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Baz-González E, Martin-Carrillo N, García-Livia K, Abreu-Acosta N, Foronda P. Molecular Detection of Microsporidia in Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121796. [PMID: 36552305 PMCID: PMC9775083 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidia with zoonotic potential that have been identified in humans, as well as in a large group of wild and domestic animals. Several wildlife species have been studied as reservoirs of zoonotic microsporidia in mainland Spain, including the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Due to a lack of data on microsporidia infection in wildlife on the Canary Islands, the aim of this work was to analyze the prevalence and identify the species of microsporidia in rabbits in Tenerife. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 50 fecal samples were collected from rabbits in eight municipalities of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Seven of the fifty samples (14%) were amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. Sanger sequencing reveals the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in two samples (4%), and undescribed microsporidia species in five samples (10%). This study constitutes the first molecular detection and genotyping of E. cuniculi in rabbits in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Natalia Martin-Carrillo
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Katherine García-Livia
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Nertalab S.L., 38008 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Bukhari T, Pevsner R, Herren JK. Microsporidia: a promising vector control tool for residual malaria transmission. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.957109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have resulted in a major decrease in malaria transmission. However, it has become apparent that malaria can be effectively transmitted despite high coverage of LLINs/IRS. Residual transmission can occur due to Plasmodium-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes that are insecticide resistant and have feeding and resting behavior that reduces their chance of encountering the currently deployed indoor malaria control tools. Residual malaria transmission is likely to be the most significant hurdle to achieving the goal of malaria eradication and research and development towards new tools and strategies that can control residual malaria transmission is therefore critical. One of the most promising strategies involves biological agents that are part of the mosquito microbiome and influence the ability of Anopheles to transmit Plasmodium. These differ from biological agents previously used for vector control in that their primary effect is on vectoral capacity rather than the longevity and fitness of Anopheles (which may or may not be affected). An example of this type of biological agent is Microsporidia MB, which was identified in field collected Anopheles arabiensis and caused complete inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum transmission without effecting the longevity and fitness of the host. Microsporidia MB belongs to a unique group of rapidly adapting and evolving intracellular parasites and symbionts called microsporidia. In this review we discuss the general biology of microsporidians and the inherent characteristics that make some of them particularly suitable for malaria control. We then discuss the research priorities for developing a transmission blocking strategy for the currently leading microsporidian candidate Microsporidia MB for malaria control.
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Magalhães TR, Pinto FF, Queiroga FL. A multidisciplinary review about Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2463-2479. [PMID: 35840730 PMCID: PMC9286959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite mostly associated with its natural host, the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, other animals can be infected, like other mammals, birds, and even humans. Although it usually causes subclinical infection, it can also lead to encephalitozoonosis, a clinical disease characterized by neurological, ocular, and/or renal signs that can be even fatal, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, this multidisciplinary review contributes with updated information about the E. cuniculi, deepening in its molecular and genetic characterization, its mechanisms of infection and transmission, and its prevalence among different species and geographic locations, in a One Health perspective. Recent information about the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the main host species and the prophylaxis and infection control measures currently suggested are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Fontes Pinto
- HIPRA, Malveira, Portugal
- Cytology Diagnostic Services, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Santaniello A, Cimmino I, Dipineto L, Agognon AL, Beguinot F, Formisano P, Fioretti A, Menna LF, Oriente F. Zoonotic Risk of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Laboratory Strategies for the Diagnosis of Infections in Humans and Animals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9333. [PMID: 34501921 PMCID: PMC8430659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of animals for therapeutic purposes has very ancient roots. To date, it is clear that animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), in addition to ensuring the replacement of missing or deficient affects, improves psychophysiological parameters connected to human health. However, AAI could potentially present risks related to the transmission of infectious agents from animals to humans. Among these microorganisms, E. cuniculi is a microspore which induces pathological effects (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness, respiratory symptoms, and weakness) in both humans and animals. Consequently, an accurate and fast diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection, as well as the identification of new diagnostic approaches, is of fundamental importance. This literature review was carried out to provide an extensive and comprehensive analysis of the most recent diagnostic techniques to prevent and care for E. cuniculi-associated risks in the AAI field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ilaria Cimmino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ayewa Lawoe Agognon
