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Olivera MJ, Muñoz L. Exploring the latency period in Chagas disease: duration and determinants in a cohort from Colombia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:440-447. [PMID: 38411919 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae004] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease has a varying latency period, the time between infection and onset of cardiac symptoms, due to multiple factors. This study seeks to identify and understand these factors to enhance our knowledge of the disease. METHODS A retrospective follow-up study was conducted in Colombia on patients with indeterminate chronic Chagas disease. Medical files were examined to evaluate the disease latency time using time ratios (TRs) and the AFT Weibull model. RESULTS The study followed 578 patients, of whom 309 (53.5%) developed cardiac disease, with a median latency period of 18.5 (95% CI 16 to 20) y for the cohort. Those with the TcISyl genotype (TR 0.72; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.80), individuals who lived 5-15 y (TR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.95), 15-30 y (TR 0.63; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.74) or >30 y (vs 5 y) in areas with high disease prevalence had shorter latency periods. On the other hand, undergoing treatment increased the latency period (TR: 1.74; 95% CI 1.52 to 1.87). CONCLUSIONS The latency period of Chagas disease was found to be independently related to male gender, receipt of etiological treatment, length of time spent in an endemic area and the TcISyl genotype. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Javier Olivera
- Departamento de investigación en salud pública, Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, D.C., Colombia
| | - Lyda Muñoz
- Departamento de investigación en salud pública, Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá 111321, D.C., Colombia
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2
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Martinez Ibarra JA, Martinez BO, Rodas Martinez AZ, Flores RA, Garcia CIM, Franco ER, Villalobos G, Martinez Hernandez F. Trypanosoma cruzi in Wild and Synanthropic Mammals in Two Regions of Mexico: A Fieldwork and Genetic Discrete Typing Unit Review. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38836751 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Marsupials and rodents are the most important wild and synanthropic hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi due to the high frequency of infection, maintenance of diverse genetic populations of the parasite, and their close proximity to interact with both transmission cycles, sylvatic and peridomestic. Our aim was to identify the discrete typing units (DTU) of T. cruzi from different wild and synanthropic hosts in two regions of Mexico and to carry out a review of historical data focusing on current knowledge on the diversity and T. cruzi DTUs of host species. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifteen samples were obtained from two areas in Tabasco and Nayarit state. The presence of T. cruzi was evaluated by PCR. Results: The 12.6% (12/95) of samples from Tabasco and 65% (13/20) from Nayarit were found to be positive for parasite DNA. All the sequences analyzed were grouped in T. cruzi DTU I; low nucleotide diversity was observed in Tabasco (π = 0.00566, and ϴ = 0.00632), while high genetic diversity was observed in Nayarit sequences, up to 8.63 (π) to 11.10 (ϴ) times greater than Tabasco sequences. Genetic flow and migration between Tabasco, and Nayarit were scarce (FST = 0.37329 and Nm = 0.42), and genetic exchange was observed only between nearby areas. The bibliographic review of hosts in Mexico, together with our data, shows a heterogeneous T. cruzi prevalence in Chiroptera and domestic animals. For Atelidae and Canids, prevalence is generally below 25%. However, a high prevalence, greater than 25% and up to 100%, was recorded in Didelphimorphia, and Rodentia. Few studies in regions of Mexico have been described as infected with the parasite; in these, the genetic group with the highest prevalence is the DTU I. Conclusion: Marsupials and rodents are important reservoirs of T. cruzi; DTU I was frequently reported; however, recent genetic and reservoir studies have demonstrated the presence of greater diversity of genetic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brizia Oria Martinez
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González," Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Rafael Avila Flores
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, México
| | | | - Emilio Rendon Franco
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guiehdani Villalobos
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando Martinez Hernandez
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea González," Mexico City, Mexico
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3
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Torchelsen FKVDS, Mazzeti AL, Mosqueira VCF. Drugs in preclinical and early clinical development for the treatment of Chagas´s disease: the current status. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:575-590. [PMID: 38686546 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2349289] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease is spreading faster than expected in different countries, and little progress has been reported in the discovery of new drugs to combat Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans. Recent clinical trials have ended with small hope. The pathophysiology of this neglected disease and the genetic diversity of parasites are exceptionally complex. The only two drugs available to treat patients are far from being safe, and their efficacy in the chronic phase is still unsatisfactory. AREAS COVERED This review offers a comprehensive examination and critical review of data reported in the last 10 years, and it is focused on findings of clinical trials and data acquired in vivo in preclinical studies. EXPERT OPINION The in vivo investigations classically in mice and dog models are also challenging and time-consuming to attest cure for infection. Poorly standardized protocols, availability of diagnosis methods and disease progression markers, the use of different T. cruzi strains with variable benznidazole sensitivities, and animals in different acute and chronic phases of infection contribute to it. More synchronized efforts between research groups in this field are required to put in evidence new promising substances, drug combinations, repurposing strategies, and new pharmaceutical formulations to impact the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Karoline Vieira da Silva Torchelsen
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Lia Mazzeti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Health, Academic Unit of Passos, University of Minas Gerais State, Passos, Brazil
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4
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Matiz-González JM, Pardo-Rodriguez D, Puerta CJ, Requena JM, Nocua PA, Cuervo C. Exploring the functionality and conservation of Alba proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi: A focus on biological diversity and RNA binding ability. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 272:132705. [PMID: 38810850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132705] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, as well as a trypanosomatid parasite with a complex biological cycle that requires precise mechanisms for regulating gene expression. In Trypanosomatidae, gene regulation occurs mainly at the mRNA level through the recognition of cis elements by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Alba family members are ubiquitous DNA/RNA-binding proteins with representatives in trypanosomatid parasites functionally related to gene expression regulation. Although T. cruzi possesses two groups of Alba proteins (Alba1/2 and Alba30/40), their functional role remains poorly understood. Thus, herein, a characterization of T. cruzi Alba (TcAlba) proteins was undertaken. Physicochemical, structural, and phylogenetic analysis of TcAlba showed features compatible with RBPs, such as hydrophilicity, RBP domains/motifs, and evolutionary conservation of the Alba-domain, mainly regarding other trypanosomatid Alba. However, in silico RNA interaction analysis of T. cruzi Alba proteins showed that TcAlba30/40 proteins, but not TcAlba1/2, would directly interact with the assayed RNA molecules, suggesting that these two groups of TcAlba proteins have different targets. Given the marked differences existing between both T. cruzi Alba groups (TcAlba1/2 and TcAlba30/40), regarding sequence divergence, RNA binding potential, and life-cycle expression patterns, we suggest that they would be involved in different biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Manuel Matiz-González
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 110231 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Pardo-Rodriguez
- Grupo de Fitoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 110231 Bogotá, Colombia; Metabolomics Core Facility, Vice-Presidency for Research, Universidad de los Andes, 111711 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Concepción J Puerta
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 110231 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José M Requena
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola A Nocua
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 110231 Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 110231 Bogotá, Colombia.
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5
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Alonaizan R. Molecular regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation during parasitic infection. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231918. [PMID: 38623843 PMCID: PMC11096646 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231918] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are a serious global health concern, causing many common and severe infections, including Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis. The NLRP3 inflammasome belongs to the NLR (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich-repeat-containing proteins) family, which are cytosolic proteins playing key roles in the detection of pathogens. NLRP3 inflammasomes are activated in immune responses to Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other parasites. The role of NLRP3 is not fully understood, but it is a crucial component of the innate immune response to parasitic infections and its functions as a sensor triggering the inflammatory response to the invasive parasites. However, while this response can limit the parasites' growth, it can also result in potentially catastrophic host pathology. This makes it essential to understand how NLRP3 interacts with parasites to initiate the inflammatory response. Plasmodium hemozoin, Leishmania glycoconjugate lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and E. histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin can stimulate NLRP3 activation, while the dense granule protein 9 (GRA9) of T. gondii has been shown to suppress it. Several other parasitic products also have diverse effects on NLRP3 activation. Understanding the mechanism of NLRP3 interaction with these products will help to develop advanced therapeutic approaches to treat parasitic diseases. This review summarizes current knowledge of the NLRP3 inflammasome's action on the immune response to parasitic infections and aims to determine the mechanisms through which parasitic molecules either activate or inhibit its action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Alonaizan
- Faculty of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Uribe-Querol E, Rosales C. Neutrophils versus Protozoan Parasites: Plasmodium, Trichomonas, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Entameoba. Microorganisms 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38674770 PMCID: PMC11051968 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant polymorphonuclear granular leukocytes in human blood and are an essential part of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are efficient cells that eliminate pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but their role in dealing with protozoan parasitic infections remains controversial. At sites of protozoan parasite infections, a large number of infiltrating neutrophils is observed, suggesting that neutrophils are important cells for controlling the infection. Yet, in most cases, there is also a strong inflammatory response that can provoke tissue damage. Diseases like malaria, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and amoebiasis affect millions of people globally. In this review, we summarize these protozoan diseases and describe the novel view on how neutrophils are involved in protection from these parasites. Also, we present recent evidence that neutrophils play a double role in these infections participating both in control of the parasite and in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Uribe-Querol
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Cáceres TM, Cruz-Saavedra L, Patiño LH, Ramírez JD. Comparative analysis of metacyclogenesis and infection curves in different discrete typing units of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:181. [PMID: 38602595 PMCID: PMC11008065 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08183-4] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the complex life cycle parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a global health concern and impacts millions globally. T. cruzi's genetic variability is categorized into discrete typing units (DTUs). Despite their widespread presence in the Americas, a comprehensive understanding of their impact on CD is lacking. This study aims to analyze life cycle traits across life cycle stages, unraveling DTU dynamics. Metacyclogenesis curves were generated, inducing nutritional stress in epimastigotes of five DTUs (TcI (MG), TcI (DA), TcII(Y), TcIII, TcIV, and TcVI), resulting in metacyclic trypomastigotes. Infection dynamics in Vero cells from various DTUs were evaluated, exploring factors like amastigotes per cell, cell-derived trypomastigotes, and infection percentage. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA tests, identified significant differences. Varying onset times for metacyclogenesis converged on the 7th day. TcI (MG) exhibited the highest metacyclogenesis potential. TcI (DA) stood out, infecting 80% of cells within 24 h. TcI demonstrated the highest potential in both metacyclogenesis and infection among the strains assessed. Intra-DTU diversity was evident among TcI strains, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Trypanosoma cruzi dynamics and genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Cáceres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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8
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Silvestrini MMA, Alessio GD, Frias BED, Sales Júnior PA, Araújo MSS, Silvestrini CMA, Brito Alvim de Melo GE, Martins-Filho OA, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins HR. New insights into Trypanosoma cruzi genetic diversity, and its influence on parasite biology and clinical outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342431. [PMID: 38655255 PMCID: PMC11035809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health problem worldwide. The parasite was subdivided into six distinct genetic groups, called "discrete typing units" (DTUs), from TcI to TcVI. Several studies have indicated that the heterogeneity of T. cruzi species directly affects the diversity of clinical manifestations of Chagas disease, control, diagnosis performance, and susceptibility to treatment. Thus, this review aims to describe how T. cruzi genetic diversity influences the biology of the parasite and/or clinical parameters in humans. Regarding the geographic dispersion of T. cruzi, evident differences were observed in the distribution of DTUs in distinct areas. For example, TcII is the main DTU detected in Brazilian patients from the central and southeastern regions, where there are also registers of TcVI as a secondary T. cruzi DTU. An important aspect observed in previous studies is that the genetic variability of T. cruzi can impact parasite infectivity, reproduction, and differentiation in the vectors. It has been proposed that T. cruzi DTU influences the host immune response and affects disease progression. Genetic aspects of the parasite play an important role in determining which host tissues will be infected, thus heavily influencing Chagas disease's pathogenesis. Several teams have investigated the correlation between T. cruzi DTU and the reactivation of Chagas disease. In agreement with these data, it is reasonable to suppose that the immunological condition of the patient, whether or not associated with the reactivation of the T. cruzi infection and the parasite strain, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. In this context, understanding the genetics of T. cruzi and its biological and clinical implications will provide new knowledge that may contribute to additional strategies in the diagnosis and clinical outcome follow-up of patients with Chagas disease, in addition to the reactivation of immunocompromised patients infected with T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glaucia Diniz Alessio
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Estefânia Diniz Frias
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Policarpo Ademar Sales Júnior
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Márcio Sobreira Silva Araújo
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helen Rodrigues Martins
