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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Akcay G, Bahadir A, Tatar Y, Nuri Atalar M, Babur C, Taylan Ozkan A. Investigation of the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on behavioral and molecular mechanism in bradyzoite stage. Brain Res 2024; 1828:148762. [PMID: 38228258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148762] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite that causes a disease called toxoplasmosis. It can reach the central nervous system, but the mechanism of T. gondii disrupting the functioning of these brain regions occurs in bradyzoite stage of parasite, causing brain damage by forming tissue cysts in brain. In our study, the effects of T. gondii on locomotor activity, anxiety, learning and memory, and norepinephrine (NE), levodopa (L-DOPA), dopamine (DA) and 3,4-D-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) catecholamines in amygdala, striatum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain were investigated in bradyzoite stage. Twenty male Albino mice Mus musculus, 4-5 weeks old, weighing 20-25 g, were used. T. gondii inoculated to mice intraperitonealy with 48-50-hour passages of T. gondii RH Ankara strain. For intraperitoneal inoculation of mice 5x104 tachyzoites per mouse. No inoculation was made in control group (n: 20). Locomotor activity behavior in open field test (OFT), anxious behavior in elevated plus maze (EPM), and learning behavior in novel object recognition (NOR) tests were evaluated. NE, L-DOPA, DA and DOPAC were measured by HPLC in brain tissues of amygdala, striatum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. A decrease was observed in the locomotor activity, anxiety and learning values of the T. gondii group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The heighten in NE and L-DOPA levels in amygdala tissue of T. gondii group compared to control group, an elevation in NE, L-DOPA, DA and DOPAC levels in striatum tissue, and an increase in levels of NE in prefrontal cortex tissue were detected in monoamine results. In hippocampus tissue, an increase was observed in DA levels, while a decrease was observed in NE, L-DOPA and DOPAC levels. In our study, it has been shown that T. gondii in bradyzoite stage reduces locomotor activity, causes learning and memory impairment, and has anxiogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guven Akcay
- Hitit University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Çorum, Turkey.
| | - Anzel Bahadir
- Duzce University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Yakup Tatar
- TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Nuri Atalar
- Igdir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Iğdır, Turkey
| | - Cahit Babur
- National Parasitology Reference Laboratory, General Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health of Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taylan Ozkan
- TOBB ETU University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey
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Rosado D, Intriago B, Loor E, Alcívar F, Avila J, Sotomayor M, Villacres L, Faytong-Haro M. Associations between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and psychopathological manifestations in schizophrenic patients: A single-center study from Ecuador. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297523. [PMID: 38394236 PMCID: PMC10890741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297523] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia, a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, is believed to be influenced by various factors including environmental exposures. A potential environmental factor is the infection by the obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii which affects neurotransmitter levels, which could potentially exacerbate, trigger symptoms of schizophrenia or make them worst. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and psychopathological presentation in persons with schizophrenia in Ecuador. METHODS This study was conducted at the Neuroscience Institute of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Among 368 inpatients, 104 were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics captured patient characteristics and mental health outcomes. Logistic regression models estimated the effect of toxoplasmosis on various mental health outcomes, controlling for demographic and health-related variables. RESULTS 86.5% of participants were seropositive for toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma-seropositive schizophrenic patients had a lower risk of depression but a significantly higher risk of disorientation. The most prevalent mental health outcomes were Language Impairments (70.2%) and Bizarre Behavior (76.0%). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity may have specific effects on mental functions in schizophrenic patients, particularly reducing the risk of depression but increasing the risk of disorientation. Further studies are required to clarify these associations and the potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rosado
- School of Health, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayas, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Belen Intriago
- School of Health, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayas, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Evelyn Loor
- School of Health, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayas, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Flor Alcívar
- School of Health, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayas, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Avila
- Internal Medicine, Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Tufts University, St, Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mario Sotomayor
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Larissa Villacres
- School of Health, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Guayas, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Marco Faytong-Haro
- Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Cdla. Universitaria “Dr. Rómulo Minchala Murillo”, Guayas, Milagro, Ecuador
