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Yanagawa Y, Singh U. Diversity and Plasticity of Virulent Characteristics of Entamoeba histolytica. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050255. [PMID: 37235303 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of clinical syndromes of amebiasis, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, stems from the intricate interplay between the host immune system, the virulence of the invading parasite, and the surrounding environment. Although there is still a relative paucity of information about the precise relationship between virulence factors and the pathogenesis of Entamoeba histolytica, by accumulating data from clinical and basic research, researchers have identified essential pathogenic factors that play a critical role in the pathogenesis of amebiasis, providing important insights into disease development through animal models. Moreover, the parasite's genetic variability has been associated with differences in virulence and disease outcomes, making it important to fully understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of amebiasis. Deciphering the true mechanism of disease progression in humans caused by this parasite is made more difficult through its ability to demonstrate both genomic and pathological plasticity. The objective of this article is to underscore the heterogeneous nature of disease states and the malleable virulence characteristics in experimental models, while also identifying persistent scientific issues that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Yanagawa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Upinder Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Das K, Sardar SK, Ghosal A, Saito-Nakano Y, Dutta S, Nozaki T, Ganguly S. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Entamoeba histolytica identifies kerp2 as a genetic marker associated with disease outcomes. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102370. [PMID: 33932601 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amoebiasis caused by protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica has diverse infection outcomes. The relationship between parasite genotypes and outcome of amoebic infection is still a paradox and needs to be explored. Genome information of infecting strains from endemic areas throughout the world is essential to explore this relation. Comparative genetics between E. histolytica populations from different disease outcomes have been studied to identify potential genetic markers having single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with specific clinical outcome. Coding and non-coding regions have significantly different rates of polymorphism. Non-synonymous base substitutions were significantly more frequent than synonymous within coding loci. Both synonymous and non-synonymous SNPs within lysine- and glutamic acid rich protein 2 (kerp2) locus were significantly associated with disease outcomes. An incomplete linkage disequilibrium (LD) value with potential recombination events and significant population differentiation (FST) value have also been identified at kerp2 locus within the study population. Presence of disease specific SNPs, potential recombination events, and significant FST value at kerp2 locus indicate that kerp2 gene and its gene product are under constant selection pressure exerted by host on parasite and could also be a potential determinant of disease outcome of E. histolytica infection. Furthermore, E. histolytica isolated from asymptomatic carriers are phylogenetically closer to those causing liver abscess in human and exhibit potential inter-population recombination among them. Individuals with persistent asymptomatic E. histolytica infection may be under high risk of developing amoebic liver abscess formation in future and detailed investigation of asymptomatic individuals from endemic areas should be always required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Das
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Sanjib Kumar Sardar
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajanta Ghosal
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Shanta Dutta
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, West Bengal, India
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Japan
| | - Sandipan Ganguly
- Division of Parasitology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P-33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, West Bengal, India.
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[Amoebosis: May sexual transmission be an underestimated way of contamination?]. Rev Med Interne 2018; 39:586-588. [PMID: 29703611 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amoebiasis is a cosmopolitan disease and the third most deadly of parasitic diseases. Entamoeba histolytica is the only one to be pathogenic. Its transmission is not only related to the faecal peril but also sexual, with cases described among men who have sex with men. A case of unusual sexual transmission is described in this article, aiming to discuss the impact of these ways of transmitting amoebiasis on patient management. CASE REPORT We describe the case of an amebic liver abscess in a 27-years-old man who did not travel in endemic areas. After patient interrogation, it seems that the contamination mode was sexual, related to a heterosexual relationship with a new female partner 4 months before the diagnosis. HIV and hepatitis B serologies were negative. CONCLUSION The diagnosis of amoebiasis should be suspected in case of dysentery or liver abscess even if there is no history of travel in endemic areas or of sexual intercourse between men.
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Escolà-Vergé L, Arando M, Vall M, Rovira R, Espasa M, Sulleiro E, Armengol P, Zarzuela F, Barberá MJ. Outbreak of intestinal amoebiasis among men who have sex with men, Barcelona (Spain), October 2016 and January 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 22:30581. [PMID: 28797327 PMCID: PMC5553055 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.30.30581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica has been recently recognised as an emerging sexually transmissible pathogen in men who have sex with men (MSM), causing sporadic outbreaks in countries where it is not endemic. Here we report two closed clusters of invasive amoebiasis occurring in Barcelona, Spain, in October 2016 (four cases) and in January 2017 (four cases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Escolà-Vergé
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maider Arando
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit (Drassanes). Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martí Vall
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit (Drassanes). Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Rovira
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit (Drassanes). Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mateu Espasa
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Armengol
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit (Drassanes). Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Zarzuela
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Barberá
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit (Drassanes). Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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Hayat F, Azam A, Shin D. Recent progress on the discovery of antiamoebic agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5149-5159. [PMID: 27707603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A large number of protozoans infect humans but Entamoeba histolytica is the only organism responsible for causing amoebiasis, a deadly disease after malaria. Numerous heterocycle-based antiamoebic agents have been previously synthesized as E. histolytica inhibitors and while some of these agents have shown moderate activity, the search for a novel and ideal antiamoebic compound is still ongoing. In this digest Letter, we present the latest data on antiamoebic agents from 2011 to 2016 based on the different classes of heterocyclic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Hayat
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, South Korea
| | - Amir Azam
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Dongyun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, South Korea.