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Bosch-Nicolau P, Fernández ML, Sulleiro E, Villar JC, Perez-Molina JA, Correa-Oliveira R, Sosa-Estani S, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Del Carmen Bangher M, Moreira OC, Salvador F, Mota Ferreira A, Eloi-Santos SM, Serre-Delcor N, Ramírez JC, Silgado A, Oliveira I, Martín O, Aznar ML, Ribeiro ALP, Almeida PEC, Chamorro-Tojeiro S, Espinosa-Pereiro J, de Paula AMB, Váquiro-Herrera E, Tur C, Molina I. Efficacy of three benznidazole dosing strategies for adults living with chronic Chagas disease (MULTIBENZ): an international, randomised, double-blind, phase 2b trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:386-394. [PMID: 38218195 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with benznidazole for chronic Chagas disease is associated with low cure rates and substantial toxicity. We aimed to compare the parasitological efficacy and safety of 3 different benznidazole regimens in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease. METHODS The MULTIBENZ trial was an international, randomised, double-blind, phase 2b trial performed in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Spain. We included participants aged 18 years and older diagnosed with Chagas disease with two different serological tests and detectable T cruzi DNA by qPCR in blood. Previously treated people, pregnant women, and people with severe cardiac forms were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1:1, using a balanced block randomisation scheme stratified by country, to receive benznidazole at three different doses: 300 mg/day for 60 days (control group), 150 mg/day for 60 days (low dose group), or 400 mg/day for 15 days (short treatment group). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a sustained parasitological negativity by qPCR during a follow-up period of 12 months. The primary safety outcome was the proportion of people who permanently discontinued the treatment. Both primary efficacy analysis and primary safety analysis were done in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with EudraCT, 2016-003789-21, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03191162, and is completed. FINDINGS From April 20, 2017, to Sept 20, 2020, 245 people were enrolled, and 234 were randomly assigned: 78 to the control group, 77 to the low dose group, and 79 to the short treatment group. Sustained parasitological negativity was observed in 42 (54%) of 78 participants in the control group, 47 (61%) of 77 in the low dose group, and 46 (58%) of 79 in the short treatment group. Odds ratios were 1·41 (95% CI 0·69-2·88; p=0·34) when comparing the low dose and control groups and 1·23 (0·61-2·50; p=0·55) when comparing short treatment and control groups. 177 participants (76%) had an adverse event: 62 (79%) in the control group, 56 (73%) in the low dose group, and 59 (77%) in the short treatment group. However, discontinuations were less frequent in the short treatment group compared with the control group (2 [2%] vs 11 [14%]; OR 0·20, 95% CI 0·04-0·95; p=0·044). INTERPRETATION Participants had a similar parasitological responses. However, reducing the usual treatment from 8 weeks to 2 weeks might maintain the same response while facilitating adherence and increasing treatment coverage. These findings should be confirmed in a phase 3 clinical trial. FUNDING European Community's 7th Framework Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa L Fernández
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr M Fatala Chaben, ANLIS Dr C Malbran, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Villar
- Departamento de Investigaciones, Fundación Cardioinfantil, Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José A Perez-Molina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr M Fatala Chaben, ANLIS Dr C Malbran, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Salud Pública (CIESP-EICS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Del Carmen Bangher
- Instituto de Cardiología de Corrientes Juana Francisca Cabral (Argentina), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Otacilio C Moreira
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Parasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ariela Mota Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (Unimontes), Montes Claros, Brazil
| | | | - Núria Serre-Delcor
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Ramírez
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas, CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aroa Silgado
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Oliveira
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oihane Martín
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Aznar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Luiz P Ribeiro
- Hospital das Clínicas and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Espinosa-Pereiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eliana Váquiro-Herrera
- Departamento de Investigaciones, Fundación Cardioinfantil, Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carmen Tur
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Neurology Department. Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Medicine Department Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Durães-Oliveira J, Palma-Marques J, Moreno C, Rodrigues A, Monteiro M, Alexandre-Pires G, da Fonseca IP, Santos-Gomes G. Chagas Disease: A Silent Threat for Dogs and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3840. [PMID: 38612650 PMCID: PMC11011309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073840] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a vector-borne Neglected Zoonotic Disease (NZD) caused by a flagellate protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, that affects various mammalian species across America, including humans and domestic animals. However, due to an increase in population movements and new routes of transmission, T. cruzi infection is presently considered a worldwide health concern, no longer restricted to endemic countries. Dogs play a major role in the domestic cycle by acting very efficiently as reservoirs and allowing the perpetuation of parasite transmission in endemic areas. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, still there is no vaccine against human and animal disease, there are few drugs available for the treatment of human CD, and there is no standard protocol for the treatment of canine CD. In this review, we highlight human and canine Chagas Disease in its different dimensions and interconnections. Dogs, which are considered to be the most important peridomestic reservoir and sentinel for the transmission of T. cruzi infection in a community, develop CD that is clinically similar to human CD. Therefore, an integrative approach, based on the One Health concept, bringing together the advances in genomics, immunology, and epidemiology can lead to the effective development of vaccines, new treatments, and innovative control strategies to tackle CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Durães-Oliveira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Joana Palma-Marques
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Cláudia Moreno
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Armanda Rodrigues
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Marta Monteiro
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FMV, University of Lisbon, ULisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (G.A.-P.); (I.P.d.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Alexandre-Pires
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FMV, University of Lisbon, ULisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (G.A.-P.); (I.P.d.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FMV, University of Lisbon, ULisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (G.A.-P.); (I.P.d.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Santos-Gomes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
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11
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Pavan TBS, Leony LM, de Souza WV, Santos EF, Tavares Daltro R, Erdens Maron Freitas N, Medrado Vasconcelos LC, Lopes Habib F, Silva AAO, Alejandra Fiorani Celedon P, Dias Sampaio D, Tonin Zanchin NI, Longhi SA, Neves Santos FL. Post-therapeutic cure criterion in chronic Chagas disease using Trypanosoma cruzi chimeric proteins. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2024; 71:2024.004. [PMID: 38526232 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2024.004] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909. Causative treatment can be achieved with two drugs: benznidazole or Nifurtimox. There are some gaps that hinder progress in eradicating the disease. There is no test that can efficiently assess cure control after treatment. Currently, the decline in anti-T. cruzi antibody titres is assessed with conventional serological tests, which can take years. However, the search for new markers of cure must continue to fill this gap. The present study aimed to evaluate the decline in serological titres using chimeric proteins after treatment with benznidazole in chronic patients diagnosed with CD. It was a prospective cross-sectional cohort study between 2000 and 2004 of T. cruzi-positive participants from the Añatuya region (Argentina) treated with benznidazole. Serum samples from ten patients were collected before treatment (day zero) and after the end of treatment (2, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months). For the detection of anti-T. cruzi antibodies, an indirect ELISA was performed using two chimeric recombinant proteins (IBMP-8.1 and IBMP-8.4) as antigens. The changes in reactivity index within the groups before and after treatment were evaluated using the Friedman test. All participants experienced a decrease in serological titres after treatment with benznidazole, especially IBMP-8.1. However, due to the small number of samples and the short follow-up period, it is premature to conclude that this molecule serves as a criterion for sustained cure. Further studies are needed to validate tests based on these or other biomarkers to demonstrate parasitological cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tycha Bianca Sabaini Pavan
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Wayner Vieira de Souza
- Department of Public Health, Aggeu Magalhaes Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Santos
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ramona Tavares Daltro
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natalia Erdens Maron Freitas
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Lopes Habib
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Angelo Antonio Oliveira Silva
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paola Alejandra Fiorani Celedon
- Molecular Biology of Trypanosomatids Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-PR), Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Daniel Dias Sampaio
- Department Brazil's Family Health Strategy, Municipal Health Department, Tremedal, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Nilson Ivo Tonin Zanchin
- Structural Biology and Protein Engineering Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-PR), Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Silvia Andrea Longhi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Chagas Disease, Institute for Research on Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology "Dr Hector Torres", National Scientific and Technological Research Council, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Goncalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Chagas Disease Translational Research Program (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Matos ÂP, Saldanha-Corrêa FMP, Gomes RDS, Hurtado GR. Exploring microalgal and cyanobacterial metabolites with antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107116. [PMID: 38159713 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107116] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) like Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people annually, while currently used antiprotozoal drugs have serious side effects. Drug research based on natural products has shown that microalgae and cyanobacteria are a promising platform of biochemically active compounds with antiprotozoal activity. These unicellular photosynthetic organisms are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments including phycocyanin, chlorophylls and carotenoids, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, terpenes, alkaloids, which have proven antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiplasmodial and antiprotozoal properties. This review provides up-to-date information regarding ongoing studies on substances synthesized by microalgae and cyanobacteria with notable activity against Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis, respectively. Extracts of several freshwater or marine microalgae have been tested on different strains of Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. For instance, ethanolic extract of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Tetraselmis suecica have biological activity against T. cruzi, due to their high content of carotenoids, chlorophylls, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that are associated with trypanocidal activity. Halophilic Dunaliella salina showed moderate antileishmanial activity that may be attributed to the high β-carotene content in this microalga. Peptides such as almiramides, dragonamides, and herbamide that are biosynthesized by marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula were found to have increased activity in micromolar scale IC50 against L. donovani, T. Cruzi, and T. brucei parasites. The cyanobacterial peptides symplocamide and venturamide isolated from Symploca and Oscillatoria species, respectively, and the alkaloid nostocarbonile isolated from Nostoc have shown promising antiprotozoal properties and are being explored for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes. The discovery of new molecules from microalgae and cyanobacteria with therapeutic potential against Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis may address an urgent medical need: effective and safe treatments of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Paggi Matos
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil.
| | | | - Roberto da Silva Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
| | - Gabriela Ramos Hurtado
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil; Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil.
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13
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Hoyos Sanchez MC, Ospina Zapata HS, Suarez BD, Ospina C, Barbosa HJ, Carranza Martinez JC, Vallejo GA, Urrea Montes D, Duitama J. A phased genome assembly of a Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi TcI strain and the evolution of gene families. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2054. [PMID: 38267502 PMCID: PMC10808112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52449-x] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas is an endemic disease in tropical regions of Latin America, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. High intraspecies variability and genome complexity have been challenges to assemble high quality genomes needed for studies in evolution, population genomics, diagnosis and drug development. Here we present a chromosome-level phased assembly of a TcI T. cruzi strain (Dm25). While 29 chromosomes show a large collinearity with the assembly of the Brazil A4 strain, three chromosomes show both large heterozygosity and large divergence, compared to previous assemblies of TcI T. cruzi strains. Nucleotide and protein evolution statistics indicate that T. cruzi Marinkellei separated before the diversification of T. cruzi in the known DTUs. Interchromosomal paralogs of dispersed gene families and histones appeared before but at the same time have a more strict purifying selection, compared to other repeat families. Previously unreported large tandem arrays of protein kinases and histones were identified in this assembly. Over one million variants obtained from Illumina reads aligned to the primary assembly clearly separate the main DTUs. We expect that this new assembly will be a valuable resource for further studies on evolution and functional genomics of Trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Camila Hoyos Sanchez
- Systems and Computing Engineering Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | | | - Brayhan Dario Suarez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical (LIPT), Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Carlos Ospina
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical (LIPT), Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Hamilton Julian Barbosa
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical (LIPT), Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | | | - Gustavo Adolfo Vallejo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical (LIPT), Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Daniel Urrea Montes
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Tropical (LIPT), Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Jorge Duitama
- Systems and Computing Engineering Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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14
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Ossowski MS, Gallardo JP, Niborski LL, Rodríguez-Durán J, Lapadula WJ, Juri Ayub M, Chadi R, Hernandez Y, Fernandez ML, Potenza M, Gómez KA. Characterization of Novel Trypanosoma cruzi-Specific Antigen with Potential Use in the Diagnosis of Chagas Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1202. [PMID: 38256275 PMCID: PMC10816184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021202] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. In humans, it evolves into a chronic disease, eventually resulting in cardiac, digestive, and/or neurological disorders. In the present study, we characterized a novel T. cruzi antigen named Tc323 (TcCLB.504087.20), recognized by a single-chain monoclonal antibody (scFv 6B6) isolated from the B cells of patients with cardiomyopathy related to chronic Chagas disease. Tc323, a ~323 kDa protein, is an uncharacterized protein showing putative quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenase-like domains. A computational molecular docking study revealed that the scFv 6B6 binds to an internal domain of Tc323. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Western Blot showed that Tc323 is expressed in the main developmental forms of T. cruzi, localized intracellularly and exhibiting a membrane-associated pattern. According to phylogenetic analysis, Tc323 is highly conserved throughout evolution in all the lineages of T. cruzi so far identified, but it is absent in Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma brucei. Most interestingly, only plasma samples from patients infected with T. cruzi and those with mixed infection with Leishmania spp. reacted against Tc323. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Tc323 is a promising candidate for the differential serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas disease in areas where T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. infections coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela S. Ossowski
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (M.S.O.); (J.P.G.); (L.L.N.); (J.R.-D.)
