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Jian J, Wang Z, Chen C, Workman CT, Fang X, Larsen TO, Guo J, Sonnenschein EC. Two high-quality Prototheca zopfii genomes provide new insights into their evolution as obligate algal heterotrophs and their pathogenicity. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0414823. [PMID: 38940543 PMCID: PMC11302234 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04148-23] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of the nearly 10,000 described species of green algae are photoautotrophs; however, some species have lost their ability to photosynthesize and become obligate heterotrophs that rely on parasitism for survival. Two high-quality genomes of the heterotrophic algae Prototheca zopfii Pz20 and Pz23 were obtained using short- and long-read genomic as well as transcriptomic data. The genome sizes were 31.2 Mb and 31.3 Mb, respectively, and contig N50 values of 1.99 Mb and 1.26 Mb. Although P. zopfii maintained its plastid genome, the transition to heterotrophy led to a reduction in both plastid and nuclear genome size, including the loss of photosynthesis-related genes from both the nuclear and plastid genomes and the elimination of genes encoding for carotenoid oxygenase and pheophorbide an oxygenase. The loss of genes, including basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors, flavin adenine dinucleotide-linked oxidase, and helicase, could have played a role in the transmission of autotrophy to heterotrophs and in the processes of abiotic stress resistance and pathogenicity. A total of 66 (1.37%) and 73 (1.49%) genes were identified as potential horizontal gene transfer events in the two P. zopfii genomes, respectively. Genes for malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, which are horizontally transferred from bacteria, may play a pivotal role in carbon and nitrogen metabolism as well as the pathogenicity of Prototheca and non-photosynthetic organisms. The two high-quality P. zopfii genomes provide new insights into their evolution as obligate heterotrophs and pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE The genus Prototheca, characterized by its heterotrophic nature and pathogenicity, serves as an exemplary model for investigating pathobiology. The limited understanding of the protothecosis infectious disease is attributed to the lack of genomic resources. Using HiFi long-read sequencing, both nuclear and plastid genomes were generated for two strains of P. zopfii. The findings revealed a concurrent reduction in both plastid and nuclear genome size, accompanied by the loss of genes associated with photosynthesis, carotenoid oxygenase, basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors, and others. The analysis of horizontal gene transfer revealed the presence of 1.37% and 1.49% bacterial genes, including malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, which play crucial roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as pathogenicity and obligate heterotrophy. The two high-quality P. zopfii genomes represent valuable resources for investigating their adaptation and evolution as obligate heterotrophs, as well as for developing future prevention and treatment strategies against protothecosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Jian
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | | | | | - Christopher T. Workman
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Ostenfeld Larsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Eva C. Sonnenschein
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
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NOJO H, ISHIJIMA SA, MORIKAWA M, ITO T, KANO R. In vitro susceptibility testing of phytochemicals from essential oils against Prototheca species. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:847-849. [PMID: 38925982 PMCID: PMC11300124 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0032] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals isolated from essential oils are effective alternatives for inhibiting microbial pathogens. Bovine protothecal mastitis is the cause of a reduction in milk production and the secretion of thin, watery milk with white flakes. In the present study, we performed in vitro susceptibility testing of the phytochemicals carvacrol, citral, and thymol in Prototheca strains isolated from cases of protothecosis in small animals and cow feces. The susceptibility of the algae to carvacrol, citral, and thymol was assessed using the modified CLSI M27-A3 broth microdilution method. The ranges of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC%) of the phytochemicals in all isolates were 0.03% to 0.125% for carvacrol, 0.03% to 0.25% for citral, and 0.06% to 0.25% for thymol. Based on these results, carvacrol, citral, and thymol appear effective against Prototheca species at the tested concentrations, and may thus be useful for environmental disinfection in barns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honoka NOJO
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology (TIMM),
Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sanae A ISHIJIMA
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology (TIMM),
Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mako MORIKAWA
- Veterinary Hospital Aichi P.F.A.M.A.A., Aichi, Japan
| | - Takaaki ITO
- Veterinary Hospital Aichi P.F.A.M.A.A., Aichi, Japan
| | - Rui KANO
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology (TIMM),
Tokyo, Japan
