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Moratal S, Magnet A, Izquierdo F, del Águila C, López-Ramon J, Dea-Ayuela MA. Microsporidia in Commercially Harvested Marine Fish: A Potential Health Risk for Consumers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2673. [PMID: 37627464 PMCID: PMC10451485 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are widely spread obligate intracellular fungal pathogens from vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, mainly transmitted by contaminated food and water. This study aims to detect the presence of major human-pathogenic microsporidia, i.e., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon hellem, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, in the gastrointestinal tract of commercially harvested marine fish from Mediterranean coast of the Comunidad Valenciana, Eastern Spain. A total of 251 fish, 138 farmed fish and 113 wild fish from commercial fishing were tested by SYBR Green real-time PCR, enabling the simultaneous detection of the four targeted species. E. intestinalis/hellem was found in 1.45% of farmed fish and 7.96% of wild fish, while Enterocytozoonidae was detected in 2.90% and 18.58% of farmed and wild fish, respectively. E. cuniculi was not detected in any of the analyzed specimens. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of E. intestinalis/hellem in fish, particularly in marine fish. Although the role of fish in these species' epidemiology remains unknown, this finding points out a potential public health risk linked to fish consumption. Further studies are necessary to characterize these microsporidia in fish hosts better and to elucidate their epidemiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Moratal
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain (J.L.-R.)
| | - Angela Magnet
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Fernando Izquierdo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Carmen del Águila
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Jordi López-Ramon
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain (J.L.-R.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departamento Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Ramón y Cajal, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
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Krumrie S, Capewell P, McDonald M, Dunbar D, Panarese R, Katzer F, El Sakka N, Mellor D, Alexander CL, Weir W. Molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis from human and companion animal sources in the United Kingdom using an improved triosephosphate isomerase molecular marker. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100105. [PMID: 36504596 PMCID: PMC9731890 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite known for its ability to cause gastrointestinal disease in human and non-human mammals. In the UK, the full impact of this parasite has yet to be fully explored, due to the limited testing which has been undertaken in humans and the low-resolution assemblage-typing methods currently available. Rather than being primarily a travel-associated condition, a recent study has highlighted that an endemic Giardia cycle is present in the UK, although the source of human disease is unclear in the majority of cases. This study focussed on the improvement of one of the commonly used assemblage-typing assays, a nested topoisomerase phosphate (tpi) PCR, to increase the amplification success rate across both human and companion animal samples. After comparing published primers to full Giardia reference genomes, this marker protocol was optimised and then deployed to test a substantial number of human (n = 79) and companion animal (n = 174) samples to gain an insight into the molecular epidemiology of Giardia in the UK. One assemblage A1 and eleven assemblage A2 genotypes were detected in humans, along with and 25 assemblage B genotypes. Assemblage A1 genotypes, known to be human-infective, were found in three feline and one canine sample, while one feline sample contained assemblage A2. Additionally, four feline samples contained assemblage B, which is recognised as potentially human-infective. This study demonstrates the presence of potentially human-infective Giardia genotypes circulating in the companion animal population, notably with 17.4% (8/46) of feline-derived Giardia strains being potentially zoonotic. Using a modified tpi-based genotyping assay, this work highlights the potential for domestic pets to be involved in the endemic transmission of giardiasis in the UK and underlines the need for appropriate hygiene measures to be observed when interacting with both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals. It also serves to underline the requirement for further studies to assess the zoonotic risk of Giardia associated with companion animals in high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Krumrie
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Paul Capewell
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
- BioClavis Ltd., Queen Elizabeth Teaching and Learning Centre, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 4TF, UK
| | - Mike McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Dawn Dunbar
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Rossella Panarese
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Noha El Sakka
- National Health Services Grampian, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Dominic Mellor
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
- Public Health Scotland, Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | - Claire L. Alexander
- Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories (Glasgow), New Lister Building, 10-16 Alexandria Parade, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, G31 2ER, UK