- Laboratorio para Investigación para el Desarrollo del Ecuador, Guayas, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Dupont D, Robert M, Brenier-Pinchart M, Lefevre A, Wallon M, Pelloux H. Toxoplasma gondii, a plea for a thorough investigation of its oncogenic potential. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22147. [PMID: 38034818 PMCID: PMC10685377 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22147] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 30 % of the world's population harbours the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, particularly in the brain. Beyond its implication in potentially severe opportunistic or congenital infections, this persistence has long been considered as without consequence. However, certain data in animals and humans suggest that this carriage may be linked to various neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. The hypothesis of a potential cerebral oncogenicity of the parasite is also emerging. In this personal view, we will present the epidemiological arguments in favour of an association between toxoplasmosis and cerebral malignancy, before considering the points that could underlie a potential causal link. More specifically, we will focus on the brain as the preferred location for T. gondii persistence and the propensity of this parasite to interfere with the apoptosis and cell cycle signalling pathways of their host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Dupont
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
- Physiologie intégrée du système d’éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, 69500, France
| | - M.G. Robert
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - M.P. Brenier-Pinchart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - A. Lefevre
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
| | - M. Wallon
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, 69004, France
- Physiologie intégrée du système d’éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Faculté de Médecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, 69500, France
| | - H. Pelloux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, 38000, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209-CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, 38000, France
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Gholizadeh N, Dalimi A, Ghaffarifar F, Nader-Mohammadi M, Molavi P, Dadkhah M, Molaei S. Berberine improves inhibitory avoidance memory impairment of Toxoplasma gondii-infected rat model of ketamine-induced schizophrenia. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:303. [PMID: 37649038 PMCID: PMC10469906 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory impairment caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection has been documented. Berberine (BRB) is well known for its enhancing effects on memory and has shown promising results. However, the impact of BRB on T. gondii infection and schizophrenia-induced consolidation and reconsolidation memory impairment is still unclear. Here; we examined the effect of BRB on the inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory consolidation and reconsolidation impairment induced by T. gondii infection, and ketamine (Ket) as a pharmacological model of schizophrenia. Also; the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus were analyzed. METHODS Rats were infected with T. gondii RH strain or received Ket (30 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally (i.p) for at least five consecutive days (as the model of schizophrenia). Then followed by oral administration with BRB (25 mg/kg/day) for five days. Finally, the IA memory retention test was examined 48 post-conditioning, and BDNF was measured. RESULTS Results indicated IA memory impairment in T. gondii-infected animals since lower step-through latency (STL) was observed than in control animals. We found significant (P = 0.01, P = 0.001) elevations in STL and a significant decrease (P = 0.001) in total time spent in the dark area following BRB administration in infected and Ket-treated rats, indicating improvement (increased STL) in consolidation and reconsolidation memory. Moreover, BDNF levels were reduced (P = 0.01) in the hippocampus and mPFC regions of both T. gondii- infected and Ket-induced groups, which remarkably enhanced after BRB treatment. Furthermore; we found that BRB administration notably increased the mPFC BDNF levels in mPFC (P < 0.01) and hippocampus (P = 0.001) in the Ket-treated and rats infected with T. gondii. CONCLUSION Taken together; BRB may be a valuable preclinical treatment for improving memory impairment through BDNF expression in PFC and hippocampus, therefore; BRB is suggested for memory disturbances induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neghin Gholizadeh
- Students Research Committee, Public Health School, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehryar Nader-Mohammadi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Parviz Molavi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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Wana MN, Watanabe M, Chiroma SM, Unyah NZ, Abdullahi SA, Nordin S, Basir R, Mohd Moklas MA, Majid RA. Toxoplasma gondii induced cognitive impairment in rats via dysregulation of dopamine receptors and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14370. [PMID: 36950587 PMCID: PMC10025920 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14370] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite capable of residing in the brain of their host which influences behaviour changes due to alterations in the neurotransmitters. Consequently, dopamine receptors (DRD) and indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase (IDO) dysregulation facilitate the progression of behaviour changes in a host as a response to infection. This study tested the effect of neurotransmitter changes as a result of T. gondii infection on rats cognitive impairment. The T. gondii strain of type I, II and III from Malaysia were previously identified by standard procedures. Sporulated oocysts each of type I, II and III were inoculated separately into three groups of Wistar rats (n = 9) respectively. Two separate control groups received either phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or MK-801 (dizocilpine). Behaviour changes were evaluated at nine weeks post infection in a square box, elevated plus maze and gene expression level of DRD and IDO compounds. The study revealed increased fatal feline attraction, reduced anxiety, decreased DRD and increased IDO gene expression in the T. gondii infected groups and MK-801 compared to the PBS control group. In conclusion, T. gondii infection alter the level of neurotransmitters in rat which cause cognitive impairment. This implies that all the T. gondii strain can cause behaviour changes if human were infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nasiru Wana
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Malaika Watanabe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samaila Musa Chiroma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NuMed) No 1, Jalan Sarjana 1,Kota Ilmu, EduCity@Iskandar,79200 Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya) Johor-Malaysia
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Shariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusliza Basir
