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Chang Y, Li J, Zhang L. Genetic diversity and molecular diagnosis of Giardia. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 113:105482. [PMID: 37451417 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Giardia is a genus of flagellated protozoan parasites that infect the small intestine of humans and animals, causing the diarrheal illness known as giardiasis. Giardia exhibits significant genetic diversity among its isolates, which can have important implications for disease transmission and clinical presentation. This diversity is influenced by the coevolution of Giardia with its host, resulting in the development of unique genetic assemblages with distinct phenotypic characteristics. Although panmixia has not been observed, some assemblages appear to have a broader host range and exhibit higher transmission rates. Molecular diagnostic methods enable researchers to examine the genetic diversity of Giardia populations, enhancing our understanding of the genetic diversity, population structure, and transmission patterns of this pathogen and providing insights into clinical presentations of giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China.
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Zahedi A, Ryan U, Rawlings V, Greay T, Hancock S, Bruce M, Jacobson C. Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dam water on sheep farms – An important source of transmission? Vet Parasitol 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/01435129610106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Cao L, Han K, Wang L, Hasi S, Yu F, Cui Z, Hai Y, Zhai X, Zhang L. Genetic characteristics of Giardia duodenalis from sheep in Inner Mongolia, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:60. [PMID: 33198885 PMCID: PMC7669454 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic pathogen for both human and animal health. Although there have been reports on G. duodenalis infections in animals all over the world, information regarding the prevalence and genetic characteristics of G. duodenalis in sheep in Inner Mongolia, China, is limited. In this study, 209 sheep fecal specimens were collected in this autonomous region. We established that the prevalence of G. duodenalis was 64.11% (134/209), as determined using nested PCR detection and sequences analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Based on the beta-giardin (bg) locus, the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus, and the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) locus to study genetic characteristics, both assemblages A (2.99%, 4/134) and E (97.01%, 130/134) were found. Five novel nucleotide sequence of assemblage E were detected, two at the bg locus, two at the gdh locus, and one at the tpi locus. Multilocus genotyping yielded four assemblage E and two assemblage A multilocus genotypes (MLGs), including four novel assemblage E MLGs and one novel assemblage A MLG. Results of this study indicated that G. duodenalis was highly prevalent in sheep in Inner Mongolia. This study is the first to use the multilocus genotyping approach to identify G. duodenalis in sheep from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Cao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Kelei Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Luyang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Surong Hasi
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 010018 Hohhot, PR China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Zhaohui Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Ying Hai
- Wushen Banner Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, 017300 Ordos, PR China
| | - Xinguo Zhai
- Zhengzhou Municipal Agriculture Rural Work Committee, 450006 Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China - International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, 450046 Zhengzhou, PR China
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Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dam water on sheep farms - An important source of transmission? Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109281. [PMID: 33142151 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections can negatively impact livestock health and reduce productivity, and some species and genotypes infecting livestock have zoonotic potential. Infection occurs via the faecal-oral route. Waterborne infections are a recognised source of infection for humans, but the role of livestock drinking water as a source of infection in livestock has not been described. This study aimed to determine whether contaminated drinking water supplies, such as farm dams, are a likely transmission source for Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections for extensively managed sheep. Dam water samples (n = 47) were collected during autumn, winter and spring from 12 farm dams located on six different farms in south west Western Australia, and faecal samples (n = 349) were collected from sheep with access to these dams. All samples were initially screened for Cryptosporidium spp. at the 18S locus and Giardia spp. at the gdh gene using qPCR, and oocyst numbers were determined directly from the qPCR data using DNA standards calibrated by droplet digital PCR. Cryptosporidium-positive sheep faecal samples were typed and subtyped by sequence analysis of 18S and gp60 loci, respectively. Giardia-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing targeting tpi and gdh loci were performed on Giardia- positive sheep faecal samples to characterise Giardia duodenalis assemblages. To identify Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. in dam water samples, next-generation sequencing analysis of 18S and gdh amplicons were performed, respectively. Two species of Cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidium xiaoi and Cryptospordium ubiquitum (subtype family XIIa)) were detected in 38/345 sheep faecal samples, and in water from 9/12 farm dams during the study period, with C. xiaoi the species most frequently detected in both faeces and dam water overall. Giardia duodenalis assemblages AI, AII and E were detected in 36/348 faecal samples and water from 10/12 farm dams. For dam water samples where oo/cysts were detected by qPCR, Cryptosporidium oocyst concentration ranged from 518-2429 oocysts/L (n = 14), and Giardia cyst concentration ranged from 102 to 1077 cysts/L (n = 17). Cryptosporidium and Giardia with zoonotic potential were detected in farm dam water, including C. ubiquitum, C. hominis, C. parvum, C. cuniculus, C. xiaoi, and G. duodenalis assemblages A, B and E. The findings suggest that dam water can be contaminated with Cryptosporidium species and G. duodenalis assemblages that may infect sheep and with zoonotic potential, and farm dam water may represent one source of transmission for infections.
