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Cardillo NM, Lacy PA, Villarino NF, Doggett JS, Riscoe MK, Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Ueti MW, Suarez CE. Comparative efficacy of buparvaquone and imidocarb in inhibiting the in vitro growth of Babesia bovis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407548. [PMID: 38751779 PMCID: PMC11094231 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction B. bovis is an apicomplexan parasite responsible for bovine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease with a worldwide impact. The disease remains inefficiently controlled, and few effective drugs, including imidocarb dipropionate (ID), are currently available in endemic areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether buparvaquone (BPQ), a drug currently used to treat cattle infected with the Babesia-related Theileria spp. parasites, could be active against Babesia parasites. Herein, we compared the effect of ID and BPQ on B. bovis growth in vitro erythrocyte culture. Methods We compared the effect of ID and BPQ on the culture-adapted Texas T2Bo strain of B. bovis. In vitro cultured parasites were incubated with ID and BPQ at two starting parasitemia levels (PPE), 0.2% and 1%. In vitro cultured parasites were treated with ID or BPQ at concentrations ranging from 10 to 300 nM, during 4 consecutive days. Parasitemia levels were daily evaluated using microscopic examination. Data was compared using the independent Student's t-test. Results and discussion Both ID and BPQ significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of B. bovis, regardless of the initial parasitemia used. At 1% parasitemia, BPQ had lower calculated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50: 50.01) values than ID (IC50: 117.3). No parasites were found in wells with 0.2% starting parasitemia, treated previously with 50 nM of BPQ or ID, after 2 days of culture without drugs. At 1% parasitemia, no parasite survival was detected at 150 nM of BPQ or 300 nM of ID, suggesting that both drugs acted as babesiacidals. Conclusion Overall, the data suggests that BPQ is effective against B. bovis and shows a residual effect that seems superior to ID, which is currently the first-line drug for treating bovine babesiosis globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M. Cardillo
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Estación Experimental INTA Paraná Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Parana, Argentina
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Paul A. Lacy
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nicolas F. Villarino
- Program in Individualized Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, United States
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Michael K. Riscoe
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Koonyosying P, Srichairatanakool S, Tiwananthagorn S, Sthitmatee N. Inhibitory effects on bovine babesial infection by iron chelator, 1-(N-acetyl-6-aminohexyl)- 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridin-4-one (CM1), and antimalarial drugs. Vet Parasitol 2023; 324:110055. [PMID: 37931475 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110055] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the apicomplexan phylum, genus Babesia. It is a malaria-like parasitic disease that can be transmitted via tick bites. The apicomplexan phylum of eukaryotic microbial parasites has had detrimental impacts on human and veterinary medicine. There are only a few drugs currently available to treat this disease; however, parasitic strains that are resistant to these commercial drugs are increasing in numbers. Plasmodium and Babesia are closely related as they share similar biological features including mechanisms for host cell invasion and metabolism. Therefore, antimalarial drugs may be useful in the treatment of Babesia infections. In addition to antimalarials, iron chelators also inhibit parasite growth. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory efficacy of iron chelator and different antimalarials in the treatment of Babesia bovis. METHODS Cytotoxicity of antimalarial drugs; pyrimethamine, artefenomel, chloroquine, primaquine, dihydroarthemisinine, and the iron chelator, 1-(N-acetyl-6-aminohexyl)- 3-hydroxy-2 methylpyridin-4-one (CM1), were evaluated against Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells and compared to diminazene aceturate, which is the currently available drug for animal babesiosis using an MTT solution. Afterwards, an evaluation of the in vitro growth-inhibitory effects of antimalarial drug concentrations was performed and monitored using a flow cytometer. Half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of each antimalarial and iron chelator were determined