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Sak B, Fibigerová M, Mravcová K, Holubová N, Šikutová S, Fenclová J, Kváč M, Rudolf I. Tick-borne microsporidiosis: ticks as a neglected source of human microsporidian infections? Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2384472. [PMID: 39042034 PMCID: PMC11305020 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2384472] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
We detected 24 Encephalitozoon cuniculi positive Ixodes ricinus ticks of 284 collected in the Czech Republic. Since the route of transmission of microsporidia is not fully understood, the presence of microsporidia in ticks raises the question of whether they may be involved in the transmission of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of SciencesČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Kristína Mravcová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of SciencesČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Šikutová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Fenclová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of SciencesČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
- University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of SciencesČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
- University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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Trzebny A, Nahimova O, Volkova N, Hryhoriev D, Slodkowicz-Kowalska A, Dabert M. Mosquitoes (Culicidae) as a vector of Encephalitozoon hellem (Microsporidia). Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2317914. [PMID: 38442030 PMCID: PMC10916917 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2317914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Olena Nahimova
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Volkova
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Denys Hryhoriev
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Anna Slodkowicz-Kowalska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Dziuba MK, McIntire KM, Seto K, Davenport ES, Rogalski MA, Gowler CD, Baird E, Vaandrager M, Huerta C, Jaye R, Corcoran FE, Withrow A, Ahrendt S, Salamov A, Nolan M, Tejomurthula S, Barry K, Grigoriev IV, James TY, Duffy MA. Phylogeny, morphology, virulence, ecology, and host range of Ordospora pajunii (Ordosporidae), a microsporidian symbiont of Daphnia spp. mBio 2024; 15:e0058224. [PMID: 38651867 PMCID: PMC11237803 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00582-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The impacts of microsporidia on host individuals are frequently subtle and can be context dependent. A key example of the latter comes from a recently discovered microsporidian symbiont of Daphnia, the net impact of which was found to shift from negative to positive based on environmental context. Given this, we hypothesized low baseline virulence of the microsporidian; here, we investigated the impact of infection on hosts in controlled conditions and the absence of other stressors. We also investigated its phylogenetic position, ecology, and host range. The genetic data indicate that the symbiont is Ordospora pajunii, a newly described microsporidian parasite of Daphnia. We show that O. pajunii infection damages the gut, causing infected epithelial cells to lose microvilli and then rupture. The prevalence of this microsporidian could be high (up to 100% in the lab and 77% of adults in the field). Its overall virulence was low in most cases, but some genotypes suffered reduced survival and/or reproduction. Susceptibility and virulence were strongly host-genotype dependent. We found that North American O. pajunii were able to infect multiple Daphnia species, including the European species Daphnia longispina, as well as Ceriodaphnia spp. Given the low, often undetectable virulence of this microsporidian and potentially far-reaching consequences of infections for the host when interacting with other pathogens or food, this Daphnia-O. pajunii symbiosis emerges as a valuable system for studying the mechanisms of context-dependent shifts between mutualism and parasitism, as well as for understanding how symbionts might alter host interactions with resources. IMPORTANCE The net outcome of symbiosis depends on the costs and benefits to each partner. Those can be context dependent, driving the potential for an interaction to change between parasitism and mutualism. Understanding the baseline fitness impact in an interaction can help us understand those shifts; for an organism that is generally parasitic, it should be easier for it to become a mutualist if its baseline virulence is relatively low. Recently, a microsporidian was found to become beneficial to its Daphnia hosts in certain ecological contexts, but little was known about the symbiont (including its species identity). Here, we identify it as the microsporidium Ordospora pajunii. Despite the parasitic nature of microsporidia, we found O. pajunii to be, at most, mildly virulent; this helps explain why it can shift toward mutualism in certain ecological contexts and helps establish O. pajunii is a valuable model for investigating shifts along the mutualism-parasitism continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin K. Dziuba
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristina M. McIntire
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kensuke Seto
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Elizabeth S. Davenport
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary A. Rogalski
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Biology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, USA
| | - Camden D. Gowler
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Emma Baird
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan Vaandrager
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Cristian Huerta
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Riley Jaye
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fiona E. Corcoran
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alicia Withrow
- Center for Advanced Microscopy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Steven Ahrendt
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Asaf Salamov
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Matt Nolan
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Sravanthi Tejomurthula
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kerrie Barry
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Igor V. Grigoriev
- United States Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Timothy Y. James
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Meghan A. Duffy
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Ávalos G, Caballero-Gómez J, Matas-Méndez P, Castro-Scholten S, Jiménez-Martín D, Köster PC, Santín M, Bailo B, Cano-Terriza D, González-Barrio D, Mateo M, García-Bocanegra I, Dashti A, Nájera F, Carmena D. Detection and genotyping of zoonotic microsporidia in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae027. [PMID: 38499442 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia is a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming parasites that infect a wide range of animals. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most frequently reported species in humans. Limited information is available about the presence and molecular diversity of microsporidian species in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. was investigated by molecular methods in wild and captive Iberian lynxes from Spain. Overall, E. bieneusi was detected in 3.2% (8/251) of the animals examined. None of the samples tested were positive for Encephalitozoon spp. Four known (D, EbfelA, PigEBITS7, and Type IV) and a novel (named as LynxSpEb1) E. bieneusi genotypes were identified. All the genotypes found belonged to the zoonotic Group 1 of E. bieneusi. This study provides the first genotyping data of E. bieneusi in Iberian lynx in Spain. Our result indicate that the Iberian lynx does not seem to play a relevant role in the epidemiology of Encephalitozoon spp., and that this endangered felid is likely acting as spillover host rather than a true reservoir of E. bieneusi. Additional studies should be conducted to assess the impact of this parasite in the health status of the endangered Iberian lynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ávalos
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Matas-Méndez
- Faculty of Veterinary, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Women for Africa Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Nourrisson C, Hamane S, Bonhomme J, Durieux MF, Foulquier JB, Lesthelle S, Moniot M, French microsporidiosis network, Bougnoux ME, Poirier P. Case series of intestinal microsporidiosis in non-HIV patients caused by Encephalitozoon hellem. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2258997. [PMID: 37706342 PMCID: PMC10543343 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2258997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal microsporidiosis is most often caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and to a lesser extent by species of the genus Encephalitozoon. Until now, Encephalitozoon hellem was not clearly known to induce disease restricted to the intestine, or rarely in HIV subjects or in tropical countries. We report here 11 cases of delineated intestinal microsporidioses due to E. hellem diagnosed in France in non-HIV patients. Briefly, all patients were immunocompromised. They all suffered from diarrhoea, associated in nearly 50% of cases with weight loss. Concerning treatment, 5/11 patients had a discontinuation or a decrease of their immunosuppressive therapy, and 4/11 received albendazole. All patients recovered. Five different genotypes were identified based on the rRNA ITS sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nourrisson
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 3IHP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center for Cryptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Samia Hamane
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU AP-HP Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Julie Bonhomme
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU Caen, ToxEMAC-ABTE, Université de Normandie Unicaen, Caen, France
| | | | | | | | - Maxime Moniot
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 3IHP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center for Cryptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - French microsporidiosis network