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Zahedi A, Odgers T, Ball A, Watkinson A, Robertson I, Ryan U. Longitudinal analysis of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in animals inhabiting drinking water catchments in New South Wales and Queensland - Australia (2013-2015). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137433. [PMID: 32105929 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common waterborne zoonotic parasites worldwide, and its occurrence in the environment and catchment reservoir water has serious implications for management of drinking water. The aim of the present study was to use molecular tools to identify the Giardia spp. infecting animals inhabiting five drinking water catchments across two states in Australia; New South Wales and Queensland, to better understand the potential health risks they pose. We used quantitative PCR to screen a total of 2174 faecal samples collected from dominant host species in catchment areas for the presence of G. duodenalis. All samples positive for G. duodenalis were further characterized and subtyped at tpi and gdh loci, respectively. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 15.3% (332/2174, 95%CI; 13.8-16.9), and two zoonotic assemblages (assemblages A and B) and one potentially zoonotic assemblage (E) were detected in various host species. Additional subtyping of a subset of samples (n = 76) identified four human infectious sub-assemblages including AI, AII, BII-like and BIV-like, all of which have been previously reported in humans in Australia. The finding of zoonotic assemblages of G. duodenalis in the present study necessitates continued identification of the sources/carriers of human pathogenic strains in drinking water catchment areas for more accurate risk assessment and optimal catchment management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zahedi
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 6150 Perth, Australia.
| | - Tim Odgers
- Seqwater, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Ian Robertson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 6150 Perth, Australia; China-Australia Joint Research and Training Center for Veterinary Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Una Ryan
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 6150 Perth, Australia
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Prevalence and multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Tan sheep (Ovis aries) in northwestern China. Parasitol Int 2020; 77:102126. [PMID: 32334094 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal protozoa, which can cause the occurrence of diarrhea, weight loss, and even death in animals or human, this threatens the husbandry industry and public health. It can infect virtually humans and all domestic animals including sheep. Tan sheep is one of the most important sheep breeds, which is short-tailed indigenous sheep breed used for production of high quality meat and pelts in China. However, there are no report regarding the occurrence and multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis in Tan sheep in northwestern China. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and multilocus genotypes of G. duodenalis in Tan sheep. 1014 fecal samples were collected from Tan sheep from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and three loci (β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes) were amplified by nested PCR. The prevalence of G. duodenalis in Tan sheep was 14.5% (147/1014), two assemblages (assemblage A, n = 43; and E, n = 90) were detected, including one novel assemblage A at bg locus, one novel assemblage A at tpi locus, and 10 and 11 novel subtypes of assemblage E were detected at the bg and gdh loci, respectively. One MLGs was formed based on sequence variation among the three loci. Moreover, 9 Tan sheep were infected with two assemblages (A and E) based on the three loci. These findings expand the host range of G. duodenalis and revealed genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages in Tan sheep.
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Koehler AV, Rashid MH, Zhang Y, Vaughan JL, Gasser RB, Jabbar A. First cross-sectional, molecular epidemiological survey of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Enterocytozoon in alpaca (Vicugna pacos) in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:498. [PMID: 30185227 PMCID: PMC6126005 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eukaryotic pathogens, including Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Enterocytozoon, have been implicated in neonatal diarrhoea, leading to marked morbidity and mortality in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) and llama (Lama glama) around the world. Australia has the largest population of alpacas outside of South America, but very little is known about these pathogens in alpaca populations in this country. Here, we undertook the first molecular epidemiological survey of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Enterocytozoon in V. pacos in Australia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 81 herds, comprising alpacas of 6 weeks to 26 years of age, were sampled from the six Australian states (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia) across the four seasons. PCR-based sequencing was employed, utilising genetic markers in the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (SSU) and 60-kilodalton glycoprotein (gp60) genes for Cryptosporidium, triose-phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene for Giardia duodenalis and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. RESULTS PCR-based analyses of 81 faecal DNA samples representing 1421 alpaca individuals detected Cryptosporidium, Giardia and/or Enterocytozoon on 15 farms in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, equating to 18.5% of all samples/herds tested. Cryptosporidium was detected on three (3.7%) farms, G. duodenalis on six (7.4%) and E. bieneusi on eight (9.9%) in two or all of these three states, but not in Queensland, Tasmania or Western Australia. Molecular analyses of selected faecal DNA samples from individual alpacas for Cryptosporidium, Giardia and/or Enterocytozoon consistently showed that alpacas of ≤ 6 months of age harboured these pathogens. CONCLUSIONS This first molecular investigation of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Enterocytozoon in alpaca subpopulations in Australia has identified species and genotypes that are of likely importance as primary pathogens of alpacas, particularly young crias, and some genotypes with zoonotic potential. Although the prevalence established here in the alpaca subpopulations studied is low, the present findings suggest that crias are likely reservoirs of infections to susceptible alpacas and/or humans. Future studies should focus on investigating pre-weaned and post-weaned crias, and on exploring transmission patterns to establish what role particular genotypes play in neonatal or perinatal diarrhoea in alpacas and in zoonotic diseases in different states of Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V. Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Mohammed H. Rashid
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Jane L. Vaughan
- Cria Genesis, PO Box 406, Ocean Grove, Victoria 3226 Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