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
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Ginsenoside Rh2 reduces depression in offspring of mice with maternal toxoplasma infection during pregnancy by inhibiting microglial activation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. J Ginseng Res 2022; 46:62-70. [PMID: 35035240 PMCID: PMC8753429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy has been associated with various mental illnesses in the offspring. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a major bioactive compound obtained from ginseng that has an anti-T. gondii effect and attenuates microglial activation through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. GRh2 also alleviated tumor-associated or lipopolysaccharide-induced depression. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of GRh2 on depression-like behavior in mouse offspring caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy have not been investigated. Methods We examined GRh2 effects on the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring, caused by maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy, by measuring depression-like behaviors and assaying parameters at the neuronal and molecular level. Results We showed that GRh2 significantly improved behavioral measures: sucrose consumption, forced swim time and tail suspended immobility time of their offspring. These corresponded with increased tissue concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine, and attenuated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase or enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the prefrontal cortex. GRh2 ameliorated neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex. Molecular docking results revealed that GRh2 binds strongly to both TLR4 and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Conclusion This study demonstrated that GRh2 ameliorated the depression-like behavior in mouse offspring of maternal T. gondii infection during pregnancy by attenuating the excessive activation of microglia and neuroinflammation through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. It suggests that GRh2 could be considered a potential therapy in preventing and treating psychiatric disorders in the offspring mice of mothers with prenatal exposure to T. gondii infection.
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasmosis: Targeting neurotransmitter systems in psychiatric disorders. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:123-146. [PMID: 34476718 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The most common form of the disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is latent toxoplasmosis due to the formation of tissue cysts in various organs, such as the brain. Latent toxoplasmosis is probably a risk factor in the development of some neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioral changes after infection are caused by the host immune response, manipulation by the parasite, central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, as well as changes in hormonal and neuromodulator relationships. The present review focused on the exact mechanisms of T. gondii effect on the alteration of behavior and neurotransmitter levels, their catabolites and metabolites, as well as the interaction between immune responses and this parasite in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. The dysfunction of neurotransmitters in the neural transmission is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further intensive studies are required to determine the effect of this parasite on altering the level of neurotransmitters and the role of neurotransmitters in the etiology of host behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Dupont D, Lin JS, Peyron F, Akaoka H, Wallon M. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection and sleep-wake alterations in mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:895-907. [PMID: 34085752 PMCID: PMC8265947 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) is an intracellular parasite infecting more than a third of the human population. Yet, the impact of Tg infection on sleep, a highly sensitive index of brain functions, remains unknown. We designed an experimental mouse model of chronic Tg infection to assess the effects on sleep-wake states. METHODS Mice were infected using cysts of the type II Prugniaud strain. We performed chronic sleep-wake recordings and monitoring as well as EEG power spectral density analysis in order to assess the quantitative and qualitative changes of sleep-wake states. Pharmacological approach was combined to evaluate the direct impact of the infection and inflammation caused by Tg. RESULTS Infected mouse exhibited chronic sleep-wake alterations over months, characterized by a marked increase (>20%) in time spent awake and in cortical EEG θ power density of all sleep-wake states. Meanwhile, slow-wave sleep decreased significantly. These effects were alleviated by an anti-inflammatory treatment using corticosteroid dexamethasone. CONCLUSION We demonstrated for the first time the direct consequences of Tg infection on sleep-wake states. The persistently increased wakefulness and reduced sleep fit with the parasite's strategy to enhance dissemination through host predation and are of significance in understanding the neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders reported in infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Dupont
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Physiologie intégrée du système d'éveil, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jian-Sheng Lin
- Physiologie intégrée du système d'éveil, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - François Peyron
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Hideo Akaoka
- Physiologie intégrée du système d'éveil, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Martine Wallon
