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Li X, Dang Z, Tang W, Zhang H, Shao J, Jiang R, Zhang X, Huang F. Detection of Parasites in the Field: The Ever-Innovating CRISPR/Cas12a. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:145. [PMID: 38534252 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The rapid and accurate identification of parasites is crucial for prompt therapeutic intervention in parasitosis and effective epidemiological surveillance. For accurate and effective clinical diagnosis, it is imperative to develop a nucleic-acid-based diagnostic tool that combines the sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) with the speed, cost-effectiveness, and convenience of isothermal amplification methods. A new nucleic acid detection method, utilizing the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) nuclease, holds promise in point-of-care testing (POCT). CRISPR/Cas12a is presently employed for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Schistosoma haematobium, and other parasites in blood, urine, or feces. Compared to traditional assays, the CRISPR assay has demonstrated notable advantages, including comparable sensitivity and specificity, simple observation of reaction results, easy and stable transportation conditions, and low equipment dependence. However, a common issue arises as both amplification and cis-cleavage compete in one-pot assays, leading to an extended reaction time. The use of suboptimal crRNA, light-activated crRNA, and spatial separation can potentially weaken or entirely eliminate the competition between amplification and cis-cleavage. This could lead to enhanced sensitivity and reduced reaction times in one-pot assays. Nevertheless, higher costs and complex pre-test genome extraction have hindered the popularization of CRISPR/Cas12a in POCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Zhisheng Dang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC), World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenqiang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley and Yak Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Lhasa 850002, China
- Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850002, China
| | - Haoji Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Jianwei Shao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Fuqiang Huang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
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Doline FR, Farinhas JH, Biondo LM, de Oliveira PRF, Rodrigues NJL, Patrício KP, Mota RA, Langoni H, Pettan-Brewer C, Giuffrida R, Santarém VA, de Castro WAC, dos Santos AP, Kmetiuk LB, Biondo AW. Toxoplasma gondii exposure in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, environment, and healthcare professionals. One Health 2023; 16:100567. [PMID: 37363212 PMCID: PMC10288134 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Toxoplasma gondii exposure has been reported in indigenous populations worldwide, a One Health approach has not been applied to date. This study concurrently assessed T. gondii exposure in indigenous populations, and their dogs, environment, and indigenous or non-indigenous healthcare professionals (HPs). Human and dog serum samples from 9 indigenous communities in Brazil were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for anti-T. gondii antibodies. Soil samples (30 per community) were processed with PCR to amplify T. gondii DNA. Associated risk factors and seroprevalence were analyzed using logistic regression models. Human seropositivity and type of water source were assessed by generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with binomial error distribution, and game meat consumption with chi-squared test. Overall, 225/463 (49%) indigenous persons were seropositive for anti-T. gondii antibodies. Of all the HPs, 67/168 (40%) were positive, and included 54/147 (37%) positive non-indigenous HPs. Indigenous persons more likely to be seropositive compared with non-indigenous HPs (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.11-2.39). A total of 97/253 (38%) dogs were seropositive and highly associated with seropositive owners (p < 0.001). Based on univariate analysis for indigenous individuals, state location of community (p < 0.001), ethnicity (p < 0.001), consumption of game meat (p < 0.001), type of water source (p < 0.001), and educational level (p = 0.026) were associated with seropositivity. Logistic regression showed that indigenous seropositivity was associated with eating game meat (p = 0.002), drinking water from rivers (p < 0.001), and inversely proportional to the educational level. According to univariate analysis for non-indigenous HP, age (p = 0.005), frequency of visits to the indigenous populations (p < 0.001), consumption of water at the indigenous communities (p < 0.001), and ingestion of raw meat (p = 0.023) were associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Logistic regression revealed living outdoors (p = 0.042), habit of hunting (p = 0.008), and drinking river water (p = 0.007) as risk factors associated to seropositivity in dogs. In addition, indigenous communities lacking water treatment had higher seroprevalence for all groups including indigenous persons (GLMM; z = -7.153; p < 0.001), their dogs (GLMM; z = -2.405; p = 0.0162), and all HPs (GLMM; z = -2.420; p = 0.0155). Human seropositivity was associated with that of their dogs (p < 0.001). A single soil sample, out of 270 (0.37%), was positive for T. gondii by PCR. Our results indicate water source is a risk for human and dog toxoplasmosis in indigenous communities; both share similar exposure. Moreover, quality water access was shown to be crucial to prevent toxoplasmosis in both total and non-indigenous HPs who work in these indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Rodrigo Doline
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Farinhas
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Leandro Meneguelli Biondo
- National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Nássarah Jabur Lot Rodrigues
- Department for Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine department for Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Karina Pavão Patrício
- Department of Public Health, Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Graduate College of Animal Bioscience, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Department for Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine department for Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner Antônio Chiba de Castro
- Latin-American Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Federal University for Latin American Integration, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Truong M, Šlapeta J. Analytical sensitivity of a multiplex quantitative PCR for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1043-1047. [PMID: 36806974 PMCID: PMC10006017 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Cyst-forming coccidia, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, are recognised as important causes of animal disease. Molecular diagnostics based on the presence of DNA in animal tissue are required to specifically detect T. gondii and N. caninum while achieving high levels of analytical sensitivity. We optimised available single-plex probe base qPCR assays into a multiplexed qPCR panel to detect cyst-forming coccidia, i.e. T. gondii and N. caninum. The T. gondii assay is based on a 529-bp repetitive (REP) element and the N. caninum assay on the NC5 repetitive region. Using target sequence synthetic DNA, the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 100 copies, that is less than a single tachyzoite of either T. gondii or N. caninum. The T. gondii and N. caninum multiplexed qPCR assay optimised in this study can be used to effectively detect parasite DNA for diagnostic purposes in animal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Truong
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. .,Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Baranauskaitė A, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Servienė E, Butkauskas D, Prakas P. Molecular Identification of Protozoan Sarcocystis in Different Types of Water Bodies in Lithuania. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010051. [PMID: 36676000 PMCID: PMC9864107 DOI: 10.3390/life13010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Representatives of the genus Sarcocystis are unicellular parasites having a two-host life cycle and infecting mammals, birds, and reptiles. Until now, Sarcocystis spp. have been mainly investigated in definitive and intermediate hosts. Only a few studies have been conducted on the detection of Sarcocystis parasites in water samples. The aim of this research was to examine whether the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. parasitizing farm animals varies in different types of water bodies. Water samples (n = 150) were collected from the entire territory of Lithuania, dividing water bodies into five groups (lakes, rivers, ponds/canals, swamps, and the inshore zone of the territorial Baltic Sea area). One-liter samples were filtered and subsequently analyzed using nested PCR. At least one of the analyzed Sarcocystis spp. (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. bovifelis, S. capracanis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. miescheriana, and S. tenella) was determined in all examined samples from water bodies. No significant difference in Sarcocystis spp. prevalence between different types of water sources was detected. Our research proved that selecting appropriate primers is important for the accurate identification of parasites in samples collected from water bodies.