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Rojas L, Morán P, Valadez A, Gómez A, González E, Hernández E, Partida O, Nieves M, Gudiño M, Magaña U, Torres J, Ximénez C. Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection in Mexican school children: genotyping and phylogenetic relationship. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:485. [PMID: 27618874 PMCID: PMC5020506 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the frequency of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection in school children in the community of Tlaltizapan, in order to understand the dynamics of infection within the school and family spheres of this population. Amoebiasis is an unsolved public health problem and an endemic disease in Mexico. The incidence rate varies depending on the state; the most affected states show the highest numbers of new cases of amoebiasis per year. Previously, we reported the molecular frequency of infection with E. histolytica and/or E. dispar in other rural communities of the state of Morelos. METHODS Children from 3 schools were studied to estimate the frequency of intestinal parasites through microscopic examination of fresh stool samples. The number of studied individuals were 309 school children. The molecular characterization of E. histolytica or E. dispar was carried out by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers to amplify short tandem repeats (STR) in non-coding sequences associated with the tRNA gene; the amplified fragments were sequenced and analyzed. RESULTS Eight different genotypes were obtained from E. dispar isolates with the molecular marker NKD3-D5. None of the cases in which the species E. histolytica was detected developed symptoms attributable to an invasive process of disease. Moreover, the parasitized condition appeared to have no significant impact on the development or nutritional status of affected children. Genotype 1, which corresponds to the reference strain E. dispar SAW760, considered a non-pathogenic amoeba, was the most prevalent. CONCLUSIONS The comparison of the genotypes of Entamoeba species did not show a correlation between children and their relatives. In this community, the species Entamoeba dispar genotype 1 was the most widespread. Based on the indicators of growth, development and nutrition status, the studied community seems to be reasonably adapted to constant exposure to intestinal parasites, since there were no evidences of a serious impact of the parasitized condition on the children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Rojas
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Morán
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alicia Valadez
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Gómez
- Research Unit of infectious Diseases, Pediatric Hospital, XXI Century Medical Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique González
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eric Hernández
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oswaldo Partida
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miriam Nieves
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Gudiño
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ulises Magaña
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Javier Torres
- Research Unit of infectious Diseases, Pediatric Hospital, XXI Century Medical Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Ximénez
- Research Unit of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Dr Balmis No148 Col. Doctores, CP 06726 Mexico City, Mexico
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Ishikane M, Arima Y, Kanayama A, Takahashi T, Yamagishi T, Yahata Y, Matsui T, Sunagawa T, Nozaki T, Oishi K. Epidemiology of Domestically Acquired Amebiasis in Japan, 2000-2013. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:1008-14. [PMID: 26976888 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Notifications of amebiasis have been increasing in Japan. Using national surveillance data during 2000-2013, reported cases of amebiasis were analyzed. A case of amebiasis was defined as laboratory-confirmed Entamoeba histolytica infection, regardless of presence of symptoms. We described temporal trends and analyzed correlates of asymptomatic versus symptomatic cases based on odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression. Of 9,946 cases reported during 2000-2013, 7,403 were domestic cases. During this period, the proportion of domestic cases increased from 63% to 85%. Among male cases, majority were middle aged, and from 2008, the number of cases attributed to heterosexual contact surpassed that of homosexual contact. During 2010-2013, increase in notifications was associated with asymptomatic cases, colonoscopy diagnosis, and males with unknown or heterosexual route of infection. Among males, colonoscopy (OR = 31.5; 95% CI = 14.0-71.0) and cases with unknown route of infection, relative to homosexual contact (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.3-3.9), were associated with asymptomatic infections in multivariate analysis. Although the recent rise may have been due to enhanced detection by colonoscopy or reporting, the large number of asymptomatic cases, with reportedly unknown or heterosexual route of infection, has led to a better understanding of amebiasis in Japan and highlights the potential public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ishikane
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuzo Arima
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Kanayama
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuri Takahashi
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamagishi
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Yahata
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamano Matsui
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomimasa Sunagawa
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Oishi
