variability in disease burden in Europe. The analyses revealed that for example, DALY of 23 of 128 analyzed diseases and disease categories on the WHO list showed correlations (18 positive, 5 negative) with prevalence of toxoplasmosis and another 12 diseases showed positive trends (p<0.1). For several obtained significant correlations between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific diseases/clinical entities, possible pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular explanations are presented. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with various disease burden. Statistical associations does not necessarily mean causality. The precautionary principle suggests however that possible role of toxoplasmosis as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical entities deserves much more attention and financial support both in everyday medical practice and future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michaela Sovičková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zafar H. Israili
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Pernas L, Ramirez R, Holmes TH, Montoya JG, Boothroyd JC. Immune profiling of pregnant Toxoplasma-infected US and Colombia patients reveals surprising impacts of infection on peripheral blood cytokines. J Infect Dis 2014; 210:923-31. [PMID: 24664173 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In North America (NA) and Europe, the majority of toxoplasmosis cases are benign and generally asymptomatic, whereas in South America (SA) toxoplasmosis is associated with much more severe symptoms in adults and congenitally infected children. The reasons for these differences remain unknown; currently, there is little information from patients in either region on how the immune system responds to infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we report the relative abundance of 51 serum cytokines from acute and chronic toxoplasmosis cohorts of pregnant women from the United States, where approximately one-half of clinical isolates are Type II, and Colombia, where clinical isolates are generally "atypical" or Type I-like strains. Surprisingly, the results showed notably lower levels of 23 cytokines in acutely infected patients from the United States, relative to uninfected US controls. In acutely infected Colombian patients, however, only 8 cytokine levels differed detectably with 4 being lower and 4 higher relative to uninfected controls. Strikingly, there were also differences in the cytokine profiles of the chronically infected patients relative to uninfected controls in the US cohort. Hence, Toxoplasma appears to specifically impact levels of circulating cytokines, and our results may partly explain region-specific differences in the clinical spectrum of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Pernas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Raymund Ramirez
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasmosis Serology Laboratory
| | - Tyson H Holmes
- Stanford Center for Human Sleep Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - José G Montoya
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasmosis Serology Laboratory Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine and Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
| | - John C Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine
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Ocular toxoplasmosis past, present and new aspects of an old disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 39:77-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Geographical patterns of Toxoplasma gondii genetic diversity revealed by multilocus PCR-RFLP genotyping. Parasitology 2013; 141:453-61. [PMID: 24477076 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013001844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, an extensive collection of Toxoplasma gondii samples have been typed using a set of 10 PCR-RFLP genetic markers. Here we summarize the data reported until the end of 2012. A total of 1457 samples were typed into 189 genotypes. Overall, only a few genotypes dominate in the northern hemisphere, which is in stark contrast to the southern hemisphere where hundreds of genotypes coexist with none being notably dominant. PCR-RFLP genotype #1 (Type II clonal), #2 (Type III), #3 (Type II variant) and #10 (Type I) are identified globally. Genotypes #2 and #3 dominate in Africa, genotypes #9 (Chinese 1) and #10 are prevalent in Asia, genotypes #1, #2 and #3 are prevalent in Europe, genotypes #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 dominate in North America (#4 and #5 are collectively known as Type 12). In Central and South America, there is no clear dominance of any genotype even though a few have relatively higher frequencies. Statistical analysis indicates significant differences among populations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Central and South America, with only Europe and North America exhibiting similar diversity. Collectively, the results revealed distinct population structures and geographical patterns of diversity in T. gondii.