and compared to the antibabesial drug, diminazine aceturate, by interpolation using a curve-fitting technique. Subsequently, the effect of the drug combination was assessed by constructing an isobologram. Values of the sum of fractional inhibitions at 50% inhibition were then estimated. RESULTS Results indicate that all drugs tested could safely inhibit babesia parasite growth, as high as 2500 μM were non-toxic to mammalian cells. Although no drugs inhibited B. bovis more effectively than diminazine aceturate in this experiment, in vitro growth inhibition results with IC50 values of pyrimethamine 6.25 ± 2.59 μM, artefenomel 2.56 ± 0.67 μM, chloroquine 2.14 ± 0.76 μM, primaquine 22.61 ± 6.72 μM, dihydroarthemisinine 4.65 ± 0.22 μM, 1-(N-acetyl-6-aminohexyl)- 3-hydroxy-2 methylpyridin-4-one (CM1) 9.73 ± 1.90 μM, and diminazine aceturate 0.42 ± 0.01 μM, confirm that all drugs could inhibit B. bovis and could be used as alternative treatments for bovine babesial infection. Furthermore, the efficacy of a combination of the iron chelator, CM1, in combination with artefenomel dihydroarthemisinin or chloroquine, and artefenomel in combination with the iron chelator, CM1, dihydroarthemisinin or chloroquine, exhibited synergism against B. bovis in vitro. CONCLUSION Our evaluation of the inhibitory efficacy of the iron chelator CM1, antimalarial drugs, and a combination of these drugs against B. bovis could be potentially useful in the development and discovery of a novel drug for the treatment of B. bovis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongpisid Koonyosying
- Laboratory of Veterinary Vaccine and Biological Products, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Somdet Srichairatanakool
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Saruda Tiwananthagorn
- Laboratory of Veterinary Vaccine and Biological Products, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Nattawooti Sthitmatee
- Laboratory of Veterinary Vaccine and Biological Products, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
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Onzere CK, Hulbert M, Sears KP, Williams LBA, Fry LM. Tulathromycin and Diclazuril Lack Efficacy against Theileria haneyi, but Tulathromycin Is Not Associated with Adverse Clinical Effects in Six Treated Adult Horses. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030453. [PMID: 36986375 PMCID: PMC10055745 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine theileriosis, caused by Theileria haneyi and Theileria equi, leads to anemia, exercise intolerance, and occasionally, death. Theileriosis-free countries prohibit the importation of infected horses, resulting in significant costs for the equine industry. Imidocarb dipropionate is the only treatment for T. equi in the United States, but lacks efficacy against T. haneyi. The goal of this study was to assess the in vivo efficacy of tulathromycin and diclazuril against T. haneyi. Fourteen T. haneyi-infected horses were utilized. Six were treated with eight weekly 2.5 mg/kg doses of tulathromycin. Three were treated daily for eight weeks with 2.5 mg/kg diclazuril. Three were pre-treated with 0.5 mg/kg diclazuril daily for one month to determine whether low-dose diclazuril prevents infection. Following infection, the dose was increased to 2.5 mg/kg for eight weeks. Two infected horses remained untreated as controls. The horses were assessed via nested PCR, physical exams, complete blood counts, serum chemistry panels, and cytology. Tulathromycin and diclazuril failed to clear T. haneyi and the treated and control groups exhibited similar parasitemia and packed cell volume declines. To obtain additional safety data on tulathromycin use in adult horses, necropsy and histopathology were performed on tulathromycin-treated horses. No significant lesions were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia K. Onzere
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Morgan Hulbert
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kelly P. Sears
- Department of Clinical Science, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Laura B. A. Williams
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Correspondence:
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Mladenov D, Yordanov S, Dimitrova A. Tulathromycin – a semi-synthetic macrolidе antibiotic. II. Usage in veterinary medicine. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This article presents the results of studies on the use of the new macrolide antibiotic tulathromycin in veterinary medicine. The information is presented according to the species of domestic animals, diseases, doses and shemes for therapy and metaphylaxis. The first section includes data for cattle and calves affected by respiratory diseases, caused by M. haemolytica, M. bovis, H. somni and P. multocida, and keratoconjunctivitis caused by M. bovis. The second one shows data for swine and pigs affected by the respiratory pathogens A. pleuropneumoniae, P. multocida, H. parasuis, B. bronhiseptica and M. hyopneumoniae. A third group presents information about small ruminants with manifested respiratory diseases caused by M. haemolytica, P. multocida, Mycoplasma spp., Pseudomonas spp. and hoof diseases from Dehelobacter nodosus. Fourth group includes the first test results of Rhodococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Theileria equi, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina, causing diseases in horses. The fifth section includes reports of treated rabbits most commonly suffering from P. multocida respiratory infections. Finally, data from new studies on the use of tulathromycin in exotic animals and cases of some tropical diseases are listed. The provided information gives proof for the high sensitivity of the tested pathogens to tulathromycin and high clinical and economical effect that is efficient in single dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Compared to other antibacterial agents there is no resistance according to data available so far. Local accumulation and prolonged persistence of the drug in lung tissues, that result in a treatment regime with a single low-volume dose (2.5 mg/kg), are associated with positive clinical outcome in domestic animals: large ruminants, pigs, small ruminants and rabbits with respiratory diseases caused by M. haemolytica, H. somni, P. multocida and M. bovis; A. pleuropneumoniae, B. bronchiseptica, P. multocida, H. parasuis and M. hyopneumoniae; S.aureus, C. pseudotuberculosis and Streptococcus spp. and P.multocida
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Yordanov
- National Diagnostic Research Veterinary Medical Institute „Prof. Dr. Georgi Pavlov” Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - A. Dimitrova
- National Diagnostic Research Veterinary Medical Institute „Prof. Dr. Georgi Pavlov” Sofia, Bulgaria
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Johnson WC, Hussein HE, Capelli-Peixoto J, Laughery JM, Taus NS, Suarez CE, Ueti MW. A Transfected Babesia bovis Parasite Line Expressing eGFP Is Able to Complete the Full Life Cycle of the Parasite in Mammalian and Tick Hosts. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060623. [PMID: 35745477 PMCID: PMC9229605 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis is caused by apicomplexan pathogens of the genus Babesia, including B. bovis. This protozoan parasite has a complex life cycle involving dynamic changes to its transcriptome during the transition between the invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Studying the role of genes upregulated by tick stage parasites has been hindered by the lack of appropriate tools to study parasite gene products in the invertebrate host. Herein, we present tfBbo5480, a transfected B. bovis cell line, constitutively expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) created by a whole gene replacement transfection strategy, that was capable of completing the parasite’s entire life cycle in both the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. tfBbo5480 was demonstrated to respond to in vitro sexual stage induction and upon acquisition by the female tick vector, Rhipicephalus microplus, the tick specific kinete stage of tfBbo5480 was detected in tick hemolymph. Larvae from tfBbo5480 exposed R. microplus female ticks successfully transmitted the transfected parasite to a naïve calf. The development of the whole gene replacement strategy will permit a deeper understanding of the biology of parasite-host-vector triad interactions and facilitate the evaluation of upregulated genes during the parasite’s journey through the tick vector leading to new intervention strategies for the control of bovine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendell C. Johnson
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (W.C.J.); (N.S.T.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Hala E. Hussein
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (J.C.-P.); (J.M.L.)
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Janaina Capelli-Peixoto
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (J.C.-P.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (J.C.-P.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Naomi S. Taus
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (W.C.J.); (N.S.T.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (W.C.J.); (N.S.T.); (C.E.S.)
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (J.C.-P.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (W.C.J.); (N.S.T.); (C.E.S.)
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (J.C.-P.); (J.M.L.)