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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Moratal S, Dea-Ayuela MA, Cardells J, Marco-Hirs NM, Puigcercós S, Lizana V, López-Ramon J. Potential Risk of Three Zoonotic Protozoa ( Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii) Transmission from Fish Consumption. Foods 2020; 9:E1913. [PMID: 33371396 PMCID: PMC7767443 DOI: 10.3390/foods9121913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, worldwide fish consumption has increased notably worldwide. Despite the health benefits of fish consumption, it also can suppose a risk because of fishborne diseases, including parasitic infections. Global changes are leading to the emergence of parasites in new locations and to the appearance of new sources of transmission. That is the case of the zoonotic protozoa Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii; all of them reach aquatic environments and have been found in shellfish. Similarly, these protozoa can be present in other aquatic animals, such as fish. The present review gives an overview on these three zoonotic protozoa in order to understand their potential presence in fish and to comprehensively revise all the evidences of fish as a new potential source of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii transmission. All of them have been found in both marine and freshwater fishes. Until now, it has not been possible to demonstrate that fish are natural hosts for these protozoa; otherwise, they would merely act as mechanical transporters. Nevertheless, even if fish only accumulate and transport these protozoa, they could be a "new" source of infection for people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Moratal
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - M. Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Farmacy Department, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Santiago Ramón y Cajal St, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Cardells
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naima M. Marco-Hirs
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Silvia Puigcercós
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Víctor Lizana
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi López-Ramon
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
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Williams M, Hernandez-Jover M, Shamsi S. Fish substitutions which may increase human health risks from zoonotic seafood borne parasites: A review. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Riches A, Hart CJS, Trenholme KR, Skinner-Adams TS. Anti- Giardia Drug Discovery: Current Status and Gut Feelings. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13330-13354. [PMID: 32869995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Giardia parasites are ubiquitous protozoans of global importance that impact a wide range of animals including humans. They are the most common enteric pathogen of cats and dogs in developed countries and infect ∼1 billion people worldwide. While Giardia infections can be asymptomatic, they often result in severe and chronic diseases. There is also mounting evidence that they are linked to postinfection disorders. Despite growing evidence of the widespread morbidity associated with Giardia infections, current treatment options are limited to compound classes with broad antimicrobial activity. Frontline anti-Giardia drugs are also associated with increasing drug resistance and treatment failures. To improve the health and well-being of millions, new selective anti-Giardia drugs are needed alongside improved health education initiatives. Here we discuss current treatment options together with recent advances and gaps in drug discovery. We also propose criteria to guide the discovery of new anti-Giardia compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Riches
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Christopher J S Hart
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Katharine R Trenholme
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Tina S Skinner-Adams
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
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Henao E, Cantera JR, Rzymski P. Conserving the Amazon River Basin: The case study of the Yahuarcaca Lakes System in Colombia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138186. [PMID: 32268285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Colombia is the fourth contributor to the Amazon River Basin (ARB) by surface, and the third by mean annual runoff. The Yahuarcaca Lakes System (YLS), consisting of four large interconnected water bodies situated on the floodplain of Amazon River, was identified as one of the key areas for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity in the Colombian ARB. This review aimed to provide a general overview of YLS, present its environmental and biological features, identify main ecological and health threats, and propose mitigation strategies and future research prospects. A systematic search was performed using various databases. In summary, YLS harbors significant biodiversity and provides a number of ecological services for local communities, encompassing fish and drinking water supply and utilization of the floodplain for agriculture. Ensuring its sustainability requires attention from local and international authorities, collaboration with indigenous communities and future interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Henao
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Jaime R Cantera
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Ecology of Estuaries and Mangrove Research Group (ECOMANGLARES), Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Ryan U, Zahedi A. Molecular epidemiology of giardiasis from a veterinary perspective. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 106:209-254. [PMID: 31630759 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of eight Giardia species are accepted. These include: Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia), which infects humans and animals, Giardia agilis, Giardia ardeae, Giardia psittaci, Giardia muris, Giardia microti, Giardia peramelis and G. cricetidarum, which infect non-human hosts including amphibians, birds, rodents and marsupials. Giardia duodenalis is a species complex consisting of eight assemblages (A-H), with assemblages A and B the dominant assemblages in humans. Molecular studies to date on the zoonotic potential of Giardia in animals are problematic and are hampered by lack of concordance between loci. Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) are predominantly infected with G. duodenalis assemblage E, which has recently been shown to be zoonotic, followed by assemblage A. In cats and dogs, assemblages A, B, C, D and F are commonly reported but relatively few studies have conducted molecular typing of humans and their pets and the results are contradictory with some studies support zoonotic transmission but the majority of studies suggesting separate transmission cycles. Giardia also infects a broad range of wildlife hosts and although much less well studied, host-adapted species as well as G. duodenalis assemblages (A-H) have been identified. Fish and other aquatic wildlife represent a source of infection for humans with Giardia via water contamination and/or consumption of undercooked fish and interestingly, assemblage B and A predominated in the two molecular studies conducted to date. Our current knowledge of the transmission dynamics of Giardia is still poor and the development of more discriminatory typing tools such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Giardia isolates is therefore essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Abstract
Global consumption of seafood is steadily increasing, as is the variety of seafood, including dishes with raw or undercooked fish, leading to an increased risk of seafood-borne parasitic diseases. To address today’s challenges to understand the biology and ecology of these parasites in an ever-changing environment and to tackle their pathogenicity, multidisciplinary research is needed. In addition, the gap between research and stakeholders must be bridged to decrease the risk these parasites pose to public health. A “One-Health” approach to research is necessary to ensure that consumers, aquatic animals, and environmental health questions are assessed in an integrated and holistic manner, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with seafood-borne parasitic diseases and potential solutions. However, when it comes to seafood-borne parasitic diseases, there is limited guidance available for a “One-Health” approach since these diseases can be less known. In this article, the focus is on parasitic diseases caused by seafood, which have been less studied even in some developed countries where seafood is popular. A brief overview of some of the seafood-borne parasitic diseases is provided followed by the significance of the awareness among various stakeholders in a country. In this article, it is argued that researchers and stakeholders are closely connected and a knowledge gap in one can result in a gap in knowledge and awareness in the other, causing an inability to accurately estimate the issues caused by these parasites. It is suggested that raising awareness, supporting research and training of all stakeholders are crucial for the prevention of seafood-borne parasitic diseases and the protection of the health of seafood consumers.
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Ma X, Wang Y, Zhang HJ, Wu HX, Zhao GH. First report of Giardia duodenalis infection in bamboo rats. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:520. [PMID: 30236164 PMCID: PMC6149208 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The zoonotic parasite, Giardia duodenalis (syns. G. lamblia and G. intestinalis), has been widely reported in humans and animals, including rodents. The bamboo rat, a rodent species belonged to the subfamily Rhizomyinae, is farmed in China because of its medicinal and edible values. However, no information of G. duodenalis infection was available in bamboo rats prior to the present study. Here, the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in bamboo rats from Hunan Province of China were investigated. Results Of 480 faecal samples collected from six farms located in four cities (Wugang, Chenzhou, Huaihua and Jishou) of Hunan Province, 52 (10.8%) were positive for G. duodenalis infection by using a nested PCR approach targeting the beta giardin (bg) gene. Significant differences (P < 0.01) in prevalence were found among different age groups and geographical localities, and among different farms in Wugang city. Sequence analysis revealed existence of the zoonotic assemblage B and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in these animals. Multilocus genotyping analysis also indicated broad genetic diversity of assemblage B isolates in these bamboo rats. Conclusions This is the first report of the infection and genetic variations of G. duodenalis in bamboo rats. These findings will provide basic data for implementing effective strategies to control giardiasis in bamboo rats. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3111-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Jun Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Xian Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, People's Republic of China.
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Molecular typing of Giardia duodenalis in humans in Queensland - first report of Assemblage E. Parasitology 2017; 144:1154-1161. [PMID: 28482937 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the genetic diversity of the protozoan parasite, Giardia duodenalis, infecting humans in Queensland, Australia. The present study typed 88 microscopically Giardia-positive isolates using assemblage-specific primers at the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene and sequenced a subset of isolates at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene (n = 30) and tpi locus (n = 27). Using the tpi-assemblage specific primers, G. duodenalis assemblage A and assemblage B were detected in 50% (44/88) and 38·6% (34/88) of samples, respectively. Mixed infections with assemblages A and B were identified in 4·5% (4/88) and assemblage E was identified in 6·8% (6/88) of samples. Sequence analysis at the gdh and tpi loci also confirmed the presence of assemblage E in these isolates. Cyst numbers per gram of feces (g-1) were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and of the isolates that were typed as assemblage E, cyst numbers ranged 13·8-68·3 × 106 cysts g-1. This is the first report of assemblage E in humans in Australia, indicating that in certain settings, this assemblage may be zoonotic.