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Li J, Wang H, Wang R, Zhang L. Giardia duodenalis Infections in Humans and Other Animals in China. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2004. [PMID: 29081771 PMCID: PMC5645521 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic pathogen in both public and veterinary health, and has been genotyped into at least eight assemblages (A-H), each with a distinct host range. In recent years, this intestinal protozoan parasite has been identified widely in humans and various other animals, and has even been recorded in environmental contaminants. Along with whole genome sequencing of G. duodenalis, multilocus sequence typing is increasingly being used to characterize G. duodenalis isolates. Here, we review the epidemiology, genotyping, and subtyping of G. duodenalis from humans and a wide range of other animals, as well as from wastewater, in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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Jin Y, Fei J, Cai J, Wang X, Li N, Guo Y, Feng Y, Xiao L. Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Tibetan sheep and yaks in Qinghai, China. Vet Parasitol 2017; 247:70-76. [PMID: 29080768 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a common gastrointestinal protozoon in mammals. Although many studies have been reported on the distribution of G. duodenalis genotypes in sheep and cattle raised under intensive farming, few studies are available on the distribution of G. duodenalis in Tibetan sheep and yaks, which are raised free ranging in a continental plateau climate. In this study, 495 fecal specimens from Tibetan sheep and 605 from yaks were collected from eight counties in Qinghai, China and analyzed for G. duodenalis by PCR targeting the β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Based on PCR positivity at the bg locus, G. duodenalis occurrence rates were 13.1% (65/495) in Tibetan sheep and 10.4% (63/605) in yaks. DNA sequence analysis identified the presence of G. duodenalis Assemblages A (in 10 Tibetan sheep and 2 yaks) and E (in 51 Tibetan sheep and 60 yaks). In addition, mixed infections of the two were identified in four Tibetan sheep and one yak. Among the sequences obtained in this study, 1, 10, and 2 new subtypes of Assemblage E were detected at the bg, gdh and tpi loci, respectively. Based on sequences from the three loci, 28 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were obtained, including 27 MLGs in Assemblage E and one MLG in Assemblage A. Each MLG was found in no more than seven animals, with most MLGs forming host-specific clusters in phylogenetic analysis except for one cluster including MLGs from both Tibetan sheep and yaks. Only two MLGs were found in both sheep and yaks. The above results demonstrate a high subtype diversity of G. duodenalis Assemblage E in Tibetan sheep and yaks raised in a traditional animal husbandry system and suggest that only limited cross-species transmission of G. duodenalis occurs between yaks and sheep sharing pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resource and Environmental, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jilan Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resource and Environmental, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jinzhong Cai
- Qinghai Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resource and Environmental, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resource and Environmental, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Molecular typing of Giardia duodenalis in humans in Queensland - first report of Assemblage E. Parasitology 2017; 144:1154-1161. [PMID: 28482937 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the genetic diversity of the protozoan parasite, Giardia duodenalis, infecting humans in Queensland, Australia. The present study typed 88 microscopically Giardia-positive isolates using assemblage-specific primers at the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene and sequenced a subset of isolates at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene (n = 30) and tpi locus (n = 27). Using the tpi-assemblage specific primers, G. duodenalis assemblage A and assemblage B were detected in 50% (44/88) and 38·6% (34/88) of samples, respectively. Mixed infections with assemblages A and B were identified in 4·5% (4/88) and assemblage E was identified in 6·8% (6/88) of samples. Sequence analysis at the gdh and tpi loci also confirmed the presence of assemblage E in these isolates. Cyst numbers per gram of feces (g-1) were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and of the isolates that were typed as assemblage E, cyst numbers ranged 13·8-68·3 × 106 cysts g-1. This is the first report of assemblage E in humans in Australia, indicating that in certain settings, this assemblage may be zoonotic.
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Olivares-Illana V, Riveros-Rosas H, Cabrera N, Tuena de Gómez-Puyou M, Pérez-Montfort R, Costas M, Gómez-Puyou A. A guide to the effects of a large portion of the residues of triosephosphate isomerase on catalysis, stability, druggability, and human disease. Proteins 2017; 85:1190-1211. [PMID: 28378917 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) is a ubiquitous enzyme, which appeared early in evolution. TIM is responsible for obtaining net ATP from glycolysis and producing an extra pyruvate molecule for each glucose molecule, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It is placed in a metabolic crossroad that allows a quick balance of the triose phosphate aldolase produced by glycolysis, and is also linked to lipid metabolism through the alternation of glycerol-3-phosphate and the pentose cycle. TIM is one of the most studied enzymes with more than 199 structures deposited in the PDB. The interest for this enzyme stems from the fact that it is involved in glycolysis, but also in aging, human diseases and metabolism. TIM has been a target in the search for chemical compounds against infectious diseases and is a model to study catalytic features. Until February 2017, 62% of all residues of the protein have been studied by mutagenesis and/or using other approaches. Here, we present a detailed and comprehensive recompilation of the reported effects on TIM catalysis, stability, druggability and human disease produced by each of the amino acids studied, contributing to a better understanding of the properties of this fundamental protein. The information reviewed here shows that the role of the noncatalytic residues depend on their molecular context, the delicate balance between the short and long-range interactions in concerted action determining the properties of the protein. Each protein should be regarded as a unique entity that has evolved to be functional in the organism to which it belongs. Proteins 2017; 85:1190-1211. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Olivares-Illana
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Biomoleculares y Cáncer. Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, SLP, 78290, México
| | - Hector Riveros-Rosas
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Nallely Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Marietta Tuena de Gómez-Puyou
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Ruy Pérez-Montfort
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Miguel Costas
- Laboratorio de Biofisicoquímica, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
| | - Armando Gómez-Puyou
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