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Lei R, Li L, Wu P, Fei X, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang D, Zhang Q, Yang N, Wang X. RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a-Based On-Site and Rapid Nucleic Acid Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the Environment. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1772-1781. [PMID: 35471824 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic pathogen widely distributed within the world, poses a huge threat to human health, and causes significant economic losses to the livestock industry. Herein, we developed a portable one-pot detection of T. gondii by combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a system. A glass microfiber filter device used for the first step can efficiently extract T. gondii from low-concentration samples. The lyophilized RPA reagents and Cas12a/crRNA reagents are prestored in one Eppendorf tube, and both reactions can be performed on a low-cost thermal controller (∼37 °C), avoiding the drawbacks of the step-by-step addition of components. The developed RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a system exhibits a high selectivity toward the B1 gene amplicon of T. gondii over other parasites with a limit of detection of 3.3 copies/μL. The visual signal readout can be easily realized by a fluorometer or lateral-flow strip. A portable suitcase containing the minimum equipment and lyophilized reagents was adopted for the rapid determination of T. gondii in heavily polluted landfill leachate. This system presents rapidness, robustness and on-site features for the detection of nucleic acids of the parasite, making it a promising tool for field applications in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Lei
- Institute of Plant Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing100176, China
| | - Limei Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning116622, China
| | - Pinshan Wu
- Institute of Plant Quarantine, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing100176, China
| | - Xinyu Fei
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning110866, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Food Science College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning110866, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- College of Information and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning110866, China
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning116622, China
| | - Qingfang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning116622, China
| | - Na Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, Liaoning110866, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning116622, China
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Detection of DNA from Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in water for reuse. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2199-2203. [PMID: 35486184 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07528-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The absence of a standardized method for detecting oocysts in water samples makes it difficult to characterize them, including in water for reuse. This study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii oocysts using two extraction methods. Using method 1693/2014 USEPA, 30 L of water for reuse from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, was concentrated, totaling 20 samples. The supernatant generated from the immunomagnetic separation (IMS) step was collected for detection of T. gondii oocysts. For DNA extraction, two techniques were used: the commercial kit DNeasy PowerSoil Kit® optimized with the enzyme Zymolyase® and with freeze-thaw steps. DNA quantification was performed with the target sequence of gene B1. From 16 samples submitted to enzymatic extraction, four were positive. In freeze-thaw extraction, no DNA was detected. DNA extraction was the essential step for oocyst detection given the resistant nature of their wall.
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Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in wastewater and surface water in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China using real-time PCR and multilocus genotyping. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5428. [PMID: 35361820 PMCID: PMC8971506 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite, causing one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in the world. In the present study water sources of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), China, where the hygienic infrastructure is still developing, were investigated. A total of 214 water samples of 10 L volume, were collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), a slaughterhouse and rivers. The samples were filtered and then analysed using real-time PCR and multilocus genotyping. T. gondii DNA was found in four (1.9%) samples representing T. gondii type I; in one of them T. gondii-like oocysts were also confirmed microscopically. The approximate level of contamination of positive samples ranged between 30 and 2300 T. gondii sporozoites. The results of this study confirmed that T. gondii is present in wastewater in the greater metropolitan area of Xining and a neighbouring county. Contamination of wastewater at this level constitutes rather a moderate source of Toxoplasma infections in humans and animals. It suggests, however, a link between environmental exposure of animals, meat processing facilities and WWTPs. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation describing T. gondii detection in wastewater and environmental water samples collected from the territory of P.R. China using sensitive molecular tools.