- French Microsporidiosis Network: CH Le Havre (LABBE Franck), CHU Amiens (LE GOVIC Yohann, TOTET Anne, DAMIANI Céline), CHU Angers (DE GENTILE Ludovic, LEMOINE Jean-Philippe), CHU Besançon (BELLANGER Anne Pauline), CHU Bichat (HOUZE Sandrine, ARGY Nicolas), CHU Bordeaux (ACCOCEBERRY Isabelle, DELHAES Laurence, GABRIEL Frédéric, MILLET Pascal), CHU Brest (LE GAL Solène, NEVEZ Gilles), CHU Caen (CAPITAINE Agathe), CH Cayenne (DEMAR Magalie), CHU Cochin (YERA Hélène, ROUGES Célia), CHU Créteil (ANGEBAULT Cécile, BOTTEREL Françoise, FOULET Françoise), CHU Dijon (BASMACIYAN Louise, DALLE Frédéric, VALOT Stéphane), CH Fort-de-France (DESBOIS-NOGARD Nicole), CHU Grenoble (ROBERT Marie Gladys), CHU Lille (DELEPLANCQUE Anne-Sophie, LEROY Jordan), CHU Limoges (AJZENBERG Daniel), CHU Lyon (CHAPEY-PICQ Emmanuelle, DUPONT Damien, MENOTTI Jean, RABODONIRINA Meja), CHU Marseille (LOLLIVIER Coralie), CHU Montpellier (VARLET Marie), CHU Nancy (DEBOURGOGNE Anne, MACHOUART Marie), CHU Nantes (LAVERGNE Rose-Anne, MORIO Florent), CHU Necker (SITTERLE Emilie), CHU Nice (DELAUNAY Pascal, POMARES Christelle, SIMON Loïc), CHU Nîmes (SASSO Milène), CHU Paris HEGP (DANNAOUI Eric), CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière (KAPEL Nathalie, TANTAOUI Ilhame, THELLIER Marc), CHU Pointe-à-Pitre (NICOLAS Muriel), CHU Poitiers (PERRAUD Estelle), CHU Reims (CHEMLA Cathy, VILLENA Isabelle), CHU Rennes (AUTIER Brice), CHU Rouen (COSTA Damien, FAVENNEC Loïc), CHU Saint Antoine (BELKACEM BELKADI Ghania, MORENO-SABATER Alicia), CHU Saint-Etienne (FLORI Pierre), CHU Strasbourg (BRUNET Julie), CHU Toulouse (BERRY Antoine, IRIART Xavier), CHU Tours (CHESNAY Adélaïde, DESOUBEAUX Guillaume), Lab. Bioceane (ARTUR Fabienne), Lab. CERBA (VERDURME Laura), Lab. Cerballiance Finistère (PRIGENT Gwenole), Lab. GLBM (CHATELAIN Rémi), Lab. Labouest (AUBIN Guillaume)
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité de Parasitologie Mycologie, AP-HP hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 3IHP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center for Cryptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Ghebremichael ST, Meng X, Yang Y, Andegiorgish AK, Wu Z, Chen J, Wei J, Li T, Bao J, Zhou Z, Pan G. First identification and coinfection detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:334. [PMID: 37951859 PMCID: PMC10640745 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03070-x] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis (G. intestinalis) are enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea in pigs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these enteric parasites and their coinfection with E. bieneusi in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China (Chongqing and Sichuan) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based methods. RESULTS A total of 514 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pigs from 14 pig farms in Chongqing (five farms) and Sichuan (nine farms) Provinces. The prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis was 16.14% (83/514), 0% (0/514), and 8.95% (46/514), respectively. Nested PCR revealed 305 mono-infections of E. bieneusi, six of E. cuniculi, two of E. hellem, and nine of G. duodenalis and 106 concurrent infections of E. bieneusi with the other enteric pathogens. No infections of E. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium species were detected. The highest coinfection was detected between E. bieneusi and E. cuniculi (10.5%, 54/514), followed by E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis (5.8%, 30/514) and E. bieneusi and E. hellem (2.9%, 15/514). E. bieneusi was the most frequently detected enteric pathogen, followed by E. cuniculi, G. duodenalis and E. hellem. There was a significant age-related difference in the prevalence of E. cuniculi in fattening pigs (χ2 = 15.266, df = 3, P = 0.002) and G. duodenalis in suckling pigs (χ2 = 11.92, df = 3, P = 0.008) compared with the other age groups. Sequence analysis of the ITS region of Encephalitozoon species showed two genotypes (II and III) for E. cuniculi and one (TURK1B) for E. hellem. Only G. duodenalis assemblage A was identified in all nested PCR-positive samples. E. bieneusi was found more often than other enteric pathogens. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp. [E. cuniculi and E. hellem] and G. duodenalis were common enteric parasites in diarrheic pigs in Chongqing and Sichuan Provinces. In case of both mono-infection and coinfection, E. bieneusi was the most common enteric pathogen in diarrheic pigs. Thus, it may be a significant cause of diarrhea in pigs. Precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of these enteric parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Teweldeberhan Ghebremichael
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Department of Biology, Mai Nefhi College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yujiao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Amanuel Kidane Andegiorgish
- Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76 Yanta West Road Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Zongrun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 400047, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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7
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Yang J, Zeng Y, Li C, Liu S, Meng W, Zhang W, He M, Wang L, Zuo Z, Yue C, Li D, Peng G. Occurrence and Molecular Characteristics of Microsporidia in Captive Red Pandas ( Ailurus fulgens) in China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1864. [PMID: 37889781 PMCID: PMC10251819 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidian pathogens with zoonotic potential that pose significant public health concerns. To ascertain the occurrence and genotypes of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., we used nested PCR to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene and DNA sequencing to analyze 198 fecal samples from red pandas from 6 zoos in China. The total rate of microsporidial infection was 15.7% (31/198), with 12.1% (24/198), 1.0% (2/198), 2.0% (4/198) and 1.0% (2/198) for infection rate of E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Encephalitozoon hellem, respectively. One red panda was detected positive for a mixed infection (E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis). Red pandas living in semi-free conditions are more likely to be infected with microsporidia (χ2 = 6.212, df = 1, p < 0.05). Three known (SC02, D, and PL2) and one novel (SCR1) genotypes of E. bieneusi were found. Three genotypes of E. bieneusi (SC02, D, SCR1) were grouped into group 1 with public health importance, while genotype PL2 formed a separate clade associated with group 2. These findings suggest that red pandas may serve as a host reservoir for zoonotic microsporidia, potentially allowing transmission from red pandas to humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Yangyang Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Caiwu Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Songrui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Wanyu Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Ming He
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Chengdu 610083, China
| | | | | | - Chanjuan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
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Baz-González E, Abreu-Acosta N, Foronda P. High Prevalence of Microsporidia in the North African Hedgehog ( Atelerix algirus) in the Canary Islands, Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1756. [PMID: 37889680 PMCID: PMC10251962 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are unicellular eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites with a wide range of hosts reported worldwide; however, little is known about the epidemiological data on microsporidia infection in animals from the Canary Islands. Since data on microsporidia infection in hedgehog species are scarce, the aim of this study was to analyze the presence and identity of microsporidia in a group of North African hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) using microscopic and molecular methods. From December 2020 to September 2021, a total of 36 fecal samples were collected from naturally deceased hedgehogs from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. All samples showed spore-compatible structures (100%; 36/36) under microscopic analysis, of which 61.1% (22/36) were amplified via the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. After Sanger sequencing and ITS analysis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 47.2% (17/36) of the samples, identifying two novel genotypes (AAE1 and AAE2), followed by the detection of an undetermined species in 8.3% (3/36) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in 5.6% (2/36) of the samples. This study constitutes the first report of microsporidia species in Atelerix algirus worldwide, highlighting the high prevalence of zoonotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas y Farmacéuticas, Desarrollo y Calidad de Vida, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Nertalab S.L.U., 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
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9
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Microsporidians (Microsporidia) parasitic on mosquitoes (Culicidae) in central Europe are often multi-host species. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 197:107873. [PMID: 36577478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidians (Microsporidia) are a diverse group of obligate and intracellular parasites of eukaryotes. There is evidence that the real species diversity in the phylum could be greatly underestimated, especially for microsporidians parasitic on invertebrates. Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are among very important microsporidian host groups. However, to date, no extensive survey on the prevalence of microsporidians in European mosquitoes has been performed. Here, we used mosquitoes collected in west-central Poland and a metabarcoding approach to examine the prevalence and diversity of microsporidian species among European mosquitoes. We found that up to one-third of mosquitoes in Europe may be infected with at least 13 microsporidian species belonging to the genera Amblyospora, Hazardia, Encephalitozoon, Enterocytospora, and Nosema and the holding genus Microsporidium. The lack of a difference in microsporidian prevalence between mosquito sexes implies that other factors, e.g., temperature or humidity, affect microsporidian occurrence in adult mosquitoes. Each microsporidian species was found in at least three mosquito species, which suggests that these microsporidians are polyxenic rather than monoxenic parasites. The co-occurrence of at least two different microsporidian species was found in 3.6% of host individuals. The abundance of microsporidian DNA sequences suggests interactions between co-occurring parasites; however, these results should be confirmed by microscopic and quantitative methods. In addition, further histological research is required to describe Microsporidium sp. PL01 or match its DNA to that of an already described species.