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Correspondence:
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Alzan HF, Bastos RG, Laughery JM, Scoles GA, Ueti MW, Johnson WC, Suarez CE. A Culture-Adapted Strain of Babesia bovis Has Reduced Subpopulation Complexity and Is Unable to Complete Its Natural Life Cycle in Ticks. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:827347. [PMID: 35223550 PMCID: PMC8867610 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.827347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis natural field strains are composed of several geno-phenotypically distinct subpopulations. This feature, together with possible epigenetic modifications, may facilitate adaptation to variable environmental conditions. In this study we compare geno-phenotypical features among long-term (more than 12 years) (LTCP) and short-term cultured B. bovis parasites (STCP) derived from the B. bovis S74-T3Bo strain. LTCPs intraerythrocytic forms are smaller in size than STCPs and have faster in vitro growth rate. In contrast to its parental strain, the LTCP lack expression of the sexual stage specific 6cysA and 6cysB proteins and are unable to develop sexual forms upon in vitro sexual stage induction. Consistently, in contrast to its parental strain, LTCPs have reduced virulence and are not transmissible to cattle by vector competent Rhipicephalus microplus (R. microplus). Similar to previous comparisons among attenuated and virulent B. bovis strains, the LTCP line has decreased genomic diversity compared to the STCP line. Thus, LTCP may contribute to our understanding of adaptive mechanisms used by the parasites in response to environmental changes, protective immunity, virulence, and transmission by ticks. In addition, LTCPs may be considered as candidates for a non-tick transmissible vaccine against bovine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
- Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Research Unit, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Heba F. Alzan, ; Carlos E. Suarez,
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Glen A. Scoles
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Wendell C. Johnson
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agricultural - Agricultural Research Service, Pullman, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Heba F. Alzan, ; Carlos E. Suarez,
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Álvarez Martínez JA, Figueroa Millán JV, Ueti MW, Rojas-Martínez C. Establishment of Babesia bovis In Vitro Culture Using Medium Free of Animal Products. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060770. [PMID: 34205286 PMCID: PMC8235554 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060770] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis, an etiological agent of bovine babesiosis, causes a significant burden to the cattle industry worldwide. The most efficient method to mitigate bovine babesiosis is a live vaccine produced by serial passage in splenectomized cattle. However, there are several concerns regarding live vaccine production, including variation between batches and the use of many animals. In this study, we report a B. bovis-SF strain continuously cultured in a medium free of components of animal origin enriched with a chemically defined lipid mixture (CD lipid mixture) and the use of a perfusion bioreactor to harvest a large amount of B. bovis. Six culture media were compared, including VP-SFM, CD-CHO, CD-Hydrolyzed, CD-CHO, SFM, and ADMEM/F12. We found that the VP-SFM medium performed the best for B. bovis growth, with a maximum percentage of parasitized erythrocytes (PPE) of 8.6%. The effect of six dilutions of a commercial mixture of CD lipids added to VP-SFM showed that the CD lipid mixture at a dilution of 1:100 had the best B. bovis growth curve, with a maximum PPE of 13.9%. Propagation of the in vitro B. bovis culture was scaled up in a perfusion bioreactor using VP-SFM with a CD lipid mixture, and the PPE reached over 32%. The continuous in vitro B. bovis culture in a medium free of animal origin components could potentially reduce and replace the use of animals to produce a reagent for diagnostics and live vaccines to control bovine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A. Álvarez Martínez
- Babesia Unit-CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos C.P. 62550, Mexico; (J.A.Á.M.); (J.V.F.M.)
| | - Julio V. Figueroa Millán
- Babesia Unit-CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos C.P. 62550, Mexico; (J.A.Á.M.); (J.V.F.M.)
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Agricultural Research Service-Animal Disease Research Unit, The US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Correspondence: (M.W.U.); (C.R.-M.)
| | - Carmen Rojas-Martínez
- Babesia Unit-CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Col. Progreso, Jiutepec, Morelos C.P. 62550, Mexico; (J.A.Á.M.); (J.V.F.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.W.U.); (C.R.-M.)
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Development of an Indirect ELISA to Detect Equine Antibodies to Theileria haneyi. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030270. [PMID: 33673478 PMCID: PMC7997436 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030270] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Theileria haneyi is one of two known causative agents of equine theileriosis. It causes milder clinical disease than its more virulent counterpart, Theileria equi, in experimentally infected horses, and can superinfect T. equi-positive horses. The current equi merozoite antigen 1 (EMA1)-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)used in the U.S. to detect equine theileriosis detects T. equi but not T. haneyi, and the complexity of molecular assays precludes widespread use for epidemiologic studies. In order to facilitate urgently needed studies on the prevalence of T. haneyi, the goal of this study was to develop a sensitive and specific serologic assay for the diagnosis of T. haneyi based on the equi merozoite antigen 11 (ThEMA11). To achieve this objective, ThEMA11 was recombinantly expressed in eukaryotic cells and its antigenicity assessed using sera from T. haneyi-experimentally infected horses. Confirmation of sera reactivity enabled design and optimization of an indirect ELISA. Specificity of the ELISA for T. haneyi was assessed using a cohort of sera from horses experimentally infected and confirmed PCR-positive for either T. equi or T. haneyi. Data from field samples further demonstrate that the ThEMA11 ELISA is capable of identifying T. haneyi antibodies in horses from multiple continents around the world.