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Thompson R, Ash A. Molecular epidemiology of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 40:315-323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Koehler AV, Haydon SR, Jex AR, Gasser RB. Cryptosporidium and Giardia taxa in faecal samples from animals in catchments supplying the city of Melbourne with drinking water (2011 to 2015). Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:315. [PMID: 27251294 PMCID: PMC4888428 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a long-term program to monitor pathogens in water catchments serving the City of Melbourne in the State of Victoria in Australia, we detected and genetically characterised Cryptosporidium and Giardia in faecal samples from various animals in nine water reservoir areas over a period of 4 years (July 2011 to November 2015). METHODS This work was conducted using PCR-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and phylogenetic analyses of portions of the small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU) and 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes for Cryptosporidium, and triose-phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene for Giardia. RESULTS The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 1.62 % (69 of 4,256 samples); 25 distinct sequence types were defined for pSSU, and six for gp60 which represented C. hominis (genotype Ib - subgenotype IbA10G2), C. cuniculus (genotype Vb - subgenotypes VbA26, and VbA25), and C. canis, C. fayeri, C. macropodum, C. parvum, C. ryanae, Cryptosporidium sp. "duck" genotype, C. suis and C. ubiquitum as well as 12 novel SSU sequence types. The prevalence of Giardia was 0.31 % (13 of 4,256 samples); all three distinct tpi sequence types defined represented assemblage A of G. duodenalis. CONCLUSIONS Of the 34 sequence types (genotypes) characterized here, five and one have been recorded previously for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively, from humans. Novel genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were recorded for SSU (n = 12), gp60 (n = 4) and tpi (n = 1); the zoonotic potential of these novel genotypes is presently unknown. Future work will continue to monitor the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia genotypes in animals in these catchments, and expand investigations to humans. Nucleotide sequences reported in this paper are available in the GenBank database under accession nos. KU531647-KU531718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | | | - Aaron R Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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First report of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 34:394-401. [PMID: 26190449 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic study of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi at species/assemblage/genotype/subtype level facilitates understanding their mechanical transmissions and underpins their control. A total of 191 fresh faecal samples were collected from golden takins in China and examined using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 15 faecal samples (7.9%), including Cryptosporidium parvum (2/15) and Cryptosporidium andersoni (13/15). MLST tool identified C. andersoni subtypes (A1, A4, A4, A1) and (A4, A4, A4, A1), and C. parvum gp60 gene subtype IId A19G1. The prevalence of G. intestinalis infection was 8.9% (17/191) and assemblage analysis identified 14 assemblage E and three assemblage B. Intra-variations were observed at triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta giardin (bg) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci within the assemblage E, showing seven, three and three new subtypes in respective locus. Ten and one multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were present in assemblages E and B, respectively. E. bieneusi infection was positive in 14.7% (28/191) of the examined specimens, with three genotypes known (BEB6, D and I) and four novel internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes (TEB1-TEB4). The present study revealed, for the first time, the presence of zoonotic C. parvum IId A19G1, G. intestinalis assemblage B and E. bieneusi genotype D and four novel genotypes in golden takins in China. These findings expand the host range of three zoonotic pathogens and have important implications for controlling cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and microsporidiosis in humans and animals.
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Abeywardena H, Jex AR, Gasser RB. A perspective on Cryptosporidium and Giardia, with an emphasis on bovines and recent epidemiological findings. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2015; 88:243-301. [PMID: 25911369 PMCID: PMC7103119 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two common aetiological agents of infectious enteritis in humans and animals worldwide. These parasitic protists are usually transmitted by the faecal-oral route, following the ingestion of infective stages (oocysts or cysts). An essential component of the control of these parasitic infections, from a public health perspective, is an understanding of the sources and routes of transmission in different geographical regions. Bovines are considered potential sources of infection for humans, because species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infecting humans have also been isolated from cattle in molecular parasitological studies. However, species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia of bovids, and the extent of zoonotic transmission in different geographical regions in the world, are still relatively poorly understood. The purpose of this article is to (1) provide a brief background on Cryptosporidium and Giardia, (2) review some key aspects of the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in animals, with an emphasis on bovines, (3) summarize research of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from cattle and water buffaloes in parts of Australasia and Sri Lanka, considering public health aspects and (4) provide a perspective on future avenues of study. Recent studies reinforce that bovines harbour Cryptosporidium and Giardia that likely pose a human health risk and highlight the need for future investigations of the biology, population genetics and transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in cattle, water buffaloes and other ruminants in different geographical regions, the fate and transport of infective stages following their release into the environment, as well as for improved strategies for the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, guided by molecular epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshanie Abeywardena