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Haider MJA, Shave CD, Onyishi CU, Jagielski T, Lara-Reyna S, Frickel EM, May RC. Species- and strain-specific differences in the phagocytosis of Prototheca: insights from live-cell imaging. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0006623. [PMID: 37594276 PMCID: PMC10501220 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00066-23] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Prototheca is an extremely unusual group of achlorophyllic, obligately heterotrophic algae. Six species have been identified as pathogens of vertebrates, including cattle and humans. In cattle, P. bovis is the main infectious pathogen and is associated with bovine mastitis. In contrast, human infections typically involve P. wickerhamii and are associated with a spectrum of varying clinical presentations. Prototheca spp. enter the host from the environment and are therefore likely to be initially recognized by cells of the innate immune system. However, little is known about the nature of the interaction between Prototheca spp. and host phagocytes. In the present study, we adopt a live-cell imaging approach to investigate these interactions over time. Using environmental and clinical strains, we show that P. bovis cells are readily internalized and processed by macrophages, whereas these immune cells struggle to internalize P. wickerhamii. Serum opsonization of P. wickerhamii only marginally improves phagocytosis, suggesting that this species (but not P. bovis) may have evolved mechanisms to evade phagocytosis. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of the kinases Syk or PI3K, which are both critical for innate immune signaling, drastically reduces the uptake of P. bovis. Finally, we show that genetic ablation of MyD88, a signaling adaptor critical for Toll-like receptor signaling, has little impact on uptake but significantly prolongs phagosome maturation once P. bovis is internalized. Together, our data suggest that these two pathogenic Prototheca spp. have very different host-pathogen interactions which have potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of human and animal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed J. A. Haider
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D. Shave
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chinaemerem U. Onyishi
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Samuel Lara-Reyna
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eva-Maria Frickel
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robin C. May
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Guo J, Chen J, Li T, Gao L, Jiang C, Wu W. Integration of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data for the detection of the human pathogenic Prototheca wickerhamii from a One Health perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1152198. [PMID: 37216181 PMCID: PMC10196235 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1152198] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Prototheca species are the only microalgae known to cause opportunistic infections in vertebrates and humans. Most cases of protothecosis in humans are caused by Prototheca wickerhamii, but knowledge of the pathogenicity and biology of Prototheca is limited. Globally, the diagnostic rate of Prototheca species infection is much lower than the actual rate of P. wickerhamii. The precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Prototheca infections remain unclear. In this study, we identified a strain of P. wickerhamii with atypical colony morphology. To reveal the morphological differences between P. wickerhamii S1 (mucous) and the molecular basis of its pathogenicity, the transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics of two pathogenic P. wickerhamii strains and one environmental strain were analysed. Interestingly, mannan endo-1,4-β-mannosidase was significantly downregulated in P. wickerhamii S1, which contributes to a thinner cell wall in S1 compared to strains with typical colony morphology, and the toxicity of macrophages is reduced. Metabolite analysis revealed that the mucoid appearance of P. wickerhamii S1 may have been caused by an increase in linoleic acid, glycerol, and other metabolites. There is still a need to better understand the ecology, aetiology, and pathogenesis of P. wickerhamii, and in particular, its transmission between humans, animals, and the environment, from a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Microscopy Core Facility, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cizhong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Trespalacios Sierra A, Arroyo-Salgado B, Rodriguez-Blanco J, Tibocha Gordon I, Martínez-Ávila MC. Systemic protothecosis in an immunocompetent patient. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2022; 8:23. [PMID: 36242058 PMCID: PMC9569104 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-022-00180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although uncommon, there is increasing interest and public health concerns of the pathogen Prototheca spp, a ubiquitous achlorophilic microalgae that can affect both humans and animals. High mortality rates have been reported in immunocompromised patients with disseminated infection, but no data is available in the immunocompetent population. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 59-year-old man from rural area of Colombia who was admitted to the intensive care unit due to decompensated heart failure that was difficult to medically manage, with development of septic shock and isolation of Prototheca wickerhamii from blood culture. Fluconazole and Amphotericin B were given with successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS To date, protothecosis and its virulence factors and pathogenesis remain to be fully understood, in our case the isolation of this microalga and its implication of exacerbating chronic conditions such as heart failure is unclear. The medical-scientific community is invited to study this microorganism to determine effective management strategies, as well as its timely identification, treatment, and control, to avoid fatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bárbara Arroyo-Salgado