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Zhang AM, Shen Q, Li M, Xu XC, Chen H, Cai YH, Luo QL, Chu DY, Yu L, Du J, Lun ZR, Wang Y, Sha Q, Shen JL. Comparative studies of macrophage-biased responses in mice to infection with Toxoplasma gondii ToxoDB #9 strains of different virulence isolated from China. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:308. [PMID: 24499603 PMCID: PMC4029513 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different from three clonal lineages of Toxoplasma gondii in North America and Europe, the genotype China 1 is predominantly prevalent in China. However, there are different virulent isolates within China 1, such as virulent TgCtwh3 and avirulent TgCtwh6, and little is known about differences in macrophage activation between them. The objective of this study focused on cytokine production, phenotype and markers of activated macrophages, and correlated signaling pathway induced by the two isolates. Methods Adherent peritoneal macrophages (termed Wh3-Mφ and Wh6-Mφ, respectively) harvested from infected mice were cultured for detection of Nitric Oxide and arginase activity, and activated markers on Wh3-Mφ/Wh6-Mφ were determined by flow cytometry. In in vitro experiments, the levels of IL-12p40 and TNF-α were measured using ELISA kits, and mRNA expressions of IL-12p40, TNF-α, iNOS, Arg-1 and Ym1 were assayed by real-time PCR. To confirm the activation state of NF-kB p65 in infected cells stained by IF, protein levels of iNOS, Arg-1, Ym1, nuclear NF-κB p65, and phosphorylation of STAT6/STAT3/IκBα were evaluated by Western Blotting. A one-way ANOVA test was used to compare differences among multiple groups. Results The result revealed that contrary to the virulent TgCtwh3, the less virulent TgCtwh6 isolate induced a significant increase in IL-12p40 and TNF-α. Although both isolates down-regulated CD80, CD86 and MHCII molecule expression on macrophages, TgCtwh3 promoted up-regulation of PD-L2 and CD206. Wh6-Mφ generated a high level of NO whereas Wh3-Mφ up-regulated Ym1 and arginase expression at transcriptional and protein levels. In terms of signaling pathway, TgCtwh3 induced phospho-STAT6, conversely, TgCtWh6 led to NF-κB p65 activation. Conclusions The virulent TgCtwh3 isolate induced macrophages to polarize toward alternatively activated cells with STAT6 phosphorylation, whereas the less virulent TgCtwh6 elicited the development of classically activated macrophages with nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. This discrepancy suggests that it is necessary to thoroughly analyze the genotype of TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6, and to further study other effector molecules that contribute to the macrophage polarization in T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Quan Sha
- Anhui Provincial Laboratories of Pathogen Biology and Zoonoses, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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It is not only the cat that did it: how to prevent and treat congenital toxoplasmosis. J Infect 2013; 68 Suppl 1:S125-33. [PMID: 24119928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was discovered a little over one hundred years ago and was soon recognized as a pathogen responsible for congenital infection. But detailed understanding of its epidemiology emerged only after 1970 with the discovery of its life cycle. In the last ten years, high resolution molecular tools have allowed the characterization of various strain types with different virulence patterns, and current studies are exploring the distribution of these different genotypes. In parallel, sophisticated diagnostic tools have been developed and awareness of disease burden has led some European countries with high prevalence rates to implement screening of pregnant women. In this article, the screening options and therapies used to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis are dissected in the light of recent data from cohort studies and other epidemiological data.
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Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in food animals and rodents in different regions of China: isolation, genotyping and mouse pathogenicity. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:273. [PMID: 24330536 PMCID: PMC3849108 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in different regions of China have shown a limited genetic diversity and type China 1 was the dominant genotype of T. gondii prevalent in Chinese animals. However, little has been known concerning the isolation and genotyping of T. gondii circulating in chickens, pigs and rodents in China. The aim of the study was to characterize samples of T. gondii isolates obtained from naturally infected cats, pigs and free-range chickens slaughtered for human consumption in China. METHODS In the present study, brain tissues of 77 animals collected from different areas of China, including 24 free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) , 13 voles (Rattus flavipectus), 23 pigs and 17 cats, were bioassayed in mice and viable T. gondii were isolated from the brains of eleven. These eleven T. gondii isolates were maintained in Kunming (KM) outbred mice and DNA isolated from tissues of infected mice was characterized using 11 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) markers: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3. Moreover, to determine mouse virulence of China 1 lineage of parasites, a TgCtgy5 genotype isolate was selected randomly and assessed in KM mice with different inoculation doses. RESULTS Results of genotyping revealed that ten isolates were type China 1 (ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #9), and TgCksz1 was a new genotype that was reported for the first time designated here as ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #225. No clonal types I, II and III lineages were found. DNA sequencing of four introns (EF1, HP2, UPRT1 and UPRT7) and two genes (GRA6 and GRA7) from representative isolates confirmed the results of PCR-RFLP genotyping. The TgCtgy5 isolate was highly virulent in KM mice; all infected mice died of acute toxoplasmosis, irrespective of the inoculation dose. The results indicate that mouse virulent isolates of T. gondii are predominantly circulating in cats in China. CONCLUSIONS T. gondii isolated from chickens, pigs, cats and rodents in different locations in China were genotyped and the results reconfirmed the limited diversity of T. gondii in China and showed that type China 1 lineage was dominant in this country.