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Bovine Babesiosis in Turkey: Impact, Current Gaps, and Opportunities for Intervention. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121041. [PMID: 33322637 PMCID: PMC7763958 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis is a global tick-borne disease that causes important cattle losses and has potential zoonotic implications. The impact of bovine babesiosis in Turkey remains poorly characterized, but several Babesia spp., including B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. divergens, among others and competent tick vectors, except Rhipicephalus microplus, have been recently identified in the country. Bovine babesiosis has been reported in all provinces but is more prevalent in central and highly humid areas in low and medium altitude regions of the country housing approximately 70% of the cattle population. Current control measures include acaricides and babesicidal drugs, but not live vaccines. Despite the perceived relevant impact of bovine babesiosis in Turkey, basic research programs focused on developing in vitro cultures of parasites, point-of-care diagnostic methods, vaccine development, “omics” analysis, and gene manipulation techniques of local Babesia strains are scarce. Additionally, no effective and coordinated control efforts managed by a central animal health authority have been established to date. Development of state-of-the-art research programs in bovine babesiosis to address current gaps in knowledge and implementation of long-term plans to control the disease will surely result in important economic, nutritional, and public health benefits for the country and the region.
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Imidocarb Dipropionate Lacks Efficacy against Theileria haneyi and Fails to Consistently Clear Theileria equi in Horses Co-Infected with T. haneyi. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121035. [PMID: 33321715 PMCID: PMC7764667 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of Theileria equi, the primary cause of equine theileriosis, is largely reliant on acaracide use and chemosterilization with imidocarb dipropionate (ID). However, it is currently unknown if ID is effective against Theileria haneyi, the recently identified second causative agent of equine theileriosis, or if the drug maintains effectiveness against T. equi in the presence of T. haneyi co-infection. The purpose of this study was to address these questions using ID treatment of the following three groups of horses: (1) five T. haneyi infected horses; (2) three T. haneyi-T. equi infected horses; and (3) three T. equi-T. haneyi infected horses. Clearance was first evaluated using nPCR for each Theileria sp. on peripheral blood samples. ID failed to clear T. haneyi in all three groups of horses, and failed to clear T. equi in two of three horses in group two. For definitive confirmation of infection status, horses in groups two and three underwent splenectomy post-treatment. The T. equi-nPCR-positive horses in group two developed severe clinical signs and were euthanized. Remaining horses exhibited moderate signs consistent with T. haneyi. Our results demonstrate that ID therapy lacks efficacy against T. haneyi, and T. haneyi-T. equi co-infection may interfere with ID clearance of T. equi.
