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Sabukunze S, Gu H, Zhao L, Jia H, Guo H. Comparison of the performance of SAG2, GRA6, and GRA7 for serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1423581. [PMID: 38898997 PMCID: PMC11186378 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1423581] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals worldwide, including humans. The high prevalence of T. gondii infection and its ability to cause serious harm to humans and animals, especially immunodeficient individuals, make it a key public health issue. Accurate diagnostic tools with high sensitivity are needed for controlling T. gondii infection. In the current study, we compared the performance of recombinant SAG2, GRA6, and GRA7 in ELISA for the serological diagnosis of T. gondii infection in cats. We further investigated the antigenicity of recombinant dense granule protein 3 (rGRA3), rGRA5, rGRA8, and rSRS29A expressed in a plant-based, cell-free expression system for detecting antibodies in T. gondii-infected cats. In summary, our data suggest that GRA7 is more sensitive than the other two antigens for the serodiagnosis of T. gondii infection in cats, and GRA3 expressed in the cell-free system is also a priming antigen in serological tests for detecting T. gondii infection in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serges Sabukunze
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Haorong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Honglin Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Research Center for Veterinary Biopharmaceutical Technology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Huanping Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
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Nguyen MN, Yeo SJ, Park H. Identification of novel biomarkers for anti- Toxoplasma gondii IgM detection and the potential application in rapid diagnostic fluorescent tests. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1385582. [PMID: 38894968 PMCID: PMC11184589 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1385582] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, while often asymptomatic and prevalent as a foodborne disease, poses a considerable mortality risk for immunocompromised individuals during pregnancy. Point-of-care serological tests that detect specific IgG and IgM in patient sera are critical for disease management under limited resources. Despite many efforts to replace the T. gondii total lysate antigens (TLAs) by recombinant antigens (rAgs) in commercial kits, while IgG detection provides significant specificity and sensitivity, IgM detection remains comparatively low in sensitivity. In this study, we attempted to identify novel antigens targeting IgM in early infection, thereby establishing an IgM on-site detection kit. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mouse serum immunoblotting, three novel antigens, including EF1γ, PGKI, and GAP50, were indicated to target T. gondii IgM. However, rAg EF1γ was undetectable by IgM of mice sera in Western blotting verification experiments, and ELISA coated with PGKI did not eliminate cross-reactivity, in contrast to GAP50. Subsequently, the lateral flow reaction employing a strip coated with 0.3 mg/mL purified rAg GAP50 and exhibited remarkable sensitivity compared with the conventional ELISA based on tachyzoite TLA, which successfully identified IgM in mouse sera infected with tachyzoites, ranging from 103 to 104 at 5 dpi and 104 at 7 dpi, respectively. Furthermore, by using standard T. gondii-infected human sera from WHO, the limit of detection (LOD) for the rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic test (FICT) using GAP50 was observed at 0.65 IU (international unit). These findings underline the particular immunoreactivity of GAP50, suggesting its potential as a specific biomarker for increasing the sensitivity of the FICT in IgM detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Zoonosis Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Ju Yeo
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Park
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Zoonosis Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
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Fadel EF, EL-Hady HA, Ahmed AM, Tolba MEM. Molecular diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis: the state of the art. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:201-216. [PMID: 38840888 PMCID: PMC11147977 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01667-1] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis. Approximately one-third of the world's population is currently T. gondii-seropositive. Although most infections are symptomless, a few can produce retinal lesions and, in immunocompromised persons or when congenitally contracted, can progress to life-threatening central nervous system disseminated infections. Therefore, quick, and precise diagnosis is a must. Molecular techniques nowadays play a crucial role in toxoplasmosis diagnosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients or congenital toxoplasmosis. This review aimed to detail recent advancements in molecular diagnostics of T. gondii infections. The terms "Toxoplasmosis," "Molecular diagnostics," "PCR," "qPCR," "B1," and "rep529" were used to search the English-language literature. In developed nations, conventional PCR (PCR) and nested PCR have been supplanted by quantitative PCR (qPCR), although they are still widely employed in poor nations. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has been revolutionized by the emergence of molecular diagnostics. Unfortunately, there is still substantial interlaboratory variability. There is an immediate need for standardization to increase the comparability of results between laboratories and clinical trials. Graphical abstract A graphical abstract highlighting the summary of Toxoplasma molecular diagnostics, created using Biorender.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Fathi Fadel
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Ahmed EL-Hady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Amal Mostafa Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Essa Marghany Tolba