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Global Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan; Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Global Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Picazarri K, Nakada-Tsukui K, Tsuboi K, Miyamoto E, Watanabe N, Kawakami E, Nozaki T. Atg8 is involved in endosomal and phagosomal acidification in the parasitic protist Entamoeba histolytica. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:1510-22. [PMID: 25923949 PMCID: PMC4744732 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is one of two major bulk protein degradation systems and is conserved throughout eukaryotes. The protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, which is a human intestinal parasite, possesses a restricted set of autophagy‐related (Atg) proteins compared with other eukaryotes and thus represents a suitable model organism for studying the minimal essential components and ancestral functions of autophagy. E. histolytica possesses two conjugation systems: Atg8 and Atg5/12, although a gene encoding Atg12 is missing in the genome. Atg8 is considered to be the central and authentic marker of autophagosomes, but recent studies have demonstrated that Atg8 is not exclusively involved in autophagy per se, but other fundamental mechanisms of vesicular traffic. To investigate this question in E. histolytica, we studied on Atg8 during the proliferative stage. Atg8 was constitutively expressed in both laboratory‐maintained and recently established clinical isolates and appeared to be lipid‐modified in logarithmic growth phase, suggesting a role of Atg8 in non‐stress and proliferative conditions. These findings are in contrast to those for Entamoeba invadens, in which autophagy is markedly induced during an early phase of differentiation from the trophozoite into the cyst. The repression of Atg8 gene expression in En. histolytica by antisense small RNA‐mediated transcriptional gene silencing resulted in growth retardation, delayed endocytosis and reduced acidification of endosomes and phagosomes. Taken together, these results suggest that Atg8 and the Atg8 conjugation pathway have some roles in the biogenesis of endosomes and phagosomes in this primitive eukaryote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Picazarri
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Tsuboi
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Miyamoto
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoko Watanabe
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eiryo Kawakami
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Disease Systems Modeling, RIKEN Center for integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses among Entamoeba histolytica-infected adult males: a changing epidemiology associated with sexual transmission--Taiwan, 2006-2013. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3222. [PMID: 25299178 PMCID: PMC4191956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted Entamoeba histolytica infection (EHI) has been increasingly recognized among men who have sex with men (MSM). We used the National Disease Surveillance Systems (NDSS) to identify prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses among adults with EHI and to determine the associated factors. Methodology The NDSS collect demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of case patients through physician reports and public health interviews. EHI was confirmed by polymerase-chain-reaction assays, histopathology, or serology with documented liver abscess. We linked NDSS databases to identify prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses among noninstitutionalized Taiwanese adults with confirmed EHI during 2006–2013. Cox proportional-hazards analysis was used to determine associated factors. Principal findings Of noninstitutionalized adults with EHI, we identified prevalent HIV diagnosis in 210 (40%) of 524 males and one (1.7%) of 59 females, and incident HIV diagnosis in 71 (23%) of 314 males. MSM accounted for 183 (87%) and 64 (90%) of prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses in males, respectively. From 2006–2009 to 2010–2013, the prevalence of HIV diagnosis increased from 32% to 45% (P = 0.001) while the incidence of HIV diagnosis increased from 5.4 to 11.3 per 100 person-years (P = 0.001) among males with EHI. Incident HIV diagnosis was independently associated with a younger age, residing in metropolitan areas, hospitalization, previous syphilis, and engagement in oral, anal, or oral–anal sex before illness onset. Conclusions/significance Prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses were increasingly identified among adult males in Taiwan, preferentially affecting younger urban MSM. Surveillance and risk-reduction interventions are recommended against the interplay of HIV epidemic and sexually transmitted EHI. Although sexually transmitted Entamoeba histolytica infection has been increasingly recognized among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, particularly those with HIV infection, no studies have examined E. histolytica infection in relation to HIV and attribution of sexual transmission at a national level. We analyzed the national surveillance data in Taiwan and demonstrated that the prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses increased among E. histolytica-infected adult males from 2006–2009 to 2010–2013, which were associated with previous syphilis and engagement of oral, anal, oral–anal sex. The findings indicate sexual transmission might have replaced traditional risk factors as the major route of E. histolytica transmission among adult males in Taiwan. E. histolytica infection associated with prevalent and incident HIV diagnoses preferentially affects younger urban MSM, suggesting new targets of surveillance and public health interventions for this sexually transmissible protozoan infection.