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10
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Neuber C, Koch U, Nell B. [Ophthalmic findings caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi (strain III) in a dog]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:42-47. [PMID: 36917992 DOI: 10.1055/a-1982-3564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
A 2-year-old female mixed-breed canine patient from Namibia presented originally with chronic uveitis. A serum antibody titer and a PCR test performed on the aqueous humor were positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi. The left eye showed an immature anterior focal cortical cataract in the periphery with suspected lens capsule rupture and signs of chronic uveitis. An incipient anterior focal cortical cataract was also perceivable in the patient's right eye. Despite local treatment as well as systemic administration of carprofen, prednisolone, and fenbendazol recurrent uveitis occurred. The patient then underwent bilateral extracapsular lensextraction via phacoemulsification. A PCR test of the lens material was positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi strain III. Recurring uveitis and secondary glaucoma 10 months post-op resulted in permanent blindness of the left eye. The patient then continued to receive local anti-inflammatory treatment. The last recheck examination of both eyes, 31 month post-op, revealed no signs of uveitis. This is the first case reported of a cataract in a canine patient caused by encephalitozoon cuniculi strain III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Neuber
- Tierärztliches Gesundheitszentrum Oerzen, Melbeck, Deutschland
| | - Ulrike Koch
- Tierärztliches Gesundheitszentrum Oerzen, Melbeck, Deutschland
| | - Barbara Nell
- Department für Kleintiere und Pferde, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
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11
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Lichtmannsperger K, Harl J, Roehl SR, Schoiswohl J, Eibl C, Wittek T, Hinney B, Wiedermann S, Joachim A. Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:333-340. [PMID: 36394671 PMCID: PMC9669533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals, and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, J (n = 2), I (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3), and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. The uncorrected p-distance between the four ITS1 lineages (344 bp) ranges from 0.3% to 2.9%. The lineages differ by 1 bp (I and J), 2 bp (J and BEB4), and 3 bp (I and BEB4), respectively, and BEB8 differs by 7 to 10 bp from the latter three lineages. Two of the E. bieneusi-positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves > 3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤ 3 weeks (6/118), respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lichtmannsperger
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Rosa Roehl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Schoiswohl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cassandra Eibl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wittek
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Wiedermann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Baz-González E, Martin-Carrillo N, García-Livia K, Abreu-Acosta N, Foronda P. Molecular Detection of Microsporidia in Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121796. [PMID: 36552305 PMCID: PMC9775083 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidia with zoonotic potential that have been identified in humans, as well as in a large group of wild and domestic animals. Several wildlife species have been studied as reservoirs of zoonotic microsporidia in mainland Spain, including the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Due to a lack of data on microsporidia infection in wildlife on the Canary Islands, the aim of this work was to analyze the prevalence and identify the species of microsporidia in rabbits in Tenerife. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 50 fecal samples were collected from rabbits in eight municipalities of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Seven of the fifty samples (14%) were amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. Sanger sequencing reveals the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in two samples (4%), and undescribed microsporidia species in five samples (10%). This study constitutes the first molecular detection and genotyping of E. cuniculi in rabbits in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Natalia Martin-Carrillo
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Katherine García-Livia
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Nertalab S.L., 38008 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Correspondence:
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13
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Doboși AA, Bel LV, Paștiu AI, Pusta DL. A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus)-Biology, Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment, and Prevention. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121486. [PMID: 36558820 PMCID: PMC9785705 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a eukaryote, unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular microorganism of the phylum Microsporidia, with domestic rabbits as its main host. Another important species in which this pathogen has been identified are humans, the infection being therefore called a "zoonosis". The transmission takes place via the horizontal route or the vertical route, and cell-mediated immunity plays the biggest role in the infected hosts' protection. Encephalitozoonosis can manifest itself as an acute infection, with neurological signs, renal signs, and ocular lesions, or as a chronic or subclinical infection, which is usually the case for asymptomatic carriers. The diagnostic techniques usually carried out are histological examination, serological tests, and molecular genetic techniques. The treatment of encephalitozoonosis is usually symptomatic, with unrewarding results, and prevention methods include periodical serological screening, prophylactic administration of fenbendazole, and maintenance of a clean environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current data regarding the pathogenesis, host immunity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention methods of encephalitozoonosis in the domestic rabbit, as well as to analyze the prevalence of this disease in different countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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14
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Characterizing the Proliferation Patterns of Representative Microsporidian Species Enlightens Future Studies of Infection Mechanisms. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111352. [DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Microsporidia are a group of pathogens that infect all kinds of animals, such as humans, silkworms, honeybees, and shrimp; they, therefore, pose a severe threat to public health and the economy. There are over 1500 species of microsporidia that have been reported, among which Encephalitozoon hellem and Nosema bombycis are the representative zoonotic and insect-infecting species, respectively. Investigating their cell infection patterns is of great significance for understanding their infection mechanisms. Methods: Specific probes were designed for the ribosomal RNA sequences of microsporidia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to trace the proliferation cycle of the pathogens in different cells. Results: Here, two rRNA large subunit gene (LSUrRNA) probes specifically labeling N. bombycis were obtained. The life cycle of N. bombycis in silkworm cells and E. hellem in three kinds of host cells was graphically drawn. N. bombycis meronts were first observed at 30 hours post-infection (hpi), and they began merogony. Sporonts were observed at 42 hpi, and the first entire proliferation cycle was completed at 48 hpi. The proliferation cycle of E. hellem in RK13 and HEK293 epithelial cells was almost the same, completing the first life cycle after 24 hpi, but it was significantly delayed to 32 hpi in RAW264.7. Conclusions: Specific FISH probes were established for labeling microsporidia in multiple host cells. The proliferation characteristics of representative zoonotic and insect-infecting microsporidian species were clarified. This study provides an experimental pattern for future analyses of microsporidian infection mechanisms.
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15
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Lin J, Nell B, Horikawa T, Zarfoss M. Feline intralenticular Encephalitozoon cuniculi: three cases from California. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221106721. [PMID: 35935143 PMCID: PMC9350498 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221106721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary Three domestic shorthair cats from California presented to veterinary ophthalmologists with immature cataracts. Other presenting clinical signs included corneal edema, anisocoria, anterior uveitis, elevated intraocular pressure, blepharospasm and/or lethargy. All patients were immunocompromised due to concurrent diseases and/or immunomodulatory drugs. Diagnostics included serial comprehensive ophthalmic examinations with tonometry, ocular ultrasound, electroretinogram and testing for other causes of feline uveitis. Testing for Encephalitozoon cuniculi included serology, histopathology and/or PCR of aqueous humor, lens material or paraffin-embedded whole eye. Treatments included antiparasitic medication, anti-inflammatory medication and supportive care in all three cases. Surgical treatment included enucleation (one case), bilateral phacoemulsification and unilateral intraocular lens placement (one case) and bilateral phacoemulsification with bilateral endolaser ciliary body ablation and bilateral intraocular lens implantation (one case). Both cats for which serologic testing for E cuniculi was performed were positive (1:64-1:4096). In all cats, diagnosis of intraocular E cuniculi was based on at least one of the following: lens histopathology or PCR of aqueous humor, lens material or paraffin-embedded ocular tissue. The clinical visual outcome was best in the patient undergoing phacoemulsification at the earliest stage of the cataract. Relevance and novel information Encephalitozoon cuniculi should be considered as a differential cause of cataracts and uveitis in cats in California, the rest of the USA and likely worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joie Lin
- School of Veterinary Medicine,
University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Nell
- Department for Small Animals and
Horses, Veterinary University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Wang Y, Qin X, Diao X, Liu Y, Liu J. Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii in pet rabbits in eastern coastal areas of China. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:777-783. [PMID: 35491103 PMCID: PMC9246676 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0660] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a
microsporidian parasite commonly detected in rabbits and can infect humans and cause
encephalitozoonosis. And Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasite
distributed worldwide and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans.