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khaled University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Wu M, Wu H, Chen X, Wu F, Ma G, Du A, Yang Y. RPA-CRISPR/Cas9-based method for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii: A proof of concept. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110115. [PMID: 38232511 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread and specialized intracellular protozoan pathogen that affects one third of the world' s population, posing a great threat to public health. As the definitive host, cats excrete oocysts and play a crucial role in the transmission of toxoplasmosis. The current diagnostic tools usually require bulky equipment and expertize, which hinders the efficient diagnosis and intervention of Toxoplasma infection in cats. In this study, we combined (RPA) with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technique to establish an easier method for the detection of T. gondii oocysts in cat fecal samples. The sensitivity, specificity, and practicability of the established RPA-CRISPR/Cas9 method were evaluated using a lateral flow strip, with the limitation of detection determined at 10 plasmid copies/μL (corresponding to about one oocyst), cross reactivity to none of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium sp., Microsporidium biberi and Blastocystis hominis that also commonly found in cats, and comparable performance in detecting T. gondii in clinical samples to conventional PCR amplification. This RPA-CRISPR/Cas9 method provides an alternative to conventional molecular tools used in the clinical diagnosis of Toxoplasma infection in cats and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; South Taihu Modern Agricultural Technology Promotion Center of Huzhou & Zhejiang University, Huzhou, China.
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Fan J, Sun H, Fang J, Gao Y, Ding H, Zheng B, Kong Q, Zhuo X, Lu S. Application of gold immunochromatographic assay strip combined with digital evaluation for early detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in multiple species. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:81. [PMID: 38389080 PMCID: PMC10882914 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection is necessary to prevent and control toxoplasmosis transmission. The gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) is a means of rapidly detecting pathogen in samples. GICA-based diagnostic methods have been developed to accurately detect pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity, and their application in T. gondii diagnosis is expected to yield good results. METHODS Colloidal gold test strips were produced using T. gondii C-terminal truncated apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1C). Colloidal gold-AMA1C and colloidal gold-murine protein conjugate were synthesized under optimal conditions. A nitrocellulose membrane was treated with AMA1C and goat anti-mouse antibody as the test line and control line, respectively. In total, 90 cat serum samples were tested using AMA1C-GICA and a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The GICA results were digitally displayed using a portable colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip analyzer (HMREADER). The sensitivity, specificity, and stability of AMA1C-GICA were assessed, and this was then used to examine clinical samples, including 203 human sera, 266 cat sera, and 81 dog sera. RESULTS AMA1C-GICA had a detection threshold of 1:32 for T. gondii-positive serum. The GICA strips specifically detected T. gondii antibodies and exhibited no reactivity with Plasmodium vivax, Paragonimus kellicotti, Schistosoma japonicum, Clonorchis sinensis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Consequently, 15 (16.7%) positive samples were detected using the AMA1C-GICA and commercial ELISA kits for each of the assays. The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that GICA had a relative sensitivity of 85.3% and specificity of 92%, with an area under the curve of 98%. After analyzing clinical samples using HMREADER, 1.2%-23.4% of these samples were found to be positive for T. gondii. CONCLUSIONS This study presents a novel assay that enables timely and efficient detection of serum antibodies against T. gondii, thereby allowing for its early clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, the integration of digital detection using HMREADER can enhance the implementation of GICA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyuan Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawen Fang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yafan Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingming Kong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shaohong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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Gao Y, Shen Y, Fan J, Ding H, Zheng B, Yu H, Huang S, Kong Q, Lv H, Zhuo X, Lu S. Establishment and application of an iELISA detection method for measuring apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) antibodies of Toxoplasma gondii in cats. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:229. [PMID: 37924072 PMCID: PMC10623812 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03775-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diseases caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) have introduced serious threats to public health. There is an urgent need to develop a rapid detection method for T. gondii infection in cats, which are definitive hosts. Recombinant apical membrane antigen 1 (rAMA1) was produced in a prokaryotic expression system and used as the detection antigen. The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimize a reliable indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) method based on rAMA1 for the detection of antibodies against T. gondii in cats. RESULTS The rAMA1-iELISA method was developed and optimized by the chessboard titration method. There were no cross-reactions between T. gondii-positive cat serum and positive serum for other pathogens, indicating that rAMA1-iELISA could only detect T. gondii in most cases. The lowest detection limit of rAMA1-iELISA was 1:3200 (dilution of positive serum), and the CV of repeated tests within batches and between batches were confirmed to be less than 10%. The results of 247 cat serum samples detected by rAMA1-iELISA (kappa value = 0.622, p < 0.001) were in substantial agreement with commercial ELISA. The ROC curve analysis revealed the higher overall check accuracy of rAMA1-iELISA (sensitivity = 91.7%, specificity = 93.6%, AUC = 0.956, 95% CI 0.905 to 1.000) than GRA7-based iELISA (sensitivity = 91.7%, specificity = 85.5%, AUC = 0.936, 95% CI 0.892 to 0.980). Moreover, the positive rate of rAMA1-iELISA (6.5%, 16/247) was higher than that of GRA7-based iELISA (3.6%, 9/247) and that of commercial ELISA kit (4.9%, 12/247). CONCLUSION The iELISA method with good specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility was established and can be used for large-scale detection of T. gondii infection in clinical cat samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafan Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiyuan Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haijie Yu