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Silva MG, Bastos RG, Stone Doggett J, Riscoe MK, Pou S, Winter R, Dodean RA, Nilsen A, Suarez CE. Endochin-like quinolone-300 and ELQ-316 inhibit Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. caballi and Theileria equi. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:606. [PMID: 33272316 PMCID: PMC7712603 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most common apicomplexan parasites causing bovine babesiosis are Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, while B. caballi and Theileria equi are responsible for equine piroplasmosis. Treatment and control of these diseases are usually achieved using potentially toxic chemotherapeutics, such as imidocarb diproprionate, but drug-resistant parasites are emerging, and alternative effective and safer drugs are needed. The endochin-like quinolones (ELQ)-300 and ELQ-316 have been proven to be safe and efficacious against related apicomplexans, such as Plasmodium spp., with ELQ-316 also being effective against Babesia microti, without showing toxicity in mammals. Methods The inhibitory effects of ELQ-300 and ELQ-316 were assessed on the growth of cultured B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. caballi and T. equi. The percentage of parasitized erythrocytes was measured by flow cytometry, and the effect of the ELQ compounds on the viability of horse and bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was assessed by monitoring cell metabolic activity using a colorimetric assay. Results We calculated the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 72 h, which ranged from 0.04 to 0.37 nM for ELQ-300, and from 0.002 to 0.1 nM for ELQ-316 among all cultured parasites tested at 72 h. None of the parasites tested were able to replicate in cultures in the presence of ELQ-300 and ELQ-316 at the maximal inhibitory concentration (IC100), which ranged from 1.3 to 5.7 nM for ELQ-300 and from 1.0 to 6.0 nM for ELQ-316 at 72 h. Neither ELQ-300 nor ELQ-316 altered the viability of equine and bovine PBMC at their IC100 in in vitro testing. Conclusions The compounds ELQ-300 and ELQ-316 showed significant inhibitory activity on the main parasites responsible for bovine babesiosis and equine piroplasmosis at doses that are tolerable to host cells. These ELQ drugs may be viable candidates for developing alternative protocols for the treatment of bovine babesiosis and equine piroplasmosis. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta G Silva
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Reginaldo G Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - J Stone Doggett
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Blvd., Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Michael K Riscoe
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Blvd., Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Sovitj Pou
- VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rolf Winter
- VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rozalia A Dodean
- VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Blvd., Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA.,VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. .,Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, USA.
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12
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Fry LM, Knowles DP, Steinman A. Twenty Years of Equine Piroplasmosis Research: Global Distribution, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogeny. Pathogens 2020; 9:E926. [PMID: 33171698 PMCID: PMC7695325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the hemoparasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi, is an important tick-borne disease of equines that is prevalent in most parts of the world. Infection may affect animal welfare and has economic impacts related to limitations in horse transport between endemic and non-endemic regions, reduced performance of sport horses and treatment costs. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic data published in the last 20 years, and all DNA sequences submitted to GenBank database, to describe the current global prevalence of these parasites. We demonstrate that EP is endemic in most parts of the world, and that it is spreading into more temperate climates. We emphasize the importance of using DNA sequencing and genotyping to monitor the spread of parasites, and point to the necessity of further studies to improve genotypic characterization of newly recognized parasite species and strains, and their linkage to virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
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Hines SA, Brandvold J, Mealey RH, Call DR, Graça T. Exposure to ambient air causes degradation and decreased in vitro potency of buparvaquone and parvaquone. Vet Parasitol 2020; 277S:100023. [PMID: 32904749 PMCID: PMC7458381 DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100023] [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: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Buparvaquone and parvaquone are used to treat livestock infected with Theileria spp. Air exposure had a significant impact on the stability of buparvaquone and parvaquone. Parvaquone was more stable than buparvaquone. Drug degradation was related with loss of potency by an in vitro viability assay.
Buparvaquone and parvaquone are hydroxynaphthoquinone compounds commonly used to treat livestock infected with Theileria species such as T. parva and T. annulata. In many (sub)tropical regions, chromatic changes in medicines can result from extreme environmental conditions and improper drug storage or handling, raising the possibility of drug degradation and loss of potency. We evaluated the effects of UV light, elevated temperature, and atmospheric air on the stability and potency of both buparvaquone and parvaquone by using a combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a T. equi based in vitro parasite growth inhibition assay (to measure potency). Aliquots (1 ml; 3 replicates per treatment) of each compound were subjected to a variety of treatments that varied in duration and intensity followed by HPLC and potency assays. Exposure to ambient air for 50 days was correlated with a significant loss of potency for both buparvaquone (4535%, P < 0.05) and parvaquone (247%, P < 0.05), while elevated temperature (37°C) and UV light exposure (24 h) had no significant impact (P > 0.05). The decrease in potency of both buparvaquone and parvaquone correlated with drug degradation (r = -0.74 and -0.88, respectively) as measured by HPLC. In practice, if there is headspace present in the vial, then ambient air will invariably enter the vial and contribute to degradation of these compounds. Such degradation may contribute to increasing drug resistance, economic losses for farmers, and animal welfare concerns for animals that are treated for Theileria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddra A Hines
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, USA
| | - Jacob Brandvold
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, USA
| | - Robert H Mealey
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, USA
| | - Douglas R Call
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, USA; Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, USA
| | - Telmo Graça
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, USA.