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Parasitologie Mycologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Physiologie intégrée du système d'éveil, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Bertachini ALL, Januario GC, Novi SL, Mesquita RC, Silva MAR, Andrade GMQ, de Resende LM, de Miranda DM. Hearing brain evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy in congenital toxoplasmosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10135. [PMID: 33980948 PMCID: PMC8115034 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a known cause of hearing loss directly caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Hearing loss might result from sensory, neural, or sensorineural lesions. Early treated infants rarely develop hearing loss, but retinochoroidal lesions, intracranial calcifications and hydrocephalus are common. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the brain evoked hemodynamic responses of CT and healthy infants during four auditory stimuli: mother infant directed speech, researcher infant directed speech, mother reading and researcher recorded. Children underwent Transitionally Evoked Otoacoustic Emission Auditory Testing and Automated Brainstem Auditory Response tests with normal auditory results, but with a tendency for greater latencies in the CT group compared to the control group. We assessed brain hemodynamics with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements from 61 infants, and we present fNIRS results as frequency maps of activation and deactivation for each stimulus. By evaluating infants in the three first months of life, we observed an individual heterogeneous brain activation pattern in response to all auditory stimuli for both groups. Each channel was activated or deactivated in less than 30% of children for all stimuli. There is a need of prospective studies to evaluate if the neurologic or auditory changes course with compromise of children outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lívia Libardi Bertachini
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,NUPAD - Center for Newborn Screening and Genetic Diagnostics, UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Cintra Januario
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,NUPAD - Center for Newborn Screening and Genetic Diagnostics, UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sergio Luiz Novi
- "Gleb Wataghin'' Institute of Physics, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gláucia Manzan Queiroz Andrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,NUPAD - Center for Newborn Screening and Genetic Diagnostics, UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciana Macedo de Resende
- Department of Speech and Hearing Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,NUPAD - Center for Newborn Screening and Genetic Diagnostics, UFMG - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Débora Marques de Miranda
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. .,Centro de Tecnologia Em Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena 190, Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil.
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11
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Johnson SK, Johnson PTJ. Toxoplasmosis: Recent Advances in Understanding the Link Between Infection and Host Behavior. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2020; 9:249-264. [PMID: 33138620 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-081720-111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Humans, wildlife, and domestic animals are intimately linked through shared infections. Many parasites and pathogens use multiple host species, either opportunistically or sequentially, such that managing disease risk frequently requires a broader understanding of the ecological community. The coccidian protozoan Toxoplasma gondii infects more than one hundred species of vertebrates, ranging from bats to beluga whales. In humans, acute toxoplasmosis can have serious health consequences for immunocompromised individuals. Even amongst asymptomatic patients, however, toxoplasmosis has been linked to a range of behavioral alterations and conditions, such as changes in risk tolerance, neuroticism, mental illness, suicide, and accident proneness. Whether such links are causal or simply correlational has been the subject of intense study and debate; from an evolutionary standpoint, selection may favor parasite-induced alterations in host behavior that increase the likelihood a host is consumed by the definitive host-in this case a domestic or wild felid. Here, we examine current evidence for parasite-induced manipulations of host behavior, in both humans and other animals. We critically evaluate proposed mechanisms through which infection might influence host behavior, which range from inflammation in the brain to changes in hormones or neurotransmitters. Considering estimates that T. gondii may infect up to one-third of the global human population, we conclude by examining the implications of these changes for human behavior, individual fitness, and emergent cultural properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie K Johnson
- Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA;
| | - Pieter T J Johnson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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12
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Baker TL, Sun M, Semple BD, Tyebji S, Tonkin CJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR. Catastrophic consequences: can the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii prompt the purrfect neuroinflammatory storm following traumatic brain injury? J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:222. [PMID: 32711529 PMCID: PMC7382044 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, treatment development is hindered by the heterogenous nature of TBI presentation and pathophysiology. In particular, the degree of neuroinflammation after TBI varies between individuals and may be modified by other factors such as infection. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects approximately one-third of the world’s population, has a tropism for brain tissue and can persist as a life-long infection. Importantly, there is notable overlap in the pathophysiology between TBI and T. gondii infection, including neuroinflammation. This paper will review current understandings of the clinical problems, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional outcomes of TBI and T. gondii, before considering the potential synergy between the two conditions. In particular, the discussion will focus on neuroinflammatory processes such as microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral immune cell recruitment that occur during T. gondii infection and after TBI. We will present the notion that these overlapping pathologies in TBI individuals with a chronic T. gondii infection have the strong potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation and related brain damage, leading to amplified functional deficits. The impact of chronic T. gondii infection on TBI should therefore be investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies as the possible interplay could influence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shiraz Tyebji
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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13
