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Wu TK, Liotta JL, Bowman DD. Comparison of extracellular vesicle isolation methods for the study of exosome cargo within Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati excretory secretory (TES) products. Exp Parasitol 2024; 261:108765. [PMID: 38679126 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108765] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Toxocara is a genus of nematodes, which infects a variety of hosts, principally dogs and cats, with potential zoonotic risks to humans. Toxocara spp. larvae are capable of migrating throughout the host tissues, eliciting eosinophilic and granulomatous reactions, while surviving for extended periods of time, unchanged, in the host. It is postulated that larvae are capable of altering the host's immune response through the release of excretory-secretory products, containing both proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The study of EVs has increased exponentially in recent years, largely due to their potential use as a diagnostic tool, and in molecular therapy. To this end, there have been multiple isolation methods described for the study of EVs. Here, we use nanoparticle tracking to compare the yield, size distribution, and % labelling of EV samples acquired through various reported methods, from larval cultures of Toxocara canis and T. cati containing Toxocara excretory-secretory products (TES). The methods tested include ultracentrifugation, polymer precipitation, magnetic immunoprecipitation, size exclusion chromatography, and ultrafiltration. Based on these findings, ultrafiltration produces the best results in terms of yield, expected particle size, and % labelling of sample. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of EVs with characteristic cup-shaped morphology. These findings can serve as a guide for those investigating EVs, particularly those released from multicellular organisms, such as helminths, for which few comparative analyses have been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy K Wu
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 930 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Janice L Liotta
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 930 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 930 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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Bakhshani A, Parande Shirvan S, Sadr S, Maleki M, Haghparast A, Borji H. Evaluating the Toxocara cati extract as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1307. [PMID: 38860753 PMCID: PMC11165684 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1307] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hygiene hypothesis suggests that early life exposure to helminth infections can reduce hypersensitivity in the immune system. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Toxocara cati (T. cati) somatic products on allergic airway inflammation. METHODS Between 2018 and 2020, T. cati adult worms were collected from stray cats in Mashhad, Iran (31 out of 186 cats), and their somatic extract was collected. Thirty BALB/c mice were equally divided into three groups, including the OVA group (sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin), the somatic administered group (received somatic extract along with ovalbumin sensitization), and the PBS group (sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffer saline). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to assess the number of cells, and lung homogenates were prepared for cytokine analysis. Histopathological analysis of the lungs was performed, and inflammatory cells and mucus were detected. Cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined using a capture ELISA. RESULTS The somatic group significantly decreased regarding the lung pathological changes, including peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and eosinophil influx, compared to the group treated with ovalbumin alone. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, indicating a shift toward a more balanced immune response. The number of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid was also significantly reduced in the somatic group, indicating a decrease in inflammation. CONCLUSION These preclinical findings suggest that in experimental models, T. cati somatic extract exhibits promising potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating allergic airway inflammation. Its observed effects on immune response modulation and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration warrant further investigation in clinical studies to assess its efficacy and safety in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Bakhshani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Sima Parande Shirvan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Mohsen Maleki
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Alireza Haghparast
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
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Nourollahi Fard SR, Akhtardanesh B, Sadr S, Khedri J, Radfar MH, Shadmehr M. Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1422. [PMID: 38504628 PMCID: PMC10951621 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1422] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population. METHODS From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. RESULTS The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. CONCLUSION Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Baharak Akhtardanesh
- Department of clinical sciencesSchool of veterinary medicineShahid Bahonar University of KermanKermanIran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of PathobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Javad Khedri
- Department of PathobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Radfar
- Department of pathobiologySchool of veterinary medicineShahid Bahonar University of KermanKermanIran
| | - Mehdi Shadmehr
- School of Veterinary MedicineShahid Bahonar University of KermanKermanIran
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Henke K, Ntovas S, Xourgia E, Exadaktylos AK, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Ziaka M. Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6972. [PMID: 37947530 PMCID: PMC10649795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Henke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Sotirios Ntovas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Xourgia
- Department of Heart Surgery, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Mairi Ziaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
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Cho MY, Sung PS, Lee SH. Multiple Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysms With Eosinophilia. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:843-847. [PMID: 37116831 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mun Young Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; The Catholic University Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Hak Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Maciag L, Morgan ER, Holland C. Toxocara: time to let cati ‘out of the bag’. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:280-289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Detection of Toxocara cati Larvae from Ostrich and Wild Boar Meat Intended for Human Consumption. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101290. [PMID: 34684239 PMCID: PMC8537866 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101290] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara cati is a common roundworm of cats and wild felids and, together with T. canis, it is the main causative agent of human toxocariasis. Humans may become infected by ingestion of embryonated eggs via contaminated soil, food, or water, or by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of paratenic hosts that are infected by Toxocara larvae. In this study, we report the detection of T. cati larvae from meat samples of ostriches and wild boars. These samples were inspected by enzymatic digestion, as part of the trichinellosis surveillance. As ostrich meat is intended for “carpaccio” preparation, a traditional Italian raw meat preparation, there is the need to make the consumption of this meat safe. For this purpose, it is recommended to freeze the meat before preparation. Our findings confirmed that T. cati larvae can contaminate muscle tissues of paratenic hosts, increasing the risk of infection due to the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
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Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati Somatic and Excretory-Secretory Antigens Are Recognised by C-Type Lectin Receptors. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030321. [PMID: 33803269 PMCID: PMC8001263 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030321] [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: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, the worldwide occurring intestinal roundworms of canids and felids, represent an important public health threat due to various disease manifestations in humans. Host recognition of pathogens is mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Myeloid C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are PRRs and recognise carbohydrate structures of various pathogens. As Toxocara excretory-secretory products (TES) are predominantly composed of glycoconjugates, they represent suitable targets for CLRs. However, the range of host-derived CLRs recognising Toxocara spp. is still unknown. Using a CLR-hFc fusion protein library, T. canis and T. cati L3 somatic antigens (TSOM) were bound by a variety of CLRs in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while their TES products interacted with macrophage galactose-type lectin-1 (MGL-1). Two prominent candidate CLRs, MGL-1 and macrophage C-type lectin (MCL), were selected for further binding studies. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed binding of MGL-1 to the oral aperture of L3. Immunoblot experiments identified distinct protein fractions representing potential ligands for MGL-1 and MCL. To evaluate how these interactions influence the host immune response, bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) assays were performed, showing MCL-dependent T. cati-mediated cytokine production. In conclusion, MGL-1 and MCL are promising candidates for immune modulation during Toxocara infection, deserving further investigation in the future.
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