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Regidor-Cerrillo J, Díez-Fuertes F, García-Culebras A, Moore DP, González-Warleta M, Cuevas C, Schares G, Katzer F, Pedraza-Díaz S, Mezo M, Ortega-Mora LM. Genetic diversity and geographic population structure of bovine Neospora caninum determined by microsatellite genotyping analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72678. [PMID: 23940816 PMCID: PMC3735528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyst-forming protozoan parasite Neosporacaninum is one of the main causes of bovine abortion worldwide and is of great economic importance in the cattle industry. Recent studies have revealed extensive genetic variation among N. caninum isolates based on microsatellite sequences (MSs). MSs may be suitable molecular markers for inferring the diversity of parasite populations, molecular epidemiology and the basis for phenotypic variations in N. caninum, which have been poorly defined. In this study, we evaluated nine MS markers using a panel of 11 N. caninum-derived reference isolates from around the world and 96 N. caninum bovine clinical samples and one ovine clinical sample collected from four countries on two continents, including Spain, Argentina, Germany and Scotland, over a 10-year period. These markers were used as molecular tools to investigate the genetic diversity, geographic distribution and population structure of N. caninum. Multilocus microsatellite genotyping based on 7 loci demonstrated high levels of genetic diversity in the samples from all of the different countries, with 96 microsatellite multilocus genotypes (MLGs) identified from 108 N. caninum samples. Geographic sub-structuring was present in the country populations according to pairwise FST. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Neighbor Joining tree topologies also suggested MLG segregation partially associated with geographical origin. An analysis of the MLG relationships, using eBURST, confirmed that the close genetic relationship observed between the Spanish and Argentinean populations may be the result of parasite migration (i.e., the introduction of novel MLGs from Spain to South America) due to cattle movement. The eBURST relationships also revealed genetically different clusters associated with the abortion. The presence of linkage disequilibrium, the co-existence of specific MLGs to individual farms and eBURST MLG relationships suggest a predominant clonal propagation for Spanish N. caninum MLGs in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Döşkaya M, Caner A, Ajzenberg D, Değirmenci A, Dardé ML, Can H, Erdoğan DD, Korkmaz M, Uner A, Güngör C, Altıntaş K, Gürüz Y. Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii strains similar to Africa 1 genotype in Turkey. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:471-4. [PMID: 23811201 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoon parasite that has a worldwide dissemination. It can cause serious clinical problems such as congenital toxoplasmosis, retinochoroiditis, and encephalitis. Currently, T. gondii genotypes are being associated with these clinical presentations which may help clinicians design their treatment strategy. CASE REPORTS Two T. gondii strains named Ankara and Ege-1 were isolated from newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis in Central and Western Anatolia, respectively. Ankara and Ege-1 strains were isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of newborns. According to microsatellite analysis, Ankara and Ege-1 strains were sorted as Africa 1 genotype. CONCLUSION T. gondii strains isolated in Turkey were first time genotyped in this study. Africa 1 genotype has previously been isolated in immunosuppressed patients originating from sub-Saharan Africa. The reason of detecting a strain mainly detected in Africa can be associated with Turkey's specific geographical location. Turkey is like a bridge between Asia, Europe and Africa. Historically, Anatolia was on the Silk Road and other trading routes that ended in Europe. Thus, detecting Africa 1 strain in Anatolia can be anticipated. Consequently, strains detected mainly in Europe and Asia may also be detected in Anatolia and vice versa. Therefore, further studies are required to isolate more strains from Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/İzmir 35100, Turkey.