| | - Juan Pablo Gallardo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (M.S.O.); (J.P.G.); (L.L.N.); (J.R.-D.)
| | - Leticia L. Niborski
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (M.S.O.); (J.P.G.); (L.L.N.); (J.R.-D.)
| | - Jessica Rodríguez-Durán
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (M.S.O.); (J.P.G.); (L.L.N.); (J.R.-D.)
| | - Walter J. Lapadula
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis 5700, Argentina; (W.J.L.); (M.J.A.)
| | - Maximiliano Juri Ayub
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis (IMIBIO-SL-CONICET), Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis 5700, Argentina; (W.J.L.); (M.J.A.)
| | - Raúl Chadi
- Hospital General de Agudos “Dr. Ignacio Pirovano”, Buenos Aires 1430, Argentina;
| | - Yolanda Hernandez
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, Buenos Aires 1063, Argentina; (Y.H.); (M.L.F.)
| | - Marisa L. Fernandez
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben”, Buenos Aires 1063, Argentina; (Y.H.); (M.L.F.)
| | - Mariana Potenza
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (M.S.O.); (J.P.G.); (L.L.N.); (J.R.-D.)
| | - Karina A. Gómez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina; (M.S.O.); (J.P.G.); (L.L.N.); (J.R.-D.)
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15
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Gonzaga BMDS, Ferreira RR, Coelho LL, Carvalho ACC, Garzoni LR, Araujo-Jorge TC. Clinical trials for Chagas disease: etiological and pathophysiological treatment. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1295017. [PMID: 38188583 PMCID: PMC10768561 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1295017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is endemic in Latin America. Nowadays around 6 million people are affected worldwide, and 75 million are still at risk. CD has two evolutive phases, acute and chronic. The acute phase is mostly asymptomatic, or presenting unspecific symptoms which makes it hard to diagnose. At the chronic phase, patients can stay in the indeterminate form or develop cardiac and/or digestive manifestations. The two trypanocide drugs available for the treatment of CD are benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (NFX), introduced in the clinic more than five decades ago. WHO recommends treatment for patients at the acute phase, at risk of congenital infection, for immunosuppressed patients and children with chronic infection. A high cure rate is seen at the CD acute phase but better treatment schemes still need to be investigated for the chronic phase. There are some limitations within the use of the trypanocide drugs, with side effects occurring in about 40% of the patients, that can lead patients to interrupt treatment. In addition, patients with advanced heart problems should not be treated with BZ. This is a neglected disease, discovered 114 years ago that still has no drug effective for their chronic phase. Multiple social economic and cultural barriers influence CD research. The high cost of the development of new drugs, in addition to the low economical return, results in the lack of investment. More economic support is required from governments and pharmaceutical companies on the development of more research for CD treatment. Two approaches stand out: repositioning and combination of drugs, witch drastically decrease the cost of this process, when compared to the development of a new drug. Here we discuss the progress of the clinical trials for the etiological and pathophysiological treatment for CD. In summary, more studies are needed to propose a new drug for CD. Therefore, BZ is still the best option for CD. The trials in course should clarify more about new treatment regimens, but it is already possible to indicate that dosage and time of treatment need to be adjusted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tania C. Araujo-Jorge
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos - Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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16
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Zingales B, Macedo AM. Fifteen Years after the Definition of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs: What Have We Learned? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2339. [PMID: 38137940 PMCID: PMC10744745 DOI: 10.3390/life13122339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causative of Chagas disease (ChD), exhibits striking genetic and phenotypic intraspecific diversity, along with ecoepidemiological complexity. Human-pathogen interactions lead to distinct clinical presentations of ChD. In 2009, an international consensus classified T. cruzi strains into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI to TcVI, later including TcBat, and proposed reproducible genotyping schemes for DTU identification. This article aims to review the impact of classifying T. cruzi strains into DTUs on our understanding of biological, ecoepidemiological, and pathogenic aspects of T. cruzi. We will explore the likely origin of DTUs and the intrinsic characteristics of each group of strains concerning genome organization, genomics, and susceptibility to drugs used in ChD treatment. We will also provide an overview of the association of DTUs with mammalian reservoirs, and summarize the geographic distribution, and the clinical implications, of prevalent specific DTUs in ChD patients. Throughout this review, we will emphasize the crucial roles of both parasite and human genetics in defining ChD pathogenesis and chemotherapy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa M. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
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17
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García-López C, Santos-Hernández NG, Gutiérrez-Jiménez J, Vidal-López DG, Moreno-Rodríguez A, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, De Fuentes-Vicente JA. Identification of Discrete Typing Units of Trypanosoma cruzi Isolated from Domestic Environments in Southeastern Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023. [PMID: 38052044 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is the causal agent of Chagas disease, recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease. Currently there are seven discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi distributed in America, but there are still gaps about its distribution in some endemic regions. Materials and Methods: Seventeen units isolated from Chiapas and Oaxaca in Mexico were identified by amplification of the C-5 sterol desaturase gene. Results: Three DTUs of T. cruzi, TcI (6), TcII (10), and TcIV (1) were detected by comparing polymorphic sites in specific regions. Conclusions: New DTUs are reported for both states, where TcII was the most common DTU. The genetic characterization of the isolates can help to understand the epidemiology of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-López
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, México
| | - Nancy G Santos-Hernández
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, México
| | - Javier Gutiérrez-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, México
| | - Dolores G Vidal-López
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, México
| | | | - Ana E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, México
| | - José A De Fuentes-Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, México
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18
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Fesser A, Beilstein S, Kaiser M, Schmidt RS, Mäser P. Trypanosoma cruzi STIB980: A TcI Strain for Drug Discovery and Reverse Genetics. Pathogens 2023; 12:1217. [PMID: 37887733 PMCID: PMC10610277 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first published genome sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi in 2005, there have been tremendous technological advances in genomics, reverse genetics, and assay development for this elusive pathogen. However, there is still an unmet need for new and better drugs to treat Chagas disease. Here, we introduce a T. cruzi assay strain that is useful for drug research and basic studies of host-pathogen interactions. T. cruzi STIB980 is a strain of discrete typing unit TcI that grows well in culture as axenic epimastigotes or intracellular amastigotes. We evaluated the optimal parameters for genetic transfection and constructed derivatives of T. cruzi STIB980 that express reporter genes for fluorescence- or bioluminescence-based drug efficacy testing, as well as a Cas9-expressing line for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. The genome of T. cruzi STIB980 was sequenced by combining short-read Illumina with long-read Oxford Nanopore technologies. The latter served as the primary assembly and the former to correct mistakes. This resulted in a high-quality nuclear haplotype assembly of 28 Mb in 400 contigs, containing 10,043 open-reading frames with a median length of 1077 bp. We believe that T. cruzi STIB980 is a useful addition to the antichagasic toolbox and propose that it can serve as a DTU TcI reference strain for drug efficacy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fesser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Beilstein
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Remo S Schmidt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Lozano N, Samblas MG, Calabuig E, Giménez Martí MJ, Gómez Ruiz MD, Arce JMS, Sequera-Arquelladas S, Moreno JMM, Trelis M, Osuna A. Use of sera cell free DNA (cfDNA) and exovesicle-DNA for the molecular diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282814. [PMID: 37682970 PMCID: PMC10490946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease, is now considered a worldwide health concern as a result of migratory movements from Central and South America to other regions that were considered free of the disease, and where the epidemiological risk is limited to transplacental transmission or blood or organ donations from infected persons. Parasite detection in chronically ill patients is restricted to serological tests that only determine infection by previous infection and not the presence of the parasite, especially in patients undergoing treatment evaluation or in newborns. We have evaluated the use of nucleic acids from both circulating exovesicles and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from 50 samples twice randomly selected from a total of 448 serum samples from immunologically diagnosed patients in whom the presence of the parasite was confirmed by nested PCR on amplicons resulting from amplification with kinetoplastid DNA-specific primers 121F-122R. Six samples were randomly selected to quantify the limit of detection by qPCR in serum exovesicles. When the nucleic acids thus purified were assayed as a template and amplified with kinetoplastid DNA and nuclear satellite DNA primers, a 100% positivity rate was obtained for all positive samples assayed with kDNA-specific primers and 96% when SAT primers were used. However, isolation of cfDNA for Trypanosoma cruzi and amplification with SAT also showed 100% positivity. The results demonstrate that serum exovesicles contain DNA of mitochondrial and nuclear origin, which can be considered a mixed population of exovesicles of parasitic origin. The results obtained with serum samples prove that both cfDNA and Exovesicle DNA can be used to confirm parasitaemia in chronically ill patients or in samples where it is necessary to demonstrate the active presence of the parasite. The results confirm for the first time the existence of exovesicles of mitochondrial origin of the parasite in the serum of those affected by Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Lozano
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gomez Samblas
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Parasitología Molecular (CTS 183), Departamento de Parasitología, Campus de Fuentenueva, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Eva Calabuig
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Giménez Martí
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Gómez Ruiz
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Sahuquillo Arce
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - José Miguel Molina Moreno
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Trelis
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Parasitología Molecular (CTS 183), Departamento de Parasitología, Campus de Fuentenueva, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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20
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Gomes DC, Medeiros TS, Alves Pereira EL, da Silva JFO, de Freitas Oliveira JW, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, de Sousa da Silva M, da Silva-Júnior AA. From Benznidazole to New Drugs: Nanotechnology Contribution in Chagas Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13778. [PMID: 37762080 PMCID: PMC10530915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Benznidazole and nifurtimox are the two approved drugs for their treatment, but both drugs present side effects and efficacy problems, especially in the chronic phase of this disease. Therefore, new molecules have been tested with promising results aiming for strategic targeting action against T. cruzi. Several studies involve in vitro screening, but a considerable number of in vivo studies describe drug bioavailability increment, drug stability, toxicity assessment, and mainly the efficacy of new drugs and formulations. In this context, new drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology systems, have been developed for these purposes. Some nanocarriers are able to interact with the immune system of the vertebrate host, modulating the immune response to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. In this overview of nanotechnology-based delivery strategies for established and new antichagasic agents, different strategies, and limitations of a wide class of nanocarriers are explored, as new perspectives in the treatment and monitoring of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cavalcante Gomes
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Thayse Silva Medeiros
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Eron Lincoln Alves Pereira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - João Felipe Oliveira da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (J.W.d.F.O.); (M.d.S.d.S.)
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Marcelo de Sousa da Silva
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (J.W.d.F.O.); (M.d.S.d.S.)
