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Ibañez-Escribano A, Gomez-Muñoz MT, Mateo M, Fonseca-Berzal C, Gomez-Lucia E, Perez RG, Alunda JM, Carrion J. Microbial Matryoshka: Addressing the Relationship between Pathogenic Flagellated Protozoans and Their RNA Viral Endosymbionts (Family Totiviridae). Vet Sci 2024; 11:321. [PMID: 39058005 PMCID: PMC11281412 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Three genera of viruses of the family Totiviridae establish endosymbiotic associations with flagellated protozoa responsible for parasitic diseases of great impact in the context of One Health. Giardiavirus, Trichomonasvirus, and Leishmaniavirus infect the protozoa Giardia sp., Trichomonas vaginalis, and Leishmania sp., respectively. In the present work, we review the characteristics of the endosymbiotic relationships established, the advantages, and the consequences caused in mammalian hosts. Among the common characteristics of these double-stranded RNA viruses are that they do not integrate into the host genome, do not follow a lytic cycle, and do not cause cytopathic effects. However, in cases of endosymbiosis between Leishmaniavirus and Leishmania species from the Americas, and between Trichomonasvirus and Trichomonas vaginalis, it seems that it can alter their virulence (degree of pathogenicity). In a mammalian host, due to TLR3 activation of immune cells upon the recognition of viral RNA, uncontrolled inflammatory signaling responses are triggered, increasing pathological damage and the risk of failure of conventional standard treatment. Endosymbiosis with Giardiavirus can cause the loss of intestinal adherence of the protozoan, resulting in a benign disease. The current knowledge about viruses infecting flagellated protozoans is still fragmentary, and more research is required to unravel the intricacies of this three-way relationship. We need to develop early and effective diagnostic methods for further development in the field of translational medicine. Taking advantage of promising biotechnological advances, the aim is to develop ad hoc therapeutic strategies that focus not only on the disease-causing protozoan but also on the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ibañez-Escribano
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.-E.); (M.M.); (C.F.-B.)
| | - Maria Teresa Gomez-Muñoz
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.-E.); (M.M.); (C.F.-B.)
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Fonseca-Berzal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.-E.); (M.M.); (C.F.-B.)
| | - Esperanza Gomez-Lucia
- Animal Viruses Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Raquel Garcia Perez
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Jose M. Alunda
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Carrion
- ICPVet Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.G.-M.); (R.G.P.); (J.M.A.)
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Bonilla AA, Pineda V, Calzada JE, Saldaña A, Laurenti MD, Goya S, Abrego L, González K. Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Leishmania RNA Virus in Leishmania ( Viannia) spp. Isolates from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas in Panama. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1317. [PMID: 39065086 PMCID: PMC11279101 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (Viannia) spp. can harbor a double-stranded RNA virus known as Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV-1), whose presence has been reported in nine countries across the Americas and seven Leishmania species. Here, we studied 100 Leishmania (Viannia) isolates from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis collected from different endemic areas in Panama from 2016 to 2022. We identified L. (V.) panamensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis/guyanensis hybrid, and L. (V.) panamensis sp.1. (genetic variant). LRV-1 was detected by RT-PCR in 9% of L. (Viannia) isolates (eight cases in L. (V.) panamensis, and one in L. (V.) guyanensis). Phylogenetic analysis based on sequencing data classified all LRV-1 isolates within genotype A, suggesting that LRV phylogenetic proximity is closely aligned with geographical distribution or to the phylogenetic proximity of the Leishmania host in the case of the L. (V.) panamensis and L. (V.) guyanensis in Panama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Assair Bonilla
- Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Parasitológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama 3366, Panama;
| | - Vanessa Pineda
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto de Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama 0816-02593, Panama; (V.P.); (J.E.C.)
| | - José Eduardo Calzada
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto de Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama 0816-02593, Panama; (V.P.); (J.E.C.)
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Panamá, Panama 3366, Panama
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Centro de Investigación y Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Parasitarias (CIDEP), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Panamá, Panama 3366, Panama;
| | - Marcia Dalastra Laurenti
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, SP, Brazil;
| | - Stephanie Goya
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Leyda Abrego
- Departamento de Investigación en Virología y Biotecnología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama 0816-02593, Panama
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama 3366, Panama
| | - Kadir González
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto de Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama 0816-02593, Panama; (V.P.); (J.E.C.)