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Rzymski P, Słodkowicz-Kowalska A, Klimaszyk P, Solarczyk P, Poniedziałek B. Screening of protozoan and microsporidian parasites in feces of great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:9813-9819. [PMID: 28255818 PMCID: PMC5388712 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The global population of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) is on the rise. These birds, characterized by rapid metabolism, can deposit large quantities of feces, and because they breed on the land but forage on water, both terrestrial and aquatic environments can be simultaneously affected by their activities. The contribution of great cormorants in the dispersal of bacterial and viral pathogens has been immensely studied; whereas, the occurrence of eukaryotic parasites such as protozoans and microsporidians in these birds is little known. The present study investigated the presence of dispersive stages of potentially zoonotic protozoans belonging to the genera Blastocystis, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and Microsporidia spores in feces collected from birds inhabiting the breeding colony established at one lake island in Poland, Europe. The feces were examined by coprological techniques (staining with iron hematoxylin, Ziehl-Neelsen, and modified Weber's chromotrope 2R-based trichrome), and with immunofluorescence antibody MERIFLUOR Cryptosporidium/Giardia assay. As found, the Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified rarely in 8% of samples (2/25; 3-5 × 103/g) and no cysts of Giardia and Blastocystis were detected. Microsporidian spores were detected in 4% of samples (1/25) but at very high frequency (4.3 × 104/g). No dispersive stages of parasites were identified in water samples collected from the littoral area near the colony. Despite the profuse defecation of cormorants, their role in the dispersion of the investigated parasites may not be as high as hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Anna Słodkowicz-Kowalska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Klimaszyk
- Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Solarczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Abdel-Moein KA, Saeed H. The zoonotic potential of Giardia intestinalis assemblage E in rural settings. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3197-202. [PMID: 27112756 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5081-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Giardiasis is a globally re-emerging protozoan disease with veterinary and public health implications. The current study was carried out to investigate the zoonotic potential of livestock-specific assemblage E in rural settings. For this purpose, a total of 40 microscopically positive Giardia stool samples from children with gastrointestinal complaints with or without diarrhea were enrolled in the study as well as fecal samples from 46 diarrheic cattle (18 dairy cows and 28 calves). Animal samples were examined by sedimentation method to identify Giardia spp., and then, all Giardia positive samples from human and animals were processed for molecular detection of livestock-specific assemblage E through amplification of assemblage-specific triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results of the study revealed high unexpected occurrence of assemblage E among human samples (62.5 %), whereas the distribution among patients with diarrhea and those without was 42.1 and 81 %, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of Giardia spp. among diarrheic dairy cattle was (8.7 %), while only calves yielded positive results (14.3 %) and all bovine Giardia spp. were genetically classified as Giardia intestinalis assemblage E. Moreover, DNA sequencing of randomly selected one positive human sample and another bovine one revealed 100 and 99 % identity with assemblage E tpi gene sequences available at GenBank after BLAST analysis. In conclusion, the current study highlights the wide dissemination of livestock-specific assemblage E among humans in rural areas, and thus, zoonotic transmission cycle should not be discounted during the control of giardiasis in such settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Abdel-Moein
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Hossam Saeed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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13
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De Liberato C, Berrilli F, Marangi M, Santoro M, Trogu T, Putignani L, Lanfranchi P, Ferretti F, D'Amelio S, Giangaspero A. Giardia duodenalis in Alpine (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and Apennine (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) chamois. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:650. [PMID: 26691178 PMCID: PMC4687356 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although chamois Rupicapra spp. are the most abundant mountain ungulates in Europe, no data are available on the presence of Giardia duodenalis infecting these species. Methods A total of 157 fecal samples from Alpine Rupicapra rupicaprarupicapra and Apennine Rupicapra pyrenaicaornata chamois were tested for the presence of G. duodenalis by immunofluorescence test, quantitative Real Time PCR and end-point PCR for genotype characterization. Results G. duodenalis was detected in R. r. rupicapra and R. p. ornata, with a percentage value of 4.45 (5.82 and 1.85 %, respectively), and a cyst burden of up to 31,800 cysts/g of feces. Assemblages A/AI and E were identified in R. r. rupicapra and assemblage A/AIII in R. p. ornata. Conclusions The present study represents the first record of Giardia duodenalis in Rupicapra spp., suggesting that these wild bovids can play an epidemiological role in environmental contamination and transmission of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178, Roma, Italy.