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Toxoplasmosis: A pathway to neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:72-92. [PMID: 30476506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that resides, in a latent form, in the human central nervous system. Infection with Toxoplasma drastically alters the behaviour of rodents and is associated with the incidence of specific neuropsychiatric conditions in humans. But the question remains: how does this pervasive human pathogen alter behaviour of the mammalian host? This fundamental question is receiving increasing attention as it has far reaching public health implications for a parasite that is very common in human populations. Our current understanding centres on neuronal changes that are elicited directly by this intracellular parasite versus indirect changes that occur due to activation of the immune system within the CNS, or a combination of both. In this review, we explore the interactions between Toxoplasma and its host, the proposed mechanisms and consequences on neuronal function and mental health, and discuss Toxoplasma infection as a public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
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14
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Green MJ, Kariuki M, Dean K, Laurens KR, Tzoumakis S, Harris F, Carr VJ. Childhood developmental vulnerabilities associated with early life exposure to infectious and noninfectious diseases and maternal mental illness. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:801-810. [PMID: 29278269 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal exposure to infectious and noninfectious diseases may influence early childhood developmental functioning, on the path to later mental illness. Here, we investigated the effects of in utero exposure to maternal infection and noninfectious diseases during pregnancy on offspring developmental vulnerabilities at age 5 years, in the context of estimated effects for early childhood exposures to infectious and noninfectious diseases and maternal mental illness. METHODS We used population data for 66,045 children from an intergenerational record linkage study (the New South Wales Child Development Study), for whom a cross-sectional assessment of five developmental competencies (physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and communication) was obtained at school entry, using the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). Child and maternal exposures to infectious or noninfectious diseases were determined from the NSW Ministry of Health Admitted Patients Data Collection (APDC) and maternal mental illness exposure was derived from both APDC and Mental Health Ambulatory Data collections. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine unadjusted and adjusted associations between these physical and mental health exposures and child developmental vulnerabilities at age 5 years. RESULTS Among the physical disease exposures, maternal infectious diseases during pregnancy and early childhood infection conferred the largest associations with developmental vulnerabilities at age 5 years; maternal noninfectious illness during pregnancy also retained small but significant associations with developmental vulnerabilities even when adjusted for other physical and mental illness exposures and covariates known to be associated with early childhood development (e.g., child's sex, socioeconomic disadvantage, young maternal age, prenatal smoking). Among all exposures examined, maternal mental illness first diagnosed prior to childbirth conferred the greatest odds of developmental vulnerability at age 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to infectious or noninfectious diseases appear to influence early childhood physical, social, emotional and cognitive developmental vulnerabilities that may represent intermediate phenotypes for subsequent mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maina Kariuki
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kimberlie Dean
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristin R Laurens
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stacy Tzoumakis
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Felicity Harris
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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15
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Syn G, Anderson D, Blackwell JM, Jamieson SE. Toxoplasma gondii Infection Is Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction in-Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:512. [PMID: 29312892 PMCID: PMC5733060 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon invasion of host cells, the ubiquitous pathogen Toxoplasma gondii manipulates several host processes, including re-organization of host organelles, to create a replicative niche. Host mitochondrial association to T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles is rapid and has roles in modulating host immune responses. Here gene expression profiling of T. gondii infected cells reveals enrichment of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial dysfunction 6 h post-infection. We identified 11 hub genes (HIF-1α, CASP8, FN1, POU5F1, CD44, ISG15, HNRNPA1, MDM2, RPL35, VHL, and NUPR1) and 10 predicted upstream regulators, including 4 endogenous regulators RICTOR, KDM5A, RB1, and D-glucose. We characterized a number of mitochondrial parameters in T. gondii infected human foreskin fibroblast cells over a 36 h time-course. In addition to the usual rapid recruitment and apparent enlargement of mitochondria around the parasitophorous vacuole we observed fragmented host mitochondria in infected cells, not linked to cellular apoptosis, from 24 h post-infection. An increase in mitochondrial superoxide levels in T. gondii infected cells was observed that required active parasite invasion and peaked at 30 h post-infection. Measurement of OXPHOS proteins showed decreased expression of Complex IV in infected cells at 24 h post-infection, followed by decreased expression of Complexes I and II at 36 h post-infection. No change occurred in Complex V. No difference in host mitochondrial membrane potential between infected and mock-infected cells was observed at any time. Our results show perturbation of host mitochondrial function following T. gondii infection that likely impacts on pathogenesis of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Syn
- Genetics and Health, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Denise Anderson
- Genetics and Health, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Jenefer M Blackwell
- Genetics and Health, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Sarra E Jamieson
- Genetics and Health, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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16