The aim of the current study was to investigate the seroprevalence of E.
cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii, and risk factors of infection
in pet rabbits reared in eastern coastal areas of China (Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangsu,
Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian). Total 222 blood samples of pet rabbits were collected from
local veterinary hospitals. The seropositivity rates of E. cuniculi were
16.22% (36/222) according to an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Female pet
rabbits was significantly higher than that in males (P=0.002), Zhejiang
were markedly higher than those in Jiangsu and Shanghai (P=0.017,
P=0.022), and cross-breed rabbits were dramatically higher than those
in Chinchilla, New Zealand white, Rex (P=0.02, P=0.006,
P=0.008). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 13.06%
(29/222) by the method of ELISA. The seroprevalence in Zhejiang was significantly higher
than that in Shanghai (P=0.017). No difference in seroprevalence was
detected with respect to the gender, age, species, health status, or season. These
findings show that E. cuniculi and T. gondii are present
and spread in pet rabbits. Therefore, pet rabbits should be considered as an important
reservoir of encephalitozoonosis for humans and maybe important implication for public
health in eastern coastal areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Breeding and Healthy Breeding, Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University
| | - Xuling Qin
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Liaocheng University
| | | | - Yongxia Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center for Animal Disease Control Engineering Shandong, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Jianzhu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center for Animal Disease Control Engineering Shandong, Shandong Agricultural University
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17
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de Albuquerque NRM, Haag KL, Fields PD, Cabalzar A, Ben-Ami F, Pombert JF, Ebert D. A new microsporidian parasite, Ordospora pajunii sp. nov (Ordosporidae), of Daphnia longispina highlights the value of genomic data for delineating species boundaries. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12902. [PMID: 35279911 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Speciation is a complex and continuous process that makes the delineation of species boundaries a challenging task in particular in species with little morphological differentiation, such as parasites. In this case, the use of genomic data is often necessary, such as for the intracellular Microsporidian parasites. Here we characterize the genome of a gut parasite of the cladoceran Daphnia longispina (isolate FI-F-10), which we propose as a new species within the genus Ordospora: O. pajunii sp. nov (Ordosporidae). FI-F-10 closest relative, O. colligata is only found in D. magna. Both microsporidian species share several morphological features. Although it is not possible to estimate divergence times for Microsporidia due to the lack of fossil records and accelerated evolutionary rates, we base our proposal on the phylogenomic and genomic distances between both microsporidian lineages. Phylogenomic reconstruction shows that FI-F-10 forms an early diverging branch basal to the cluster that contains all known O. colligata strains. Whole-genome comparisons show that FI-F-10 presents a greater divergence at the sequence level than observed among O. colligata strains, and its genomic Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) values against O. colligata are beyond the intra-specific range previously established for yeast and prokaryotes. Our data confirm that the ANI metrics are useful for fine genetic divergence calibration across Microsporidia taxa. In combination with phylogenetic and ecological data, genome-based metrics provide a powerful approach to delimitate species boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia R M de Albuquerque
- Department of Genetics and Post-Graduation Program of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Karen L Haag
- Department of Genetics and Post-Graduation Program of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Peter D Fields
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Basel University, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cabalzar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Basel University, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frida Ben-Ami
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jean-François Pombert
- Department of Biology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3105 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
| | - Dieter Ebert
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Basel University, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M, Cebulski K, Holubová N, Wencel P, Mayer L, Wesołowska M, Sak B. Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Extraintestinal Microsporidiosis in Bird Owners. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:705-708. [PMID: 35202528 PMCID: PMC8888231 DOI: 10.3201/eid2803.211556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II parasites as a cause of extraintestinal microsporidiosis in 2 owners of birds also infected with E. cuniculi. Patients experienced long-lasting nonspecific symptoms; the disease course was more progressive in a patient with diabetes. Our findings suggest direct bird-to-human transmission of this pathogen.
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19
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Willis AR, Reinke AW. Factors That Determine Microsporidia Infection and Host Specificity. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:91-114. [PMID: 35544000 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large phylum of obligate intracellular parasites that infect an extremely diverse range of animals and protists. In this chapter, we review what is currently known about microsporidia host specificity and what factors influence microsporidia infection. Extensive sampling in nature from related hosts has provided insight into the host range of many microsporidia species. These field studies have been supported by experiments conducted in controlled laboratory environments which have helped to demonstrate host specificity. Together, these approaches have revealed that, while examples of generalist species exist, microsporidia specificity is often narrow, and species typically infect one or several closely related hosts. For microsporidia to successfully infect and complete their life cycle within a compatible host, several steps must occur, including spore germination, host cell invasion, and proliferation of the parasite within the host tissue. Many factors influence infection, including temperature, seasonality, nutrient availability, and the presence or absence of microbes, as well as the developmental stage, sex, and genetics of the host. Several studies have identified host genomic regions that influence resistance to microsporidia, and future work is likely to uncover molecular mechanisms of microsporidia host specificity in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Willis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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20
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Abstract
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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21
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Itoh N, Kameshima S, Kimura Y. Molecular Identification of Encephalitozoon hellem from Companion Birds Kept in Pet Shops, Japan. Med Mycol J 2021; 62:59-62. [PMID: 34471036 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.21-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the role of companion birds as a reservoir of Encephalitozoon hellem infection in humans, the present study determined the prevalence and genotypes of E. hellem from 269 birds in 4 pet shops using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. E. hellem was identified in 4.8% (13/269) of the birds and was detected in all pet shops. Every positive sample corresponded to zoonotic genotype 1A. Considering the low prevalence of E. hellem infection, it is likely that the risk of zoonotic transmission from companion birds kept in pet shops to humans is low in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Itoh
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Satoshi Kameshima
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Yuya Kimura
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
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22
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Santaniello A, Cimmino I, Dipineto L, Agognon AL, Beguinot F, Formisano P, Fioretti A, Menna LF, Oriente F. Zoonotic Risk of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Laboratory Strategies for the Diagnosis of Infections in Humans and Animals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9333. [PMID: 34501921 PMCID: PMC8430659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of animals for therapeutic purposes has very ancient roots. To date, it is clear that animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), in addition to ensuring the replacement of missing or deficient affects, improves psychophysiological parameters connected to human health. However, AAI could potentially present risks related to the transmission of infectious agents from animals to humans. Among these microorganisms, E. cuniculi is a microspore which induces pathological effects (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness, respiratory symptoms, and weakness) in both humans and animals. Consequently, an accurate and fast diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection, as well as the identification of new diagnostic approaches, is of fundamental importance. This literature review was carried out to provide an extensive and comprehensive analysis of the most recent diagnostic techniques to prevent and care for E. cuniculi-associated risks in the AAI field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ilaria Cimmino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ayewa Lawoe Agognon
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
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Sparse Evidence for Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia Infections in Humans, Domesticated Animals and Wild Nonhuman Primates Sharing a Farm-Forest Mosaic Landscape in Western Uganda. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080933. [PMID: 34451397 PMCID: PMC8398676 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080933] [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: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic pathogen transmission is considered a leading threat to the survival of non-human primates and public health in shared landscapes. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are unicellular parasites spread by the fecal-oral route by environmentally resistant stages and can infect humans, livestock, and wildlife including non-human primates. Using immunoassay diagnostic kits and amplification/sequencing of the region of the triosephosphate isomerase, small ribosomal subunit rRNA and the internal transcribed spacer genes, we investigated Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and microsporidia infections, respectively, among humans, domesticated animals (livestock, poultry, and dogs), and wild nonhuman primates (eastern chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys) in Bulindi, Uganda, an area of remarkably high human-animal contact and spatial overlap. We analyzed 137 fecal samples and revealed the presence of G. intestinalis assemblage B in two human isolates, G. intestinalis assemblage E in one cow isolate, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II in two humans and one goat isolate. None of the chimpanzee and colobus monkey samples were positive for any of the screened parasites. Regular distribution of antiparasitic treatment in both humans and domestic animals in Bulindi could have reduced the occurrence of the screened parasites and decreased potential circulation of these pathogens among host species.
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Generation of a Microsporidia Species Attribute Database and Analysis of the Extensive Ecological and Phenotypic Diversity of Microsporidia. mBio 2021; 12:e0149021. [PMID: 34182782 PMCID: PMC8262960 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01490-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large group of fungus-related obligate intracellular parasites. Though many microsporidia species have been identified over the past 160 years, depiction of the full diversity of this phylum is lacking. To systematically describe the characteristics of these parasites, we created a database of 1,440 species and their attributes, including the hosts they infect and spore characteristics. We find that microsporidia have been reported to infect 16 metazoan and 4 protozoan phyla, with smaller phyla being underrepresented. Most species are reported to infect only a single host, but those that are generalists are also more likely to infect a broader set of host tissues. Strikingly, polar tubes are threefold longer in species that infect tissues besides the intestine, suggesting that polar tube length is a determinant of tissue specificity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four clades which each contain microsporidia that infect hosts from all major habitats. Although related species are more likely to infect similar hosts, we observe examples of changes in host specificity and convergent evolution. Taken together, our results show that microsporidia display vast diversity in their morphology and the hosts they infect, illustrating the flexibility of these parasites to evolve new traits.