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Roma, Italy.
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Roma, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie e di Sanità pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unità di Parassitologia e Unità di Ricerca di Metagenomica, Bambino Gesù, Ospedale Pediatrico e Istituto di Ricerca, 00165, Roma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Lanfranchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie e di Sanità pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Sapienza', 00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
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Abeywardena H, Jex AR, Gasser RB. A perspective on Cryptosporidium and Giardia, with an emphasis on bovines and recent epidemiological findings. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2015; 88:243-301. [PMID: 25911369 PMCID: PMC7103119 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two common aetiological agents of infectious enteritis in humans and animals worldwide. These parasitic protists are usually transmitted by the faecal-oral route, following the ingestion of infective stages (oocysts or cysts). An essential component of the control of these parasitic infections, from a public health perspective, is an understanding of the sources and routes of transmission in different geographical regions. Bovines are considered potential sources of infection for humans, because species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infecting humans have also been isolated from cattle in molecular parasitological studies. However, species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia of bovids, and the extent of zoonotic transmission in different geographical regions in the world, are still relatively poorly understood. The purpose of this article is to (1) provide a brief background on Cryptosporidium and Giardia, (2) review some key aspects of the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in animals, with an emphasis on bovines, (3) summarize research of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from cattle and water buffaloes in parts of Australasia and Sri Lanka, considering public health aspects and (4) provide a perspective on future avenues of study. Recent studies reinforce that bovines harbour Cryptosporidium and Giardia that likely pose a human health risk and highlight the need for future investigations of the biology, population genetics and transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in cattle, water buffaloes and other ruminants in different geographical regions, the fate and transport of infective stages following their release into the environment, as well as for improved strategies for the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, guided by molecular epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshanie Abeywardena
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Giardia and Cryptosporidium in cetaceans on the European Atlantic coast. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:693-8. [PMID: 25418072 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was investigated in cetacean specimens stranded on the northwestern coast of Spain (European Atlantic coast) by analysis of 65 samples of large intestine from eight species. The parasites were identified by direct immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and by PCR amplification of the β-giardin gene, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the SSU-rDNA gene of Giardia and the SSU-rDNA gene of Cryptosporidium. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in 7 (10.8 %) and 9 samples (13.8 %), respectively. In two samples, co-infection with both parasites was observed. Giardia duodenalis assemblages A, C, D and F, and Cryptosporidium parvum were identified. This is the first report of G. duodenalis in Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Kogia breviceps and Stenella coeruleoalba and also the first report of Cryptosporidium sp. in B. acutorostrata and of C. parvum in S. coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncatus. These results extend the known host range of these waterborne enteroparasites.
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16
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Detection and molecular characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the Galician coast (Northwest Spain). Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:132-7. [PMID: 24704342 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous protozoan parasites Giardia and Cryptosporidium have been detected from many species of captive and free-living wildlife, representing most mammalian orders. Twenty species of marine mammals have been reported to inhabit Galician waters and the region has one of the highest rates of stranding in Europe. Evidence from stranding, reported by-catches and sightings, suggests that the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is the most abundant cetacean on the Galician coast (Northwest Spain). The objective of this study was to detect and molecularly characterize isolates of Giardia and Cryptosporidium obtained from common dolphins stranded in this area. Between 2005 and 2012, sections of large intestine from 133 common dolphins stranded along the Galician coast were collected by the personnel of the Galician Stranding Network (Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños, CEMMA). Using direct immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and PCR amplification and sequencing of the SSU-rDNA, β-giardin genes and the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in 8 (6.0%) and 12 samples (9.0%), respectively. In two samples, co-infection by both parasites was observed. The molecular characterization revealed the presence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages A (genotypes A1 and A2) and B and Cryptosporidium parvum in these samples. This constitutes the first study in which the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium has been investigated in common dolphins on the European Atlantic coast, and it is also the first report of C. parvum in this host. Our findings indicate that these animals could act as reservoir of these waterborne parasites or could be victims of the contamination originated by anthropogenic activities.