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Cheng W, Wang C, Xu T, Liu F, Pappoe F, Luo Q, Xu Y, Lu F, Shen J. Genotyping of polymorphic effectors of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from China. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:580. [PMID: 29157292 PMCID: PMC5697216 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan apicomplexan and obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of animals and humans. Rhoptry proteins 5 (ROP5), ROP16, ROP18 and dense granules 15 (GRA15) are the important effectors secreted by T. gondii which link to the strain virulence for mice and modulate the host’s response to the parasite. Little has been known about these molecules as well as GRA3 in type Chinese 1 strains that show polymorphism among strains of archetypical genotypes. This study examined the genetic diversity of these effectors and its correlated virulence in mice among T. gondii isolates from China. Results Twenty-one isolates from stray cats were detected, of which 15 belong to Chinese 1, and 6 to ToxoDB #205. Wh6 isolate, a Chinese 1 strain, has an avirulent phenotype. PCR-RFLP results of ROP5 and ROP18 presented few variations among the strains. Genotyping of GRA15 and ROP16 revealed that all the strains belong to type II allele except Xz7 which carries type I allele. ROP16 amino acid alignment at 503 locus demonstrated that 17 isolates are featured as type I or type III (ROP16I/III), and the other 4 as type II (ROP16II). The strains investigated may be divided into four groups based on GRA3 amino acid alignment, and all isolates of type Chinese 1 belong to the μ-1 allele except Wh6 which is identical to type II strain. Conclusions PCR-RFLP and sequence alignment analyses of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18, GRA3, and GRA15 in T. gondii revealed that strains with the same genotype may have variations in some of their key genes. GRA3 variation exhibited by Wh6 strain may be associated with the difference in phenotype and pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2527-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Faustina Pappoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Fangli Lu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Parasitology and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China. .,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
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17
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Abstract
Human infections with foodborne pathogenic organisms are relatively well described in terms of their overt physical symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever, and associated sequelae. Indeed, some of these are key for diagnosis and treatment, although it should be noted that, for some foodborne pathogens, the physical symptoms might be more diffuse, particularly those associated with some of the foodborne parasites. In contrast, the impact of these pathogens on mental health is less well described, and symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and general malaise are usually ignored when foodborne infections are recorded. Despite this, it is generally accepted that there are several psychiatric disorders of unknown etiology that may be associated with microbial pathogens. Depression, autism, hypochondriasis and anxiety, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome probably have multiple contributing causes, among which foodborne pathogens may play a decisive or contributory role, possibly sharing pathophysiological pathways with other environmental triggers. This review focuses on foodborne parasites and bacterial pathogens. Some foodborne parasites, such as metacestodes of Taenia solium and tissue cysts (bradyzoites) of Toxoplasma gondii , may affect mental health by directly infecting the brain. In contrast, bacterial infections and other parasitic infections may contribute to mental illness via the immune system and/or by influencing neurotransmission pathways. Thus, cytokines, for example, have been associated with depression and schizophrenia. However, infectious disease models for psychiatry require a more complete understanding of the relationship between psychiatric disorders and microbial triggers. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the role of foodborne parasitic and bacterial pathogens in mental illness and identifies some of the gaps that should be addressed to improve diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues that are not solely related to psychiatric factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan J Bolton
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 0454 Oslo, Norway
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18
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Gao YM, Ding H, Lamberton PHL, Lu DB. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet dogs in mainland China: A meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2016; 229:126-130. [PMID: 27809967 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common zoonosis in the world, and can cause severe adverse consequences in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people. Throughout the world dogs are popular companion animals, however they are also important intermediate host of T. gondii and may play an instrumental role in mechanically transmitting Toxoplasma infection to humans. Therefore, an assessment of the level of T. gondii infection in pet dogs is of public health importance. To estimate the overall serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pet dogs in mainland China, we performed a meta-analysis using five bibliographic databases: CNKI, WanFang, VIP Chinese Journal Databases, PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 60 articles, including data on 78719 pet dogs, published between 1998 and 2016 fulfilled the final eligibility criteria. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pet dogs was 11.1% (95% CI: 10.1% to 12.1%). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in >one-year-old dogs was 1.59 times more than that in ≤one-year-old group (RR=1.59, 95%CI=1.15, 2.21). There was no significant difference observed in pooled seroprevalence between male and female dogs (RR=1.02, 95%CI=0.91, 1.16). In terms of geographical regions, the lowest seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis infection (5.8%) was in North China and the highest (16.8%) was in Southwest of China. Results from this study showed that toxoplasmosis is common in pet dogs in mainland China, indicating that control measures by owners may reduce human exposure to T. gondii via dog contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Meng Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Huan Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Poppy H L Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, GLQQ, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom.