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
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21
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Dumonteil E, Desale H, Tu W, Hernandez-Cuevas N, Shroyer M, Goff K, Marx PA, Herrera C. Intra-host Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics shape disease progression: the missing link in Chagas disease pathogenesis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0423622. [PMID: 37668388 PMCID: PMC10581044 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04236-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops years after infection in 20-40% of patients, but disease progression is poorly understood. Here, we assessed Trypanosoma cruzi parasite dynamics and pathogenesis over a 2.5-year period in naturally infected rhesus macaques. Individuals with better control of parasitemia were infected with a greater diversity of parasite strains compared to those with increasing parasitemia over time. Also, the in vivo parasite multiplication rate decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition among strains or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. Significant differences in electrocardiographic (ECG) profiles were observed in Chagasic macaques compared to uninfected controls, suggesting early conduction defects, and changes in ECG patterns over time were observed only in macaques with increasing parasitemia and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was also associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These data provide a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis, with parasite diversity shaping disease progression.IMPORTANCEChagas disease progression remains poorly understood, and patients at increased risk of developing severe cardiac disease cannot be distinguished from those who may remain asymptomatic. Monitoring of Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics and pathogenesis over 2-3 years in naturally infected macaques shows that increasing parasite diversity in hosts is detrimental to parasite multiplication and Chagasic cardiomyopathy disease progression. This provides a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hans Desale
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nora Hernandez-Cuevas
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Monica Shroyer
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kelly Goff
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Preston A. Marx
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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22
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Dos Santos NSA, Estevez-Castro CF, Macedo JP, Chame DF, Castro-Gomes T, Santos-Cardoso M, Burle-Caldas GA, Covington CN, Steel PG, Smith TK, Denny PW, Teixeira SMR. Disruption of the inositol phosphorylceramide synthase gene affects Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation and infection capacity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011646. [PMID: 37729272 PMCID: PMC10545103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) are essential components of all eukaryotic cellular membranes. In fungi, plants and many protozoa, the primary SL is inositol-phosphorylceramide (IPC). Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease (CD), a chronic illness for which no vaccines or effective treatments are available. IPC synthase (IPCS) has been considered an ideal target enzyme for drug development because phosphoinositol-containing SL is absent in mammalian cells and the enzyme activity has been described in all parasite forms of T. cruzi. Furthermore, IPCS is an integral membrane protein conserved amongst other kinetoplastids, including Leishmania major, for which specific inhibitors have been identified. Using a CRISPR-Cas9 protocol, we generated T. cruzi knockout (KO) mutants in which both alleles of the IPCS gene were disrupted. We demonstrated that the lack of IPCS activity does not affect epimastigote proliferation or its susceptibility to compounds that have been identified as inhibitors of the L. major IPCS. However, disruption of the T. cruzi IPCS gene negatively affected epimastigote differentiation into metacyclic trypomastigotes as well as proliferation of intracellular amastigotes and differentiation of amastigotes into tissue culture-derived trypomastigotes. In accordance with previous studies suggesting that IPC is a membrane component essential for parasite survival in the mammalian host, we showed that T. cruzi IPCS null mutants are unable to establish an infection in vivo, even in immune deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailma S A Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos F. Estevez-Castro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Juan P. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniela F. Chame
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castro-Gomes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariana Santos-Cardoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela A. Burle-Caldas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Courtney N. Covington
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Global Infectious Disease, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick G. Steel
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Global Infectious Disease, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K. Smith
- BSRC School of Biology, Biomolecular Science Building, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Diseases, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Santuza M. R. Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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23
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Telleria J, Tibayrenc M, Del Salto Mendoza M, Seveno M, Costales JA. Comparative proteomic analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi TcI lineage epimastigotes unveils metabolic and phenotypic differences between fast- and slow-dividing strains. Exp Parasitol 2023; 252:108576. [PMID: 37429537 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is a genetically and phenotypically diverse species, divided into 5 main phylogenetic lineages (TcI to TcVI). TcI is the most widespread lineage in the Americas. Proteomics is a suitable tool to study the global protein expression dynamics in pathogens. Previous proteomic studies have revealed a link between (i) the genetic variability; (ii) the protein expression; and (iii) the biological characteristics of T. cruzi. Here, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and mass spectrometry were used to characterize the overall protein expression profiles of epimastigotes from four distinct TcI strains displaying different growth kinetics. Ascending hierarchical clustering analysis based on the global 2DE protein expression profiles grouped the strains under study into two clusters that were congruent with their fast or slow growth kinetics. A subset of proteins differentially expressed by the strains in each group were identified by mass spectrometry. Biological differences between the two groups, including use of glucose as an energy source, flagellum length, and metabolic activity, were predicted by proteomic analysis and confirmed by metabolic tests and microscopic measurements performed on the epimastigotes of each strain. Our results show that protein expression profiles are correlated with parasite phenotypes, which may in turn influence the parasite's virulence and transmission capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Telleria
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, La recherche agronomique pour le développement, 34398, Montpellier, Cedex 05, France
| | - Michel Tibayrenc
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/UM1-UM2, 34394, Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
| | - Michelle Del Salto Mendoza
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Martial Seveno
- BCM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jaime A Costales
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
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24
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Marchiol A, Florez Sanchez AC, Caicedo A, Segura M, Bautista J, Ayala Sotelo MS, Herazo R, Forsyth C, Bohorquez LC. Laboratory evaluation of eleven rapid diagnostic tests for serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011547. [PMID: 37607214 PMCID: PMC10473487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a public health challenge in Colombia, where only an estimated 1.2% of people at risk have accessed diagnosis, while less than 0.5% of affected people have obtained treatment. The development of simplified diagnostic algorithms would enable progress in access to diagnosis; however, the current diagnostic algorithm relies on at least two laboratory-based tests that require qualified personnel, processing equipment, and infrastructure, which are still generally lacking at the primary care level. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Chagas disease could simplify diagnosis, but their performance in the epidemiological context of Colombia is not well known. METHODOLOGY A retrospective analytical observational study of RDTs was performed to estimate the operational characteristics of 11 commercially available RDTs designed for in vitro detection of anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. The study was performed under controlled laboratory conditions using human serum samples. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eleven RDTs were assessed, ten using 585 serum samples and one using 551 serum samples. Employing the current national diagnostic algorithm as a reference standard for serological diagnosis of chronic infection, the sensitivity of the assessed RDTs ranged from 75.5% to 99.0% (95% CI 70.5-100), while specificity ranged from 70.9% to 100% (95% CI 65.3-100). Most tests (7/11, 63.6%) had sensitivity above 90%, and almost all (10/11, 90.9%) had specificity above 90%. Five RDTs had both sensitivity and specificity above 90%. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The evaluation of these 11 commercially available RDTs under controlled laboratory conditions is a first step in the assessment of the diagnostic performance of RDTs in Colombia. As a next step, field studies will be conducted on available RDTs with sensitivity and specificity greater than 90% in this study, to evaluate performance in real world conditions, with the final goal to allow simplified diagnostic algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marchiol
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Andrés Caicedo
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maryi Segura
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jessica Bautista
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Rafael Herazo
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Colin Forsyth
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative-Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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25
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Romer G, Bracco LA, Ricci AD, Balouz V, Berná L, Villar JC, Ramsey JM, Nolan MS, Torrico F, Kesper N, Altcheh J, Robello C, Buscaglia CA, Agüero F. Deep serological profiling of the Trypanosoma cruzi TSSA antigen reveals different epitopes and modes of recognition by Chagas disease patients. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011542. [PMID: 37556493 PMCID: PMC10441789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, displays a highly structured population, with multiple strains that can be grouped into 6-7 evolutionary lineages showing variable eco-epidemiological traits and likely also distinct disease-associated features. Previous works have shown that antibody responses to 'isoforms' of the polymorphic parasite antigen TSSA enable robust and sensitive identification of the infecting strain with near lineage-level resolution. To optimize the serotyping performance of this molecule, we herein used a combination of immunosignaturing approaches based on peptide microarrays and serum samples from Chagas disease patients to establish a deep linear B-cell epitope profiling of TSSA. METHODS/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS Our assays revealed variations in the seroprevalence of TSSA isoforms among Chagas disease populations from different settings, hence strongly supporting the differential distribution of parasite lineages in domestic cycles across the Americas. Alanine scanning mutagenesis and the use of peptides of different lengths allowed us to identify key residues involved in antibody pairing and the presence of three discrete B-cell linear epitopes in TSSAII, the isoform with highest seroprevalence in human infections. Comprehensive screening of parasite genomic repositories led to the discovery of 9 novel T. cruzi TSSA variants and one TSSA sequence from the phylogenetically related bat parasite T. cruzi marinkellei. Further residue permutation analyses enabled the identification of diagnostically relevant or non-relevant substitutions among TSSA natural polymorphisms. Interestingly, T. cruzi marinkellei TSSA displayed specific serorecognition by one chronic Chagas disease patient from Colombia, which warrant further investigations on the diagnostic impact of such atypical TSSA. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, our findings shed new light into TSSA evolution, epitope landscape and modes of recognition by Chagas disease patients; and have practical implications for the design and/or evaluation of T. cruzi serotyping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Romer
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB)–Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1650HMP, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonel A. Bracco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB)–Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1650HMP, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro D. Ricci
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB)–Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1650HMP, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Balouz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB)–Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1650HMP, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luisa Berná
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno, Unidad de Biología Molecular, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Sección Biomatemática-Unidad de Genómica Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan C. Villar
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga y Fundación Cardioinfantil—Instituto de Cardiología, Colombia
| | - Janine M. Ramsey
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, México
| | - Melissa S. Nolan
- Laboratory of Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Norival Kesper
- LIM-49, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São 33 Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Hospital de Niños “Ricardo Gutierrez”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP)–GCBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Robello
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno, Unidad de Biología Molecular, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos A. Buscaglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB)–Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1650HMP, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernán Agüero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB)–Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), B1650HMP, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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26
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De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Santos-Hernández NG, Ruiz-Castillejos C, Espinoza-Medinilla EE, Flores-Villegas AL, de Alba-Alvarado M, Cabrera-Bravo M, Moreno-Rodríguez A, Vidal-López DG. What Do You Need to Know before Studying Chagas Disease? A Beginner's Guide. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:360. [PMID: 37505656 PMCID: PMC10383928 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is one of the most important tropical infections in the world and mainly affects poor people. The causative agent is the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which circulates among insect vectors and mammals throughout the Americas. A large body of research on Chagas disease has shown the complexity of this zoonosis, and controlling it remains a challenge for public health systems. Although knowledge of Chagas disease has advanced greatly, there are still many gaps, and it is necessary to continue generating basic and applied research to create more effective control strategies. The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the components of Chagas disease and highlight current trends in research. We hope that this review will be a starting point for beginners and facilitate the search for more specific information.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A De Fuentes-Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29039, Mexico
| | - Nancy G Santos-Hernández
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29039, Mexico
| | - Christian Ruiz-Castillejos
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29039, Mexico
| | | | - A Laura Flores-Villegas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Adriana Moreno-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico
| | - Dolores G Vidal-López
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29039, Mexico
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27
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Marin-Neto JA, Rassi A, Oliveira GMM, Correia LCL, Ramos Júnior AN, Luquetti AO, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Sousa ASD, Paola AAVD, Sousa ACS, Ribeiro ALP, Correia Filho D, Souza DDSMD, Cunha-Neto E, Ramires FJA, Bacal F, Nunes MDCP, Martinelli Filho M, Scanavacca MI, Saraiva RM, Oliveira Júnior WAD, Lorga-Filho AM, Guimarães ADJBDA, Braga ALL, Oliveira ASD, Sarabanda AVL, Pinto AYDN, Carmo AALD, Schmidt A, Costa ARD, Ianni BM, Markman Filho B, Rochitte CE, Macêdo CT, Mady C, Chevillard C, Virgens CMBD, Castro CND, Britto CFDPDC, Pisani C, Rassi DDC, Sobral Filho DC, Almeida DRD, Bocchi EA, Mesquita ET, Mendes FDSNS, Gondim FTP, Silva GMSD, Peixoto GDL, Lima GGD, Veloso HH, Moreira HT, Lopes HB, Pinto IMF, Ferreira JMBB, Nunes JPS, Barreto-Filho JAS, Saraiva JFK, Lannes-Vieira J, Oliveira JLM, Armaganijan LV, Martins LC, Sangenis LHC, Barbosa MPT, Almeida-Santos MA, Simões MV, Yasuda MAS, Moreira MDCV, Higuchi MDL, Monteiro MRDCC, Mediano MFF, Lima MM, Oliveira MTD, Romano MMD, Araujo NNSLD, Medeiros PDTJ, Alves RV, Teixeira RA, Pedrosa RC, Aras Junior R, Torres RM, Povoa RMDS, Rassi SG, Alves SMM, Tavares SBDN, Palmeira SL, Silva Júnior TLD, Rodrigues TDR, Madrini Junior V, Brant VMDC, Dutra WO, Dias JCP. SBC Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Cardiomyopathy of Chagas Disease - 2023. Arq Bras Cardiol 2023; 120:e20230269. [PMID: 37377258 PMCID: PMC10344417 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Marin-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | - Anis Rassi
- Hospital do Coração Anis Rassi , Goiânia , GO - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Alejandro Ostermayer Luquetti
- Centro de Estudos da Doença de Chagas , Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás , Goiânia , GO - Brasil
| | | | - Andréa Silvestre de Sousa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Antônio Carlos Sobral Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe , São Cristóvão , SE - Brasil
- Hospital São Lucas , Rede D`Or São Luiz , Aracaju , SE - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade, São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Felix Jose Alvarez Ramires
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Fernando Bacal
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Martino Martinelli Filho
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Maurício Ibrahim Scanavacca
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Roberto Magalhães Saraiva
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Adalberto Menezes Lorga-Filho
- Instituto de Moléstias Cardiovasculares , São José do Rio Preto , SP - Brasil
- Hospital de Base de Rio Preto , São José do Rio Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Adriana Sarmento de Oliveira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Ana Yecê das Neves Pinto
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Andre Schmidt
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | - Andréa Rodrigues da Costa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | - Barbara Maria Ianni
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Carlos Eduardo Rochitte
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
- Hcor , Associação Beneficente Síria , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Charles Mady
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Christophe Chevillard
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Marselha - França
| | | | | | | | - Cristiano Pisani
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Edimar Alcides Bocchi
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Evandro Tinoco Mesquita
- Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Faculdade Federal Fluminense , Niterói , RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Henrique Horta Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | - Henrique Turin Moreira
- Hospital das Clínicas , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - João Paulo Silva Nunes
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
- Fundação Zerbini, Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Cláudio Martins
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Faculdade de Ciências Médicas , Campinas , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Vinicius Simões
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia (INC), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | - Mayara Maia Lima
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde , Ministério da Saúde , Brasília , DF - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Renato Vieira Alves
- Instituto René Rachou , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , MG - Brasil
| | - Ricardo Alkmim Teixeira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Roberto Coury Pedrosa
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho , Instituto do Coração Edson Saad - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Marinho Martins Alves
- Ambulatório de Doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico Universitário da Universidade de Pernambuco (PROCAPE/UPE), Recife , PE - Brasil
| | | | - Swamy Lima Palmeira
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde , Ministério da Saúde , Brasília , DF - Brasil
| | | | | | - Vagner Madrini Junior
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Pinto Dias
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
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Kiehl WM, Hodo CL, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Wilkerson GK. Exclusion of Horizontal and Vertical Transmission as Major Sources of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infections in a Breeding Colony of Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca Mulatta). Comp Med 2023; 73:229-241. [PMID: 37268411 PMCID: PMC10290485 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000005] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The vector-borne protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease in humans and animals. This parasite is endemic to the southern United States where outdoor-housed NHP at biomedical facilities are at risk of infection. In addi- tion to the direct morbidity caused by T. cruzi, infected animals are of limited biomedical research use because infections can produce confounding pathophysiologic changes even in animals with no clinical disease. In part due to concerns for direct T. cruzi transmission between animals, infected NHP at some institutions have been culled, removed, or otherwise isolated from uninfected animal populations. However, data that document horizontal or vertical transmission in captive NHP in the United States are not available. To evaluate the potential for inter-animal transmission and to identify environmental factors that affect the distribution of new infections in NHPs, we conducted a retrospective epidemiologic study of a rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) breeding colony in south Texas. We used archived biologic samples and husbandry records to identify the time and location of macaque seroconversion. These data were used to perform a spatial analysis of how geographic location and animal associations affected the spread of disease and to infer the importance of horizontal or vertical routes of transmission. The majority of T. cruzi infections were spatially clustered, suggesting that environmental factors promoted vector exposure in various areas of the facility. Although we cannot not rule out horizontal transmission, our data suggest that horizontal transmission was not a critical route for spread for the disease. Vertical transmission was not a contributing factor in this colony. In conclusion, our findings suggest that local triatome vectors were the major source of T. cruzi infections in captive macaques in our colony. Therefore, limiting contact with vectors, rather than segregation of infected macaques, is a key strategy for disease prevention at institutions that house macaques outdoors in the southern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney M Kiehl
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
| | | | | | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Department of Clinal Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina;,
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Moreira OC, Fernandes AG, Gomes NLDS, Dos Santos CM, Jacomasso T, Costa ADT, Nascimento LDOR, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, do Brasil PEAA, Morello LG, Marchini FK, Krieger MA, Britto C. Validation of the NAT Chagas IVD Kit for the Detection and Quantification of Trypanosoma cruzi in Blood Samples of Patients with Chagas Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1236. [PMID: 37374019 DOI: 10.3390/life13061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the absence of validated biomarkers to control the cure of Chagas disease, PCR-based diagnosis is being used as the main tool for an early indication of therapeutic failure. However, since it is considered a technique of complex reproducibility, mainly due to difficulties in establishing accurate controls to guarantee the quality of the reaction, the use of PCR for Chagas disease diagnosis is restricted to specialized centers. In an effort to disseminate the molecular diagnosis of Chagas disease and its applications, new diagnostic kits based on qPCR have been made available in the market in recent years. Here, we show the results of the validation of the NAT Chagas kit (Nucleic Acid Test for Chagas Disease) for the detection and quantification of T. cruzi in blood samples of patients suspected of Chagas disease infection. The kit, composed of a TaqMan duplex reaction targeting the T. cruzi satellite nuclear DNA and an exogenous internal amplification control, presented a reportable range from 104 to 0.5 parasite equivalents/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.16 parasite equivalents/mL of blood. In addition, the NAT Chagas kit detected T. cruzi belonging to all six discrete typing units (DTUs-TcI to TcVI), similarly to the in-house real-time PCR performed with commercial reagents, which has been selected as the best performance assay in the international consensus for the validation of qPCR for Chagas disease. In the clinical validation presented here, the kit showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to the consensus in-house real-time PCR assay. Thus, the NAT Chagas kit, which is produced entirely in Brazil under the international standards of good manufacturing practices (GMP), appears as an excellent alternative to enable the molecular diagnosis of Chagas disease in public and private diagnostic centers, as well as to facilitate the monitoring of patients under etiological treatment participating in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otacilio C Moreira
- Real Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Parasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Alice Gomes Fernandes
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Natalia Lins da Silva Gomes
- Real Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Parasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Carolina Messias Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago Jacomasso
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Dias Tavares Costa
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute/Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | | | - Alejandro Marcel Hasslocher-Moreno
- Laboratory of Clinical Research in Chagas Disease, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | - Luis Gustavo Morello
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute/Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Klerynton Marchini
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular do Paraná, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute/Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurelio Krieger
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute/Fiocruz, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Constança Britto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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30
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Gaona-López C, Vazquez-Jimenez LK, Gonzalez-Gonzalez A, Delgado-Maldonado T, Ortiz-Pérez E, Nogueda-Torres B, Moreno-Rodríguez A, Vázquez K, Saavedra E, Rivera G. Advances in Protozoan Epigenetic Targets and Their Inhibitors for the Development of New Potential Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040543. [PMID: 37111300 PMCID: PMC10143871 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasite diseases cause significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Factors such as climate change, extreme poverty, migration, and a lack of life opportunities lead to the propagation of diseases classified as tropical or non-endemic. Although there are several drugs to combat parasitic diseases, strains resistant to routinely used drugs have been reported. In addition, many first-line drugs have adverse effects ranging from mild to severe, including potential carcinogenic effects. Therefore, new lead compounds are needed to combat these parasites. Although little has been studied regarding the epigenetic mechanisms in lower eukaryotes, it is believed that epigenetics plays an essential role in vital aspects of the organism, from controlling the life cycle to the expression of genes involved in pathogenicity. Therefore, using epigenetic targets to combat these parasites is foreseen as an area with great potential for development. This review summarizes the main known epigenetic mechanisms and their potential as therapeutics for a group of medically important protozoal parasites. Different epigenetic mechanisms are discussed, highlighting those that can be used for drug repositioning, such as histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs). Exclusive parasite targets are also emphasized, including the base J and DNA 6 mA. These two categories have the greatest potential for developing drugs to treat or eradicate these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gaona-López
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Lenci K Vazquez-Jimenez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Alonzo Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Timoteo Delgado-Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Eyrá Ortiz-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Nogueda-Torres
- Departamento de Parasitología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Adriana Moreno-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Estudios Epidemiológicos, Clínicos, Diseños Experimentales e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Avenida Universidad S/N, Ex Hacienda Cinco Señores, Oaxaca 68120, Mexico
| | - Karina Vázquez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Francisco Villa 20, General Escobedo 66054, Mexico
| | - Emma Saavedra
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
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Ricci AD, Bracco L, Salas-Sarduy E, Ramsey JM, Nolan MS, Lynn MK, Altcheh J, Ballering GE, Torrico F, Kesper N, Villar JC, Marcipar IS, Marco JD, Agüero F. The Trypanosoma cruzi Antigen and Epitope Atlas: antibody specificities in Chagas disease patients across the Americas. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1850. [PMID: 37012236 PMCID: PMC10070320 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37522-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During an infection the immune system produces pathogen-specific antibodies. These antibody repertoires become specific to the history of infections and represent a rich source of diagnostic markers. However, the specificities of these antibodies are mostly unknown. Here, using high-density peptide arrays we examined the human antibody repertoires of Chagas disease patients. Chagas disease is a neglected disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that evades immune mediated elimination and mounts long-lasting chronic infections. We describe a proteome-wide search for antigens, characterised their linear epitopes, and show their reactivity on 71 individuals from diverse human populations. Using single-residue mutagenesis we revealed the core functional residues for 232 of these epitopes. Finally, we show the diagnostic performance of identified antigens on challenging samples. These datasets enable the study of the Chagas antibody repertoire at an unprecedented depth and granularity, while also providing a rich source of serological biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro D Ricci
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonel Bracco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emir Salas-Sarduy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Janine M Ramsey
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, México
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Laboratory of Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - M Katie Lynn
- Laboratory of Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutierrez", Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP) - GCBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Griselda E Ballering
- Hospital de Niños "Ricardo Gutierrez", Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Norival Kesper
- LIM-49, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Juan C Villar