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Mercier A, Garba M, Bonnabau H, Kane M, Rossi JP, Darde ML, Dobigny G. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in urban rodents: a survey in Niamey, Niger. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 108:399-407. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-0276108042013002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Madougou Garba
- Centre Regional AGRHYMET; Universite Abdou Moumouni; Direction Generale de la Protection des Vegetaux
| | | | - Mamadou Kane
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations
| | | | | | - Gauthier Dobigny
- Centre Regional AGRHYMET; International de Baillarguet Montferrier-sur-Lez
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82
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Silva-Aguilar D, Villena I, Dubey JP. Seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiInfection in Dairy Goats in Michoacán State, Mexico. J Parasitol 2013; 99:540-2. [DOI: 10.1645/12-103.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Mercier A, Garba M, Bonnabau H, Kane M, Rossi JP, Dardé ML, Dobigny G. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in urban rodents: a survey in Niamey, Niger. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013. [PMID: 23828008 PMCID: PMC3970615 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276108042013002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii was conducted on 766 domestic and peridomestic rodents from 46 trapping sites throughout the city of Niamey, Niger. A low seroprevalence was found over the whole town with only 1.96% of the rodents found seropositive. However, differences between species were important, ranging from less than 2% in truly commensal Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus and Mus musculus, while garden-associated Arvicanthis niloticus displayed 9.1% of seropositive individuals. This is in line with previous studies on tropical rodents--that we reviewed here--which altogether show that Toxoplasma seroprevalence in rodent is highly variable, depending on many factors such as locality and/or species. Moreover, although we were not able to decipher statistically between habitat or species effect, such a contrast between Nile grass rats and the other rodent species points towards a potentially important role of environmental toxoplasmic infection. This would deserve to be further scrutinised since intra-city irrigated cultures are extending in Niamey, thus potentially increasing Toxoplasma circulation in this yet semi-arid region. As far as we are aware of, our study is one of the rare surveys of its kind performed in Sub-Saharan Africa and the first one ever conducted in the Sahel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Mercier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine,
Université de Limoges, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale,
Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Limoges, France , Corresponding author:
| | - Madougou Garba
- Département Formation Recherche, Centre Régional AGRHYMET, Rive
Droite, Niamey, Niger , Faculté des Sciences, Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, Niger , Direction Générale de la Protection des Végétaux, Niamey, Niger
| | - Henri Bonnabau
- Unité Fonctionnelle de Recherche Clinique et de Biostatistique,
Service de l’Information Médicale et de l’Évaluation, Centre Hospitalier
Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Mamadou Kane
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre de Biologie
pour la Gestion des Populations (Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut de Recherche
pour le Développement/Institut National de Recherche Agronomique/Centre de
Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le
Développement/MontpellierSupAgro), Campus de Bel-Air, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Jean-Pierre Rossi
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de
Recherche 1062, Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (Institut
National de Recherche Agronomique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement,
Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement,
Montpellier SupAgro), Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, Campus
International de Baillarguet Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine,
Université de Limoges, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale,
Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Limoges, France , Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Centre National de
Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, Limoges, France
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- Département Formation Recherche, Centre Régional AGRHYMET, Rive
Droite, Niamey, Niger , Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de
Recherche 1062, Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations (Institut
National de Recherche Agronomique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement,
Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement,
Montpellier SupAgro), Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, Campus
International de Baillarguet Montferrier-sur-Lez, France