| | - Da-Bing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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19
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Severance EG, Xiao J, Jones-Brando L, Sabunciyan S, Li Y, Pletnikov M, Prandovszky E, Yolken R. Toxoplasma gondii-A Gastrointestinal Pathogen Associated with Human Brain Diseases. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 131:143-163. [PMID: 27793216 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Serious psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. While these are primarily diseases involving altered brain functioning, numerous studies have documented increased rates of gastrointestinal inflammation and dysfunction in many individuals with these disorders. Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan intracellular parasite with a widespread distribution in both developed and developing countries. Toxoplasma organisms enter the ecosystem through the shedding of oocysts by Toxoplasma-infected felines. In almost all cases of postnatal human infection, Toxoplasma enters its hosts through the intestinal tract either by the ingestion of oocysts or by the consumption of meat from food animals which themselves were infected by Toxoplasma oocysts. It had previously been thought that most cases of Toxoplasma infection in immune competent children and adults were inapparent and asymptomatic. However, recent studies cast doubt on this concept as exposure to Toxoplasma has been associated with a range of acute and chronic symptoms. Of particular note has been the finding of an increased rate of a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with serological evidence of Toxoplasma exposure. A role of Toxoplasma infection in brain diseases is also supported by the consistent finding of altered cognition and behavior in animal models of infections. Much of the attention relating to the role of Toxoplasma infection in neuropsychiatric disorders has focused on the brain, where Toxoplasma tissue cysts can persist for extended periods of time. However, recent discoveries relating to the role of the gastrointestinal tract in cognition and behavior suggest that Toxoplasma may also increase susceptibility to human brain diseases through immune activation, particularly involving the gastrointestinal mucosa. The study of the pathways relating to the pathobiology and immunology of Toxoplasma infection may provide insights into the pathogenesis of a range of human neuropsychiatric disorders as well as into cognitive functioning in otherwise healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Severance
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - J Xiao
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - L Jones-Brando
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - S Sabunciyan
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Y Li
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - M Pletnikov
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - E Prandovszky
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - R Yolken
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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20
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Gomez-Samblas M, Vilchez S, Racero J, Fuentes M, Osuna A. Toxoplasma gondii detection and viability assays in ham legs and shoulders from experimentally infected pigs. Food Microbiol 2016; 58:112-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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21
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Omar A, Bakar OC, Adam NF, Osman H, Osman A, Suleiman AH, Manaf MRA, Selamat MI. Seropositivity and serointensity of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and DNA among patients with schizophrenia. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:29-34. [PMID: 25748706 PMCID: PMC4384787 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this cross sectional case control study was to examine the serofrequency and serointensity of Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) IgG, IgM, and DNA among patients with schizophrenia. A total of 101 patients with schizophrenia and 55 healthy controls from Sungai Buloh Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia and University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) were included in this study. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was made based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). The presence of Tg infection was examined using both indirect (ELISA) and direct (quantitative real-time PCR) detection methods by measuring Tg IgG and IgM and DNA, respectively. The serofrequency of Tg IgG antibodies (51.5%, 52/101) and DNA (32.67%, 33/101) among patients with schizophrenia was significantly higher than IgG (18.2%, 10/55) and DNA (3.64%, 2/55) of the controls (IgG, P=0.000, OD=4.8, CI=2.2-10.5; DNA, P=0.000, OD=12.9, CI=2.17-10.51). However, the Tg IgM antibody between patients with schizophrenia and controls was not significant (P>0.005). There was no significant difference (P>0.005) in both serointensity of Tg IgG and DNA between patients with schizophrenia and controls. These findings have further demonstrated the strong association between the active Tg infection and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainsah Omar
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National University of Defence, Malaysia
| | - Osman Che Bakar
- Faculty of Medicine, University Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fatini Adam
- Faculty of Medicine, University Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hakim Osman
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National University of Defence, Malaysia
| | - Arina Osman
- Faculty of Medicine, Management Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf
- Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Ikhsan Selamat
- Faculty of Medicine, University Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
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Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in psychiatric patients: a case-control study in eastern China. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:3103-9. [PMID: 25687170 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the cerebrum and neuropsychiatric patients has been increasingly highlighted. However, there is limited information about the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients in Shandong province, eastern China. Therefore, through a case-control study, 445 patients hospitalized for diacrisis or treatment in Weihai, eastern China, and 445 control subjects from the general population of the same region matched by gender, age, and residence were examined with enzyme-linked immunoassays for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies to T. gondii and associated sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics in a population of psychiatric patients. Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to T. gondii in psychiatric patients (77/445, 17·30%) was significantly higher than in control subjects (55/445, 12·36%) (P = 0·038). Fourteen (3·15%) psychiatric patients and 10 (2·25%) control subjects had IgM antibodies to T. gondii (P = 0·408). Multivariate analysis using logic regression showed that T. gondii infection was associated with cats at home and consumption of raw/undercooked meat in psychiatric patients. Considering that most psychiatric patients usually have lower cognitive functioning and additional transmission routes related to their inappropriate behaviours that could enhance the risk of infection, psychiatric patients should be considered as a specific group of T. gondii infection.