- Jiaxing Vocational & Technical College, Jiaxing, 314036, China
| | - Siyang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Qingming Kong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangjun Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shaohong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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Strules J, Dawant T, Riese K, Gerhold R, Brown J, Olfenbuttel C, DePerno CS, Hunt BJ, von Dohlen AR. USE OF A POINT OF CARE TEST TO DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN BLACK BEARS FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND PENNSYLVANIA. J Parasitol 2023; 109:221-224. [PMID: 37327396 DOI: 10.1645/22-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan parasite of humans and animals throughout the world. Black bears are among the animals with the highest seroprevalence of T. gondii in the United States. A rapid point of care (POC) test is commercially available to detect antibodies to T. gondii in humans. We evaluated the utility of the POC test to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies in 100 wild black bears from North Carolina (n = 50) and Pennsylvania (n = 50). In a blind study, sera were tested by the POC test, and results were compared to the modified agglutination test (MAT). Overall, anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 76% (76/100) black bears by both MAT and POC tests. One false positive and one false negative result in the POC test were obtained in bears from Pennsylvania. The sensitivity and specificity of the POC test were both 99% when compared to the MAT. Results from our study indicate the POC test could be a useful screening tool for serological surveillance of T. gondii in black bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Strules
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
| | - Tania Dawant
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Katie Riese
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Richard Gerhold
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Justin Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | | | - Christopher S DePerno
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
| | - Brian J Hunt
- Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216
| | - Alexa Rosypal von Dohlen
- Department of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216
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Advances and Challenges in Diagnostics of Toxoplasmosis in HIV-Infected Patients. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010110. [PMID: 36678458 PMCID: PMC9862295 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite. This apicomplexan parasite infects one-third of the population worldwide, causing toxoplasmosis, considered one of the neglected parasitic infections. In healthy humans, most infections are asymptomatic. However, in immunocompromised patients, the course of the disease can be life-threatening. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients have a very high burden of Toxoplasma gondii co-infection. Thus, it is essential to use modern, sensitive, and specific methods to properly monitor the course of toxoplasmosis in immunodeficient patients.
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Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding neosporosis and toxoplasmosis among farmers and animal health practitioners in Namibia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 55:28. [PMID: 36574053 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03441-y] [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: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of livestock farmers in Namibia's Khomas region and animal health practitioners (veterinarians and animal health technicians) in the whole country concerning neosporosis and toxoplasmosis. Structured questionnaires were used, and a total of 63 farmers and 51 animal health practitioners responded out of an estimated 560 farmers in the Khomas region and 300 veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the country. Only 15.9% of the livestock farmers (n = 63) had heard about neosporosis or toxoplasmosis or knew how animals get infected (p < 0.0001). Only 5% of the farmers knew the risks associated with keeping dogs and cats concerning neosporosis and toxoplasmosis, respectively (p < 0.0001). None of the 51 animal health practitioners routinely requested Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii laboratory tests in cases of cattle, sheep or goat abortions. Although all animal health practitioners indicated they routinely interacted with livestock farmers, none regularly discussed neosporosis or toxoplasmosis. Only 3.9% of animal health practitioners (n = 51) indicated that they had ever discussed either neosporosis or toxoplasmosis at a farmers' gathering (p < 0.0001), and only 21.6% had talked to at least one cat owner about toxoplasmosis in the previous 12 months (p < 0.0001). The authors concluded that farmers in the Khomas region were generally unaware of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis but could change their attitudes and practices if educated. The animal health practitioners lacked a deeper understanding and appreciation of the two diseases, which is required to cultivate enough confidence to educate farmers. Sharing this research and other relevant information on the two diseases at farmers' meetings, veterinary congresses, journals and newsletters could help educate farmers and animal health practitioners. Such platforms are likely to succeed because both these groups use these forums to get new information.