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Costache CA, Colosi HA, Blaga L, Györke A, Paştiu AI, Colosi IA, Ajzenberg D. First isolation and genetic characterization of a Toxoplasma gondii strain from a symptomatic human case of congenital toxoplasmosis in Romania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:11. [PMID: 23537840 PMCID: PMC3718531 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Very limited data exists on the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii from Eastern Europe. We present the first Romanian case of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis in which the T. gondii strain was isolated after inoculation in mice of a cerebrospinal fluid sample from a living neonate. The T. gondii strain was genotyped with 15 microsatellite markers distributed on 10 of the 14 chromosomes of T. gondii. The strain had a type II genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Anca Costache
- Department of Microbiology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur street, Cluj-Napoca 400349, Romania
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85
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Wang L, Chen H, Liu D, Huo X, Gao J, Song X, Xu X, Huang K, Liu W, Wang Y, Lu F, Lun ZR, Luo Q, Wang X, Shen J. Genotypes and mouse virulence of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals and humans in China. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53483. [PMID: 23308233 PMCID: PMC3538538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent population structure studies of T. gondii revealed that a few major clonal lineages predominated in different geographical regions. T. gondii in South America is genetically and biologically divergent, whereas this parasite is remarkably clonal in North America and Europe with a few major lineages including Types I, II and III. Information on genotypes and mouse virulence of T. gondii isolates from China is scarce and insufficient to investigate its population structure, evolution, and transmission. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Genotyping of 23 T. gondii isolates from different hosts using 10 markers for PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) revealed five genotypes; among them three genotypes were atypical and two were archetypal. Fifteen strains belong to the Chinese 1 lineage, which has been previously reported as a widespread lineage from swine, cats, and humans in China. Two human isolates fall into the type I and II lineages and the remaining isolates belong to two new atypical genotypes (ToxoDB#204 and #205) which has never been reported in China. Our results show that these genotypes of T. gondii isolates are intermediately or highly virulent in mice except for the strain TgCtwh6, which maintained parasitemia in mice for 35 days post infection although it possesses the uniform genotype of Chinese 1. Additionally, phylogenetic network analyses of all isolates of genotype Chinese 1 are identical, and there is no variation based on the sequence data generated for four introns (EF1, HP2, UPRT1 and UPRT7) and two dense granule proteins (GRA6 and GRA7). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE A limited genetic diversity was found and genotype Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9) is dominantly circulating in mainland China. The results will provide a useful profile for deep insight to the population structure, epidemiology and biological characteristics of T. gondii in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - He Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Daohua Liu
- Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control Anhui, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xingxing Huo
- Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiangmei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, the Key laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Parasitology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaorong Song
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiucai Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kaiquan Huang
- Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fangli Lu
- Department of Parasitology, and the Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, the Key laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Parasitology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuelong Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology & Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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86
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Isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from domestic rabbits in China to reveal the prevalence of type III strains. Vet Parasitol 2012; 193:270-6. [PMID: 23261088 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 77 free domestic rabbits from a rural area surrounding Shanghai, China were analyzed via ELISA, which identified 18 seropositive rabbits. One strain of T. gondii (designated SHR) was successfully isolated from one seropositive rabbit using a mouse bioassay. The isolated T. gondii killed all BALB/c mice inoculated with 10(4) tachyzoites, indicating its virulence in mice. Mn-PCR-RFLP analysis was used to type parasites recovered from cell cultures. Further analysis based on sequencing of a polymorphic intron revealed that the isolated strain contained a clonal type III genome, a rare finding in any host in China. This is the first reported isolation of T. gondii genotype III from rabbits in China. Our results suggested that type III strains are circulating in rabbits in China, which act as potential reservoirs of T. gondii transmission.