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25
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Biosurveillance of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in a Zoo. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040428. [PMID: 33916840 PMCID: PMC8066565 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of infectious diseases is one of the most important pillars of preventive medicine in zoos. Screening for parasitic and bacterial infections is important to keep animals and equipment safe from pathogens that may pose a risk to animal and human health. Zoos usually contain many different animal species living in proximity with people and wild animals. As an epidemiological probe, 188 animals (122 mammals, 65 birds, and one reptile) from a zoo in Slovenia were examined for selected pathogens. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum were detected by ELISA in 38% (46/122) and 3% (4/122) of mammals, and in 0% (0/64) and 2% (1/57) of birds, respectively; the reptile (0/1) was negative. A statistically significant difference in T. gondii prevalence was found in Carnivora compared to Cetartiodactyla and primate antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected by IFAT in 44% (52/118) of mammals and 20% (11/56) of birds, respectively; the reptile (0/1) was negative. Herbivores had a higher chance of being infected with E. cuniculi compared to omnivores. Antibodies to Chlamydia abortus and Coxiella burnetii were not detected in any of the 74 tested zoo animals. The sera of 39 wild rodents found in the zoo were also examined; they were negative for all three parasites. The parasite T. gondii was detected by PCR in the tissue of two mute swans (Cygnus olor), three eastern house mice (Mus musculus), one yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), and one striped field mouse (A. agrarius). Positive samples were genotyped by a single multiplex PCR assay using 15 microsatellite markers; one sample from a mute swan was characterized as type II. This micro-epidemiological study offers a better understanding of pathogens in zoo animals and an understanding of the role of zoos in biosurveillance.
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Myšková E, Brož M, Kváč M, Sak B, Ditrich O. Intestinal parasites of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Svalbard (Norway): low prevalence and limited transmission with wildlife. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Domesticated dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) are widely kept on all continents and could share parasites with free-living animals. To understand the transmission of intestinal parasites between dogs kept on the four dog stations and wildlife in Svalbard, 170 faecal samples from dogs and 203 faecal samples from wildlife, including Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758); n = 62), Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus (Vrolik, 1829); n = 106), sibling vole (Microtus levis Miller, 1908; n = 63), Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus Baillon, 1834; n = 30), Little Auk (Alle alle (Linnaeus, 1758); n = 49), and Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla (Linnaeus, 1758); n = 18), were individually screened for the presence of intestinal parasites using microscopy and PCR and nucleotide sequencing methods. Additionally, the results of the study were compared with previous studies performed in the same area. The roundworm Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902) was found microscopically and by PCR in a dog (n = 1). The specific DNA of three species of parasitic protists was detected in dogs from different yards. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium canis Fayer, Trout, Xiao, Morgan, Lal and Dubey, 2001 (n = 1), Encephalitozoon cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau and Schoen, 1923 genotype II (n = 4), and dog-specific Enterocytozoon bieneusi Desportes, Le Charpentier, Galian, Bernard, Cochand-Priollet, Lavergne, Ravisse and Modigliani, 1985 genotypes (n = 12). This study showed overall a low prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs in Svalbard and possible but minimal transmission with wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Myšková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Brož
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Ditrich
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Javadzade R, Rostami A, Arabkhazaeli F, Bahonar A, Mohammad Rahimi H, Mirjalali H. Molecular detection and genotype identification of E. cuniculi from pet rabbits. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 75:101616. [PMID: 33524813 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian which is frequently reported from rabbits. This microorganism can either ravage rabbit farms or transmit to humans from pet rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the genotype distribution of E. cuniculi among pet rabbits. In this study urine samples were collected from 50 pet rabbits, aged 2 months to 3 years, admitted to teaching veterinary hospital. Four races Lop, Dutch, Mix, and Angora were screened for E. cuniculi. The clinical symptoms were recorded and total DNA was extracted from urine samples. E. cuniculi was identified using amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene and its genotypes were characterized using PCR/sequencing of the polar tube protein (PTP) gene. Phylogenetic tree was drawn to confirm the characterized genotypes. Out of 50 samples, 41 (82 %) of rabbits were asymptomatic, while nine (18 %) had at least one of symptoms including head-tilt, circling, and ataxia. A statistical correlation was seen between mean age + SD and symptoms (P-value = 0.039). The presence of E. cuniculi was confirmed in 16/50 (32 %) rabbits and all of them were identified as the genotype I. Our findings represented no consistency between E. cuniculi PCR - positive and the presence of symptoms (P-value = 0.318). Our results showed positive correlation between symptoms and age; however, the lack of correlation between PCR results with age may signify the latent infection in younger rabbits. All identified E. cuniculi were the genotype I, which is reported from rabbits and humans, highlighting the zoonotic concern for this genotype, particularly among subjects who keep pet rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Javadzade
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1419963111, Iran
| | - Amir Rostami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1419963111, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Arabkhazaeli
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1419963111, Iran
| | - Alireza Bahonar
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1419963111, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Martínez-Padilla A, Caballero-Gómez J, Magnet Á, Gómez-Guillamón F, Izquierdo F, Camacho-Sillero L, Jiménez-Ruiz S, del Águila C, García-Bocanegra I. Zoonotic Microsporidia in Wild Lagomorphs in Southern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122218. [PMID: 33256050 PMCID: PMC7761411 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular protist-like fungal pathogens that infect a broad range of animal species, including humans. This study aimed to assess the presence of zoonotic microsporidia (Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon hellem, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in organ meats of European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) consumed by humans in Spain. Between July 2015 and December 2018, kidney samples from 383 wild rabbits and kidney and brain tissues from 79 Iberian hares in southern Spain were tested by species-specific PCR for the detection of microsporidia DNA. Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection was confirmed in three wild rabbits (0.8%; 95% CI: 0.0-1.7%) but not in hares (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0-4.6%), whereas E. intestinalis DNA was found in one wild rabbit (0.3%; 95% CI: 0.0-0.8%) and three Iberian hares (3.8%; 95% CI: 0.0-8.0%). Neither E. hellem nor E. cuniculi infection were detected in the 462 (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0-0.8%) lagomorphs analyzed. The absence of E. hellem and E. cuniculi infection suggests a low risk of zoonotic foodborne transmission from these wild lagomorph species in southern Spain. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of E. intestinalis infection in wild rabbits and Iberian hares. The presence of E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis in organ meats from wild lagomorphs can be of public health concern. Additional studies are required to determine the real prevalence of these parasites in European wild rabbit and Iberian hare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Martínez-Padilla
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.J.-R.); (I.G.-B.)
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-957218725
| | - Ángela Magnet
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, 28660 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.); (F.I.); (C.d.Á.)
| | - Félix Gómez-Guillamón
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre en Andalucía (PVE), Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, 29006 Málaga, Spain; (F.G.-G.); (L.C.-S.)
| | - Fernando Izquierdo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, 28660 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.); (F.I.); (C.d.Á.)
| | - Leonor Camacho-Sillero
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre en Andalucía (PVE), Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, 29006 Málaga, Spain; (F.G.-G.); (L.C.-S.)
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.J.-R.); (I.G.-B.)
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-JCCM), Universidad de Castilla-la Mancha (UCLM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Carmen del Águila
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, 28660 Madrid, Spain; (Á.M.); (F.I.); (C.d.Á.)
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.J.-R.); (I.G.-B.)