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Sadooni R, Rezanezhad H, Solhjoo K, Kalantari M, Pourmohammadi B, Erfanian S, Armand B, Esmi Jahromi M. Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii Strains from Goats in Jahrom District, Southern Iran. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:454-459. [PMID: 34709540 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted congenitally or acquired by consumption of food and water contaminated with cysts or oocysts. This study aimed at genotyping T. gondii strains from slaughtered goats in Jahrom. METHODS A total of 561 specimens (heart, diaphragm, and tongue) from 187 slaughtered goats were collected from Jahrom slaughterhouse. After DNA extraction, the T. gondii strains were genotyped by the nested PCR-RFLP based on GRA6 and 3', and 5' ends of the SAG2 gene. RESULTS T. gondii infection was present in 18.2% of cases. Among the examined organs, the diaphragm was more disposed to the infection (10.2%). Furthermore, infection rates of the heart and tongue were 8.6% and 3.7%, respectively. Concurrent infection in the heart and diaphragm, tongue and diaphragm, and heart and tongue were 3.2%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. In genotyping experiments, genotype I was the most frequent genotype of T. gondii (58.8%), followed by type II (23.5%), type III (11.8%), and a combination of type I and II (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed the presence of different genotypes of T. gondii in goats including three major and mixed genotypes. These results can be useful in toxoplasmosis control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riam Sadooni
- Department of Parasitology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezanezhad
- Department of Parasitology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.
| | - Kavos Solhjoo
- Department of Parasitology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Kalantari
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behrad Pourmohammadi
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Saiedeh Erfanian
- Research Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Belal Armand
- Department of Parasitology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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11
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Occurrence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in donkeys from central Kenya. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:77. [PMID: 35076783 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03079-w] [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: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of zoonotic concern and economic importance in humans and animals, respectively. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of T. gondii and associated risk factors in domestic donkeys from Kirinyaga and Meru counties in Kenya. Blood samples were collected from 363 randomly selected donkeys for detection of antibodies to T. gondii using a commercial kit ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Multi-species indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data on risk factors were collected by interviewing donkey owners using epidemiological questionnaire. Serum antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 26.4% (95% CI: 22.2-31.3) of the donkeys. The analysis showed that age of donkeys (OR = 2.484, 95% CI: 1.315-4.693; p = 0.005) was associated with increased risk for T. gondii seroprevalence while county of origin of donkeys (OR = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.083-0.400; p = 0.000), residential place of donkeys (OR = 0.301, 95% CI: 0.136-0.665; p = 0.003), rearing chicken (OR = 0.203, 95% CI: 0.064-0.644; p = 0.007), and donkey production system (OR = 0.644, 95% CI: 0.456-0.909; p = 0.012) were associated with reduced risk of T. gondii seroprevalence. This is the first report to provide epidemiological information on T. gondii infection among donkeys in Kenya. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii in donkeys suggests the high potential of transmission to other animals and humans. Regular monitoring and control of T. gondii infection in donkeys were recommended in the study area.
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Zeedan GSG, Abdalhamed AM, Shaapan RM, El-Namaky AH. Rapid diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii using loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in camels and small ruminants. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-021-00184-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This study was conducted to detect the presence of T. gondii in milk and blood samples using three different assays: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP). Whole blood, serum, and milk samples were collected from goats (n = 156), sheep (n = 261), and camels (n = 108) in different governorates in Egypt from December 2019 to February 2021 and screened by ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies before DNA extraction. The target T. gondii DNA gene was detected and evaluated using the LAMP assay compared to PCR.