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87
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Robert-Gangneux F, Dardé ML. Epidemiology of and diagnostic strategies for toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25:264-96. [PMID: 22491772 PMCID: PMC3346298 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.05013-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 999] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was discovered a little over 100 years ago, but knowledge of its biological life cycle and its medical importance has grown in the last 40 years. This obligate intracellular parasite was identified early as a pathogen responsible for congenital infection, but its clinical expression and the importance of reactivations of infections in immunocompromised patients were recognized later, in the era of organ transplantation and HIV infection. Recent knowledge of host cell-parasite interactions and of parasite virulence has brought new insights into the comprehension of the pathophysiology of infection. In this review, we focus on epidemiological and diagnostic aspects, putting them in perspective with current knowledge of parasite genotypes. In particular, we provide critical information on diagnostic methods according to the patient's background and discuss the implementation of screening tools for congenital toxoplasmosis according to health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Service de Parasitologie, Faculté de Médecine et Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
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88
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Globally diverse Toxoplasma gondii isolates comprise six major clades originating from a small number of distinct ancestral lineages. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:5844-9. [PMID: 22431627 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1203190109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marked phenotypic variation characterizes isolates of Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite that serves as an important experimental model for studying apicomplexan parasites. Progress in identifying the heritable basis for clinically and epidemiologically significant differences requires a robust system for describing and interpreting evolutionary subdivisions in this prevalent pathogen. To develop such a system, we have examined more than 950 isolates collected from around the world and genotyped them using three independent sets of polymorphic DNA markers, sampling 30 loci distributed across all nuclear chromosomes as well as the plastid genome. Our studies reveal a biphasic pattern consisting of regions in the Northern Hemisphere where a few, highly clonal and abundant lineages predominate; elsewhere, and especially in portions of South America are characterized by a diverse assemblage of less common genotypes that show greater evidence of recombination. Clustering methods were used to organize the marked genetic diversity of 138 unique genotypes into 15 haplogroups that collectively define six major clades. Analysis of gene flow indicates that a small number of ancestral lineages gave rise to the existing diversity through a process of limited admixture. Identification of reference strains for these major groups should facilitate future studies on comparative genomics and identification of genes that control important biological phenotypes including pathogenesis and transmission.
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89
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90
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Subauste CS, Ajzenberg D, Kijlstra A. Review of the series "Disease of the year 2011: toxoplasmosis" pathophysiology of toxoplasmosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2012; 19:297-306. [PMID: 21970661 DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2010.605198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of chronic parasitic infection in the world. This protozoan can cause retino-choroiditis in newborns and in adults, both immunocompetent and immunodeficient. This disease tends to be recurrent and can lead to severe visual impairment. The authors review current knowledge on the role of parasite genetics in influencing susceptibility to ocular toxoplasmosis and on the immuno-pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos S Subauste
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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91
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Rajendran C, Su C, Dubey JP. Molecular genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from Central and South America revealed high diversity within and between populations. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 12:359-68. [PMID: 22226702 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent population studies revealed that a few major clonal lineages of Toxoplasma gondii dominate in different geographical regions. The Type II and III lineages are widespread in all continents and dominate in Europe, Africa and North America. In addition, the type 12 lineage is the most common type in wildlife in North America, the Africa 1 and 3 are among the major types in Africa, and ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #9 is the major type in China. Overall the T. gondii strains are more diverse in South America than any other regions. Here, we analyzed 164 T. gondii isolates from three countries in Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica), from one country in Caribbean (Grenada) and five countries from South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina). The multilocous polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) based genotyping of 11 polymorphic markers (SAG1, SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, C22-8, C29-2 and Apico) were applied to 148 free-range chicken (Gallus domesticus) isolates and 16 isolates from domestic cats (Felis catus) in Colombia; 42 genotypes were identified. Linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated more frequent genetic recombination in populations of Nicaragua and Colombia, and to a lesser degree in populations of Costa Rica and Argentina. Bayesian structural analysis identified at least three genetic clusters, and phylogenetic network analysis identified four major groups. The ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #7, Type III and II were major lineages identified from Central and South America, with high frequencies of the closely related ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #7 and Type III lineages. Taken together, this study revealed high diversity within and between T. gondii populations in Central and South America, and the dominance of Type III and its closely related ToxoDB PCR-RFLP #7 lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rajendran
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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92