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Li Y, Liu M, Rizk MA, Moumouni PFA, Lee SH, Galon EM, Guo H, Gao Y, Li J, Beshbishy AM, Nugraha AB, Ji S, Tumwebaze MA, Benedicto B, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I, Xuan X. Drug screening of food and drug administration-approved compounds against Babesia bovis in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2020; 210:107831. [PMID: 31926147 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Babesia (B.) bovis is one of the main etiological agents of bovine babesiosis, causes serious economic losses to the cattle industry. Control of bovine babesiosis has been hindered by the limited treatment selection for B. bovis, thus, new options are urgently needed. We explored the drug library and unbiasedly screened 640 food and drug administration (FDA) approved drug compounds for their inhibitory activities against B. bovis in vitro. The initial screening identified 13 potentially effective compounds. Four potent compounds, namely mycophenolic acid (MPA), pentamidine (PTD), doxorubicin hydrochloride (DBH) and vorinostat (SAHA) exhibited the lowest IC50 and then selected for further evaluation of their in vitro efficacies using viability, combination inhibitory and cytotoxicity assays. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of MPA, PTD, DBH, SAHA were 11.38 ± 1.66, 13.12 ± 4.29, 1.79 ± 0.15 and 45.18 ± 7.37 μM, respectively. Of note, DBH exhibited IC50 lower than that calculated for the commonly used antibabesial drug, diminazene aceturate (DA). The viability result revealed the ability of MPA, PTD, DBH, SAHA to prevent the regrowth of treated parasite at 4 × and 2 × of IC50. Antagonistic interactions against B. bovis were observed after treatment with either MPA, PTD, DBH or SAHA in combination with DA. Our findings indicate the richness of FDA approved compounds by novel potent antibabesial candidates and the identified potent compounds especially DBH might be used for the treatment of animal babesiosis caused by B. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516, Egypt
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seung-Hun Lee
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, South Korea
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Huanping Guo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yang Gao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jixu Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Amani Magdy Beshbishy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Arifin Budiman Nugraha
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Agatis Kampus IPB Dramaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Maria Agnes Tumwebaze
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Byamukama Benedicto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
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15
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Rizk MA, El-Sayed SAES, Nassif M, Mosqueda J, Xuan X, Igarashi I. Assay methods for in vitro and in vivo anti-Babesia drug efficacy testing: Current progress, outlook, and challenges. Vet Parasitol 2019; 279:109013. [PMID: 32070899 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Absence of an effective high-throughput drug-screening system for Babesia parasites is considered one of the main causes for the presence of a wide gap in the treatment of animal babesiosis when compared with other hemoprotozoan diseases, such as malaria. Recently, a simple, accurate, and automatic fluorescence assay was established for large-scale anti-Babesia (B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi and T. equi) drug screening. Such development will facilitate anti-Babesia drug discovery, especially in the post-genomic era, which will bring new chemotherapy targets with the completion of the Babesia genome sequencing project currently in progress. In this review, we present the current progress in the various assays for in vitro and in vivo anti-Babesia drug testing, as well as the challenges, highlighting new insights into the future of anti-Babesia drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Medhat Nassif
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias s/n, 76230, Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Suarez CE, Alzan HF, Silva MG, Rathinasamy V, Poole WA, Cooke BM. Unravelling the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of bovine babesiosis: is the sky the limit? Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:183-197. [PMID: 30690089 PMCID: PMC6988112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The global impact of bovine babesiosis caused by the tick-borne apicomplexan parasites Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Babesia divergens is vastly underappreciated. These parasites invade and multiply asexually in bovine red blood cells (RBCs), undergo sexual reproduction in their tick vectors (Rhipicephalus spp. for B. bovis and B. bigemina, and Ixodes ricinus for B. divergens) and have a trans-ovarial mode of transmission. Babesia parasites can cause acute and persistent infections to adult naïve cattle that can occur without evident clinical signs, but infections caused by B. bovis are associated with more severe disease and increased mortality, and are considered to be the most