Results
T. gondii antibodies were found in milk and serum samples at the rates of (29.26%) and (36.58%) in camels, (34.18%) and (35.89%) in sheep, and (33.7%) and (36.36%) in goats, respectively. Similar to PCR, the percentages of LAMP tests for the detection of the T. gondii DNA gene in milk and blood samples of camels, sheep, and goats were (4.8, 14.63), (6.83, 7.69), and (7.79, 9.09), respectively. LAMP's sensitivity for detecting T. gondii in milk and blood samples, which was identical to that of PCR, was 100%.
Conclusions
The findings clearly demonstrated that there were no variations in T. gondii detection capabilities in milk and blood samples from various animals using both PCR and LAMP tests. It provides a quick, precise, and sensitive method of detecting T. gondii in a variety of samples that may be used both in the field and in laboratory diagnosis.
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13
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Udonsom R, Nishikawa Y, Fereig RM, Topisit T, Kulkaweewut N, Chanamrung S, Jirapattharasate C. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus indicus) in Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010002. [PMID: 35055950 PMCID: PMC8778166 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010002] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and various animal species worldwide. In Thailand, seroprevalence studies on T. gondii have focused on domestic animals, and information on infections in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) is scarce. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in archival sera collected from 268 elephants living in Thailand. The serum samples were analyzed for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies using the latex agglutination test (LAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) based on T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA-iELISA) and recombinant T. gondii dense granular antigen 8 protein (TgGRA8-iELISA). The prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii was 45.1% (121/268), 40.7% (109/268), and 44.4% (119/268) using LAT, TLA-iELISA, and TgGRA8-iELISA, respectively. Young elephants had a higher seropositivity rate than elephants aged >40 years (odds ratio = 6.6; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 2.9–15.4). When LAT was used as the reference, TLA-iELISA and TgGRA8-iELISA showed a substantial (κ = 0.69) and moderate (κ = 0.42) agreement, respectively. Although our findings suggest the widespread exposure of Asian elephants to T. gondii in Thailand, the source of infection was not investigated. Therefore, investigation of the predisposing factors associated with toxoplasmosis is necessary to identify the potential risk factors for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; (Y.N.); (R.M.F.)
| | - Ragab M. Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; (Y.N.); (R.M.F.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Thitirat Topisit
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (T.T.); (N.K.); (S.C.)
| | - Natchakorn Kulkaweewut
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (T.T.); (N.K.); (S.C.)
| | - Supitcha Chanamrung
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (T.T.); (N.K.); (S.C.)
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (T.T.); (N.K.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Rogers MJ, McManus DP, Muhi S, Gordon CA. Membrane Technology for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0032920. [PMID: 34378956 PMCID: PMC8404699 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00329-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people worldwide, with individuals from communities in low-socioeconomic areas being most at risk and suffering the most. Disease management programs are hindered by the lack of infrastructure and resources for clinical sample collection, storage, and transport and a dearth of sensitive diagnostic methods that are inexpensive as well as accurate. Many diagnostic tests and tools have been developed for the parasitic NTDs, but the collection and storage of clinical samples for molecular and immunological diagnosis can be expensive due to storage, transport, and reagent costs, making these procedures untenable in most areas of endemicity. The application of membrane technology, which involves the use of specific membranes for either sample collection and storage or diagnostic procedures, can streamline this process, allowing for long-term sample storage at room temperature. Membrane technology can be used in serology-based diagnostic assays and for nucleic acid purification prior to molecular analysis. This facilitates the development of relatively simple and rapid procedures, although some of these methods, mainly due to costs, lack accessibility in low-socioeconomic regions of endemicity. New immunological procedures and nucleic acid storage, purification, and diagnostics protocols that are simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective must be developed as countries progress control efforts toward the elimination of the parasitic NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J. Rogers
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Toxoplasma gondii Tyrosine-Rich Oocyst Wall Protein: A Closer Look through an In Silico Prism. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:1315618. [PMID: 34692826 PMCID: PMC8531782 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1315618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global threat with significant zoonotic concern. The present in silico study was aimed at determination of bioinformatics features and immunogenic epitopes of a tyrosine-rich oocyst wall protein (TrOWP) of Toxoplasma gondii. After retrieving the amino acid sequence from UniProt database, several parameters were predicted including antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility and physico-chemical features, signal peptide, transmembrane domain, and posttranslational modifications. Following secondary and tertiary structure prediction, the 3D model was refined, and immunogenic epitopes were forecasted. It was a 25.57 kDa hydrophilic molecule with 236 residues, a signal peptide, and significant antigenicity scores. Moreover, several linear and conformational B-cell epitopes were present. Also, potential mouse and human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted in the sequence. The findings of the present in silico study are promising as they render beneficial characteristics of TrOWP to be included in future vaccination experiments.