- Departamento de Microbiología Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Panamá, Panama 3366, Panama
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Grybchuk D, Galan A, Klocek D, Macedo DH, Wolf YI, Votýpka J, Butenko A, Lukeš J, Neri U, Záhonová K, Kostygov AY, Koonin EV, Yurchenko V. Identification of diverse RNA viruses in Obscuromonas flagellates (Euglenozoa: Trypanosomatidae: Blastocrithidiinae). Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae037. [PMID: 38774311 PMCID: PMC11108086 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae037] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids (Euglenozoa) are a diverse group of unicellular flagellates predominately infecting insects (monoxenous species) or circulating between insects and vertebrates or plants (dixenous species). Monoxenous trypanosomatids harbor a wide range of RNA viruses belonging to the families Narnaviridae, Totiviridae, Qinviridae, Leishbuviridae, and a putative group of tombus-like viruses. Here, we focus on the subfamily Blastocrithidiinae, a previously unexplored divergent group of monoxenous trypanosomatids comprising two related genera: Obscuromonas and Blastocrithidia. Members of the genus Blastocrithidia employ a unique genetic code, in which all three stop codons are repurposed to encode amino acids, with TAA also used to terminate translation. Obscuromonas isolates studied here bear viruses of three families: Narnaviridae, Qinviridae, and Mitoviridae. The latter viral group is documented in trypanosomatid flagellates for the first time. While other known mitoviruses replicate in the mitochondria, those of trypanosomatids appear to reside in the cytoplasm. Although no RNA viruses were detected in Blastocrithidia spp., we identified an endogenous viral element in the genome of B. triatomae indicating its past encounter(s) with tombus-like viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyil Grybchuk
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czechia
| | - Arnau Galan
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
| | - Donnamae Klocek
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
| | - Diego H Macedo
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
| | - Yuri I Wolf
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, NLM, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda 20894, USA
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czechia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czechia
| | - Anzhelika Butenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czechia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czechia
| | - Uri Neri
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 39040, Israel
| | - Kristína Záhonová
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czechia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czechia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Alexei Yu Kostygov
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
- Zoological Institute of the Ruian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Eugene V Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, NLM, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda 20894, USA
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czechia
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Heeren S, Maes I, Sanders M, Lye LF, Adaui V, Arevalo J, Llanos-Cuentas A, Garcia L, Lemey P, Beverley SM, Cotton JA, Dujardin JC, Van den Broeck F. Diversity and dissemination of viruses in pathogenic protozoa. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8343. [PMID: 38102141 PMCID: PMC10724245 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth and play a significant role in the evolution of many organisms and ecosystems. In pathogenic protozoa, the presence of viruses has been linked to an increased risk of treatment failure and severe clinical outcome. Here, we studied the molecular epidemiology of the zoonotic disease cutaneous leishmaniasis in Peru and Bolivia through a joint evolutionary analysis of Leishmania braziliensis and their dsRNA Leishmania virus 1. We show that parasite populations circulate in tropical rainforests and are associated with single viral lineages that appear in low prevalence. In contrast, groups of hybrid parasites are geographically and ecologically more dispersed and associated with an increased prevalence, diversity and spread of viruses. Our results suggest that parasite gene flow and hybridization increased the frequency of parasite-virus symbioses, a process that may change the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senne Heeren
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Maes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Lon-Fye Lye
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vanessa Adaui
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Jorge Arevalo
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Lineth Garcia
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédicas e Investigación Social, Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Philippe Lemey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephen M Beverley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - James A Cotton
- Welcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Comparative Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Frederik Van den Broeck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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5
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Klocek D, Grybchuk D, Macedo DH, Galan A, Votýpka J, Schmid-Hempel R, Schmid-Hempel P, Yurchenko V, Kostygov AY. RNA viruses of Crithidia bombi, a parasite of bumblebees. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:107991. [PMID: 37714407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Leishbuviridae (Bunyavirales) are a diverse monophyletic group of negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus infecting parasitic flagellates of the family Trypanosomatidae. The presence of RNA viruses in trypanosomatids can influence the virulence of the latter. Here, we performed a screening for viruses in Crithidia bombi - a common parasite of important pollinators Bombus spp. (bumblebees) that negatively affects its host in stressful conditions. The majority (8/10) of C. bombi isolates collected in Europe and North America were positive for a virus that we named Crithidia bombi leishbuvirus 1 with high conservation of amino acid sequences between isolates. The results of our comparative phylogenetic analyses of the trypanosomatids and their viruses suggest that the high mobility of bumblebees and frequent coinfections by different strains of C. bombi determine an extensive viral exchange between the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnamae Klocek
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Danyil Grybchuk
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia; Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czechia
| | - Diego H Macedo
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Arnau Galan
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Paul Schmid-Hempel
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, 16 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia.
| | - Alexei Yu Kostygov
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czechia.