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Nishise S, Fujishima T, Kobayashi S, Otani K, Nishise Y, Takeda H, Kawata S. Mass infection withEntamoebahistolyticain a Japanese institution for individuals with mental retardation: epidemiology and control measures. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2013; 104:383-90. [DOI: 10.1179/136485910x12743554760388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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De Cádiz AE, Jeelani G, Nakada-Tsukui K, Caler E, Nozaki T. Transcriptome analysis of encystation in Entamoeba invadens. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74840. [PMID: 24040350 PMCID: PMC3770568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encystation is an essential differentiation process for the completion of the life cycle of a group of intestinal protozoa including Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. However, regulation of gene expression during encystation is poorly understood. To comprehensively understand the process at the molecular level, the transcriptomic profiles of E. invadens, which is a related reptilian species that causes an invasive disease similar to that of E. histolytica, was investigated during encystation. Using a custom-generated Affymetrix platform microarray, we performed time course (0.5, 2, 8, 24, 48, and 120 h) gene expression analysis of encysting E. invadens. ANOVA analysis revealed that a total of 1,528 genes showed ≥3 fold up-regulation at one or more time points, relative to the trophozoite stage. Of these modulated genes, 8% (116 genes) were up-regulated at the early time points (0.5, 2 and 8h), while 63% (962 genes) were up-regulated at the later time points (24, 48, and 120 h). Twenty nine percent (450 genes) are either up-regulated at 2 to 5 time points or constitutively up-regulated in both early and late stages. Among the up-regulated genes are the genes encoding transporters, cytoskeletal proteins, proteins involved in vesicular trafficking (small GTPases), Myb transcription factors, cysteine proteases, components of the proteasome, and enzymes for chitin biosynthesis. This study represents the first kinetic analysis of gene expression during differentiation from the invasive trophozoite to the dormant, infective cyst stage in Entamoeba. Functional analysis on individual genes and their encoded products that are modulated during encystation may lead to the discovery of targets for the development of new chemotherapeutics that interfere with stage conversion of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyla Escueta De Cádiz
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao, Philippines
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elisabet Caler
- J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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12
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Abstract
The parasite Entamoeba histolytica causes amebic colitis and systemic amebiasis. Among the known amebic factors contributing to pathogenesis are signaling pathways involving heterotrimeric and Ras superfamily G proteins. Here, we review the current knowledge of the roles of heterotrimeric G protein subunits, Ras, Rho and Rab GTPase families in E. histolytica pathogenesis, as well as of their downstream signaling effectors and nucleotide cycle regulators. Heterotrimeric G protein signaling likely modulates amebic motility and attachment to and killing of host cells, in part through activation of an RGS-RhoGEF (regulator of G protein signaling-Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor) effector. Rho family GTPases, as well as RhoGEFs and Rho effectors (formins and p21-activated kinases) regulate the dynamic actin cytoskeleton of E. histolytica and associated pathogenesis-related cellular processes, such as migration, invasion, phagocytosis and evasion of the host immune response by surface receptor capping. A remarkably large family of 91 Rab GTPases has multiple roles in a complex amebic vesicular trafficking system required for phagocytosis and pinocytosis and secretion of known virulence factors, such as amebapores and cysteine proteases. Although much remains to be discovered, recent studies of G protein signaling in E. histolytica have enhanced our understanding of parasitic pathogenesis and have also highlighted possible targets for pharmacological manipulation.
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13
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Bosch DE, Kimple AJ, Muller RE, Giguère PM, Machius M, Willard FS, Temple BRS, Siderovski DP. Heterotrimeric G-protein signaling is critical to pathogenic processes in Entamoeba histolytica. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1003040. [PMID: 23166501 PMCID: PMC3499586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G-protein signaling pathways are vital components of physiology, and many are amenable to pharmacologic manipulation. Here, we identify functional heterotrimeric G-protein subunits in Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebic colitis. The E. histolytica Gα subunit EhGα1 exhibits conventional nucleotide cycling properties and is seen to interact with EhGβγ dimers and a candidate effector, EhRGS-RhoGEF, in typical, nucleotide-state-selective fashions. In contrast, a crystal structure of EhGα1 highlights unique features and classification outside of conventional mammalian Gα subfamilies. E. histolytica trophozoites overexpressing wildtype EhGα1 in an inducible manner exhibit an enhanced ability to kill host cells that may be wholly or partially due to enhanced host cell attachment. EhGα1-overexpressing trophozoites also display enhanced transmigration across a Matrigel barrier, an effect that may result from altered baseline migration. Inducible expression of a dominant negative EhGα1 variant engenders the converse phenotypes. Transcriptomic studies reveal that modulation of pathogenesis-related trophozoite behaviors by perturbed heterotrimeric G-protein expression includes transcriptional regulation of virulence factors and altered trafficking of cysteine proteases. Collectively, our studies suggest that E. histolytica possesses a divergent heterotrimeric G-protein signaling axis that modulates key aspects of cellular processes related to the pathogenesis of this infectious organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin E. Bosch
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Kimple
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robin E. Muller
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Patrick M. Giguère
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mischa Machius
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Francis S. Willard
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brenda R. S. Temple