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29
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Pekmezci D, Yetismis G, Esin C, Duzlu O, Colak ZN, Inci A, Pekmezci GZ, Yildirim A. Occurrence and molecular identification of zoonotic microsporidia in pet budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in Turkey. Med Mycol 2020; 59:myaa088. [PMID: 33070189 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are well-known microsporidian pathogens, recently classified as fungi, infecting humans and reptiles, mammals, and birds. Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulates) are the most preferred captive pet birds in the households. Prevalence and molecular data on microsporidian species in budgerigars are scarce worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and genotypes of Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi in budgerigars, and to reveal their zoonotic potential. A total of 143 fecal samples were collected from owned healthy budgerigars in Turkey. Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi were examined by nested PCR targeting the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and sequenced for identifying Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. hellem and E. bieneusi was 14.7% (21/143) and 3.5% (5/143), respectively. Two genotypes of E. hellem were identified, including one known 1A (n = 18) and a novel TURK1B (n = 3). In addition, we determined two E. bieneusi genotypes, including one known N (n = 2) and a novel TURKM1 (n = 3). E. hellem 1A and novel TURK1B clustered as a sister taxon, and genotype N and novel TURKM1 genotypes fall into group 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree. Novel genotypes of E. hellem and E. bieneusi were described for the first time in the avian host. Moreover, E. bieneusi genotype N was first detected in avian hosts in the present study. This study contributes to the current knowledge on the molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics of E. hellem and E. bieneusi. LAY SUMMARY Spore producing microsporidia are ubiquitous, obligate, and intracellular fungus defined as emerging opportunistic pathogens of humans, livestock, companion animals, wild mammals, birds, and water worldwide. The occurrence of microsporidia in animals could be risky for human public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Pekmezci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Gamze Yetismis
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Cagatay Esin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Onder Duzlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Nurselin Colak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Inci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gokmen Zafer Pekmezci
- Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Alparslan Yildirim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
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30
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Valenčáková A, Sučik M. Alternatives in Molecular Diagnostics of Encephalitozoon and Enterocytozoon Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E114. [PMID: 32707956 PMCID: PMC7558530 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that are currently considered to be most directly aligned with fungi. These fungal-related microbes cause infections in every major group of animals, both vertebrate and invertebrate, and more recently, because of AIDS, they have been identified as significant opportunistic parasites in man. The Microsporidia are ubiquitous parasites in the animal kingdom but, until recently, they have maintained relative anonymity because of the specialized nature of pathology researchers. Diagnosis of microsporidia infection from stool examination is possible and has replaced biopsy as the initial diagnostic procedure in many laboratories. These staining techniques can be difficult, however, due to the small size of the spores. The specific identification of microsporidian species has classically depended on ultrastructural examination. With the cloning of the rRNA genes from the human pathogenic microsporidia it has been possible to apply polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques for the diagnosis of microsporidial infection at the species and genotype level. The absence of genetic techniques for manipulating microsporidia and their complicated diagnosis hampered research. This study should provide basic insights into the development of diagnostics and the pitfalls of molecular identification of these ubiquitous intracellular pathogens that can be integrated into studies aimed at treating or controlling microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Valenčáková
- Department of Biology and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia;
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31
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Dávila-Martínez C, Castillo-Velázquez U, Soto-Domínguez A, Nevárez-Garza AM, Arce-Mendoza AY, Hernandez-Vidal G, Zamora-Avila DE, Rodriguez-Tovar LE. Immunohistochemical localization of TNF-α and IL-4 in granulomas of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand white rabbits infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Cytokine 2020; 130:155055. [PMID: 32182455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a fungi-related, obligate, zoonotic, spore-forming intracellular eukaryotic microorganism. This emerging pathogen causes granulomas to form in the brain and kidneys of infected individuals. The objective of the current study was to detect the distribution of TNF-α- and IL-4-positive cells using immunohistochemistry within these granulomas in both infected immunocompetent (group A) and immunosuppressed (group B) New Zealand white rabbits. In the brain, labeled TNF-α immune cells were mainly located in the granuloma peripheries in group B. Granulomas examined in the kidneys of groups A and B were TNF-α positive, but were significantly different (p < 0.001) when compared with the brain. IL-4-producing immune cells in the brain and kidneys were disseminated within granulomas in groups A and B; however, no significant difference (p > 0.05), was observed. IL-4 positive cells were more numerous in brain sections of group B and differed significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with kidneys. Granulomas were not observed in control animals (groups C and D). In conclusion, we identified TNF-α positive cells in both the brain and kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals; IL-4 positive cells were numerous in the brains of immunosuppressed rabbits; however, in terms of percentage were numerous in the brains of immunocompetent rabbits. Immunosuppression appeared to stimulate a change in the cellular phenotype of Th1- to Th2-like granulomas in the brain and kidneys via an unknown mechanism. Expression of pro- and pre-inflammatory cytokines in microsporidian granulomas suggests a mechanism by which E. cuniculi evades the immune response, causing more severe disease. These results increase our understanding of TNF-α and IL-4-positive cells within the E. cuniculi granuloma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dávila-Martínez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - U Castillo-Velázquez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - A Soto-Domínguez
- Departamento de Histología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Monterrey, N. L. C.P. 64460, Mexico
| | - A M Nevárez-Garza
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - A Y Arce-Mendoza
- Cuerpo Académico de Inmunología Clínica y Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Col. Mitras Centro, Monterrey, N. L. C.P. 64460, Mexico
| | - G Hernandez-Vidal
- Cuerpo Académico de Patobiología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - D E Zamora-Avila
- Cuerpo Académico de Epidemiologia Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - L E Rodriguez-Tovar
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico.
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32
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Trimmel NE, Walzer C. Infectious Wildlife Diseases in Austria-A Literature Review From 1980 Until 2017. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:3. [PMID: 32154271 PMCID: PMC7046627 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This literature review examines infectious wildlife disease research in Austria. We analyzed 226 research papers, published between 1980 and 2017. We determined that wildlife disease papers increased significantly from 0.8 ± 0.8 publications per year in the first decade (1980–1989) when compared to 2008–2017 with an average of 12.9 ± 4.1 publications per year. We illustrate information about the most investigated diseases and highlight the lack of research into certain wildlife pathogens. A special emphasis was given to diseases with zoonotic potential. The review showed that research focused on a few select species like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa), all game species. Moreover, diseases affecting livestock and human health were seen more often. The review also found that only a low number of publications actually stated disease prevalence and confidence interval data. The reported diseases identified were classified according to their notifiable status and the distribution at the wildlife–human and wildlife–livestock interface. Furthermore, we try to argue why research into some diseases is prioritized, and why other diseases are underrepresented in current Austrian research. While spatiotemporal indicators could not be assessed due to the variability in methodologies and objectives of various studies, the information provided by this review offers the first comprehensive evaluation of the status of infectious wildlife disease research in Austria. Therefore, this study could assist investigators to identify further areas of priorities for research and conservation efforts and for wildlife management professionals to inform policy and funding strategies. With this review, we want to encourage research in the field of wildlife diseases in Austria to enhance current knowledge in the prevention of further loss in biodiversity and to find new measures to promote “One Health” on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Eva Trimmel
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chris Walzer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, United States
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33
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Wadi L, Reinke AW. Evolution of microsporidia: An extremely successful group of eukaryotic intracellular parasites. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008276. [PMID: 32053705 PMCID: PMC7017984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wadi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron W. Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Myšková E, Brož M, Fuglei E, Kvičerová J, Mácová A, Sak B, Kváč M, Ditrich O. Gastrointestinal parasites of arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and sibling voles (Microtus levis) in Spitsbergen, Svalbard. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3409-3418. [PMID: 31729572 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), an apex predator with an omnipresent distribution in the Arctic, is a potential source of intestinal parasites that may endanger people and pet animals such as dogs, thus posing a health risk. Non-invasive methods, such as coprology, are often the only option when studying wildlife parasitic fauna. However, the detection and identification of parasites are significantly enhanced when used in combination with methods of molecular biology. Using both approaches, we identified unicellular and multicellular parasites in faeces of arctic foxes and carcasses of sibling voles (Microtus levis) in Svalbard, where molecular methods are used for the first time. Six new species were detected in the arctic fox in Svalbard, Eucoleus aerophilus, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Eimeria spp., and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the latter never found in the arctic fox species before. In addition, only one parasite was found in the sibling vole in Svalbard, the Cryptosporidium alticolis, which has never been detected in Svalbard before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Myšková
- Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Marek Brož
- Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postbox 6606 Langnes, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jana Kvičerová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Mácová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Ditrich
- Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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35
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de Moura MLC, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Pérez EC, Xavier JG, Spadacci-Morena DD, Moysés CRS, Rocha PRD, Lallo MA. Cyclophosphamide Treatment Mimics Sub-Lethal Infections With Encephalitozoon intestinalis in Immunocompromised Individuals. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2205. [PMID: 31608035 PMCID: PMC6773878 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia, including Encephalitozoon intestinalis, are emerging pathogens which cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those with AIDS, cancer, the elderly and people on immunosuppressive drugs. Intestinal mucosa (IM) is crucial for developing an efficient adaptive immune response against pathogenic micro-organisms, thereby preventing their colonization and subsequent infection. As immunosuppressive drugs affect the intestinal immune response is little known. In the present study, we investigated the immune response to E. intestinalis infection in the IM and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in cyclophosphamide (Cy) immunosuppressed mice, to mimic an immunocompromised condition. Histopathology revealed lymphoplasmacytic enteritis at 7 and 14 days-post-infection (dpi) in all infected groups, however, inflammation diminished at 21 and 28 dpi. Cy treatment also led to a higher number of E. intestinalis spores and lesions, which reduced at 28 dpi. In addition, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to be predominant immune cells, with up-regulation in both Th1 and Th2 cytokines at 7 and 14 dpi, as demonstrated by histopathology. In conclusion, Cy treatment reduced GALT (Peyer’s plaques and mesenteric lymph nodes) and peritoneum populations but increased the T-cell population in the intestinal mucosa and the production of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which were able to eliminate this opportunistic fungus and reduced the E. intestinalis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lucia Costa de Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elizabeth Cristina Pérez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Guilherme Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Robertson LJ, Clark CG, Debenham JJ, Dubey J, Kváč M, Li J, Ponce-Gordo F, Ryan U, Schares G, Su C, Tsaousis AD. Are molecular tools clarifying or confusing our understanding of the public health threat from zoonotic enteric protozoa in wildlife? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:323-341. [PMID: 31338293 PMCID: PMC6626983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are frequently zoonotic, often originating in wildlife, but enteric protozoa are considered relatively minor contributors. Opinions regarding whether pathogenic enteric protozoa may be transmitted between wildlife and humans have been shaped by our investigation tools, and have led to oscillations regarding whether particular species are zoonotic or have host-adapted life cycles. When the only approach for identifying enteric protozoa was morphology, it was assumed that many enteric protozoa colonized multiple hosts and were probably zoonotic. When molecular tools revealed genetic differences in morphologically identical species colonizing humans and other animals, host specificity seemed more likely. Parasites from animals found to be genetically identical - at the few genes investigated - to morphologically indistinguishable parasites from human hosts, were described as having zoonotic potential. More discriminatory molecular tools have now sub-divided some protozoa again. Meanwhile, some infection events indicate that, circumstances permitting, some "host-specific" protozoa, can actually infect various hosts. These repeated changes in our understanding are linked intrinsically to the investigative tools available. Here we review how molecular tools have assisted, or sometimes confused, our understanding of the public health threat from nine enteric protozoa and example wildlife hosts (Balantoides coli - wild boar; Blastocystis sp. - wild rodents; Cryptosporidium spp. - wild fish; Encephalitozoon spp. - wild birds; Entamoeba spp. - non-human primates; Enterocytozoon bieneusi - wild cervids; Giardia duodenalis - red foxes; Sarcocystis nesbitti - snakes; Toxoplasma gondii - bobcats). Molecular tools have provided evidence that some enteric protozoa in wildlife may infect humans, but due to limited discriminatory power, often only the zoonotic potential of the parasite is indicated. Molecular analyses, which should be as discriminatory as possible, are one, but not the only, component of the toolbox for investigating potential public health impacts from pathogenic enteric protozoa in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J. Robertson
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - C. Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - John J. Debenham
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - J.P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Una Ryan
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1937, USA
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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Sadeghi-Dehkordi Z, Norouzi E, Rezaeian H, Nourian A, Noaman V, Sazmand A. First insight into Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in laboratory and pet rabbits in Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:37-40. [PMID: 31300123 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.04.005] [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: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi infects a wide variety of domestic and wild mammalian species including humans. Although the infection status has been studied in laboratory and pet rabbits worldwide, there is shortage of information regarding the disease in Iran. In the present study, the occurrence of infection in brains of 117 asymptomatic rabbits from six breeding and experimental units with highest population of rabbit colonies in the country (n = 60) as well as pet rabbits of pet stores in two cities (n = 57) were examined by nested-PCR. Histological sections of brains and kidneys were also studied by light microscopy. PCR results revealed that 3.3% of laboratory rabbits (2/60) and 59.6% of pet rabbits (34/57) harboured E. cuniculi in their brains. Histopathology on the other hand showed spores of the parasite in kidney and brain of one and kidney of another pet rabbit. As encephalitozoonosis may interfere with results of experiments performed on laboratory rabbits, routine screenings for identification and culling of infected animals is recommended. Furthermore, infected companion rabbits can transmit E. cuniculi to people in close contact with them, therefore, improving public knowledge of this zoonotic infection is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Sadeghi-Dehkordi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Ebrahim Norouzi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Breeding, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Hessarak, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Hidokht Rezaeian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Vahid Noaman
- Group of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Marková J, Machačová T, Bártová E, Sedlák K, Budíková M, Silvestre P, Laricchiuta P, Russo M, Veneziano V. Toxoplasma gondii
,
Neospora caninum
and
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
in Animals from Captivity (Zoo and Circus Animals). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2018; 66:442-446. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiřina Marková
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackého tř. 1946/1Brno Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Machačová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackého tř. 1946/1Brno Czech Republic
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackého tř. 1946/1Brno Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Sedlák
- Department of Virology and Serology State Veterinary Institute Prague Sídlištní 136/24 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Marie Budíková
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics Faculty of Science Masaryk University Kotlářská 2 Brno Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Marco Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions University of Naples Federico II Largo San Marcellino 10Napoli Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions University of Naples Federico II Largo San Marcellino 10Napoli Italy
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García-Torres I, De la Mora-De la Mora I, Hernández-Alcántara G, Molina-Ortiz D, Caballero-Salazar S, Olivos-García A, Nava G, López-Velázquez G, Enríquez-Flores S. First characterization of a microsporidial triosephosphate isomerase and the biochemical mechanisms of its inactivation to propose a new druggable target. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8591. [PMID: 29872223 PMCID: PMC5988755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia are a large group of intracellular parasites with a broad range of hosts, including humans. Encephalitozoon intestinalis is the second microsporidia species most frequently associated with gastrointestinal disease in humans, especially immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals, including children and the elderly. The prevalence reported worldwide in these groups ranges from 0 to 60%. Currently, albendazole is most commonly used to treat microsporidiosis caused by Encephalitozoon species. However, the results of treatment are variable, and relapse can occur. Consequently, efforts are being directed toward identifying more effective drugs for treating microsporidiosis, and the study of new molecular targets appears promising. These parasites lack mitochondria, and oxidative phosphorylation therefore does not occur, which suggests the enzymes involved in glycolysis as potential drug targets. Here, we have for the first time characterized the glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase of E. intestinalis at the functional and structural levels. Our results demonstrate the mechanisms of inactivation of this enzyme by thiol-reactive compounds. The most striking result of this study is the demonstration that established safe drugs such as omeprazole, rabeprazole and sulbutiamine can effectively inactivate this microsporidial enzyme and might be considered as potential drugs for treating this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzhel García-Torres
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Ignacio De la Mora-De la Mora
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Gloria Hernández-Alcántara
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Dora Molina-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Silvia Caballero-Salazar
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Olivos-García
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y Hospital General, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Nava
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Gabriel López-Velázquez
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico.
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico.
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Molecular Evidence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes). J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:825-828. [PMID: 29733765 DOI: 10.7589/2017-09-240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi are important infectious agents, with T. gondii and E. cuniculi having zoonotic potential. There are two main clonal lineages (types I and II) of T. gondii in Europe, but little is known about genotypes of T. gondii in wild animals. The aim of our study was molecular detection of these three pathogens in tissues of wild red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) from the Czech Republic. Using PCR (B1 gene), we detected T. gondii in 10% of the animals that we tested ( n=100); N. caninum and E. cuniculi were not detected. The T. gondii samples were genotyped by single multiplex PCR assay with 15 microsatellite markers. Five samples were successfully genotyped as genotype II, a unique finding for T. gondii isolated from red foxes from the Czech Republic.