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López Ureña NM, Chaudhry U, Calero Bernal R, Cano Alsua S, Messina D, Evangelista F, Betson M, Lalle M, Jokelainen P, Ortega Mora LM, Álvarez García G. Contamination of Soil, Water, Fresh Produce, and Bivalve Mollusks with Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:517. [PMID: 35336093 PMCID: PMC8954419 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major foodborne pathogen capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Although oocyst-associated toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been documented, the relevance of the environmental transmission route remains poorly investigated. Thus, we carried out an extensive systematic review on T. gondii oocyst contamination of soil, water, fresh produce, and mollusk bivalves, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies published up to the end of 2020 were searched for in public databases and screened. The reference sections of the selected articles were examined to identify additional studies. A total of 102 out of 3201 articles were selected: 34 articles focused on soil, 40 focused on water, 23 focused on fresh produce (vegetables/fruits), and 21 focused on bivalve mollusks. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were found in all matrices worldwide, with detection rates ranging from 0.09% (1/1109) to 100% (8/8) using bioassay or PCR-based detection methods. There was a high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%), which was influenced by both the sampling strategy (e.g., sampling site and sample type, sample composition, sample origin, season, number of samples, cat presence) and methodology (recovery and detection methods). Harmonized approaches are needed for the detection of T. gondii in different environmental matrices in order to obtain robust and comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia María López Ureña
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Rafael Calero Bernal
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Santiago Cano Alsua
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Davide Messina
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Francisco Evangelista
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Martha Betson
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega Mora
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Gema Álvarez García
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
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Development and evaluation of a molecular based protocol for detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium spp. In wastewater. Exp Parasitol 2022; 234:108216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Mthethwa NP, Amoah ID, Reddy P, Bux F, Kumari S. A review on application of next-generation sequencing methods for profiling of protozoan parasites in water: Current methodologies, challenges, and perspectives. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 187:106269. [PMID: 34129906 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The advancement in metagenomic techniques has provided novel tools for profiling human parasites in environmental matrices, such as water and wastewater. However, application of metagenomic techniques for the profiling of protozoan parasites in environmental matrices is not commonly reported in the literature. The key factors leading to the less common use of metagenomics are the complexity and large eukaryotic genome, the prevalence of small parasite populations in environmental samples compared to bacteria, difficulties in extracting DNA from (oo)cysts, and limited reference databases for parasites. This calls for further research to develop optimized methods specifically looking at protozoan parasites in the environment. This study reviews the current workflow, methods and provide recommendations for the standardization of techniques. The article identifies and summarizes the key methods, advantages, and limitations associated with metagenomic analysis, like sample pre-processing, DNA extraction, sequencing approaches, and analysis methods. The study enhances the understanding and application of standardized protocols for profiling of protozoan parasite community from highly complexe samples and further creates a resourceful comparison among datasets without any biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Mthethwa
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - I D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - P Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - F Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in water for human consumption from water wells (jagüeyes) in the rural area of the municipality of Sincelejo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 41:82-99. [PMID: 34111342 PMCID: PMC8323759 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is an orally-transmitted zoonosis that may appear after consuming food contaminated with any infective form of Toxoplasma gondii. Its transmission by water has been reported in several countries including Colombia. The rural population of Sincelejo could be at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis through this route given that they lack potable water.
Objective: To evaluate T. gondii contamination in water for human consumption from water wells (jagüeyes) in the rural area of Sincelejo and establish its relationship with different social determinants of health in the study area.
Materials and methods: Using nested PCR we evaluated 96 water samples obtained from 48 farms located in eight rural townships in Sincelejo. We took two samples in each farm: one of raw water from water wells and the other intended for direct consumption. We conducted a survey on each farm to collect information on the physical characteristics of dwellings, the presence of cats, and the availability and uses of water. Statistical relationships were evaluated through Fisher tests.
Results: Of the 96 samples analyzed, 13 were contaminated with T. gondii (13.5%): Nine corresponded to raw water and four to water for direct consumption. No statistical association was found between the positive samples and the social determinants of health under evaluation (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The rural population of Sincelejo could be at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis through the use and/or consumption of water from its water wells. The contamination of these water bodies by T. gondii may be influenced by unstudied social determinants.
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Cong W, Li MY, Zou Y, Ma JY, Wang B, Jiang ZY, Elsheikha HM. Prevalence, genotypes and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii contamination in marine bivalve shellfish in offshore waters in eastern China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 213:112048. [PMID: 33610941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a large-scale epidemiological investigation to detect the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in four marine bivalve shellfish species collected from six representative coastal regions of Weihai, eastern China. Between January 2018 and December 2018, 14,535 marine bivalve shellfish pooled into 2907 samples were randomly collected and examined for T. gondii DNA by a nested PCR assay targeting B1 gene. The results showed that 2.8% (82) of the 2907 pooled samples were tested positive for T. gondii DNA. Two T. gondii genotype (ToxoDB Genotype #9 and ToxoDB Genotype #1) were identified PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Factors that were found significantly associated with the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish included the source of samples (being wild) (odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-5.84; p < 0.01), surface runoff near the sampling site (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.47-4.72; p < 0.01), and presence of cats near the sampling site (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02-3.07; p = 0.04). Moreover, the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish correlated with temperature (Pearson's correlation: R = 0.75, p = 0.0049) and precipitation (R = 0.87, p = 0.00021). These findings provide new insights into the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish and highlight the impact of human activity on marine pollution by such an important terrestrial pathogen pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Man-Yao Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Yang Zou
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jun-Yang Ma
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Zhao-Yang Jiang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China.