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Ryan U, Cacciò SM. Zoonotic potential of Giardia. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:943-56. [PMID: 23856595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia lamblia and Giardia intestinalis) is a common intestinal parasite of humans and mammals worldwide. Assessing the zoonotic transmission of the infection requires molecular characterization as there is considerable genetic variation within G. duodenalis. To date eight major genetic groups (assemblages) have been identified, two of which (A and B) are found in both humans and animals, whereas the remaining six (C to H) are host-specific and do not infect humans. Sequence-based surveys of single loci have identified a number of genetic variants (genotypes) within assemblages A and B in animal species, some of which may have zoonotic potential. Multi-locus typing data, however, has shown that in most cases, animals do not share identical multi-locus types with humans. Furthermore, interpretation of genotyping data is complicated by the presence of multiple alleles that generate "double peaks" in sequencing files from PCR products, and by the potential exchange of genetic material among isolates, which may account for the non-concordance in the assignment of isolates to specific assemblages. Therefore, a better understanding of the genetics of this parasite is required to allow the design of more sensitive and variable subtyping tools, that in turn may help unravel the complex epidemiology of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150 Western Australia, Australia.
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18
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Lenaghan SC, Chen J, Zhang M. Modeling and analysis of propulsion in the multiflagellated micoorganism Giardia lamblia. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2013; 88:012726. [PMID: 23944509 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.88.012726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this work was to analyze the propulsion of multiflagellated microorganisms, and to draw insight to the underlying physics and biology of the movement. Giardia lamblia was chosen as the model organism due to its unique ability to mechanically attach to various surfaces, its rapid movement, and its fine control over steering and navigation. In this work, a mechanics model was utilized to study the mechanics and propulsive contribution of the ventral and anterior flagella in Giardia. It was discovered that energy is supplied mainly at the proximal portion of these flagella, supporting the hypothesis that a decreasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) gradient along the length of the flagella would not affect the motion observed. Similarly, the elasticity of the flagella allows the energy input at the proximal portion to be transferred to the distal portion, where the majority of thrust is generated. Specifically, we found that the ventral flagella are the driving force for planar propulsion and turning, while the anterior flagella are used for steering and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Lenaghan
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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19
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Global occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in shellfish: Should Canada take a closer look? Food Res Int 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2013.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Solarczyk P, Majewska AC, Moskwa B, Cabaj W, Dabert M, Nowosad P. Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis isolates from red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Poland. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2012; 59:237-40. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2012.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fletcher SM, Stark D, Harkness J, Ellis J. Enteric protozoa in the developed world: a public health perspective. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25:420-49. [PMID: 22763633 PMCID: PMC3416492 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.05038-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several enteric protozoa cause severe morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals worldwide. In developed settings, enteric protozoa are often ignored as a cause of diarrheal illness due to better hygiene conditions, and as such, very little effort is used toward laboratory diagnosis. Although these protozoa contribute to the high burden of infectious diseases, estimates of their true prevalence are sometimes affected by the lack of sensitive diagnostic techniques to detect them in clinical and environmental specimens. Despite recent advances in the epidemiology, molecular biology, and treatment of protozoan illnesses, gaps in knowledge still exist, requiring further research. There is evidence that climate-related changes will contribute to their burden due to displacement of ecosystems and human and animal populations, increases in atmospheric temperature, flooding and other environmental conditions suitable for transmission, and the need for the reuse of alternative water sources to meet growing population needs. This review discusses the common enteric protozoa from a public health perspective, highlighting their epidemiology, modes of transmission, prevention, and control. It also discusses the potential impact of climate changes on their epidemiology and the issues surrounding waterborne transmission and suggests a multidisciplinary approach to their prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien Stark
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Division of Microbiology, SydPath, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - John Harkness
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Division of Microbiology, SydPath, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - John Ellis
- The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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22