virulent agent of bovine babesiosis. In addition, babesiosis caused by B. divergens has an important zoonotic potential. The disease caused by B. bovis and B. bigemina can be controlled, at least in part, using therapeutic agents or vaccines comprising live-attenuated parasites, but these methods are limited in terms of their safety, ease of deployability and long-term efficacy, and improved control measures are urgently needed. In addition, expansion of tick habitats due to climate change and other rapidly changing environmental factors complicate efficient control of these parasites. While the ability to cause persistent infections facilitates transmission and persistence of the parasite in endemic regions, it also highlights their capacity to evade the host immune responses. Currently, the mechanisms of immune responses used by infected bovines to survive acute and chronic infections remain poorly understood, warranting further research. Similarly, molecular details on the processes leading to sexual reproduction and the development of tick-stage parasites are lacking, and such tick-specific molecules can be targets for control using alternative transmission blocking vaccines. In this review, we identify and examine key phases in the life-cycle of Babesia parasites, including dependence on a tick vector for transmission, sexual reproduction of the parasite in the midgut of the tick, parasite-dependent invasion and egression of bovine RBCs, the role of the spleen in the clearance of infected RBCs (IRBCs), and age-related disease resistance in cattle, as opportunities for developing improved control measures. The availability of integrated novel research approaches including "omics" (such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics), gene modification, cytoadhesion assays, RBC invasion assays and methods for in vitro induction of sexual-stage parasites will accelerate our understanding of parasite vulnerabilities. Further, producing new knowledge on these vulnerabilities, as well as taking full advantage of existing knowledge, by filling important research gaps should result in the development of next-generation vaccines to control acute disease and parasite transmission. Creative and effective use of current and future technical and computational resources are needed, in the face of the numerous challenges imposed by these highly evolved parasites, for improving the control of this disease. Overall, bovine babesiosis is recognised as a global disease that imposes a serious burden on livestock production and human livelihood, but it largely remains a poorly controlled disease in many areas of the world. Recently, important progress has been made in our understanding of the basic biology and host-parasite interactions of Babesia parasites, yet a good deal of basic and translational research is still needed to achieve effective control of this important disease and to improve animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Heba F Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marta G Silva
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Vignesh Rathinasamy
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - William A Poole
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Brian M Cooke
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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To kill a piroplasm: genetic technologies to advance drug discovery and target identification in Babesia. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:153-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Lumefantrine and o-choline - Parasite metabolism specific drug molecules inhibited in vitro growth of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in MASP culture system. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:568-574. [PMID: 30733146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are tick-borne apicomplexan haemoprotozoan parasites of equines and are responsible for considerable economic losses to stakeholders. Chemotherapeutic drugs that are available not only require multiple dosages but also prompt multiple organ toxicity in treated host though incapable of clearing parasitaemia completely. In this study, we have screened the in vitro inhibitory efficacy of four different drug molecules (o-choline, DABCO®, lumefantrine and eugenol) against T. equi and B. caballi, targeting different parasite metabolism pathways. Imidocarb dipropionate and diminazene aceturate were used as reference control drugs. The 50% in vitro growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) of lumefantrine, o-choline, DABCO® and eugenol for T. equi were: 30.90 μM; 84.38 μM; 443 μM; 120 μM and for B. caballi growth inhibition were: 5.58 μM; 135.29 μM; 150 μM; 197.05 μM, respectively. Imidocarb dipropionate inhibited the in vitro growth of T. equi at IC50 of 257.5 nM, while diminazene aceturate inhibited the in vitro growth of B. caballi at IC50 of 22 nM. DABCO® and eugenol were not so effective in inhibiting the in vitro growth of T. equi and B. caballi, while lumefantrine and o-choline significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited the in vitro growth of these piroplasms targeting haem digestion and parasite membrane phospholipid synthesis.
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