- grid.412885.20000 0004 0486 624XBiomedical, Toxicological and Environmental Sciences Research Group (Biotoxam), Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | | | | | - María Cristina Martínez-Ávila
- grid.412885.20000 0004 0486 624XBiomedical, Toxicological and Environmental Sciences Research Group (Biotoxam), Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia ,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Biomedical, Toxicological and Environmental Sciences Research Group, Cartagena, Colombia
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Libisch B, Picot C, Ceballos-Garzon A, Moravkova M, Klimesová M, Telkes G, Chuang ST, Le Pape P. Prototheca Infections and Ecology from a One Health Perspective. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050938. [PMID: 35630382 PMCID: PMC9144699 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototheca microalgae were only recognized as pathogens of both humans and animals in the 1960s; however, since then, these microbes have been drawing increasing interest in both human and veterinary medicine. The first human outbreak of protothecosis in a tertiary care chemotherapy ward in 2018 further highlighted the need to understand in more depth and detail their ecology, etiology, pathogenesis and routes of transmission between different hosts, environments and habitats from a One Health perspective. Protothecal infections have been reported in a growing number of cattle herds around the world in recent decades, and Prototheca has become an important bovine mastitis pathogen in certain countries and regions. The survival of Prototheca in the environment and its ability to spread in the herd pose a serious challenge to the management of infected dairy farms. Prevention of the disease is particularly important, as there is no effective and reliable treatment for it and the chances of self-healing are minimal. Therefore, the development of more effective drugs is needed for the treatment of human and animal protothecosis. The prudent use of antibiotics and their replacement by alternative or preventive measures, when possible, may further contribute to the control of protothecal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Libisch
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (P.L.P.)
| | - Carine Picot
- EA 1155 IICiMed—Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, Université de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.P.); (A.C.-G.)
| | - Andrés Ceballos-Garzon
- EA 1155 IICiMed—Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, Université de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.P.); (A.C.-G.)
| | | | | | - Gábor Telkes
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Shih-Te Chuang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan;
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- EA 1155 IICiMed—Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et du Cancer, Université de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.P.); (A.C.-G.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (P.L.P.)
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7
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Organismal and cellular interactions in vertebrate-alga symbioses. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:609-620. [PMID: 35225336 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Photosymbioses, intimate interactions between photosynthetic algal symbionts and heterotrophic hosts, are well known in invertebrate and protist systems. Vertebrate animals are an exception where photosynthetic microorganisms are not often considered part of the normal vertebrate microbiome, with a few exceptions in amphibian eggs. Here, we review the breadth of vertebrate diversity and explore where algae have taken hold in vertebrate fur, on vertebrate surfaces, in vertebrate tissues, and within vertebrate cells. We find that algae have myriad partnerships with vertebrate animals, from fishes to mammals, and that those symbioses range from apparent mutualisms to commensalisms to parasitisms. The exception in vertebrates, compared with other groups of eukaryotes, is that intracellular mutualisms and commensalisms with algae or other microbes are notably rare. We currently have no clear cell-in-cell (endosymbiotic) examples of a trophic mutualism in any vertebrate, while there is a broad diversity of such interactions in invertebrate animals and protists. This functional divergence in vertebrate symbioses may be related to vertebrate physiology or a byproduct of our adaptive immune system. Overall, we see that diverse algae are part of the vertebrate microbiome, broadly, with numerous symbiotic interactions occurring across all vertebrate and many algal clades. These interactions are being studied for their ecological, organismal, and cellular implications. This synthesis of vertebrate-algal associations may prove useful for the development of novel therapeutics: pairing algae with medical devices, tissue cultures, and artificial ecto- and endosymbioses.