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
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Pei B, Wang C, Yu B, Xia D, Li T, Zhou Z. The First Report on the Transovarial Transmission of Microsporidian Nosema bombycis in Lepidopteran Crop Pests Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071442. [PMID: 34361877 PMCID: PMC8303212 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous fungi-related parasites infecting nearly all vertebrates and invertebrates. Microsporidian Nosema bombycis is a natural pathogen of multiple insects, including the silkworm and many agricultural and forest pests. N. bombycis can transovarially transmit in silkworm and cause huge economic losses to the sericulture. However, it remains unclear whether N. bombycis vertically transmits in the crop pests Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera. Here, we investigated the infection of N. bombycis in S. litura and H. armigera to illuminate its infectivity and transovarial transmission. In result, tissue examination with light microscopy revealed that the fat body, midgut, malpighian tubules, hemolymph, testis, and ovary were all infected in both pest pupae. Immunohistochemical analysis (IHA) of the ovariole showed that a large number of parasites in maturation and proliferation presented in follicle cell, nurse cell, and oocyte, suggesting that N. bombycis can infect and multiply in these cells and probably transovarially transmit to the next generations in both pests. Microscopic examination on the egg infection rate demonstrated that 50% and 38% of the S. litura and H. armigera eggs were congenitally infected, respectively. IHA of both eggs manifested numerous spores and proliferative pathogens in the oocyte, confirming that N. bombycis can invade into the female germ cell from the parent body. After hatching of the infected eggs, we detected the infection in offspring larvae and found large quantities of proliferative pathogens, confirming that N. bombycis can transovarially transmit in S. litura and H. armigera, and probably persists in both pest populations via congenital infection. In summary, our work, for the first time, proved that N. bombycis is able to vertically transmit in S. litura and H. armigera via infecting the oocyte in the parent, suggesting that N. bombycis could be a biological insecticide for controlling the population of crop pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.P.); (C.W.); (B.Y.); (D.X.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.P.); (C.W.); (B.Y.); (D.X.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.P.); (C.W.); (B.Y.); (D.X.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.P.); (C.W.); (B.Y.); (D.X.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.P.); (C.W.); (B.Y.); (D.X.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.P.); (C.W.); (B.Y.); (D.X.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (Z.Z.)
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An G, Tang Y, Mo B, Ran M, He X, Bao J, Zhou Z. Characterization of a Murine Model for Encephalitozoon hellem Infection after Dexamethasone Immunosuppression. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1891. [PMID: 33260440 PMCID: PMC7761425 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem) belongs to a group of opportunistic pathogens called microsporidia. Microsporidia infection symptoms vary and include diarrhea, ocular disorders and systemic inflammations. Traditionally, immunodeficient animals were used to study microsporidia infection. To overcome the difficulties in maintenance and operation using immunodeficient mice, and to better mimic natural occurring microsporidia infection, this study aims to develop a pharmacologically immunosuppressed murine model of E. hellem infection. METHODS Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone (Dex) and then E. hellem spores were inoculated into the mice intraperitoneally. Control groups were the Dex-immunosuppressed but noninoculated mice, and the Dex-immunosuppressed then lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. Mice body weights were monitored and all animals were sacrificed at the 15th day after inoculation. Tissue fragments and immune cells were collected and processed. RESULTS Histopathological analysis demonstrated that E. hellem inoculation resulted in a disseminated nonlethal infection. Interestingly, E. hellem infection desensitized the innate immunity of the host, as shown by cytokine expressions and dendritic cell maturation. We also found that E. hellem infection greatly altered the composition of host gut microbiota. (4) Conclusions: Dex-immunosuppressed mice provide a useful tool for study microsporidiosis and the interactions between microsporidia and host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozhen An
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yunlin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Biying Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Maoshuang Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiao He
- College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China;
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
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