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Engelhardt S, Buder A, Pfeil K, Schwittlick U, Klas E, Hinney B, Aupperle-Lellbach H, Pfeil I. [Nephritis in a Staffordshire Terrier puppy caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2017; 45:161123. [PMID: 29099899 DOI: 10.15654/tpk-161123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
An 8-week-old puppy was presented to the clinic because of anorexia, polyuria, polydipsia and azotemia. The urinary sediment displayed large amounts of protozoan-like organisms, which could be identified by PCR as Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I. In the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) an antibody titer against E. cuniculi of 1 : 2560 was found. The dog was treated with fenbendazole over 3 weeks. After 3 months, an antibody titer against E. cuniculi could no longer be detected. The dog recovered completely. This rare case demonstrates that E. cuniculi genotype I can cause clinical disease in dogs with renal involvement, which can be successfully treated with fenbendazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Engelhardt
- Stephan Engelhardt, Tierklinik Dresdner Heide, Fischhausstraße 5, 01099 Dresden, E-Mail:
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Francisco Neto A, Dell’Armelina Rocha PR, Perez EC, Xavier JG, Peres GB, Spadacci-Morena DD, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Lallo MA. Diabetes mellitus increases the susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186954. [PMID: 29091912 PMCID: PMC5665527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis are diseases caused by opportunistic intracellular fungi in immunosuppressed individuals, as well as in transplanted patients, the elderly and children, among others. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and decreased T cell response, neutrophil function, humoral immunity failure, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Here, we investigated the susceptibility of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic and/or immunosuppressed mice to encephalitozoonosis by Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Microscopically, granulomatous hepatitis, interstitial pneumonia and pielonephritis were observed in all infected groups. STZ treatment induced an immunossupressor effect in the populations of B (B-1 and B2) and CD4+ T lymphocytes. Moreover, infection decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and macrophages of DM mice. Furthermore, infection induced a significant increase of IL-6 and TNF-α cytokine serum levels in DM mice. IFN-γ, the most important cytokine for the resolution of encephalitozoonosis, increased only in infected mice. In addition to the decreased immune response, DM mice were more susceptible to encephalitozoonosis, associated with increased fungal burden, and symptoms. Additionally, cyclophosphamide immunosuppression in DM mice further increased the susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis. Thus, microsporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of comorbidities in diabetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Francisco Neto
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | - José Guilherme Xavier
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Giovani Bravin Peres
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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Piekarska J, Kicia M, Wesołowska M, Kopacz Ż, Gorczykowski M, Szczepankiewicz B, Kváč M, Sak B. Zoonotic microsporidia in dogs and cats in Poland. Vet Parasitol 2017; 246:108-111. [PMID: 28969771 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic concerns of microsporidia in household dogs and cats in Poland. A total of 126 (82 dogs and 44 cats) fecal specimens were analyzed for the presence of specific DNA of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. using a nested PCR protocol amplifying the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene. Microsporidia were found in 10 (7.9%) out of the 126 examined stool samples. Of the 82 dogs, 4 (4.9%) and 2 (2.4%) were positive for E. bieneusi (genotypes D and PtEbIX) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II, respectively. Of the 44 cats, 4 (9.1%) were positive for E. bieneusi (genotypes PtEbIX and eb52). Additionally, one cat (2.3%) was concurrently infected with E. bieneusi (PtEbIX) and E. cuniculi (genotype II). Considering that all detected microsporidia in dogs and cats have been previously associated with human microsporidiosis, companion animals may be a potential source of microsporidia infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Piekarska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maria Wesołowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michał Gorczykowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Szczepankiewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the AS CR, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the AS CR, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
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Kourgelis C, Reilly C, Von Roedern M, Cray C. Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cats within the United States. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 9:122-124. [PMID: 31014834 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that causes clinical and subclinical infection in many species. It is also considered a potential zoonotic disease. In the present study, a serological survey was conducted using samples from pet cats using an ELISA with a confirmed positive control sample from a cat with E. cuniculi related uveitis. Thirty-four of 127 serum samples or 26.8% were found to demonstrate reactivity with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:1024. There were no significant differences by age or sex (p=0.99 and p=0.32, respectively). This is the first description of the use of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of E. cuniculi antibodies in cats in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kourgelis
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | - C Reilly
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95615, USA
| | - M Von Roedern
- Department of Critical Care, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
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Shibasaki K, Tokiwa T, Sukegawa A, Kondo H, Tamukai K, Haga Y, Ike K. First report of fatal disseminated microsporidiosis in two inland bearded dragons Pogona vitticeps in Japan. JMM Case Rep 2017; 4:e005089. [PMID: 29026616 PMCID: PMC5630957 DOI: 10.1099/jmmcr.0.005089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.Encephalitozoon pogonae is a newly described pathogen belonging to the phylum Microsporidia. In Austria and the USA, this species has been isolated from fatal and disseminated cases of captive-bred inland bearded dragons. Here, we report the case of fatal disseminated microsporidiosis caused by E. pogonae in two bearded dragons in Japan. Case Presentation. The two lizards from different private households in Tokyo, Japan, had been brought to an animal hospital for examination. In both cases, the animal presented with a history of weight loss for several weeks. There were no improvements in clinical symptoms and the lizards deteriorated and finally died. Histopathological examination demonstrated necrotizing granulomatous inflammation attributed to disseminated microsporidian infection. Nucleotide sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region identified the microsporidian as E. pogonae with sequence identity of 100 %. Conclusion. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of disseminated microsporidiosis caused by E. pogonae in inland bearded dragons in Japan. Although it is difficult to diagnose prenatally since the signs are nonspecific, the disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Shibasaki
- Allieys Animal Hospital, 1-30-3 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tokiwa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sukegawa
- Allieys Animal Hospital, 1-30-3 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kondo
- Synergy Animal General Hospital, 815 Ishigami, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tamukai
- Den-en-chofu Animal Hospital, 2-1-3 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Haga
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ike
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
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Perec-Matysiak A, Wesołowska M, Leśniańska K, Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Hildebrand J, Kicia M. Survey for Zoonotic Microsporidian Pathogens in Wild Living Urban Rooks (Corvus frugilegus). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2017; 64:721-724. [PMID: 28199765 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens in nature infecting all animal phyla. There is a potential risk of microsporidian spores transmission from urban rooks inhabiting some metropolitan cities to people through casual interactions. The aim of this study was to identify microsporidia species in the droppings of rooks in Wroclaw, Poland. A total of 15 collective sets of droppings were examined using nested-PCR method. Amplification of ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi D, Peru 6, and Encephalitozoon hellem 1A genotypes. This study indicates that excreta of urban rooks can be an important source of human infection with these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Maria Wesołowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland
| | - Kinga Leśniańska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Buńkowska-Gawlik
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland
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Maestrini G, Ricci E, Cantile C, Mannella R, Mancianti F, Paci G, D'Ascenzi C, Perrucci S. Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits: Serological screening and histopathological findings. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 50:54-57. [PMID: 28131379 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Serological prevalence of E. cuniculi infection was assessed in 183 rabbits from central Italy. In seropositive deceased rabbits, histopathological lesions were also evaluated. Sera from 118 rabbits from 6 intensive farms, 10 rabbits from 6 family farms, 16 rabbits from a zoo, 30 rabbits from 5 research laboratories and 9 pet rabbits from 9 different owners, were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were statistically analysed. Tissue samples from brain and kidney of 10 deceased rabbits were formalin-fixed and subsequently analysed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Anti-E. cuniculi antibodies were found in 129/183 (70.5%) analysed sera. At statistical analysis, E. cuniculi seropositivity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in industrial and zoo rabbits. At histology, different degrees of pathological lesions were found in serological positive (9) deceased animals. In three rabbits deceased after showing neurological signs, the severity of the lesions was interpreted as a likely cause for their death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Maestrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2- 56124 Pisa Italy.
| | - Emanuele Ricci
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2- 56124 Pisa Italy.
| | - Riccardo Mannella
- Dipartimento di Fisica "Enrico Fermi", Università di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 3-56127 Pisa Italy.
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2- 56124 Pisa Italy.
| | - Gisella Paci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2- 56124 Pisa Italy.
| | - Carlo D'Ascenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2- 56124 Pisa Italy.
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2- 56124 Pisa Italy.
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