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Panchin AY, Tuzhikov AI, Panchin YV. Midichlorians--the biomeme hypothesis: is there a microbial component to religious rituals? Biol Direct 2014; 9:14. [PMID: 24990702 PMCID: PMC4094439 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6150-9-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cutting edge research of human microbiome diversity has led to the development of the microbiome-gut-brain axis concept, based on the idea that gut microbes may have an impact on the behavior of their human hosts. Many examples of behavior-altering parasites are known to affect members of the animal kingdom. Some prominent examples include Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (fungi), Toxoplasma gondii (protista), Wolbachia (bacteria), Glyptapanteles sp. (arthropoda), Spinochordodes tellinii (nematomorpha) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (flat worm). These organisms belong to a very diverse set of taxonomic groups suggesting that the phenomena of parasitic host control might be more common in nature than currently established and possibly overlooked in humans. Presentation of the hypothesis Some microorganisms would gain an evolutionary advantage by encouraging human hosts to perform certain rituals that favor microbial transmission. We hypothesize that certain aspects of religious behavior observed in the human society could be influenced by microbial host control and that the transmission of some religious rituals could be regarded as the simultaneous transmission of both ideas (memes) and parasitic organisms. Testing the hypothesis We predict that next-generation microbiome sequencing of samples obtained from gut or brain tissues of control subjects and subjects with a history of voluntary active participation in certain religious rituals that promote microbial transmission will lead to the discovery of microbes, whose presence has a consistent and positive association with religious behavior. Our hypothesis also predicts a decline of participation in religious rituals in societies with improved sanitation. Implications of the hypothesis If proven true, our hypothesis may provide insights on the origin and pervasiveness of certain religious practices and provide an alternative explanation for recently published positive associations between parasite-stress and religiosity. The discovery of novel microorganisms that affect host behavior may improve our understanding of neurobiology and neurochemistry, while the diversity of such organisms may be of interest to evolutionary biologists and religious scholars. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Prof. Dan Graur, Dr. Rob Knight and Dr. Eugene Koonin
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Y Panchin
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Li Y, Weber NS, Fisher JA, Yolken RH, Cowan DN, Larsen RA, Niebuhr DW. Association between antibodies to multiple infectious and food antigens and new onset schizophrenia among US military personnel. Schizophr Res 2013; 151:36-42. [PMID: 24139899 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple studies have documented immune activation in many individuals with schizophrenia suggesting that antigens capable of generating a prolonged immune response may be important environmental factors in many cases of this disorder. While existing studies have found single-agent associations of antibodies to food and neurotropic infectious agents with schizophrenia, a simultaneous examination of multiple agents may shed light on agent interactions or possible etiopathogenic pathways. METHODS We used traditional regression and novel statistical techniques to examine associations of single and combined infectious and food antigens with schizophrenia. We tested 6106 serum samples from 855 cases and 1165 matched controls. RESULTS Higher antibody levels to casein were borderline significant in the prediction of schizophrenia (HR=1.08, p=0.06). Study participants with higher cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG antibody levels had a reduced risk of developing schizophrenia (HR=0.90; p=0.02). While IgG antibodies to gliadin, Toxoplasma gondii, vaccinia, measles, and human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) showed no significant independent associations with schizophrenia, the increase in antibody levels to several combinations of agents, to include casein, measles, CMV, T. gondii and vaccinia, was predictive of an 18-34% increase in the risk of developing schizophrenia. CONCLUSION Certain patterns of antibodies, involving some agents, were predictive of developing schizophrenia, with the magnitude of association rising when the level of antibodies increased to two or more agents. A heightened antibody response to a combination of several infectious/food antigens might be an indicator of an altered immune response to antigenic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhang Li
- Preventive Medicine Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States
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