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- R. L. Juliano Structural Bioinformatics Core, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David P. Siderovski
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
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14
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Hung CC, Chang SY, Ji DD. Entamoeba histolytica infection in men who have sex with men. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012; 12:729-36. [PMID: 22917103 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica infection (amoebiasis) is the second leading cause of death from parasitic diseases. Epidemiological studies from developed countries have reported an increasing prevalence of amoebiasis and of invasive infections, such as amoebic colitis, among men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in oral-anal sex. Although most infections with E histolytica are asymptomatic, clinical manifestations of invasive amoebiasis mainly include amoebic colitis and amoebic liver abscess, which are associated with substantial morbidity and medical cost. Laboratory diagnosis of amoebiasis should be based on detection of E histolytica by use of tests with high sensitivity and specificity, such as specific amoebic-antigen or PCR-based assays. Microscopy used in routine clinical laboratories is not sensitive or specific enough for detection of E histolytica. Metronidazole or tinidazole remains the mainstay of treatment for invasive amoebiasis, followed by treatment with luminal agents to prevent relapse and transmission of E histolytica to sexual partners or close contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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15
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Ximénez C, Morán P, Rojas L, Valadez A, Gómez A, Ramiro M, Cerritos R, González E, Hernández E, Oswaldo P. Novelties on amoebiasis: a neglected tropical disease. J Glob Infect Dis 2011; 3:166-74. [PMID: 21731305 PMCID: PMC3125031 DOI: 10.4103/0974-777x.81695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In accordance with the 1997 documents of the World Health Organization (WHO), amoebiasis is defined as the infection by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica with or without clinical manifestations. The only known natural host of E. histolytica is the human with the large intestine as major target organ. This parasite has a very simple life cycle in which the infective form is the cyst, considered a resistant form of parasite: The asymptomatic cyst passers and the intestinal amoebiasis patients are the transmitters; they excrete cysts in their feces, which can contaminate food and water sources. E. histolytica sensu stricto is the potentially pathogenic species and E. dispar is a commensal non-pathogenic Entamoeba. Both species are biochemical, immunological and genetically distinct. The knowledge of both species with different pathogenic phenotypes comes from a large scientific debate during the second half of the 20(th) century, which gave place to the rapid development of diagnostics technology based on molecular and immunological strategies. During the last ten years, knowledge of the new epidemiology of amoebiasis in different geographic endemic and non-endemic areas has been obtained by applying mostly molecular techniques. In the present work we highlight novelties on human infection and the disease that can help the general physician from both endemic and non-endemic countries in their medical practice, particularly, now that emigration is undoubtedly a global phenomenon that is modifying the previous geography of infectious diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ximénez
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Patricia Morán
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Liliana Rojas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alicia Valadez
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Gómez
- Unit of Medical Researches in Infection and Parasite Diseases, Pediatric Hospital, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Manuel Ramiro
- Unit of Education, Scientific Research and Health Policy; Direction of Medical Benefits, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - René Cerritos
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique González
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eric Hernández
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Partida Oswaldo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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16
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Hung CC, Wu PY, Chang SY, Ji DD, Sun HY, Liu WC, Wu CH, Chang SC. Amebiasis among persons who sought voluntary counseling and testing for human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case-control study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 84:65-9. [PMID: 21212204 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This case-control study aimed to characterize the factors associated with amebiasis, defined as presence of anti-Entamoeba histolytica antibody titers of ≧ 128 by indirect hemagglutination assay, among persons seeking voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Between April 2006 and September 2009, 57 of 4,802 persons (1.2%) seeking VCT services were seropositive for E. histolytica infection. Compared with 228 seronegative controls, case subjects were older (odds ratio [OR] for per 1-year increase, 1.098; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.036, 1.165), less likely to hold bachelor degree or higher (OR, 0.359; 95% CI, 0.152, 0.846), and were more likely to be men who have sex with men (MSM) (OR, 8.382; 95% CI, 2.050, 34.266) and have oral-anal sex (OR, 4.016; 95% CI, 1.711, 9.427) in multiple logistic regression analysis. The MSM, fecal-oral contamination, lower educational achievement, and older age were associated with increased risk for amebiasis among persons seeking VCT for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Secondary ureteral perforation by invasive amebiasis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a case report. Case Rep Nephrol 2011; 2011:805192. [PMID: 24533198 PMCID: PMC3914124 DOI: 10.1155/2011/805192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ureteral perforation is a rare complication of abdominal infection, especially in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We reported a case of ureteral perforation caused by a secondary amebiasis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Following bowel perforation and immunocompromised conditions, secondary right ureteral perforation was not easily to be treated well. He was treated with percutaneous drainage initially. Definite and successful treatment by a Boari flap was delayed until his underling disease was under control.