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6
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Santana MCDO, Chourabi K, Cantanhêde LM, Cupolillo E. Exploring Host-Specificity: Untangling the Relationship between Leishmania ( Viannia) Species and Its Endosymbiont Leishmania RNA Virus 1. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2295. [PMID: 37764139 PMCID: PMC10535429 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A relevant aspect in the epidemiology of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) are the Leishmania parasites carrying a viral endosymbiont, Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1), a dsRNA virus. Leishmania parasites carrying LRV1 are prone to causing more severe TL symptoms, increasing the likelihood of unfavorable clinical outcomes. LRV1 has been observed in the cultured strains of five L. (Viannia) species, and host specificity was suggested when studying the LRV1 from L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis strains. The coevolution hypothesis of LRV1 and Leishmania was based on phylogenetic analyses, implying an association between LRV1 genotypes, Leishmania species, and their geographic origins. This study aimed to investigate LRV1 specificity relative to Leishmania (Viannia) species hosts by analyzing LRV1 from L. (Viannia) species. To this end, LRV1 was screened in L. (Viannia) species other than L. braziliensis or L. guyanensis, and it was detected in 11 out of 15 L. naiffi and two out of four L. shawi. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial LRV1 genomic sequencing supported the hypothesis of host specificity, as LRV1 clustered according to their respective Leishmania species' hosts. These findings underscore the importance of investigating Leishmania and LRV1 coevolution and its impact on Leishmania (Viannia) species dispersion and pathogenesis in the American Continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Cristhine de Oliveira Santana
- Leishmaniasis Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040360, Brazil; (M.C.d.O.S.); (L.M.C.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT EpiAmO, Porto Velho 76812100, Brazil
| | - Khaled Chourabi
- Leishmaniasis Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040360, Brazil; (M.C.d.O.S.); (L.M.C.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT EpiAmO, Porto Velho 76812100, Brazil
| | - Lilian Motta Cantanhêde
- Leishmaniasis Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040360, Brazil; (M.C.d.O.S.); (L.M.C.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT EpiAmO, Porto Velho 76812100, Brazil
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Leishmaniasis Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040360, Brazil; (M.C.d.O.S.); (L.M.C.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental, INCT EpiAmO, Porto Velho 76812100, Brazil
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7
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Macedo DH, Grybchuk D, Režnarová J, Votýpka J, Klocek D, Yurchenko T, Ševčík J, Magri A, Dolinská MU, Záhonová K, Lukeš J, Servienė E, Jászayová A, Serva S, Malysheva MN, Frolov AO, Yurchenko V, Kostygov AY. Diversity of RNA viruses in the cosmopolitan monoxenous trypanosomatid Leptomonas pyrrhocoris. BMC Biol 2023; 21:191. [PMID: 37697369 PMCID: PMC10496375 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomatids are parasitic flagellates well known because of some representatives infecting humans, domestic animals, and cultural plants. Many trypanosomatid species bear RNA viruses, which, in the case of human pathogens Leishmania spp., influence the course of the disease. One of the close relatives of leishmaniae, Leptomonas pyrrhocoris, has been previously shown to harbor viruses of the groups not documented in other trypanosomatids. At the same time, this species has a worldwide distribution and high prevalence in the natural populations of its cosmopolitan firebug host. It therefore represents an attractive model to study the diversity of RNA viruses. RESULTS We surveyed 106 axenic cultures of L. pyrrhocoris and found that 64 (60%) of these displayed 2-12 double-stranded RNA fragments. The analysis of next-generation sequencing data revealed four viral groups with seven species, of which up to five were simultaneously detected in a single trypanosomatid isolate. Only two of these species, a tombus-like virus and an Ostravirus, were earlier documented in L. pyrrhocoris. In addition, there were four new species of Leishbuviridae, the family encompassing trypanosomatid-specific viruses, and a new species of Qinviridae, the family previously known only from metatranscriptomes of invertebrates. Currently, this is the only qinvirus with an unambiguously determined host. Our phylogenetic inferences suggest reassortment in the tombus-like virus owing to the interaction of different trypanosomatid strains. Two of the new Leishbuviridae members branch early on the phylogenetic tree of this family and display intermediate stages of genomic segment reduction between insect Phenuiviridae and crown Leishbuviridae. CONCLUSIONS The unprecedented wide range of viruses in one protist species and the simultaneous presence of up to five viral species in a single Leptomonas pyrrhocoris isolate indicate the uniqueness of this flagellate. This is likely determined by the peculiarity of its firebug host, a highly abundant cosmopolitan species with several habits ensuring wide distribution and profuseness of L. pyrrhocoris, as well as its exposure to a wider spectrum of viruses compared to other trypanosomatids combined with a limited ability to transmit these viruses to its relatives. Thus, L. pyrrhocoris represents a suitable model to study the adoption of new viruses and their relationships with a protist host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Macedo
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Danyil Grybchuk
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Režnarová
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- University Hospital in Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Donnamae Klocek
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Tatiana Yurchenko
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Ševčík
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Magri
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ozzano Dell'Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michaela Urda Dolinská
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Kristína Záhonová
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Servienė
- Laboratory of Genetics, Institute of Botany, Nature Research Centre, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexandra Jászayová
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 041 81, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Saulius Serva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marina N Malysheva
- Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander O Frolov
- Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Alexei Yu Kostygov
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
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