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16
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Du PX, Chou YY, Santos HM, Keskin BB, Hsieh MH, Ho TS, Wang JY, Lin YL, Syu GD. Development and Application of Human Coronavirus Protein Microarray for Specificity Analysis. Anal Chem 2021; 93:7690-7698. [PMID: 34011150 PMCID: PMC8146142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus is an enveloped RNA virus that causes mild to severe respiratory diseases in humans, including HKU1-CoV, 229E-CoV, NL63-CoV, OC43-CoV, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Due to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, it is important to identify the patients and investigate their immune responses. Protein microarray is one of the best platforms to profile the antibodies in the blood because of its fast, multiplexed, and sensitive nature. To fully understand the immune responses and biological specificities, this study developed a human coronavirus (HCoV) protein microarray and included all seven human coronaviruses and three influenza viruses. Each protein was printed in triplicate and formed 14 identical blocks per array. The HCoV protein microarray showed high reproducibility and sensitivity to the monoclonal antibodies against spike and nucleocapsid protein with detection limits of 10-200 pg. The HCoV proteins that were immobilized on the array were properly folded and functional by showing interactions with a known human receptor, e.g., ACE2. By profiling the serum IgG and IgA from 32 COVID-19 patients and 36 healthy patients, the HCoV protein microarray demonstrated 97% sensitivity and 97% specificity with two biomarkers. The results also showed the cross-reactivity of IgG and IgA in COVID-19 patients to spike proteins from various coronaviruses, including that from SARS-CoV, HKU1-CoV, and OC43-CoV. Finally, an innate immune protein named surfactant protein D showed broad affinities to spike proteins in all human coronaviruses. Overall, the HCoV protein microarray is multiplexed, sensitive, and specific, which is useful in diagnosis, immune assessment, biological development, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Xian Du
- Department
of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Yu Chou
- Department
of Nursing, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Harvey M. Santos
- Department
of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Batuhan Birol Keskin
- Department
of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Miao-Hsi Hsieh
- Institute
of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzong-Shiann Ho
- Department
of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of
Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
- Center
of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jiu-Yao Wang
- Department
of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of
Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
- Center for
Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research (ACIR), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Guan-Da Syu
- Department
of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
- International
Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
- Research
Center of Excellence in Regenerative Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
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17
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Mirahmadi H, Nozari B, Raissi V, Alijani E, Etemadi S. Frequency and parasite load of Toxoplasma gondii in hemodialysis patients based on RE gene by real-time PCR. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Jirapattharasate C, Udonsom R, Prachasuphap A, Jongpitisub K, Dhepakson P. Development and evaluation of recombinant GRA8 protein for the serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:27. [PMID: 33422085 PMCID: PMC7796619 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of sensitive and specific methods for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection is critical for preventing and controlling toxoplasmosis in humans and other animals. Recently, various recombinant proteins have been used in serological tests for diagnosing toxoplasmosis. The production of these antigens is associated with live tachyzoites obtained from cell cultures or laboratory animals for genomic extraction to amplify target genes. Synthetic genes have gained a key role in recombinant protein production. For the first time, we demonstrated the production of the recombinant protein of the T. gondii dense granular antigen 8 (TgGRA8) gene based on commercial gene synthesis. Recombinant TgGRA8 plasmids were successfully expressed in an Escherichia coli system. The recombinant protein was affinity-purified and characterized via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of the recombinant protein was assessed using 306 field serum samples from goats via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT). RESULTS Western blotting using known positive serum samples from goats identified a single antigen at the expected molecular weight of TgGRA8 (27 kDa). iELISA illustrated that 15.40% of goat samples were positive for T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. In addition, TgGRA8 provided high sensitivity and specificity, with significant concordance (91.83) and kappa values (0.69) compared with the results obtained using LAT. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the production of a recombinant protein from a synthetic TgGRA8 gene and the ability to detect T. gondii infection in field samples. The sensitivity and specificity of TgGRA8 demonstrated that this protein could be a good serological marker for detecting specific IgG in goat sera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Preclinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhonpathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Apichai Prachasuphap
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi, 11000 Thailand
| | - Kodcharad Jongpitisub
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi, 11000 Thailand
| | - Panadda Dhepakson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi, 11000 Thailand
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Nemčeková K, Labuda J. Advanced materials-integrated electrochemical sensors as promising medical diagnostics tools: A review. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 120:111751. [PMID: 33545892 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical sensors have increasingly been linked with terms as modern biomedically effective highly selective and sensitive devices, wearable and wireless technology, portable electronics, smart textiles, energy storage, communication and user-friendly operating systems. The work brings the overview of the current advanced materials and their application strategies for improving performance, miniaturization and portability of sensing devices. It provides the extensive information on recently developed (bio)sensing platforms based on voltammetric, amperometric, potentiometric and impedimetric detection modes including portable, non-invasive, wireless, and self-driven miniaturized devices for monitoring human and animal health. Diagnostics of selected free radical precursors, low molecular biomarkers, nucleic acids and protein-based biomarkers, bacteria and viruses of today's interest is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Nemčeková
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava 81237, Slovakia.