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Kano R, Kazuo Satoh, Yaguchi T, Masuda M, Makimura K, de Hoog GS. Phenotypic Characteristics of <i>Prototheca</i> Species Occurring in Humans and Animals. Med Mycol J 2022; 63:17-20. [DOI: 10.3314/mmj.21-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kano
- Department of Veterinary Dermatology, Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences
| | - Kazuo Satoh
- General Medical Education and Research Center, Teikyo University
| | | | - Michiaki Masuda
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine
| | | | - G. Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital
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Plieger T, Wolf M. 18S and ITS2 rDNA sequence-structure phylogeny of Prototheca (Chlorophyta, Trebouxiophyceae). Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractProtothecosis is an infectious disease caused by organisms currently classified within the green algal genus Prototheca. The disease can manifest as cutaneous lesions, olecranon bursitis or disseminated or systemic infections in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Concerning diagnostics, taxonomic validity is important. Prototheca, closely related to the Chlorella species complex, is known to be polyphyletic, branching with Auxenochlorella and Helicosporidium. The phylogeny of Prototheca was discussed and revisited several times in the last decade; new species have been described. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and partial mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) sequence data. In this work we use Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) as well as 18S rDNA data. However, for the first time, we reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of Prototheca using primary sequence and RNA secondary structure information simultaneously, a concept shown to increase robustness and accuracy of phylogenetic tree estimation. Using encoded sequence-structure data, Neighbor-Joining, Maximum-Parsimony and Maximum-Likelihood methods yielded well-supported trees in agreement with other trees calculated on rDNA; but differ in several aspects from trees using cytb as a phylogenetic marker. ITS2 secondary structures of Prototheca sequences are in agreement with the well-known common core structure of eukaryotes but show unusual differences in their helix lengths. An elongation of the fourth helix of some species seems to have occurred independently in the course of evolution.
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Lu Y, Zhang X, Ni F, Xia W. Cutaneous Protothecosis with Meningitis Due to Prototheca wickerhamii in an Immunocompetent Teenager: Case Report and Literature Review. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:2787-2794. [PMID: 34321895 PMCID: PMC8312625 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s320795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Human protothecosis is a rare infection caused by Prototheca spp., which are environmental achloric algae ubiquitously existing in nature. Members of the genus of Prototheca usually cause localized infection that affects the skin or wounds. Systemic infection is extremely rare and tends to occur in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a case of cutaneous protothecosis and meningitis due to Prototheca wickerhamii in an immunocompetent teenager who obtained full-body tattoos at the time of infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of P. wickerhamii isolated from both skin tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. The data contained in this report will increase our understanding of this pathogen and elucidate the most optimal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Hofbauer WK. Toxic or Otherwise Harmful Algae and the Built Environment. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:465. [PMID: 34209446 PMCID: PMC8310063 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This article gives a comprehensive overview on potentially harmful algae occurring in the built environment. Man-made structures provide diverse habitats where algae can grow, mainly aerophytic in nature. Literature reveals that algae that is potentially harmful to humans do occur in the anthropogenic environment in the air, on surfaces or in water bodies. Algae may negatively affect humans in different ways: they may be toxic, allergenic and pathogenic to humans or attack human structures. Toxin-producing alga are represented in the built environment mainly by blue green algae (Cyanoprokaryota). In special occasions, other toxic algae may also