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Tzanidakis N, Sotiraki S, Claerebout E, Ehsan A, Voutzourakis N, Kostopoulou D, Stijn C, Vercruysse J, Geurden T. Occurrence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in sheep and goats reared under dairy husbandry systems in Greece. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:45. [PMID: 25187088 PMCID: PMC4154256 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are gastro-intestinal protozoa known to infect small ruminants. Both protozoa are also considered as a potential public health concern. The objective of this study was to determine their prevalence in lambs and goat kids kept under common Mediterranean dairy husbandry systems and to identify the species and genotypes infecting these small ruminants. In total, 684 faecal samples (429 from lambs and 255 from goat kids) were collected on 21 farms in Greece and examined using a quantitative immunofluorescence assay. G. duodenalis was detected in 37.3% of the lambs and 40.4% of the goat kids. On all but one of the farms G. duodenalis was detected. Most samples were typed as a mono-infection with G. duodenalis assemblage E, both on the β-giardin gene and the triose phosphate isomerase gene. Only 10% of samples were typed as mixed assemblage A and E infections. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 5.1% in lambs and 7.1% in goat kids. In total, 8 out of the 14 farms with a sheep flock and 7 out of the 14 farms with a goat flock were positive. Cryptosporidium parvum (subtype IId), C. ubiquitum and C. xiaoi were identified, the latter especially in goat kids. In conclusion, the results of the present study illustrate that G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. occur frequently on both sheep and goats farms. The prevalence of zoonotic genotypes or species was low, indicating a limited but existing risk for zoonotic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Tzanidakis
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Amimul Ehsan
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nikolaos Voutzourakis
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Kostopoulou
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Casaert Stijn
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vercruysse
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Thomas Geurden
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Koehler AV, Whipp M, Hogg G, Haydon SR, Stevens MA, Jex AR, Gasser RB. First genetic analysis of Cryptosporidium from humans from Tasmania, and identification of a new genotype from a traveller to Bali. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:2600-7. [PMID: 24916177 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the molecular composition of Cryptosporidium species from humans living in the insular state of Tasmania, Australia. In the present study, we genetically characterized 82 samples of Cryptosporidium from humans following conventional coproscopic testing in a routine, diagnostic laboratory. Using a PCR-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique, targeting portions of the small subunit rRNA (SSU), and 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) loci, we identified two species of Cryptosporidium, including C. hominis (subgenotypes IbA10G2, IdA16, IeA12G3T3, and IfA19G1) and C. parvum (IIaA16G1R1 and IIaA18G3), and a new operational taxonomic unit (OTU) that genetically closely resembled C. wrairi. This OTU was further characterized using markers in the actin, Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP), and 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) genes. This study provides the first characterization of species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium from Tasmania, and presents clear genetic evidence, using five independent genetic loci, for a new genotype or species of Cryptosporidium in a Tasmanian person with a recent history of travelling to Bali, Indonesia. It would be interesting to undertake detailed molecular-based studies of Cryptosporidium in Indonesia and neighbouring countries, in conjunction with morphological and experimental investigations of new genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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Abeywardena H, Jex AR, Koehler AV, Rajapakse RPVJ, Udayawarna K, Haydon SR, Stevens MA, Gasser RB. First molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from bovines (Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis) in Sri Lanka: unexpected absence of C. parvum from pre-weaned calves. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:75. [PMID: 24559043 PMCID: PMC4015788 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia has important implications for investigating their epidemiology and underpins their control. We undertook the first molecular epidemiological survey of domestic bovids in selected regions of Sri Lanka to establish whether they excreted Cryptosporidium and/or Giardia with zoonotic potential. Methods Faecal samples were collected from dairy calves (n = 340; Bos taurus; < 3 months of age; weekly sampling for six weeks) and water buffaloes (n = 297; Bubalus bubalis; <6 months and ≥6 months of age; one sampling) from seven different farms in Sri Lanka. Genomic DNAs were extracted from individual faecal samples and then tested for the presence of parasite DNA using a PCR-based mutation scanning-targeted sequencing-phylogenetic approach, employing genetic markers within the small subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA and 60 kDa glycoprotein genes (designated pSSU and pgp60, respectively) for Cryptosporidium, and within the triose phosphate isomerise (ptpi) gene for Giardia. Results Based on pSSU sequence data, C. bovis, C. ryanae and six new genotypes that were genetically similar but not identical to C. andersoni (n = 1), C. bovis (n = 1), C. ryanae (n = 3) and C. suis (n = 1) were recorded in cattle. For pSSU, two other, new genotypes were defined in water buffalo, which were genetically most similar to Cryptosporidium genotypes recorded previously in this host species in other countries including Australia. Consistent with the findings for pSSU, no species or genotypes of Cryptosporidium with zoonotic potential were detected using pgp60. Based on ptpi sequence data, G. duodenalis assemblages A and E were detected in four and 137 samples from cattle, respectively, and assemblage E in two samples from water buffaloes. Conclusions The present study showed that C. parvum, the most commonly reported zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium recognised in bovine calves globally, was not detected in any of the samples from pre-weaned calves tested in the present study. However, eight new genotypes were recorded. Future studies of different host species in various regions are required to investigate the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Sri Lanka and neighbouring countries in South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Abeywardena H, Jex AR, Firestone SM, McPhee S, Driessen N, Koehler AV, Haydon SR, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Stevens MA, Gasser RB. Assessing calves as carriers of Cryptosporidium and Giardia with zoonotic potential on dairy and beef farms within a water catchment area by mutation scanning. Electrophoresis 2014; 34:2259-67. [PMID: 23712797 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201300146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we undertook a molecular epidemiological survey of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in calves on three dairy and two beef farms within an open drinking water catchment area (Melbourne, Australia). Faecal samples (n = 474) were collected from calves at two time points (5 months apart) and tested using a PCR-based mutation scanning-targeted sequencing phylogenetic approach, employing regions within the genes of small subunit (SSU) of ribosomal RNA (designated partial SSU), 60 kDa glycoprotein (pgp60) and triose phosphate isomerase (ptpi) as genetic markers. Using partial SSU, the C. bovis, C. parvum, C. ryanae and a new genotype of Cryptosporidium were characterised from totals of 74 (15.6%), 35 (7.3%), 37 (7.8%) and 9 (1.9%) samples, respectively. Using pgp60, C. parvum genotype IIa subgenotype A18G3R1 was detected in 29 samples. Using ptpi, G. duodenalis assemblages A and E were detected in totals of 10 (2.1%) and 130 (27.4%) samples, respectively. The present study showed that a considerable proportion of dairy and beef calves in this open water catchment region excreted Cryptosporidium (i.e. subgenotype IIaA18G3R1) and Giardia (e.g. assemblage A) that are consistent with those infecting humans, inferring that they are of zoonotic importance. Future work should focus on exploring, in a temporal and spatial way, whether these parasites occur in the environment and water of the catchment reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshanie Abeywardena