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Ximénez C, Cerritos R, Rojas L, Dolabella S, Morán P, Shibayama M, González E, Valadez A, Hernández E, Valenzuela O, Limón A, Partida O, Silva EF. Human amebiasis: breaking the paradigm? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:1105-20. [PMID: 20617021 PMCID: PMC2872301 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7031105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2009] [Revised: 02/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
For over 30 years it has been established that the Entamoeba histolytica protozoan included two biologically and genetically different species, one with a pathogenic phenotype called E. histolytica and the other with a non-pathogenic phenotype called Entamoeba dispar. Both of these amoebae species can infect humans. E. histolytica has been considered as a potential pathogen that can cause serious damage to the large intestine (colitis, dysentery) and other extraintestinal organs, mainly the liver (amebic liver abscess), whereas E. dispar is a species that interacts with humans in a commensal relationship, causing no symptoms or any tissue damage. This paradigm, however, should be reconsidered or re-evaluated. In the present work, we report the detection and genotyping of E. dispar sequences of DNA obtained from patients with amebic liver abscesses, including the genotyping of an isolate obtained from a Brazilian patient with a clinical diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis that was previously characterized as an E. dispar species. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis performed by our group has shown the existence of several different genotypes of E. dispar that can be associated to, or be potentiality responsible for intestinal or liver tissue damage, similar to that observed with E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ximénez
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Rene Cerritos
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
- Department of Zoology, ENCB, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), México City, 11340, Mexico
| | - Liliana Rojas
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Silvio Dolabella
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, 49100-000, Brazil; E-Mail:
| | - Patricia Morán
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, 07360, Mexico; E-Mail:
| | - Enrique González
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Alicia Valadez
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Eric Hernández
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Olivia Valenzuela
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, University of Sonora (UNISON), Hermosillo, Sonora, 83000, Mexico; E-Mail:
| | - Angélica Limón
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Oswaldo Partida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, 04510, Mexico; E-Mails:
(R.C.);
(L.R.);
(P.M.);
(E.G.);
(A.V.);
(E.H.);
(A.L.);
(O.P.)
| | - Edwards F Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil; E-Mail:
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Escueta-de Cadiz A, Kobayashi S, Takeuchi T, Tachibana H, Nozaki T. Identification of an avirulent Entamoeba histolytica strain with unique tRNA-linked short tandem repeat markers. Parasitol Int 2009; 59:75-81. [PMID: 19895903 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2009.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Highly polymorphic, non-coding short tandem repeats (STR) are scattered between the tRNA genes in Entamoeba histolytica in a unique tandemly arrayed organization. STR markers that correlate with the virulence of individual E. histolytica strains have recently been reported. Here we evaluated the usefulness of tRNA-linked STR loci as genetic markers in identifying virulent and avirulent strains of E. histolytica from 37 Japanese E. histolytica samples (12 diarrheic/dysenteric, 20 amebic liver abscess (ALA), and 5 asymptomatic cases). Twenty three genotypes, assigned by combining the STR sequence types from all 6 STR loci, were identified. One to 8 new STR sequence types per locus were also discovered. Genotypes found in asymptomatic isolates were highly polymorphic (4 out of 5 genotypes were unique to this group), while in symptomatic isolates, almost half of the genotypes were shared between diarrhea/dysentery and ALA. One asymptomatic isolate (KU27) showed unique STR patterns in 4 loci. This strain, though associated with the typical pathogenic zymodeme II, failed to induce amebic liver abscess by animal challenge, which suggests that inherently avirulent E. histolytica strains exist, that are associated with unique genotypes. Furthermore, STR genotyping and in vivo challenge of 2 other asymptomatic isolates (KU14 and KU26) verified the covert virulence of these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyla Escueta-de Cadiz
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
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20
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Mojarad EN, Haghighi A, Kazemi B, Nejad MR, Abadi A, Zali MR. High genetic diversity among Iranian Entamoeba dispar isolates based on the noncoding short tandem repeat locus D-A. Acta Trop 2009; 111:133-6. [PMID: 19524081 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Revised: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study has identified and characterized the structure of locus D-A, a noncoding short tandem repeat (STR) region, also known as locus 1-2, in Iranian Entamoeba dispar isolates. This polymorphic locus has been shown to be potentially useful in investigating the molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar. The genetic polymorphisms in locus D-A in 28 isolates of E. dispar from three different geographic regions of Iran were distinguished using PCR and sequencing, and the results were compared with the E. dispar gene sequences available in GenBank. In all microscopy-positive E. histolytica/E. dispar samples, PCR with species-specific primers was used to amplify a 477-531 bp product, identifying the samples that had E. dispar. Analysis of the sequences revealed a remarkable degree of genetic diversity with regard to size, number and organization of the repeat units among the E. dispar isolates. The sequenced products showed 12 novel E. dispar genotypes, which have been submitted to the GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ database under accession numbers AB354125-AB354136.