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Wendte JM, Gibson AK, Grigg ME. Population genetics of Toxoplasma gondii: new perspectives from parasite genotypes in wildlife. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:96-111. [PMID: 21824730 PMCID: PMC3430134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoal parasite, is well-known for its global distribution and its ability to infect virtually all warm-blooded vertebrates. Nonetheless, attempts to describe the population structure of T. gondii have been primarily limited to samples isolated from humans and domesticated animals. More recent studies, however, have made efforts to characterize T. gondii isolates from a wider range of host species and geographic locales. These findings have dramatically changed our perception of the extent of genetic diversity in T. gondii and the relative roles of sexual recombination and clonal propagation in the parasite's lifecycle. In particular, identification of novel, disease-causing T. gondii strains in wildlife has raised concerns from both a conservation and public health perspective as to whether distinct domestic and sylvatic parasite gene pools exist. If so, overlap of these cycles may represent regions of high probability of disease emergence. Here, we attempt to answer these key questions by reviewing recent studies of T. gondii infections in wildlife, highlighting those which have advanced our understanding of the genetic diversity and population biology of this important zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jered M. Wendte
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Amanda K. Gibson
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
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93
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease described worldwide, which is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, commonly involves the retina. The disease has a higher impact in immunocompromised individuals and in congenital infection because of the severity of central nervous system involvement. Although simple prophylactic measures could reduce transmission, T. gondii seroprevalence is still high, especially in South America. Educational campaigns and the development of new drugs to prevent primary infection could potentially reduce the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João M Furtado
- Casey Eye Institute, Division of International Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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94
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A monomorphic haplotype of chromosome Ia is associated with widespread success in clonal and nonclonal populations of Toxoplasma gondii. mBio 2011; 2:e00228-11. [PMID: 22068979 PMCID: PMC3215432 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00228-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite of animals that also causes a zoonotic infection in humans. Previous studies have revealed a strongly clonal population structure that is shared between North America and Europe, while South American strains show greater genetic diversity and evidence of sexual recombination. The common inheritance of a monomorphic version of chromosome Ia (referred to as ChrIa*) among three clonal lineages from North America and Europe suggests that inheritance of this chromosome might underlie their recent clonal expansion. To further examine the diversity and distribution of ChrIa, we have analyzed additional strains with greater geographic diversity. Our findings reveal that the same haplotype of ChrIa* is found in the clonal lineages from North America and Europe and in older lineages in South America, where sexual recombination is more common. Although lineages from all three continents harbor the same conserved ChrIa* haplotype, strains from North America and Europe are genetically separate from those in South America, and these respective geographic regions show limited evidence of recent mixing. Genome-wide, array-based profiling of polymorphisms provided evidence for an ancestral flow from particular older southern lineages that gave rise to the clonal lineages now dominant in the north. Collectively, these data indicate that ChrIa* is widespread among nonclonal strains in South America and has more recently been associated with clonal expansion of specific lineages in North America and Europe. These findings have significant implications for the spread of genetic loci influencing transmission and virulence in pathogen populations. Understanding parasite population structure is important for evaluating the potential spread of pathogenicity determinants between different geographic regions. Examining the genetic makeup of different isolates of Toxoplasma gondii from around the world revealed that chromosome Ia is highly homogeneous among lineages that predominate on different continents and within genomes that were otherwise quite divergent. This pattern of recent shared ancestry is highly unusual and suggests that some gene(s) found on this chromosome imparts an unusual fitness advantage that has resulted in its recent spread. Although the basis for the conservation of this particularly homogeneous chromosome is unknown, it may have implications for the transmission of infection and spread of human disease.
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95
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High prevalence and genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from goats, from a retail meat store, destined for human consumption in the USA. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:827-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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96
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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic goats in Durango State, Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2011; 183:43-6. [PMID: 21767913 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Little is known concerning the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in Mexico. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in 562 goats in Durango, Mexico using the modified agglutination test. Goats were raised in 12 farms in two geographical regions: semi-desert (n=70) and mountains (n=492). Overall, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 174 (31%) of 562 goats, with titers of 1:25 in 18, 1:50 in 12, 1:100 in 10, 1:200 in 30, 1:400 in 32, 1:800 in 40, 1:1600 in 17, and 1:3200 or higher in 15. Seroprevalence of T. gondii increased with age, and varied with breed and geographic region; goats raised in the semi-desert region (Nubian breed) had a significantly higher seroprevalence (32.7%) than those raised in the mountains (mixed breed) (18.6%). Seropositive goats were found in all 12 (100%) farms sampled. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in goats in Durango State, Mexico. Results indicate that infected goats are likely an important source of T. gondii infection in humans in Durango State.