| | - Ján Labuda
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava 81237, Slovakia.
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20
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Xin S, Su R, Jiang N, Zhang L, Yang Y. Low Prevalence of Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in Chinese Populations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:302. [PMID: 32656100 PMCID: PMC7324674 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has been found to infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In this study, a total of 3,275 human serum samples were collected from hospitals in five provinces of China. About 5.13% (168/3,275) (95% CI, 4.42–5.94) of the serum samples tested positive for T. gondii IgG antibody by a modified agglutination test (MAT) (cut-off: 1:20). Significant associations were detected between geographic location (OR = 1.763), age (OR = 3.072), infertility in women (OR = 2.4409) and T. gondii infection in humans (p < 0.05). To minimize infection, citizens need to be informed about the best practices for toxoplasmosis prevention, including eating well-cooked meat, drinking boiled water, washing vegetables and fruits, and being careful during contact with cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Xin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruijing Su
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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21
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Ybañez RHD, Ybañez AP, Nishikawa Y. Review on the Current Trends of Toxoplasmosis Serodiagnosis in Humans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:204. [PMID: 32457848 PMCID: PMC7227408 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed zoonotic infection caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of oocysts shed by an infected cat acting as its definitive host. The key to effective control and treatment of toxoplasmosis is prompt and accurate detection of T. gondii infection. Several laboratory diagnostic methods have been established, including the most commonly used serological assays such as the dye test (DT), direct or modified agglutination test (DAT/MAT), indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), latex agglutination test (LAT), indirect immunofluorescent test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), immunochromatographic tests (ICT), and the western blot. Nonetheless, creating specific and reliable approaches for serodiagnosis of T. gondii infection, and differentiating between acute and chronic phases of infection remains a challenge. This review provides information on the current trends in the serodiagnosis of human toxoplasmosis. It highlights the advantages of the use of recombinant proteins for serological testing and provides insight into the possible future direction of these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Haidee D. Ybañez
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Adrian P. Ybañez
- Institute of Molecular Parasitology and Protozoan Diseases at Main and College of Veterinary Medicine, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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Qiu HY, Zhang XX, Jiang J, Cai Y, Xu P, Zhao Q, Wang CR. Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity and Associated Risk Factors in Cats ( Felis catus) in Three Provinces in Northeastern China from 2013 to 2019. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:723-727. [PMID: 32366201 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan parasite that can infect a range of animals. Cats are the most important definitive hosts for T. gondii. Therefore, an assessment of the level of T. gondii infection in cats is of public health importance. As limited information about seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cats in northeastern China was available, 854 serum samples, including 235 cats in Jilin province, 267 cats in Liaoning province, and 352 cats in Heilongjiang province, were examined by an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) test, between September 2013 and July 2019. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 19.09% (163/854) at the cutoff 1:64, with 19.60% (69/352), 18.29% (43/235), and 19.10% (51/267) in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that mode of life was highly related to T. gondii infection in cats at the investigation areas. These results could provide foundation data for prevention and control of T. gondii prevalence in these regions. Moreover, the results also suggested that the effective control strategies should continue to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Peng Xu
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
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