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Ximénez C, Morán P, Rojas L, Valadez A, Gómez A. Reassessment of the epidemiology of amebiasis: state of the art. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2009; 9:1023-32. [PMID: 19540361 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of amebiasis has dramatically changed since the separation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar species, and the worldwide prevalence of these species has not been estimated until recently. The most cited data regarding prevalence, morbidity, or mortality due to amebiasis is the 1986 Walsh report, in which 100,000 deaths are reported to occur worldwide each year due to medical complications of invasive amebiasis. However, the prevalence values of Entamoeba histolytica infection could be completely erroneous since the estimations were performed prior to the molecular characterization of E. histolytica and E. dispar species. Moreover, Entamoeba moshkovskii, another morphologically indistinguishable human parasitic Entamoeba, was not mentioned or considered as a contributor to the prevalence figures in endemic areas. However, recent available prevalence and morbidity data obtained through molecular techniques allow the construction of a more reliable map of endemic regions of amebiasis all over the world [the Asian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh), Africa, Asian Pacific Countries (Thailand, Japan), South and Central America (Mexico, Colombia)]. The epidemiology of infectious diseases focuses on identification of factors that determine disease distribution in time and space, transmission factors responsible for the disease, clinical manifestations, and progression in the host, with the goal being the design of realistic intervention and prevention strategies in a reasonable period of time. In the present review, we will describe how molecular tools have made actual knowledge regarding the epidemiology of amebiasis possible. We will also analyze the most relevant available data on prevalence, morbidity, geographic distribution, patterns of transmission, exposure, and risk factors for infection in the human host. Our intention is to emphasize the recent molecular typing methods applied in genotyping Entamoeba species and strains, and to assess their value and limitations. Finally, we will discuss those areas of the host-parasite relationship that are still not fully understood, and the scientific challenges to approach this important public health problem in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ximénez
- Departamento de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico.
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Cost-effectiveness of detection of intestinal amebiasis by using serology and specific-amebic-antigen assays among persons with or without human immunodeficiency virus infection. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:3077-9. [PMID: 18596142 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01151-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among 345 persons who underwent indirect hemagglutination (IHA) serological assays and assays of specific amebic antigens in their stool samples, 24 of 36 (66.7%) who were seropositive for Entamoeba histolytica had intestinal amebiasis as determined by antigen assays compared with 2 of 309 (0.2%) who were seronegative (odds ratio, 307; 95% confidence interval, 64.9 to 1,451). The estimated cost to detect a case of intestinal amebiasis by serology followed by antigen assays ($52) could be reduced by 74.3% and 69.9%, respectively, compared with the costs of the concurrent use of both assays ($202) and the antigen assays alone ($173). Our finding suggests that IHA assays followed by specific-amebic-antigen assays can be cost-effective in the diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis among persons with or without human immunodeficiency virus infection who are at risk for E. histolytica infection.
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Ali IKM, Solaymani-Mohammadi S, Akhter J, Roy S, Gorrini C, Calderaro A, Parker SK, Haque R, Petri WA, Clark CG. Tissue invasion by Entamoeba histolytica: evidence of genetic selection and/or DNA reorganization events in organ tropism. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e219. [PMID: 18398490 PMCID: PMC2274956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica infection may have various clinical manifestations. Nine out of ten E. histolytica infections remain asymptomatic, while the remainder become invasive and cause disease. The most common form of invasive infection is amebic diarrhea and colitis, whereas the most common extra-intestinal disease is amebic liver abscess. The underlying reasons for the different outcomes are unclear, but a recent study has shown that the parasite genotype is a contributor. To investigate this link further we have examined the genotypes of E. histolytica in stool- and liver abscess-derived samples from the same patients. Analysis of all 18 paired samples (16 from Bangladesh, one from the United States of America, and one from Italy) revealed that the intestinal and liver abscess amebae are genetically distinct. The results suggest either that E. histolytica subpopulations in the same infection show varying organ tropism, or that a DNA reorganization event takes place prior to or during metastasis from intestine to liver. The parasite Entamoeba histolytica can cause serious disease by invading the lining of the large intestine and spreading to other organs of the body. However, most infected individuals never develop symptoms, and it is not clear what determines the different outcomes of infection. Factors that might be having an effect range from the immune response of the infected individual, to concurrent infections with other organisms or genetic differences among the parasites. In the present study we investigated the role of the latter by comparing parasites in the intestine with those that have invaded the liver of the same patient. In all 18 pairs of samples we could detect genetic differences among the parasites. Interpreting the findings is difficult, as we cannot distinguish at present between mutations that have occurred during tissue invasion and genetic diversity that was already present in the population of parasites in the intestine. However, our results strongly support a role for the parasite in determining the outcome of infection with E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibne Karim M. Ali
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Shahram Solaymani-Mohammadi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Division of Intestinal and Genital Protozoal Diseases, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jasmine Akhter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shantanu Roy
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sarah K. Parker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and The Children's Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A. Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WAP); (CGC)
| | - C. Graham Clark