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Fish as a possible reservoir for zoonotic Giardia duodenalis assemblages. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2193-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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23
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High-speed microscopic imaging of flagella motility and swimming in Giardia lamblia trophozoites. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:E550-8. [PMID: 21808023 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1106904108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We report, in this paper, several findings about the swimming and attachment mechanisms of Giardia lamblia trophozoites. These data were collected using a combination of a high-contrast CytoViva imaging system and a particle image velocimetry camera, which can capture images at speeds greater than 800 frames/s. Using this system, we discovered that, during rapid swimming of Giardia trophozoites, undulations of the caudal region contributed to forward propulsion combined with the beating of the flagella pairs. It was also discovered, in contrast to previous studies with 10 times slower image sampling technique, that the anterior and posterolateral flagella beat with a clearly defined power stroke and not symmetrical undulations. During the transition from free swimming to attachment, trophozoites modified their swimming behavior from a rapid rotating motion to a more stable planar swimming. While using this planar swimming motion, the trophozoites used the flagella for propulsion and directional control. In addition to examination of the posterolateral and anterior flagella, a model to describe the motion of the ventral flagella was derived, indicating that the ventral flagella beat in an expanding sine wave. In addition, the structure of the ventrocaudal groove creates boundary conditions that determine the form of beating of the ventral flagella. The results from this study indicate that Giardia is able to simultaneously generate both ciliary beating and typical eukaryotic flagellar beating using different pairs of flagella.
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Zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology of Giardia species and giardiasis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2011; 24:110-40. [PMID: 21233509 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00033-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 804] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostic tools have been used recently in assessing the taxonomy, zoonotic potential, and transmission of Giardia species and giardiasis in humans and animals. The results of these studies have firmly established giardiasis as a zoonotic disease, although host adaptation at the genotype and subtype levels has reduced the likelihood of zoonotic transmission. These studies have also identified variations in the distribution of Giardia duodenalis genotypes among geographic areas and between domestic and wild ruminants and differences in clinical manifestations and outbreak potentials of assemblages A and B. Nevertheless, our efforts in characterizing the molecular epidemiology of giardiasis and the roles of various animals in the transmission of human giardiasis are compromised by the lack of case-control and longitudinal cohort studies and the sampling and testing of humans and animals living in the same community, the frequent occurrence of infections with mixed genotypes and subtypes, and the apparent heterozygosity at some genetic loci for some G. duodenalis genotypes. With the increased usage of multilocus genotyping tools, the development of next-generation subtyping tools, the integration of molecular analysis in epidemiological studies, and an improved understanding of the population genetics of G. duodenalis in humans and animals, we should soon have a better appreciation of the molecular epidemiology of giardiasis, the disease burden of zoonotic transmission, the taxonomy status and virulences of various G. duodenalis genotypes, and the ecology of environmental contamination.
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Beck R, Sprong H, Bata I, Lucinger S, Pozio E, Cacciò SM. Prevalence and molecular typing of Giardia spp. in captive mammals at the zoo of Zagreb, Croatia. Vet Parasitol 2010; 175:40-6. [PMID: 20970259 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A total of 131 faecal samples from 57 mammalian species housed at the zoo of Zagreb, Croatia, were tested for the presence of Giardia spp. cysts using epifluorescence microscopy. The overall prevalence (29%) was high, yet all animals were asymptomatic at the time of sampling. Positive samples were characterized by PCR and sequence analysis of both conserved and variable loci, for the identification of Giardia species and G. duodenalis assemblages and genotypes. Assemblages A and C were identified in Artiodactyla, assemblage B in Primates, Rodentia and Hyracoidea, and assemblages A, B, C and D, as well as Giardia microti, in Carnivora. Genotyping at the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, at the triose phosphate isomerase, glutamate dehydrogenase and beta-giardin genes revealed extensive polymorphisms, particularly among assemblage B isolates. A phylogenetic analysis of concatenated sequences showed that isolates from captive mammals housed at the zoo are genetically different from isolates of human and domestic animal origin. This is the first survey in a zoological garden to include a molecular characterization of the parasite, and provides novel sequence data of G. duodenalis from many previously uncharacterized hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, Zagreb, Croatia
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Giardia taxonomy, phylogeny and epidemiology: Facts and open questions. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:321-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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