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Yang R, Jacobson C, Gardner G, Carmichael I, Campbell AJ, Ryan U. Development of a quantitative PCR (qPCR) for Giardia and analysis of the prevalence, cyst shedding and genotypes of Giardia present in sheep across four states in Australia. Exp Parasitol 2014; 137:46-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abeywardena H, Jex AR, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Haydon SR, Stevens MA, Gasser RB. First molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from Bubalus bubalis (water buffalo) in Victoria, Australia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 20:96-102. [PMID: 23886616 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a molecular epidemiological survey of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from Bubalus bubalis (water buffalo) on two extensive farms (450 km apart) in Victoria, Australia. Faecal samples (n=476) were collected from different age groups of water buffalo at two time points (six months apart) and tested using a PCR-based mutation scanning-targeted sequencing-phylogenetic approach, employing markers within the small subunit of ribosomal RNA (designated pSSU) and triose phosphate isomerase (ptpi) genes. Based on pSSU data, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium genotypes 1, 2 (each 99% similar genetically to Cryptosporidium ryanae) and 3 (99% similar to Cryptosporidium suis) were detected in two (0.4%), one (0.2%), 38 (8.0%), 16 (3.4%) and one (0.2%) of the 476 samples tested, respectively. Using ptpi, Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and E were detected in totals of 56 (11.8%) and six (1.3%) of these samples, respectively. Cryptosporidium was detected on both farms, whereas Giardia was detected only on farm B, and both genera were detected in 1.5% of all samples tested. The study showed that water buffaloes on these farms excreted C. parvum and/or G. duodenalis assemblage A, which are consistent with those found in humans, inferring that these particular pathogens are of zoonotic significance. Future work should focus on investigating, in a temporal and spatial manner, the prevalence and intensity of such infections in water buffaloes in various geographical regions in Australia and in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshanie Abeywardena
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Ryan U, Cacciò SM. Zoonotic potential of Giardia. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:943-56. [PMID: 23856595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia lamblia and Giardia intestinalis) is a common intestinal parasite of humans and mammals worldwide. Assessing the zoonotic transmission of the infection requires molecular characterization as there is considerable genetic variation within G. duodenalis. To date eight major genetic groups (assemblages) have been identified, two of which (A and B) are found in both humans and animals, whereas the remaining six (C to H) are host-specific and do not infect humans. Sequence-based surveys of single loci have identified a number of genetic variants (genotypes) within assemblages A and B in animal species, some of which may have zoonotic potential. Multi-locus typing data, however, has shown that in most cases, animals do not share identical multi-locus types with humans. Furthermore, interpretation of genotyping data is complicated by the presence of multiple alleles that generate "double peaks" in sequencing files from PCR products, and by the potential exchange of genetic material among isolates, which may account for the non-concordance in the assignment of isolates to specific assemblages. Therefore, a better understanding of the genetics of this parasite is required to allow the design of more sensitive and variable subtyping tools, that in turn may help unravel the complex epidemiology of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150 Western Australia, Australia.
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Nolan MJ, Jex AR, Upcroft JA, Upcroft P, Gasser RB. Barcoding of Giardia duodenalis isolates and derived lines from an established cryobank by a mutation scanning-based approach. Electrophoresis 2013; 32:2075-90. [PMID: 23479788 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We barcoded 25 in vitro isolates (representing 92 samples) of Giardia duodenalis from humans and other animals, which have been assembled by the Upcroft team at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research over a period of almost three decades. We used mutation scanning-coupled sequencing of loci in the triosephosphate isomerase, glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes, combined with phylogenetic analysis, to genetically characterise them. Specifically, the isolates (n514) of G. duodenalis from humans from Australia (AD113; BRIS/83/HEPU/106; BRIS/87/HEPU/713; BRIS/89/HEPU/1003; BRIS/92/HEPU/1541; BRIS/92/HEPU/1590; BRIS/92/HEPU/2443; BRIS/93/HEPU/1706), Malaysia (KL/92/IMR/1106) and Afghanistan (WB), a cat from Australia (BAC2), a sheep from Canada (OAS1) and a sulphur-crested cockatoo from Australia (BRIS/95/HEPU/2041) represented assemblage A (sub-assemblage AI-1, AI-2 or AII-2); isolates (n510) from humans from Australia (BRIS/91/HEPU/1279; BRIS/92/HEPU/2342; BRIS/92/HEPU/2348; BRIS/93/HEPU/1638; BRIS/93/HEPU/1653; BRIS/93/HEPU/1705; BRIS/93/HEPU/1718; BRIS/93/HEPU/1727), Papua New Guinea (BRIS/92/HEPU/1487) and Canada (H7) represented assemblage B (sub-assemblage BIV) and an isolate from cattle from Australia (BRIS/92/HEPU/1709) had a match to assemblage E. Isolate BRIS/90/HEPU/1229 from a human from Australia was shown to represent a mixed population of assemblages A and B. These barcoded isolates (including stocks and derived lines) now allow direct comparisons of experimental data among laboratories and represent a massive resource for transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolic and functional genomic studies using advanced molecular technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Nolan
- Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Malaysia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 17:269-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Koehler AV, Bradbury RS, Stevens MA, Haydon SR, Jex AR, Gasser RB. Genetic characterization of selected parasites from people with histories of gastrointestinal disorders using a mutation scanning-coupled approach. Electrophoresis 2013; 34:1720-8. [PMID: 23592267 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201300100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A SSCP analysis and targeted sequencing approach was used for the genetic characterization of some major pathogens from a cohort of 227 people with histories of gastrointestinal disorders. Genomic DNAs from fecal samples were subjected to PCR-amplification of regions in the glycoprotein (gp60) or triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene, or the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS-2). Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and strongylid nematodes were detected in 94, 132 and 12 samples. Cryptosporidium hominis subgenotypes IbA10G2, IdA15G1, IgA17, IgA18, and IfA13G1 were identified in 74.6, 16.9, 5.6, 1.4, and 1.4% of 71 samples, respectively. For Cryptosporidium parvum, subgenotypes IIaA17G2R1 (47.6%) and IIaA18G3R1 (23.8%) were identified in 23 samples. Giardia duodenalis assemblage B (78%) was more common than assemblage A (22%). In addition, DNA of the nematodes Ancylostoma ceylanicum (n = 2), Ancylostoma duodenale (4), Necator americanus (5), and Haemonchus contortus (1) was specifically detected. This is the first report of A. ceylanicum in two persons in Australia and, we provide molecular evidence of H. contortus in a child. This SSCP-based approach should provide a useful diagnostic and analytical tool for a wide range of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Nolan MJ, Jex AR, Koehler AV, Haydon SR, Stevens MA, Gasser RB. Molecular-based investigation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from animals in water catchments in southeastern Australia. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:1726-1740. [PMID: 23357792 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2012.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been no large-scale systematic molecular epidemiological investigation of the waterborne protozoans, Cryptosporidium or Giardia, in southeastern Australia. Here, we explored, for the first time, the genetic composition of these genera in faecal samples from animals in nine Melbourne Water reservoir areas, collected over a period of two-years. We employed PCR-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and phylogenetic analyses of loci (pSSU and pgp60) in the small subunit (SSU) of ribosomal RNA and 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes to detect and characterise Cryptosporidium, and another locus (ptpi) in the triose-phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene to identify and characterise Giardia. Cryptosporidium was detected in 2.8% of the 2009 samples examined; the analysis of all amplicons defined 14 distinct sequence types for each of pSSU and pgp60, representing Cryptosporidium hominis (genotype Ib - subgenotype IbA10G2R2), Cryptosporidium parvum (genotype IIa - subgenotypes IIaA15G2R1, IIaA19G2R1, IIaA19G3R1, IIaA19G4R1, IIaA20G3R1, IIaA20G4R1, IIaA20G3R2 and IIaA21G3R1), Cryptosporidium cuniculus (genotype Vb - subgenotypes VbA22R4, VbA23R3, VbA24R3, VbA25R4 and VbA26R4), and Cryptosporidium canis, Cryptosporidium fayeri, Cryptosporidium macropodum and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum as well as six new pSSU sequence types. In addition, Giardia was identified in 3.4% of the samples; all 28 distinct ptpi sequence types defined were linked to assemblage A of Giardia duodenalis. Of all 56 sequence types characterised, eight and one have been recorded previously in Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively, from humans. In contrast, nothing is known about the zoonotic potential of 35 new genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia recorded here for the first time. Future work aims to focus on estimating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia genotypes in humans and a wide range of animals in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia. (Nucleotide sequences reported in this paper are available in the GenBank database under accession nos. KC282952-KC283005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Nolan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Gómez-Muñoz MT, Cámara-Badenes C, Martínez-Herrero MDC, Dea-Ayuela MA, Pérez-Gracia MT, Fernández-Barredo S, Santín M, Fayer R. Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in lambs from Spain reveals a high heterogeneity. Res Vet Sci 2012; 93:836-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zhang W, Zhang X, Wang R, Liu A, Shen Y, Ling H, Cao J, Yang F, Zhang X, Zhang L. Genetic characterizations of Giardia duodenalis in sheep and goats in Heilongjiang Province, China and possibility of zoonotic transmission. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1826. [PMID: 23029587 PMCID: PMC3447956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia duodenalis is a widespread intestinal protozoan of both humans and mammals. To date, few epidemiological studies have assessed the potential and importance of zoonotic transmission; and the human giardiasis burden attributable to G. duodenalis of animal origin is unclear. No information about occurrence and genotyping data of sheep and goat giardiasis is available in China. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence and distribution of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats in Heilongjiang Province, China, and to characterize G. duodenalis isolates and assess the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 678 fecal specimens were collected from sheep and goats on six farms ranging in age from one month to four years in Heilongjiang Province, China. The average prevalence of G. duodenalis infection was 5.0% (34/678) by microscopy after Lugol's iodine staining, with 5.6% (30/539) for the sheep versus 2.9% (4/139) for the goats. Molecular analysis was conducted on 34 G. duodenalis isolates based on the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. 29 tpi gene sequences were successfully obtained and identified as assemblages A (n = 4), B (n = 2) and E (n = 23). High heterogeneity was observed within assemblage E at the tpi locus, with five novel subtypes found out of seven subtypes. Two subtypes of assemblage A were detected, including subtype AI (n = 3) and a novel subtype (designated as subtype AIV) (n = 1). Two assemblage B isolates were identical to each other in the tpi gene sequences. Conclusions/Significance This is the first report of G. duodenalis infections in sheep and goats in China. The present data revealed the unique endemicity on prevalence, distribution and genetic characterization of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats in Heilongjiang Province. The findings of assemblages A and B in sheep and goats implied the potential of zoonotic transmission. Giardiasis is a kind of zoonotic disease with global distribution. Due to the great number of asymptomatic giardiasis cases, human giardiasis is often underreported. The sources of infection of giardiasis are feces of humans and mammals with the pathogen being transmitted by the fecal-oral route. In this study, we described the occurrence of sheep and goat giardiasis and genetic charaterizations of G. duodenalis isolates in Heilongjiang Province, China. The average infection rate was 5.0% (34/678), with 5.6% (30/539) for the sheep versus 2.9% (4/139) for the goats. G. duodenalis assemblages and subtypes were genetically diagnosed by sequence analysis. Three assemblages were successfully identified out of 29 tpi gene sequences, with the percentages 13.8% (4/29), 6.9% (2/29), 79.3% (23/29) for assemblages A, B and E, respectively. Five novel subtypes were found out of seven subtypes of assemblage E. Two subtypes of assemblage A were detected, with one belonging to a novel subtype and the other belonging to assemblage AI. Two assemblage B isolates were identical to each other at the tpi locus. Prevalence, distribution and genetic characteristics of subtypes of G. duodenalis in sheep and goats appear to be unique in the areas examined. The sheep and goats infected with assemblages A and B have important public heath significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (AL); (LZ)