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK.
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13
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Slana I, Bier N, Bartosova B, Marucci G, Possenti A, Mayer-Scholl A, Jokelainen P, Lalle M. Molecular Methods for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts in Fresh Produce: An Extensive Review. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010167. [PMID: 33451081 PMCID: PMC7828537 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human infection with the important zoonotic foodborne pathogen Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with unwashed raw fresh produce consumption. The lack of a standardised detection method limits the estimation of fresh produce as an infection source. To support method development and standardisation, an extensive literature review and a multi-attribute assessment were performed to analyse the key aspects of published methods for the detection of T. gondii oocyst contamination in fresh produce. Seventy-seven published studies were included, with 14 focusing on fresh produce. Information gathered from expert laboratories via an online questionnaire were also included. Our findings show that procedures for oocyst recovery from fresh produce mostly involved sample washing and pelleting of the washing eluate by centrifugation, although washing procedures and buffers varied. DNA extraction procedures including mechanical or thermal shocks were identified as necessary steps to break the robust oocyst wall. The most suitable DNA detection protocols rely on qPCR, mostly targeting the B1 gene or the 529 bp repetitive element. When reported, validation data for the different detection methods were not comparable and none of the methods were supported by an interlaboratory comparative study. The results of this review will pave the way for an ongoing development of a widely applicable standard operating procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Slana
- Department of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Nadja Bier
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (N.B.); (A.M.-S.)
| | - Barbora Bartosova
- Department of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessia Possenti
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (N.B.); (A.M.-S.)
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649902670
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14
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Marciano MAM, Silva RA, Barbosa ML, Ferreira ARS, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Determination of the viability of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts by PCR real-time after treatment with propidium monoazide. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2020; 62:e84. [PMID: 33146312 PMCID: PMC7608075 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202062084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate a methodology for discriminating viable and non-viable T. gondii oocysts in water. Analyses included two steps: (i) microscopic investigation with vital dyes; (ii) molecular investigation, using a real time PCR (qPCR), after parasite treatment (or not) with propidium monoazide (PMA). The method was called qPCR-PMA. Oocyst aliquots were incubated (15 min) at 25 ºC or 100 ºC and analyzed by microscopy, after trypan blue and neutral red staining. Microscopic investigation determined viable and non-viable oocysts. For the molecular investigation, both aliquots of oocysts were treated with PMA. Non-viable oocysts, after PMA treatment, exhibited an inhibition of DNA amplification by qPCR. Although analyses were carried out with oocysts treated experimentally, these results suggest that qPCR-PMA can be a useful strategy to distinguish viable and non-viable T. gondii oocysts in water safety testing, showing if water is safe to drink.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbosa
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz , Núcleo de Morfologia e Microscopia , São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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15
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Minuzzi CE, Fernandes FD, Portella LP, Bräunig P, Sturza DAF, Giacomini L, Salvagni E, Ribeiro JDS, Silva CR, Difante CM, Farinha LB, Menegolla IA, Gehrke G, Dilkin P, Sangioni LA, Mallmann CA, Vogel FSF. Contaminated water confirmed as source of infection by bioassay in an outbreak of toxoplasmosis in South Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:767-772. [PMID: 32682332 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an important and widespread zoonotic disease. The transmission of this disease in humans includes ingestion of sporulated oocysts present in contaminated water or food. T. gondii oocysts are widely distributed and toxoplasmosis is considered a major food- and waterborne pathogen worldwide, making drinking water containing sporulated T. gondii oocysts a major source of contamination for people. In the first half of 2018, an unprecedented outbreak of toxoplasmosis was reported in the city of Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The temporal and spatial distribution of the cases strongly suggested a waterborne infection. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate a possible involvement of treated water as a source of the outbreak. For this, piglets received potentially contaminated water ad libitum for 21 days and the infection was monitored by serology through IFAT and investigation of T. gondii DNA in tissues by PCR amplification of a 529 bp followed by mouse bioassays. All piglets receiving test water ad libitum for 21 days as well as positive controls seroconverted to T. gondii. T. gondii DNA was detected in 62.5% of the piglets that received test water. All mice inoculated with tissues from each positive piglet were PCR-positive. These results strongly indicated the presence of viable oocysts in the test water administered to the animals during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emerson Salvagni
- Secretaria da Saúde do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Ribeiro Silva
- CIEVS/Episus e Coordenação Geral de Laboratórios, SVS, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Gisele Gehrke
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
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16
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Pineda CO, Leal DAG, Fiuza VRDS, Jose J, Borelli G, Durigan M, Pena HFJ, Bueno Franco RM. Toxoplasma
gondii
oocysts,
Giardia
cysts and
Cryptosporidium
oocysts in outdoor swimming pools in Brazil. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:785-795. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Ortiz Pineda
- Laboratório de Protozoologia Departamento de Biologia Animal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | - Diego Averaldo Guiguet Leal
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Ambiental Departamento de Patologia Básica, Setor de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) Curitiba Brazil
| | - Vagner Ricardo da Silva Fiuza
- Instituto de Biociências, Parasitologia Animal Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Brazil
| | - Juliana Jose
- Laboratório de Genômica e Expressão Departamento de Genética Evolução e Bioagentes Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | - Guilherme Borelli
- Laboratório de Genômica e Expressão Departamento de Genética Evolução e Bioagentes Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
| | | | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brazil
| | - Regina Maura Bueno Franco
- Laboratório de Protozoologia Departamento de Biologia Animal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) Campinas Brazil
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17
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Moura MQD, Terto WDDS, Avila LFDC, Campos VF, Domingues WB, Pinheiro NB, Capella GDA, Strothmann AL, Scaini CJ, Berne MEA. Quantification of Toxocara canis DNA by qPCR in mice inoculated with different infective doses. Parasitol Int 2020; 78:102134. [PMID: 32416257 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Toxocara canis is of public health importance and is the main causative agent of toxocariasis in humans. This disease is difficult to diagnose due to several factors, including the possibility of cross-reactions with other nematodes in the ELISA. To overcome this problem, molecular tests have been recommended as an alternative to identify the parasite. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique was used in this study to identify and quantify the parasite load of T. canis in the mouse brain. To this end, 24 mice were divided into six groups, five of which were challenged with different infective doses of T. canis larvae (L3) (1000, 500, 250, 100 and 50 larvae), while the sixth group, uninfected, acted as negative control. Forty-five days after infection, the animals were euthanized to collect the brain, from which two portions of 20 mg of tissue were taken for DNA extraction, while the rest of the brain tissue was digested to quantify the number of larvae by microscopy. The number of DNA copies was calculated from the standard DNA quantification curve, showing values of E = 93.4%, R2 = 0.9655 and Y = -3.415. A strong positive correlation (R = 0, 81; p < .001) was found between the number of copies and the recovery of larvae from brain. However, the parasite's DNA was also identified even in animals from whose brain no larvae were recovered after tissue digestion. The results of this study therefore confirm that the qPCR technique can be a valuable tool for the detection and quantification of T. canis DNA in murine hosts, even in animals whose with tissues contain very few parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos James Scaini
- Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil
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