be involved. Green algae (Chlorophyta) found airborne or growing on manmade surfaces may be allergenic whereas Cyanoprokaryota and other forms may not only be toxic but also allergenic. Pathogenicity is found only in a special group of algae, especially in the genus Prototheca. In addition, rare cases with infections due to algae with green chloroplasts are reported. Algal action may be involved in the biodeterioration of buildings and works of art, which is still discussed controversially. Whereas in many cases the disfigurement of surfaces and even the corrosion of materials is encountered, in other cases a protective effect on the materials is reported. A comprehensive list of 79 taxa of potentially harmful, airborne algae supplemented with their counterparts occurring in the built environment, is given. Due to global climate change, it is not unlikely that the built environment will suffer from more and higher amounts of harmful algal species in the future. Therefore, intensified research in composition, ecophysiology and development of algal growth in the built environment is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Karl Hofbauer
- Umwelt, Hygiene und Sensorik, Fraunhofer-Institut für Bauphysik, 83626 Valley, Bavaria, Germany
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12
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Survey on the Presence of Bacterial, Fungal and Helminthic Agents in Off-Leash Dog Parks Located in Urban Areas in Central-Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061685. [PMID: 34198875 PMCID: PMC8229923 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Off-leash dog parks are designated, generally fenced, public spaces where dogs can move freely under the supervision of their owners. These areas, allowing animals to socialize and run free, play a fundamental role in dogs’ welfare. However, such environments may be a source of different pathogens, even zoonotic, excreted by the attending animals. The present study evaluated the occurrence of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens in off-leash dog parks located in Florence (central Italy). Yersinia spp., Listeria innocua, Toxocara canis eggs and Ancylostoma caninum/Uncinaria stenocephala eggs were found in canine feces. Keratinophilic geophilic fungi (mostly Microsporum gypseum/A. incurvatum, Microsporum canis in a single case) were recovered from soil. Trichosporon sp. and Geotrichum candidum were isolated from two water samples. The obtained results suggest that, despite the not negligible canine fecal contamination of selected areas (feces were found in 88.5% of the parks), attending dogs did not act as important carriers for the investigated pathogens, although examined off-leash dog parks may represent a risk for the spreading of some dermatophytoses to both pets and their owners. Thus, in a One-Health perspective, periodical examinations to detect the main bacteriological, parasitological and mycological pathogens in different samples collected in off-leash dog parks are recommended. Abstract Off-leash dog parks are designated public spaces where dogs can move freely, under their owners’ supervision. These areas, allowing animals to socialize and move freely, are fundamental for dogs’ welfare. However, different pathogens, even zoonotic, may be excreted by the attending animals and contaminate the environment. The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens in off-leash dog parks located in Florence (central Italy). Between March and May 2019, 83 fecal samples, 43 soil samples and 23 water samples (from fountains and puddles) collected from 26 off-leash fenced areas were examined. Fecal samples scored positive for Yersinia spp. (n = 7), Listeria innocua (n = 4), Toxocara canis eggs (n = 2) and Ancylostoma caninum/Uncinaria stenocephala eggs (n = 1). Keratinophilic geophilic fungi (mostly Microsporum gypseum /A. incurvatum) were recovered from 43 soil samples belonging to 23 out of 26 parks, along with Microsporum canis in a single case. Prototheca spp. was never isolated from water samples, while Trichosporon sp. was cultured in two cases, alone and in association with Geotrichum candidum. These results show that dogs did not act as important carriers for the investigated bacterial and parasitic pathogens, although examined areas may represent a risk for the spreading of some dermatophytoses to both pets and their owners. Periodical examinations to assess the main bacteriological, parasitological and mycological pathogens in different samples collected in off-leash dog parks should be carried out in a One-Health perspective.