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ling
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (AL); (LZ)
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Abeywardena H, Jex AR, Nolan MJ, Haydon SR, Stevens MA, McAnulty RW, Gasser RB. Genetic characterisation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from dairy calves: discovery of species/genotypes consistent with those found in humans. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:1984-93. [PMID: 22981927 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important genera of parasitic protists that can cause significant diarrhoeal diseases in humans and other animals. Depending on the species/genotype of parasite, human infection may be acquired via anthroponotic or zoonotic transmission routes. Here, we undertook a molecular epidemiological investigation of these two genera of parasites in pre- and post-weaned calves from eight locations in Canterbury, New Zealand, by PCR-coupled sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of sequence data for regions in the 60 kDa glycoprotein (pgp60) gene of Cryptosporidium and/or the triose-phosphate isomerase (ptpi) gene of Giardia. The pgp60 and ptpi regions were specifically amplified from 15 (8.3%) and 11 (6.1%) of the 180 individual faecal samples, respectively. The sequences derived from all of the amplicons were aligned with homologous reference sequences and subjected to phylogenetic analysis by Bayesian inference. For Cryptosporidium, three samples contained Cryptosporidium parvum genotype IIa, subgenotypes IIaA15G3R1, IIaA19G3R1 and IIaA23G4. Twelve samples contained Cryptosporidium hominis genotype Ib, subgenotype IbA10G2R2. While subgenotypes IIaA15G3R1 and IIaA23G4 are new records, IIaA19G3R1 and IbA10G2R2 are commonly found in humans in various countries. For Giardia, two samples contained Giardia duodenalis assemblage A, also common in humans. In contrast, nine samples contained G. duodenalis assemblage E, which is the first report of this assemblage in cattle in New Zealand. Therefore, the present results indicate that dairy calves on the South Island of New Zealand harbour 'zoonotic' genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which is likely to have significant public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshanie Abeywardena
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Lim YAL, Mahdy MAK, Tan TK, Goh XT, Jex AR, Nolan MJ, Sharma RSK, Gasser RB. First molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis from goats in Malaysia. Mol Cell Probes 2012; 27:28-31. [PMID: 22971518 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, 310 faecal samples from goats from eight different farms in Malaysia were tested for the presence of Giardia using a PCR-coupled approach. The nested PCR for SSU amplified products of the expected size (∼200 bp) from 21 of 310 (6.8%) samples. Sixteen of these 21 products could be sequenced successfully and represented six distinct sequence types. Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU sequence data using Bayesian Inference (BI) identified Giardia assemblages A, B and E. The identification of the 'zoonotic' assemblages A and B suggests that Giardia-infected goats represent a possible reservoir for human giardiasis in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne A L Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Sweeny JP, Robertson ID, Ryan UM, Jacobson C, Woodgate RG. Impacts of naturally acquired protozoa and strongylid nematode infections on growth and faecal attributes in lambs. Vet Parasitol 2012; 184:298-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Longitudinal investigation of protozoan parasites in meat lamb farms in southern Western Australia. Prev Vet Med 2011; 101:192-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology of Giardia species and giardiasis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2011; 24:110-40. [PMID: 21233509 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00033-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 804] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostic tools have been used recently in assessing the taxonomy, zoonotic potential, and transmission of Giardia species and giardiasis in humans and animals. The results of these studies have firmly established giardiasis as a zoonotic disease, although host adaptation at the genotype and subtype levels has reduced the likelihood of zoonotic transmission. These studies have also identified variations in the distribution of Giardia duodenalis genotypes among geographic areas and between domestic and wild ruminants and differences in clinical manifestations and outbreak potentials of assemblages A and B. Nevertheless, our efforts in characterizing the molecular epidemiology of giardiasis and the roles of various animals in the transmission of human giardiasis are compromised by the lack of case-control and longitudinal cohort studies and the sampling and testing of humans and animals living in the same community, the frequent occurrence of infections with mixed genotypes and subtypes, and the apparent heterozygosity at some genetic loci for some G. duodenalis genotypes. With the increased usage of multilocus genotyping tools, the development of next-generation subtyping tools, the integration of molecular analysis in epidemiological studies, and an improved understanding of the population genetics of G. duodenalis in humans and animals, we should soon have a better appreciation of the molecular epidemiology of giardiasis, the disease burden of zoonotic transmission, the taxonomy status and virulences of various G. duodenalis genotypes, and the ecology of environmental contamination.
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Hofmann A, Osman A, Leow CY, Driguez P, McManus DP, Jones MK. Parasite annexins--new molecules with potential for drug and vaccine development. Bioessays 2011; 32:967-76. [PMID: 21105292 DOI: 10.1002/bies.200900195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, annexins have been discovered in several nematodes and other parasites, and distinct differences between the parasite annexins and those of the hosts make them potentially attractive targets for anti-parasite therapeutics. Annexins are ubiquitous proteins found in almost all organisms across all kingdoms.Here, we present an overview of novel annexins from parasitic organisms, and summarize their phylogenetic and biochemical properties, with a view to using them as drug or vaccine targets. Building on structural and biological information that has been accumulated for mammalian and plant annexins, we describe a predicted additional secondary structure element found in many parasite annexins that may confer unique functional properties, and present a specific antigenic epitope for use as a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
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Nolan MJ, Hofmann A, Jex AR, Gasser RB. A theoretical study to establish the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of triose-phosphate isomerase of Giardia duodenalis and point mutations in the respective gene. Mol Cell Probes 2010; 24:281-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2010] [Revised: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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