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga y Fundación Cardioinfantil - Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Iván S Marcipar
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge D Marco
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Salta, Argentina
| | - Fernán Agüero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad de San Martín (UNSAM), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Kann S, Concha G, Weinreich F, Hahn A, Rückert C, Kalinowski J, Landt O, Frickmann H. Comparative Assessment of Two Commercial Real-Time PCR Assays for the Diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in Serum. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040901. [PMID: 37110326 PMCID: PMC10142699 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to comparably assess two commercial real-time PCR assays for the identification of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in serum. A total of 518 Colombian serum samples with high pre-test probability for infections with either T. cruzi or apathogenic Trypanosoma rangeli were assessed. The assessment comprised the NDO real-time PCR (TIB MOLBIOL, ref. no. 53-0755-96, referred to as the TibMolBiol assay in the following) with specificity for T. cruzi and the RealStar Chagas PCR Kit 1.0 (altona DIAGNOSTICS, order no. 611013, referred to as the RealStar assay in the following) targeting a kinetoplast sequence of both T. cruzi and T. rangeli without further discrimination. To discriminate between T. cruzi- and T. rangeli-specific real-time PCR amplicons, Sanger sequencing results were available for a minority of cases with discordant real-time PCR results, while the amplicons of the remaining discordant samples were subjected to nanopore sequencing. The study assessment indicated a proportion of 18.1% (n = 94) T. cruzi-positive samples next to 24 samples (4.6%) containing DNA of the phylogenetically related but apathogenic parasite T. rangeli. The observed diagnostic accuracy as expressed by sensitivity and specificity was 97.9% (92/94) and 99.3% (421/424) with the TibMolBiol assay and 96.8% (91/94) and 95.0% (403/424) with the RealStar assay, respectively. Reduced specificity resulted from cross-reaction with T. rangeli in all instances (3 cross-reactions with the TibMolBiol assay and 21 cross-reactions with the RealStar assay). DNA from the six discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi was successfully amplified by both real-time PCR assays. In summary, both assays showed a comparable diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of T. cruzi from human serum, with a slightly higher specificity seen for the TibMolBiol assay. The pronounced co-amplification of DNA from apathogenic T. rangeli according to the RealStar assay may be a disadvantage in areas of co-circulation with T. cruzi, while the test performance of the two compared assays will be quite similar in geographic settings where T. rangeli infections are unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gustavo Concha
- Organization Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkauanarrua Tayrona (OWYBT), Department Health Advocacy, Valledupar 2000001, Colombia
| | - Felix Weinreich
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Rückert
- CeBiTec Centrum for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- CeBiTec Centrum for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Paulina OM, Aracely LM, Jaime LD, Jesús TM, Alberto DGJ, Angel RL. Identification of a triatomine infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in an urban area of the state of Veracruz, Mexico: A comprehensive study. Zoonoses Public Health 2023. [PMID: 36915955 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13038] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, considered a neglected disease, was initially confined to rural localities in endemic areas; however, in recent years through the process of urbanization and migration of infected people, the disease is gaining importance in urban environments. The presence of the vector in urban areas in most cases is due to the passive transport of vectors, but recently, its presence seems to be linked to vector adaptation processes associated with climate change. This paper reports the occurrence of an infected triatomine in the peridomicile of a house in an urban area of Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico, where the species found is described, the molecular characteristics and resistance to BZN and NFX of the Trypanosoma cruzi isolate obtained, as well as serological data of the dwelling inhabitants. These urban disease scenarios make it possible to generate new scientific knowledge and enable the creation of new control strategies for Chagas disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ochoa-Martínez Paulina
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.,LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico
| | - López-Monteon Aracely
- LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico.,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Mexico
| | - López-Domínguez Jaime
- LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico.,Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Universidad Politécnica de Huatusco, Huatusco de Chicuellar, Mexico
| | - Torres-Montero Jesús
- LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico
| | | | - Ramos-Ligonio Angel
- LADISER Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Mexico.,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Mexico
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Muñoz-Calderón A, Ramírez JL, Díaz-Bello Z, Alarcón de Noya B, Noya O, Schijman AG. Genetic Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi I Populations from an Oral Chagas Disease Outbreak in Venezuela: Natural Resistance to Nitroheterocyclic Drugs. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:582-592. [PMID: 36780430 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The oral transmission of Chagas disease (oCD) in Venezuela announced its appearance in 2007. Different from other populations affected by oCD and despite close supervision during treatment with nitroheterocyclic drugs, the result was treatment failure. We studied genetic features of natural bloodstream parasite populations and populations after treatment of nine patients of this outbreak. In total, we studied six hemoculture isolates, eight Pre-Tx blood samples, and 17 samples collected at two or three Post-Tx time-points between 2007 and 2015. Parasitic loads were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and discrete typing units (DTU), minicircle signatures, and Tcntr-1 gene sequences were searched from blood samples and hemocultures. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were measured from the hemocultures. All patients were infected by TcI. Significant decrease in parasitic loads was observed between Pre-Tx and Post-Tx samples, suggesting the evolution from acute to chronic phase of Chagas disease. 60% of intra-DTU-I variability was observed between Pre-Tx and Post-Tx minicircle signatures in the general population, and 43 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in a total of 12 Tcntr-1 gene sequences, indicative of a polyclonal source of infection. SNPs in three post-Tx samples produced stop codons giving rise to putative truncated proteins or displaced open reading frames, which would render resistance genes. IC50 values varied from 5.301 ± 1.973 to 104.731 ± 4.556 μM, demonstrating a wide range of susceptibility. The poor drug response in the Pre-Tx parasite populations may be associated with the presence of naturally resistant parasite clones. Therefore, any information that can be obtained on drug susceptibility from in vitro assays, in vivo assays, or molecular characterization of natural populations of Trypanosoma cruzi becomes essential when therapeutic guidelines are designed in a given geographical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Muñoz-Calderón
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor Torres", Buenos Aires CP1428ADN, Argentina
| | - José Luis Ramírez
- Centro de Biotecnología, Fundación Instituto de Estudios Avanzados, Caracas CP1080, Venezuela
| | - Zoraida Díaz-Bello
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Dr. Félix Pifano", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas CP1050, Venezuela
| | - Belkisyolé Alarcón de Noya
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Dr. Félix Pifano", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas CP1050, Venezuela
| | - Oscar Noya
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Dr. Félix Pifano", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas CP1050, Venezuela.,Centro de Estudios sobre Malaria, Instituto de Altos Estudios, Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud, Caracas CP1050, Venezuela
| | - Alejandro G Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor Torres", Buenos Aires CP1428ADN, Argentina
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Portela LF, Mesquita MB, Giraldes JM, Varela MC, Brasil PEAA, Costa AR, Mediano MFF, Sangenis LHC, Pedrosa RC, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Saraiva RM. Socio-epidemiological factors and comorbidities associated with Chagas disease manifestations in two urban reference health care centres in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:102-110. [PMID: 35896031 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD) is still an important public health issue in Latin America. This study aims to analyse the association between socio-epidemiological factors and comorbidities with clinical manifestations of CD. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of 985 adult patients (65±11 y; 59.5% women) with CD. Data collection was based on questionnaires and medical records review. CD clinical forms (indeterminate, digestive, cardiac and cardiodigestive) and the stages of the cardiac form were classified according to the II Brazilian Consensus on CD. Statistical analyses were based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Older age and Brazilian birth state (Minas Gerais and Bahia) were associated with a greater likelihood of the cardiac form of CD. A greater likelihood of the digestive form was seen in men and those of older age. Patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes were less likely to have the digestive form. Men had a greater likelihood of having a more severe cardiac presentation. Those from Minas Gerais and Bahia states had a greater likelihood of having stage B1 or B2. CONCLUSIONS The results reinforce the aging of the CD population living in urban areas in Brazil, the high prevalence of comorbidities and that epidemiology, sex and the presence of comorbidities may be related to the clinical form of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana F Portela
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Maíra B Mesquita
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Giraldes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Margareth C Varela
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro Emmanuel A A Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Andréa R Costa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Mauro F F Mediano
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique C Sangenis
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto C Pedrosa
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, R. Prof. Rodolpho Paulo Rocco 255, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Marcel Hasslocher-Moreno
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.,Latin American Network for Chagas Disease, NHEPACHA
| | - Roberto M Saraiva
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil.,Latin American Network for Chagas Disease, NHEPACHA
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TORCH Congenital Syndrome Infections in Central America's Northern Triangle. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020257. [PMID: 36838223 PMCID: PMC9964893 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
TORCH pathogens are a group of globally prevalent infectious agents that may cross the placental barrier, causing severe negative sequalae in neonates, including fetal death and lifelong morbidity. TORCH infections are classically defined by Toxoplasma gondii, other infectious causes of concern (e.g., syphilis, Zika virus, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus), rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses. Neonatal disorders and congenital birth defects are the leading causes of neonatal mortality in Central America's Northern Triangle, yet little is known about TORCH congenital syndrome in this region. This review synthesizes the little that is known regarding the most salient TORCH infections among pregnant women and neonates in Central America's Northern Triangle and highlights gaps in the literature that warrant further research. Due to the limited publicly available information, this review includes both peer-reviewed published literature and university professional degree theses. Further large-scale studies should be conducted to clarify the public health impact these infections in this world region.
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Iturra JAD, Leony LM, Medeiros FAC, de Souza Filho JA, Siriano LDR, Tavares SB, Luquetti AO, Belo VS, de Sousa AS, Santos FLN. A multicenter comparative study of the performance of four rapid immunochromatographic tests for the detection of anti- Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in Brazil. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1031455. [PMID: 36936214 PMCID: PMC10017777 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1031455] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection in the chronic phase of Chagas disease (CD) is performed by serologic testing. Conventional tests are currently used with very good results but require time, laboratory infrastructure, and expertise. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are an alternative as the results are immediate and do not require specialized knowledge, making them suitable for epidemiologic studies and promising as a screening tool. Nevertheless, few studies conducted comparative evaluations of RDTs to validate the results and assess their performance. In this study, we analyzed four trades of rapid tests (OnSite Chagas Ab Combo Rapid Test-United States, SD Bioline Chagas AB-United States, WL Check Chagas-Argentina, and TR Chagas Bio-Manguinhos-Brazil) using a panel of 190 samples, including sera from 111 infected individuals, most of whom had low T. cruzi antibody levels. An additional 59 samples from uninfected individuals and 20 sera from individuals with other diseases, mainly visceral leishmaniasis, were included. All tests were performed by three independent laboratories in a blinded manner. Results showed differences in sensitivity from 92.8 to 100%, specificity from 78.5 to 92.4%, and accuracy from 90.5 to 95.3% among the four assays. The results presented here show that all four RDTs have high overall diagnostic ability. However, WL Check Chagas and TR Chagas Bio-Manguinhos were considered most suitable for use in screening studies due to their high sensitivity combined with good performance. Although these two RDTs have high sensitivity, a positive result should be confirmed with other tests to confirm or rule out reactivity/positivity, especially considering possible cross-reactivity with individuals with leishmaniasis or toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Job Alves de Souza Filho
- Parasitic Diseases Service, Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liliane da Rocha Siriano
- Chagas Disease Study Center (NEDoC), University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Suelene Brito Tavares
- Chagas Disease Study Center (NEDoC), University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Vinícius Silva Belo
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of São João Del-Rei (UFSJ), Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Silvestre de Sousa
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease from FIOCRUZ (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-BA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease from FIOCRUZ (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Fred Luciano Neves Santos,