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Palaniappan PA, Abot CA, Mohd Tap R, Amran F. Protothecosis algaemia in a patient presenting with septic arthritis: A rare case of Prototheca zopfii isolated from Malaysia. IDCases 2021; 24:e01121. [PMID: 33912392 PMCID: PMC8065273 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Prototheca species have been reported to cause infections in human. Typically, clinical symptoms of protothecosis include cutaneous infection, olecranon bursitis, tenosynovitis and disseminated systemic disease. We report a case of septic arthritis in which Prototheca zopfii was isolated from blood. Joint aspirate was also sent for cultures but did not yield any growth. No other organisms were isolated from this patient during his admission. The blood isolate was identified to species level via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. The patient improved with administration of intravenous itraconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Ananth Palaniappan
- Mycology Section, Bacteriology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia
| | | | - Ratna Mohd Tap
- Mycology Section, Bacteriology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia
| | - Fairuz Amran
- Mycology Section, Bacteriology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia
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15
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Falcaro C, Furlanello T, Binanti D, Fondati A, Bonfanti U, Krockenberger M, Malik R, Danesi P. Molecular characterization of Prototheca in 11 symptomatic dogs. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 33:156-161. [PMID: 33272142 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720976423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protothecosis is an uncommon disease caused by algae of the genus Prototheca. In dogs, the infection is usually first localized to the colon but has the propensity to later disseminate hematogenously to many other organs, with marked tropism for the eyes and central nervous system. Diagnosis is established by culture and/or evidence of Prototheca organisms in cytologic or histologic preparations. Species characterization, however, requires molecular investigations. Our laboratory set up a real-time PCR targeting portion D1/D2 of the 28S rRNA for identification of Prototheca species from both positive cultures (of rectal swabs and urine) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Prototheca bovis, P. ciferrii, and P. wickerhamii were characterized in 11 dogs with systemic or cutaneous protothecosis. Prototheca identifications were phylogenetically consistent with the new taxonomy proposed for this genus based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. As a pilot study, we screened feces and rectal scrapes from 200 asymptomatic dogs, using 2 cohorts of stray and owned animals, to determine the prevalence of intestinal carriage of Prototheca spp. The Prototheca-negative results from both cohorts of healthy dogs suggest that predisposing factors related to the host probably contribute more to the acquisition of clinical disease than exposure to contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Falcaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Diana Binanti
- Laboratorio Analisi Veterinarie AbLab, Sarzana, La Spezia, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Bonfanti
- Laboratorio di Analisi Veterinarie La Vallonea, Passirana di Rho, Milan, Italy
| | - Mark Krockenberger
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
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16
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Ebani VV, Mancianti F. Use of Essential Oils in Veterinary Medicine to Combat Bacterial and Fungal Infections. Vet Sci 2020; 7:E193. [PMID: 33266079 PMCID: PMC7712454 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of plants employed in folk medicine for a long time thanks to their multiple properties. In the last years, their use has been introduced in veterinary medicine, too. The study of the antibacterial properties of EOs is of increasing interest, because therapies with alternative drugs are welcome to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Other issues could be resolved by EOs employment, such as the presence of antibiotic residues in food of animal origin and in environment. Although the in vitro antimicrobial activity of EOs has been frequently demonstrated in studies carried out on bacterial and fungal strains of different origins, there is a lack of information about their effectiveness in treating infections in animals. The scientific literature reports some studies about in vitro EOs' activity against animal clinical bacterial and fungal isolates, but in vivo studies are very scanty. The use of EOs in therapy of companion and farm animals should follow careful studies on the toxicity of these natural products in relation to animal species and route of administration. Moreover, considering the different behavior of EOs in relation to both species and strain pathogen, before starting a therapy, an aromatogram should be executed to choose the oil with the best antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Masuda M, Jagielski T, Danesi P, Falcaro C, Bertola M, Krockenberger M, Malik R, Kano R. Protothecosis in Dogs and Cats-New Research Directions. Mycopathologia 2020; 186:143-152. [PMID: 33206310 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protothecosis refers to disease of humans and animals caused by infection with fungus-like, colourless microalgae of the genus Prototheca. Although protothecosis remains an uncommon infection, increasing numbers of human and animal cases are being diagnosed worldwide. This review summarises major new findings in basic science (sequencing analyses of sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51/ERG11) genes and organelle genomes of Prototheca wickerhamii) to elucidate taxonomic features of this pathogen. Furthermore, this review updates and summarises the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of protothecosis in dogs and cats. This content of this review is based on information presented at the medical phycology symposium held in the 20th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology ( https://www.isham.org/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiaki Masuda