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CD8 T Cells and Toxoplasma gondii: A New Paradigm. J Parasitol Res 2011; 2011:243796. [PMID: 21687650 PMCID: PMC3112509 DOI: 10.1155/2011/243796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8 T cells are essential for control of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Once activated they undergo differentiation into short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. As effector cells, CD8 T cells exert immune pressure on the parasite via production of inflammatory cytokines and through their cytolytic activity. Once immune control has been established, the parasite encysts and develops into chronic infection regulated by the memory CD8 T-cell population. Several signals are needed for this process to be initiated and for development of fully differentiated memory CD8 T cells. With newly developed tools including CD8 T-cell tetramers and TCR transgenic mice, dissecting the biology behind T. gondii-specific CD8 T-cell responses can now be more effectively addressed. In this paper, we discuss what is known about the signals required for effective T. gondii-specific CD8 T-cell development, their differentiation, and effector function.
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Mercier A, Ajzenberg D, Devillard S, Demar MP, de Thoisy B, Bonnabau H, Collinet F, Boukhari R, Blanchet D, Simon S, Carme B, Dardé ML. Human impact on genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii: example of the anthropized environment from French Guiana. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1378-87. [PMID: 21600306 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In French Guiana, severe cases of toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients are associated with atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii linked to a wild neotropical rainforest cycle and a higher genetic diversity than usually observed for T. gondii isolates from anthropized environment. This raises the question of the impact of anthropization of the natural environment, on genetic diversity and on the population structure of T. gondii. However, few data are available on strains circulating in the anthropized areas from French Guiana. Seropositive animals originating mainly from anthropized sub-urban areas and punctually from wild environment in French Guiana were analyzed for T. gondii isolation and genotyping. Thirty-three strains were obtained by bioassay in mice and compared with 18 previously reported isolates chiefly originating from the Amazon rainforest. The genotyping analysis performed with 15 microsatellite markers located on 12 different chromosomes revealed a lower genetic diversity in the anthropized environment. Results were analyzed in terms of population structure by clustering methods, Neighbor-joining trees reconstruction based on genetic distances, F(ST,) Mantel's tests and linkage disequilibrium. They clearly showed a genetic differentiation between strains associated to the anthropized environment and those associated to the wild, but with some inbreeding between them. The majority of strains from the anthropized environment were clustered into additional lineages of T. gondii that are common in the Caribbean. In conclusion the two environmental populations "wild" and "anthropized" were genetically well differentiated. The anthropization of the environment seems to be accompanied with a decreased diversity of T. gondii associated with a greater structure of the populations. We detected potential interpenetration and genetic exchanges between these two environmental populations. As a higher pathogenicity in human of "wild" genotypes has been described, the interpenetration of both environments leads to hybridization between strains that may be at risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mercier
- Université de Limoges, IFR 145 GEIST, EA 3174 NeuroEpidémiologie Tropicale et Comparée, 2 rue du Dr Marcland, Limoges, 87025 Limoges Cedex, France.
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Zhao GH, Zhang MT, Lei LH, Shang CC, Cao DY, Tian TT, Li J, Xu JY, Yao YL, Chen DK, Zhu XQ. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy goats in Shaanxi Province, Northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:47. [PMID: 21457538 PMCID: PMC3079685 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic pathogen causing significant human and animal health problems. Infection in dairy goats not only results in significant reproductive losses, but also represents an important source of human infection due to consumption of infected meat and milk. In the present study we report for the first time seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Guanzhong and Saanen dairy goats in Shaanxi province, Northwestern China. Results Sera from 751 dairy goats from 9 farms in 6 counties were examined for T. gondii antibodies with an indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 106 (14.1%) serum samples, with antibody titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:1024. Seropositive goats were found in all 9 farms and seroprevalences in Guanzhong (16.3%, 75/461) and Saanen (10.7%, 31/290) dairy goats were not statistically significantly different. All the factors (sex, age and location) reported in the present study affected prevalence of infection, and seroprevalence increased with age, suggesting postnatal acquisition of T. gondii infection. Conclusions The results of the present survey indicate that infection by T. gondii is widely prevalent in dairy goats in Shaanxi province, Northwestern China, and this has implications for prevention and control of toxoplasmosis in this province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
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