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Torhorst CW, White ZS, Bhosale CR, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Identification of the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, in multiple tissues of epidemiological significance in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Implications for environmental and vertical transmission routes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010974. [PMID: 36534706 PMCID: PMC9810149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, is endemic to the Americas and the causative agent of Chagas disease in humans. In South America, opossums facilitate transmission via infected anal gland secretions in addition to transmission via triatomine vectors. In North America, the Virginia opossum is a reservoir host for the parasite with transmission routes that are not clearly defined. The unique biology of this marsupial provides the opportunity to investigate vertical transmission in this wildlife species in situ. Our objectives were to investigate alternative routes of transmission that may facilitate spillover into other species and to determine if vertical transmission was evident. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Virginia opossums were sampled at 10 trapping locations over a 10-month period in a 5-county region of north central Florida. Peripheral blood, fecal swabs, and anal gland secretions were collected from each adult individual, and peripheral blood was collected from joey opossums. Total DNA was extracted from each collected sample type, and T. cruzi infected individuals and the infecting Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) were identified using real time PCR methods. Adult Virginia opossums (n = 112) were infected with T. cruzi (51.8%, 95% CI [42.6-60.8%]) throughout the sampled period and at each location. T. cruzi DNA was found in each of the three biological sample types. Vertical transmission of T. cruzi was inferred in one litter of mother-dependent (n = 20, 5.0%, 95% CI [0.9-23.6%]) joey opossums where 2 joeys from this same litter were rtPCR positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We inferred vertical transmission from mother to neonate which may serve to amplify the prevalence of T. cruzi in adult Virginia opossums. T. cruzi DNA was detected in the anal gland secretions of Virginia opossums. Infected anal gland secretions suggest a possible environmental route of transmission for T. cruzi via the deposition of contaminated feces and spraint at wildlife latrines. Only DTU1 was identified in the sampled population which is consistent with human autochthonous cases in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chanakya R. Bhosale
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tavares de Oliveira M, Fuzo CA, da Silva MC, Donadi EA, da Silva JS, Moreira HT, Schmidt A, Marin-Neto JA. Correlation of TcII discrete typing units with severe chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy in patients from various Brazilian geographic regions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010713. [PMID: 36508471 PMCID: PMC9794067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (ChD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The genetic structure of the species is divided into seven distinct genetic groups, TcI to TcVI, and Tcbat, which have shown differences in terms of geographic distribution, biological properties, and susceptibility to drugs. However, the association between genetic variability and clinical forms of ChD has not yet been fully elucidated. The predominance of TcII and TcVI discrete typing units (DTUs) (genetic groups) is known to occur in several Brazilian regions and is associated with both the domestic and the wild cycles of ChD. Thus, this study aimed to verify the genotypes of the parasites present in 330 patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) from different Brazilian states attended at the Clinical Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School and to assess the existence of a correlation between the clinical forms with the main cardiovascular risk factors and the genetics of the parasite. METHODOLOGY PRINCIPAL FINDINGS All patients with CCC were clinically evaluated through anamnesis, physical examination, biochemical tests, 12-lead electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and chest X-ray. Peripheral blood (5 mL) was collected in guanidine/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid from each patient for DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chagas disease and genotyping of the parasite in the 7 DTUs. Parasite genotyping was performed using conventional multilocus PCR. Samples of only 175 patients were positive after amplification of the specific genes contained in the T. cruzi genotyping criteria. TcII (64/175), TcVI (9/175), and TcI (3/175) DTUs were predominant, followed by TcII/TcV/TcVI (74/175), and TcII/TcVI (23/175). The TcIII and TcIV DTU´s was detected in only one sample of CCC patients. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our data corroborate previous findings, indicating the predominance of the TcII genotype in patients with CCC of Brazilian origin. Moreover, this study pioneered disclosing a direct correlation between the TcII DTU and severe CCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maykon Tavares de Oliveira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Carlos Alessandro Fuzo
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cláudia da Silva
- Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antônio Donadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Santana da Silva
- Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique Turin Moreira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Schmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Antônio Marin-Neto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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High Parasitic Loads Quantified in Sylvatic Triatoma melanica, a Chagas Disease Vector. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121498. [PMID: 36558833 PMCID: PMC9785645 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121498] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triatoma melanica is a sylvatic vector species in Brazil. In We aimed to characterize the Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), the parasitic loads, and the blood meal sources of insects collected in rocky outcrops in rural areas in the state of Minas Gerais. An optical microscope (OM) and kDNA-PCR were used to examine natural infection by T. cruzi, and positive samples were genotyped by conventional multilocus PCR. Quantification of the T. cruzi load was performed using qPCR, and the blood meal sources were identified by Sanger sequencing the 12S rRNA gene. A total of 141 T. melanica were captured. Of these, ~55% (61/111) and ~91% (63/69) were positive by OM and KDNA-PCR, respectively. We genotyped ~89% (56/63) of the T. cruzi-positive triatomines, with TcI (~55%, 31/56) being the most prevalent DTU, followed by TcIII (~20%, 11/56) and TcII (~7%, 4/56). Only TcI+TcIII mixed infections were detected in 10 (~18%) specimens. A wide range of variation in the parasitic loads of T. melanica was observed, with an overall median value of 104 parasites/intestine, with females having higher T. cruzi loads than N2, N4, and N5. TcII showed lower parasitic loads compared to TcI and TcIII. The OM positive diagnosis odds ratio between T. cruzi infection when the parasite load is 107 compared to 103 was approximately 29.1. The most frequent blood meal source was Kerodon rupestris (~58%), followed by Thrichomys apereoides (~18%), Wiedomys cerradensis (~8%), Galactis cuja (~8%) and Gallus gallus (~8%). Our findings characterize biological and epidemiological aspects of the sylvatic population of T. melanica in the study area, highlighting the need to extend surveillance and control to this vector.
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San Francisco J, Astudillo C, Vega JL, Catalán A, Gutiérrez B, Araya JE, Zailberger A, Marina A, García C, Sanchez N, Osuna A, Vilchez S, Ramírez MI, Macedo J, Feijoli VS, Palmisano G, González J. Trypanosoma cruzi pathogenicity involves virulence factor expression and upregulation of bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways. Virulence 2022; 13:1827-1848. [PMID: 36284085 PMCID: PMC9601562 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2132776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular repertoire of Trypanosoma cruzi effects its virulence and impacts the clinical course of the resulting Chagas disease. This study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of T. cruzi. Two T. cruzi cell lines (C8C3hvir and C8C3lvir), obtained from the clone H510 C8C3 and exhibiting different virulence phenotypes, were used to evaluate the parasite's infectivity in mice. The organ parasite load was analysed by qPCR. The proteomes of both T. cruzi cell lines were compared using nLC-MS/MS. Cruzipain (Czp), complement regulatory protein (CRP), trans-sialidase (TS), Tc-85, and sialylated epitope expression levels were evaluated by immunoblotting. High-virulence C8C3hvir was highly infectious in mice and demonstrated three to five times higher infectivity in mouse myocardial cells than low-virulence C8C3lvir. qPCR revealed higher parasite loads in organs of acute as well as chronically C8C3hvir-infected mice than in those of C8C3lvir-infected mice. Comparative quantitative proteomics revealed that 390 of 1547 identified proteins were differentially regulated in C8C3hvir with respect to C8C3lvir. Amongst these, 174 proteins were upregulated in C8C3hvir and 216 were downregulated in C8C3lvir. The upregulated proteins in C8C3hvir were associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, ribosomal proteins, and redoxins. Higher levels of Czp, CRP, TS, Tc-85, and sialylated epitopes were expressed in C8C3hvir than in C8C3lvir. Thus, T. cruzi virulence may be related to virulence factor expression as well as upregulation of bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan San Francisco
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Constanza Astudillo
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - José Luis Vega
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Laboratory of Gap Junction Proteins and Parasitic Disease, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alejandro Catalán
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Bessy Gutiérrez
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jorge E Araya
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Anabel Marina
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos García
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Sanchez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Susana Vilchez
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marcel I Ramírez
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Trypanosomatides, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fiocruz, Parana, Brazil
| | - Janaina Macedo
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jorge González
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Medical Technology Department, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Research Center in Immunology and Biomedical Biotechnology of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Trypanosomatides, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Antofagasta, Chile,CONTACT Jorge González
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Daltro RT, Santos EF, Silva ÂAO, Maron Freitas NE, Leony LM, Vasconcelos LCM, Luquetti AO, Celedon PAF, Zanchin NIT, Regis-Silva CG, Santos FLN. Western blot using Trypanosoma cruzi chimeric recombinant proteins for the serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas disease: A proof-of-concept study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010944. [PMID: 36441769 PMCID: PMC9731424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The chronic phase of CD is characterized by the presence of IgG anti-T. cruzi antibodies; and diagnosis is performed by serological methods. Because there is no reliable test that can be used as a reference test, WHO recommends the parallel use of two different tests for CD serodiagnosis. If results are inconclusive, samples should be subjected to a confirmatory test, e.g., Western blot (WB) or PCR. PCR offers low sensitivity in the chronic phase, whereas few confirmatory tests based on the WB method are commercially available worldwide. Therefore, new diagnostic tools should be evaluated to fill the gap in CD confirmatory tests. In recent years, four chimeric recombinant antigens (IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3 and IBMP-8.4) have been evaluated in phase I, II and III studies using ELISA, liquid microarray and immunochromatography with 95-100% accuracy. Given the high diagnostic performance of these antigens, the present study investigated the ability of these molecules to diagnose chronic CD using a WB testing platform. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we analyzed the diagnostic potential of four chimeric antigens using 40 T. cruzi-positive, 24-negative, and three additional positive samples for visceral leishmaniasis (i.e., potentially cross-reactive) using WB as the diagnostic platform. Checkerboard titration with different dilutions of antigens, conjugated antigens, and serum samples was performed to standardize all assays. All IBMP antigens achieved 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, with the exception of IBMP-8.3, which had 100% specificity despite lack of significance, but lower sensitivity (95%) and accuracy (96.9%). No cross-reactivity was observed in samples positive for leishmaniasis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The present phase I (proof-of-concept) study demonstrated the high diagnostic potential of these four IBMP antigens to discriminate between T. cruzi-positive and -negative samples, making them candidates for phase II and confirmatory testing with WB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Tavares Daltro
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Santos
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paola Alejandra Fiorani Celedon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Biology of Trypanosomatids, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Nilson Ivo Tonin Zanchin
- Structural Biology and Protein Engineering Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
- Integrated Translational Program in Chagas disease from FIOCRUZ (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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de Lederkremer RM, Giorgi ME, Marino C. The α-Galactosyl Carbohydrate Epitope in Pathogenic Protozoa. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:2207-2222. [PMID: 36083842 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The α-gal epitope, which refers to the carbohydrate α-d-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-d-Galp-(1 → 4)-d-GlcNAc-R, was first described in the glycoconjugates of mammals other than humans. Evolution caused a mutation that resulted in the inactivation of the α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene. For that reason, humans produce antibodies against α-d-Galp containing glycoproteins and glycolipids of other species. We summarize here the glycoconjugates with α-d-Galp structures in Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Plasmodium pathogenic protozoa. These were identified in infective stages of Trypanosoma cruzi and in Plasmodium sporozoites. In Leishmania, α-d-Galp is linked differently in the glycans of glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPLs). Chemically synthesized neoglycoconjugates have been proposed as diagnostic tools and as antigens for vaccines. Several syntheses reported for the α-gal trisaccharide, also called the Galili epitope, and the glycans of GIPLs found in Leishmania, the preparation of neoglycoconjugates, and the studies in which they were involved are also included in this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M de Lederkremer
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Giorgi
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Marino
- CIHIDECAR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, Ciudad Universitaria, 1428Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Flores-Chavez MD, Abras A, Ballart C, Ibáñez-Perez I, Perez-Gordillo P, Gállego M, Muñoz C, Moure Z, Sulleiro E, Nieto J, García Diez E, Simón L, Cruz I, Picado A. Parasitemia Levels in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Spain, an Area Where the Disease Is Not Endemic: Trends by Different Molecular Approaches. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0262822. [PMID: 36190410 PMCID: PMC9603785 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02628-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi infection has expanded globally through human migration. In Spain, the mother-to-child route is the mode of transmission contributing to autochthonous Chagas disease (CD); however, most people acquired the infection in their country of origin and were diagnosed in the chronic phase (imported chronic CD). In this context, we assessed the quantitative potential of the Loopamp Trypanosoma cruzi detection kit (Sat-TcLAMP) based on satellite DNA (Sat-DNA) to determine parasitemia levels compared to those detected by real-time quantitative PCRs (qPCRs) targeting Sat-DNA (Sat-qPCR) and kinetoplast DNA minicircles (kDNA-qPCR). This study included 173 specimens from 39 autochthonous congenital and 116 imported chronic CD cases diagnosed in Spain. kDNA-qPCR showed higher sensitivity than Sat-qPCR and Sat-TcLAMP. According to all quantitative approaches, parasitemia levels were significantly higher in congenital infection than in chronic CD (1 × 10-1 to 5 × 105 versus >1 × 10-1 to 6 × 103 parasite equivalents/mL, respectively [P < 0.001]). Sat-TcLAMP, Sat-qPCR, and kDNA-qPCR results were equivalent at high levels of parasitemia (P = 0.381). Discrepancies were significant for low levels of parasitemia and older individuals. Differences between Sat-TcLAMP and Sat-qPCR were not qualitatively significant, but estimations of parasitemia using Sat-TcLAMP were closer to those by kDNA-qPCR. Parasitemia changes were assessed in 6 individual cases in follow-up, in which trends showed similar patterns by all quantitative approaches. At high levels of parasitemia, Sat-TcLAMP, Sat-qPCR, and kDNA-qPCR worked similarly, but significant differences were found for the low levels characteristic of late chronic CD. A suitable harmonization strategy needs to be developed for low-level parasitemia detection using Sat-DNA- and kDNA-based tests. IMPORTANCE Currently, molecular equipment has been introduced into many health care centers, even in low-income countries. PCR, qPCR, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are becoming more accessible for the diagnosis of neglected infectious diseases. Chagas disease (CD) is spreading worldwide, and in countries where the disease is not endemic, such as Spain, the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is transmitted from mother to child (congenital CD). Here, we explore why LAMP, aimed at detecting T. cruzi parasite DNA, is a reliable option for the diagnosis of congenital CD and the early detection of reactivation in chronic infection. When the parasite load is high, LAMP is equivalent to any qPCR. In addition, the estimations of T. cruzi parasitemia in patients living in Spain, a country where the disease is not endemic, resemble natural evolution in areas of endemicity. If molecular tests are introduced into the diagnostic algorithm for congenital infection, early diagnosis and timely treatment would be accomplished, so the interruption of vertical transmission can be an achievable goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D. Flores-Chavez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Mundo Sano-España, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Abras
- Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ismael Ibáñez-Perez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Zaira Moure
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Nieto
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia García Diez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Simón
- National Centre of Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Cruz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- National School of Public Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Albert Picado
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
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Oliveira MM, Bonturi CR, Salu BR, Oliva MLV, Mortara RA, Orikaza CM. Modulation of STAT-1, STAT-3, and STAT-6 activities in THP-1 derived macrophages infected with two Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038332. [PMID: 36389843 PMCID: PMC9643828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative protozoan of Chagas’ Disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects 6−7 million people worldwide. Interaction of the parasite with the host immune system is a key factor in disease progression and chronic symptoms. Although the human immune system is capable of controlling the disease, the parasite has numerous evasion mechanisms that aim to maintain intracellular persistence and survival. Due to the pronounced genetic variability of T. cruzi, co-infections or mixed infections with more than one parasite strain have been reported in the literature. The intermodulation in such cases is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the co-infection of T. cruzi strains G and CL compared to their individual infections in human macrophages derived from THP-1 cells activated by classical or alternative pathways. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that trypomastigotes were more infective than extracellular amastigotes (EAs) and that strain G could infect more macrophages than strain CL. Classically activated macrophages showed lower number of infected cells and IL-4-stimulated cells displayed increased CL-infected macrophages. However, co-infection was a rare event. CL EAs decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas G trypomastigotes displayed increased ROS detection in classically activated cells. Co-infection did not affect ROS production. Monoinfection by strain G or CL mainly induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile by decreasing inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β) and/or increasing IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. Co-infection led to a predominant inflammatory milieu, with reduced IL-10 and TGF-β, and/or promotion of IFN-γ and IL-1β release. Infection by strain G reduced activation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors. In EAs, monoinfections impaired STAT-1 activity and promoted phosphorylation of STAT-3, both changes may prolong cell survival. Coinfected macrophages displayed pronounced activation of all STATs examined. These activations likely promoted parasite persistence and survival of infected cells. The collective results demonstrate that although macrophages respond to both strains, T. cruzi can modulate the intracellular environment, inducing different responses depending on the strain, parasite infective form, and co-infection or monoinfection. The modulation influences parasite persistence and survival of infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Martins Oliveira
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Ramalho Bonturi
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Ramos Salu
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Mary Orikaza
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Cristina Mary Orikaza,
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Parasitemia and Differential Tissue Tropism in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Isolates Obtained from Meccus phyllosoma in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101141. [PMID: 36297198 PMCID: PMC9607563 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101141] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasite transmitted by the feces of triatomines. Many triatomine species are found in Mexico, and various T. cruzi variants have been isolated from these species, each showing very different virulence and cell tropism. The isolates were obtained from Meccus phyllosoma specimens in three localities in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico: Tehuantitla, Vixhana, and Guichivere. The virulence of each isolate was assessed by quantifying parasitemia, survival, and histopathologic findings. The lineage of each isolate was identified using the mini-exon gene. The expression of the tssa gene during infection was detected in the heart, esophagus, gastrocnemius, and brain. Our results show that the maximum post-infection parasitemia was higher for the Tehuantitla isolate. On genotyping, all isolates were identified as T. cruzi I. The amastigotes in the heart and gastrocnemius were verified for all isolates, but in the brain only for Tehuantitla and Vixhana. The tssa expression allowed us to detect T. cruzi isolates, for Tehuantitla, predominantly in the heart. For Vixhana, a higher tssa expression was detected in gastrocnemius, and for Guichivere, it was higher in the esophagus. Results show that virulence, tropism, and tssa expression can vary, even when the isolates are derived from the same vector species, in the same region, and at similar altitudes.
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Freitas NEM, Habib FL, Santos EF, Silva ÂAO, Fontes ND, Leony LM, Sampaio DD, de Almeida MC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN. Technological advances in the serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in dogs and cats: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:343. [PMID: 36167575 PMCID: PMC9516836 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted mainly through the feces/urine of infected triatomine bugs. The acute phase lasts 2–3 months and is characterized by high parasitemia and nonspecific symptoms, whereas the lifelong chronic phase features symptoms affecting the heart and/or digestive tract occurring in 30–40% of infected individuals. As in humans, cardiac abnormalities are observed in T. cruzi-infected dogs and cats. We reviewed the technological advances in the serological diagnosis of CD in dogs and cats. Methods A review of the published literature during the last 54 years (1968–2022) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CD in dogs and cats was conducted. Results Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 436 publications. Of these, 84 original studies were considered for inclusion in this review. Dogs and cats are considered as sentinels, potentially indicating an active T. cruzi transmission and thus the risk for human infection. Although dogs and cats are reputed to be important for maintaining the T. cruzi domestic transmission cycle, there are no commercial tests to detect past or active infections in these animals. Most published research on CD in dogs and cats have used in-house serological tests prepared with native and/or full-length recombinant antigens, resulting in variable diagnostic performance. In recent years, chimeric antigens have been used to improve the diagnosis of chronic CD in humans with encouraging results. Some of them have high performance values (> 95%) and extremely low cross-reactivity rates for Leishmania spp., especially the antigens IBMP-8.1 to IBMP-8.4. The diagnostic performance of IBMP antigens was also investigated in dogs, showing high diagnostic performance with negligible cross-reactivity with anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. Conclusions The development of a commercial immunodiagnostic tool to identify past or active T. cruzi infections in dogs and cats is urgently needed. The use of chimeric recombinant T. cruzi antigens may help to fill this gap and is discussed in this review. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Erdens Maron Freitas
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lopes Habib
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ângelo Antônio Oliveira Silva
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Natália Dantas Fontes
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel Dias Sampaio
- Brazil's Family Health Strategy, Municipal Health Department, Tremedal City Hall, Bahia, Tremedal, Brazil
| | - Marcio Cerqueira de Almeida
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil. .,Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease From Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Martín-Escolano R, Rosales MJ, Marín C. Biological characteristics of the Trypanosoma cruzi Arequipa strain make it a good model for Chagas disease drug discovery. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106679. [PMID: 36096184 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106679] [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: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (CD), is a genuine parasite with tremendous genetic diversity and a complex life cycle. Scientists have studied this disease for more than 100 years, and CD drug discovery has been a mainstay due to the absence of an effective treatment. Technical advances in several areas have contributed to a better understanding of the complex biology and life cycle of this parasite, with the aim of designing the ideal profile of both drug and therapeutic options to treat CD. Here, we present the T. cruzi Arequipa strain (MHOM/Pe/2011/Arequipa) as an interesting model for CD drug discovery. We characterized acute-phase parasitaemia and chronic-phase tropism in BALB/c mice and determined the in vitro and in vivo benznidazole susceptibility profile of the different morphological forms of this strain. The tropism of this strain makes it an interesting model for the screening of new compounds with a potential anti-Chagas profile for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK.
| | - María José Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, Granada 18071, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, Granada 18071, Spain.
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Montoya AL, Carvajal EG, Ortega-Rodriguez U, Estevao IL, Ashmus RA, Jankuru SR, Portillo S, Ellis CC, Knight CD, Alonso-Padilla J, Izquierdo L, Pinazo MJ, Gascon J, Suarez V, Watts DM, Malo IR, Ramsey JM, Alarcón De Noya B, Noya O, Almeida IC, Michael K. A Branched and Double Alpha-Gal-Bearing Synthetic Neoglycoprotein as a Biomarker for Chagas Disease. Molecules 2022; 27:5714. [PMID: 36080480 PMCID: PMC9457857 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects 6-7 million people worldwide. The diagnosis is still challenging, due to extensive parasite diversity encompassing seven genotypes (TcI-VI and Tcbat) with diverse ecoepidemiological, biological, and pathological traits. Chemotherapeutic intervention is usually effective but associated with severe adverse events. The development of safer, more effective therapies is hampered by the lack of biomarker(s) (BMKs) for the early assessment of therapeutic outcomes. The mammal-dwelling trypomastigote parasite stage expresses glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucins (tGPI-MUC), whose O-glycans are mostly branched with terminal, nonreducing α-galactopyranosyl (α-Gal) glycotopes. These are absent in humans, and thus highly immunogenic and inducers of specific CD anti-α-Gal antibodies. In search for α-Gal-based BMKs, here we describe the synthesis of neoglycoprotein NGP11b, comprised of a carrier protein decorated with the branched trisaccharide Galα(1,2)[Galα(1,6)]Galβ. By chemiluminescent immunoassay using sera/plasma from chronic CD (CCD) patients from Venezuela and Mexico and healthy controls, NGP11b exhibited sensitivity and specificity similar to that of tGPI-MUC from genotype TcI, predominant in those countries. Preliminary evaluation of CCD patients subjected to chemotherapy showed a significant reduction in anti-α-Gal antibody reactivity to NGP11b. Our data indicated that NGP11b is a potential BMK for diagnosis and treatment assessment in CCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba L. Montoya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Elisa G. Carvajal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Uriel Ortega-Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Igor L. Estevao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Roger A. Ashmus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sohan R. Jankuru
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Susana Portillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Cameron C. Ellis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Colin D. Knight
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Veronica Suarez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Douglas M. Watts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Iliana R. Malo
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula 30700, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Janine M. Ramsey
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula 30700, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Belkisyolé Alarcón De Noya
- Sección de Inmunología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1041, Venezuela
| | - Oscar Noya
- Seccion de Biohelmintiasis, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1041, Venezuela
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Katja Michael
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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Jaime LD, Aracely LM, Paulina OM, Dumonteil E, Barnabé C, Waleckx E, Hernández-Giles RG, Ramos-Ligonio A. Molecular Characterization of Four Mexican Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi and Their Profile Susceptibility to Nifurtimox. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1584-1593. [PMID: 36029434 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00608-3] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to molecularly characterize Mexican isolates of T. cruzi obtained from infected triatomine bugs (the vectors of T. cruzi) and to evaluate their susceptibility to Nifurtimox (NFX). METHODS Three isolates obtained from Triatoma dimidiata (collected in the State of Veracruz) and one isolate obtained from Triatoma bassolsae (collected in the State of Puebla) were molecularly characterized and the expression of genes associated with natural resistance to NFX was analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS Molecular characterization by PCR showed that isolates Zn3, Zn5, and SRB1 belong to the DTU TcI, while isolate Sum3 belongs to TcIV. The latter was also confirmed by sequencing of mitochondrial genes. Isolate Zn5 was the most sensitive to treatment with NFX (IC50, 6.8 μM), isolates SRB1 and Zn3 were partially resistant (IC50, 12.8 μM and 12.7 μM) and isolate Sum3 showed a high degree of resistance to NFX (IC50, 21.4 µM). We also found an association between decreased NTR1 or OYE gene expression with NFX resistance. CONCLUSION Our results also evidenced a high variability in the susceptibility to NFX of these T. cruzi isolates Central and Southeastern Mexico, suggesting the presence of naturally resistant isolates circulating in the country. These results have important implications for defining treatment policies for patients with Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- López-Domínguez Jaime
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - López-Monteon Aracely
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Ochoa-Martínez Paulina
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Christian Barnabé
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Etienne Waleckx
- Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Rubén Gustavo Hernández-Giles
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Maestría en Ciencias en Procesos Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Angel Ramos-Ligonio
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico. .,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.
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