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (WAP); (CGC)
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24
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Hung CC, Ji DD, Sun HY, Lee YT, Hsu SY, Chang SY, Wu CH, Chan YH, Hsiao CF, Liu WC, Colebunders R. Increased risk for Entamoeba histolytica infection and invasive amebiasis in HIV seropositive men who have sex with men in Taiwan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e175. [PMID: 18301730 PMCID: PMC2254204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 12/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Incidence of Entamoeba histolytica infection and clinical manifestations and treatment response of invasive amebiasis (IA) in HIV-infected patients have rarely been investigated before. Methodology/Principal Findings At the National Taiwan University Hospital, medical records of HIV-infected patients who received a diagnosis of IA between 1994 and 2005 were reviewed. The incidence of amebiasis was investigated in serial blood and stool samples from 670 and 264 HIV-infected patients, respectively, using serological and specific amebic antigen assays. DNA extracted from stool samples containing E. histolytica were analyzed by PCR, sequenced, and compared. Sixty-four (5.8%) of 1,109 HIV-infected patients had 67 episodes of IA, and 89.1% of them were men having sex with men (MSM). The CD4 count at diagnosis of IA was significantly higher than that of the whole cohort (215 cells/µL vs. 96 cells/µL). Forty episodes (59.7%) were liver abscesses, 52 (77.6%) colitis, and 25 (37.3%) both liver abscesses and colitis. Fever resolved after 3.5 days of metronidazole therapy (range, 1–11 days). None of the patients died. The incidence of E. histolytica infection in MSM was higher than that in other risk groups assessed by serological assays (1.99 per 100 person-years [PY] vs. 0 per 100 PY; p<0.0001) and amebic antigen assays (3.16 per 100 PY vs. 0.68 per 100 PY; p = 0.12). In multiple logistic regression analysis, only MSM was significantly associated with acquisition of E. histolytica infection (adjusted odds ratio, 14.809; p = 0.01). Clustering of E. histolytica isolates by sequencing analyses from geographically-unrelated patients suggested person-to-person transmission. Conclusions/Significance HIV-infected MSM were at significantly higher risk of amebiasis than patients from other risk groups. Despite immunosuppression, amebic liver abscesses and colitis responded favorably to treatment. Entamoeba histolytica, morphologically identical to but genetically different from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, is the causative agent of amebiasis. Recently there have been reports of increased risk for amebiasis among men who have sex with men (MSM) due to oral-anal sexual contact in several developed countries. In this longitudinal follow-up study, the incidence of amebiasis was determined among HIV-infected patients using serological and specific amebic antigen assays. DNA extracted from stool samples containing E. histolytica were analyzed by PCR, sequenced, and compared. Clinical manifestations and treatment response of invasive amebiasis in HIV-infected patients were reviewed. The results demonstrated that HIV-infected MSM were at significantly higher risk of amebiasis than patients from other risk groups. Clustering of E. histolytica isolates by sequencing analyses from geographically unrelated patients suggested person-to-person transmission. Despite immunosuppression, amebic liver abscesses and colitis responded favorably to metronidazole therapy. It is important to investigate in areas of high incidence of both amebiasis and HIV (sub-Saharan Africa) how generalizable these findings are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dar-Der Ji
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Tien Lee
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shui-Yuan Hsu
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsien Chan
- Research and Diagnostic Center, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Fu Hsiao
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Robert Colebunders
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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25
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Picazarri K, Nakada‐Tsukui K, Sato D, Nozaki T. Chapter 24 Analysis of Autophagy in the Enteric Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba. Methods Enzymol 2008; 451:359-71. [DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(08)03224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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26
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Hung CC. Amoebiasis: current status in Australia. Med J Aust 2007; 187:372; author reply 374. [PMID: 17874993 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01293.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2007] [Accepted: 06/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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27
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Ali V, Nozaki T. Current therapeutics, their problems, and sulfur-containing-amino-acid metabolism as a novel target against infections by "amitochondriate" protozoan parasites. Clin Microbiol Rev 2007; 20:164-87. [PMID: 17223627 PMCID: PMC1797636 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00019-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The "amitochondriate" protozoan parasites of humans Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, and Trichomonas vaginalis share many biochemical features, e.g., energy and amino acid metabolism, a spectrum of drugs for their treatment, and the occurrence of drug resistance. These parasites possess metabolic pathways that are divergent from those of their mammalian hosts and are often considered to be good targets for drug development. Sulfur-containing-amino-acid metabolism represents one such divergent metabolic pathway, namely, the cysteine biosynthetic pathway and methionine gamma-lyase-mediated catabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, which are present in T. vaginalis and E. histolytica but absent in G. intestinalis. These pathways are potentially exploitable for development of drugs against amoebiasis and trichomoniasis. For instance, L-trifluoromethionine, which is catalyzed by methionine gamma-lyase and produces a toxic product, is effective against T. vaginalis and E. histolytica parasites in vitro and in vivo and may represent a good lead compound. In this review, we summarize the biology of these microaerophilic parasites, their clinical manifestation and epidemiology of disease, chemotherapeutics, the modes of action of representative drugs, and problems related to these drugs, including drug resistance. We further discuss our approach to exploit unique sulfur-containing-amino-acid metabolism, focusing on development of drugs against E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahab Ali
- Department of Parasitology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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