- Department of Microbiology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomasz Jagielski
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Christian Falcaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Mark Krockenberger
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services (VPDS), Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, B14, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, B22, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Rui Kano
- Department of Veterinary Dermatology, Nihon University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
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Caceres DH, Mohd Tap R, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Hagen F. Detection and Control of Fungal Outbreaks. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:741-745. [PMID: 33037965 PMCID: PMC7588372 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Caceres
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ratna Mohd Tap
- Mycology Laboratory, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Koutsis JJ, Hong E. Protothecosis: a rare cutaneous infection in an army officer returned from deployment to Iraq. Australas J Dermatol 2020; 61:277-279. [DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Esther Hong
- Private practice Bankstown NSW Australia
- Dermatology Department Royal North Shore Hospital St Leonards NSW Australia
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20
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Adamczyk K, Wcisło-Dziadecka D, Garncarczyk A, Lubczyńska A, Chodurek E. Protothecosis: the alterations in the human foot microbiome - a case study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34:e832-e834. [PMID: 32511818 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Adamczyk
- Department of Cosmetology, School of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - D Wcisło-Dziadecka
- Department of Cosmetology, School of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - A Garncarczyk
- Department of Cosmetology, School of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - A Lubczyńska
- Department of Cosmetology, School of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - E Chodurek
- Department of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Science in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Andrejević TP, Milivojevic D, Glišić BĐ, Kljun J, Stevanović NL, Vojnovic S, Medic S, Nikodinovic-Runic J, Turel I, Djuran MI. Silver(i) complexes with different pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate ligands as efficient agents for the control of cow mastitis associated pathogens. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:6084-6096. [PMID: 32319493 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt00518e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infections of the cow udder leading to mastitis and lower milk quality are one of the biggest problems in the dairy industry worldwide. Unfortunately, therapeutic options for the treatment of cow mastitis are limited as a consequence of the development of pathogens that are resistant to conventionally used antibiotics. In the search for agents that will be active against cow mastitis associated pathogens, in the present study, five new silver(i) complexes with different chelating pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate types of ligands, [Ag(NO3)(py-2py)]n (1), [Ag(NO3)(py-2metz)]n (2), [Ag(CH3CN)(py-2py)]BF4 (3), [Ag(py-2tz)2]BF4 (4) and [Ag(py-2metz)2]BF4 (5), py-2py is dimethyl 2,2'-bipyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate, py-2metz is dimethyl 2-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate and py-2tz is dimethyl 2-(thiazol-2-yl)pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate, were synthesized, structurally characterized and assessed for in vitro antimicrobial activity using both standard bioassay and clinical isolates from a contaminated milk sample obtained from a cow with mastitis. These complexes showed remarkable activity against the standard panel of microorganisms and a selection of clinical isolates from the milk of the cow diagnosed with mastitis. With the aim of determining the therapeutic potential of silver(i) complexes, their toxicity in vivo against the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), was investigated. The complexes that had the best therapeutic profile, 2 and 5, induced bacterial membrane depolarization and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Candida albicans cells and inhibited the hyphae as well as the biofilm formation. Taken together, the presented data suggest that the silver(i) complexes with pyridine ligands could be considered for the treatment of microbial pathogens, which are causative agents of cow mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina P Andrejević
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, R. Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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