1
|
Kobpornchai P, Imwong M, Kulkeaw K. Trio fluorophore-based phenotypic assay for the detection of artemisinin-induced growth-arrested Plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1802. [PMID: 38245618 PMCID: PMC10799909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52414-8] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapy remains effective for the treatment of falciparum malaria. However, Plasmodium falciparum can escape the effects of artemisinin by arresting their growth. The growth-arrested parasites cannot be distinguished from nonviable parasites with standard microscopy techniques due to their morphological similarities. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of a new laboratory assay that is compatible with the artemisinin susceptibility test. As a result of the differential cell permeabilities of two DNA-binding fluorophores, growth-arrested P. falciparum can be distinguished from parasites killed by artemisinin, since the latter lose cell membrane permeability. This fluorescence-based assay increased the sensitivity and specificity of the ring survival assay in the assessment of artemisinin susceptibility. When combined with a third fluorophore-conjugated anti-human leukocyte antibody, this trio fluorophore assay became more useful in identifying growth-arrested parasites in mock human blood samples. This novel assay is a simple and rapid technique for monitoring artemisinin resistance with greater sensitivity and accuracy compared with morphology-based observations under a light microscope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Porntida Kobpornchai
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj-Long Read Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Kasem Kulkeaw
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Where Have All the Diagnostic Morphological Parasitologists Gone? J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0098622. [PMID: 36314793 PMCID: PMC9667774 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00986-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in laboratory techniques have revolutionized parasitology diagnostics over the past several decades. Widespread implementation of rapid antigen detection tests has greatly expanded access to tests for global parasitic threats such as malaria, while next-generation amplification and sequencing methods allow for sensitive and specific detection of human and animal parasites in complex specimen matrices.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tougan T, Hiyoshi F, Itagaki S, Horii T. Detection of histidine-rich protein 2- and/or 3-deleted Plasmodium falciparum using the automated hematology analyzer XN-31: A proof-of-concept study. Parasitol Int 2022; 91:102648. [PMID: 35988900 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102648] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on immunochromatographic detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) have been frequently used for malaria diagnosis. The HRP2-based RDTs are highly sensitive and easy to use; however, their sensitivity may be low in detecting P. falciparum strains carrying deletion of the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes encoding HRP2 and HRP3, respectively. The automated hematology analyzer XN-31, developed by Sysmex (Kobe, Japan) to aid in malaria diagnosis, has higher sensitivity than RDTs owing to a unique automated nucleic acid staining technology that has shown great potential in clinical settings. In this study, we compared the performance of the XN-31 analyzer and two RDTs to detect pfhrp2- and/or pfhrp3-deleted parasites cultured in vitro. The analyses showed that the analyzer was not only as sensitive to pfhrp2- and/or pfhrp3-deleted strains as it was to the wild-type strain but also had higher sensitivity than the RDTs. These results suggested that the XN-31 analyzer is useful for rapid and reliable detection of pfhrp2- and/or pfhrp3-deleted parasites in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Tougan
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Fumiya Hiyoshi
- Cell Technology Group, Reagent Engineering, Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2271, Japan.
| | - Sawako Itagaki
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu J, Hu F, Li S, Bao J, Yin Y, Ren Z, Deng Y, Tian F, Bao G, Liu J, Li Y, He X, Xi J, Lu F. Fluorescent Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots for Label Live Elder Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum through New Permeability Pathways. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27134163. [PMID: 35807422 PMCID: PMC9267939 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
To verify the size and emergence time of new permeability pathways (NPPs) in malaria parasites, the permeability of the Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes was tested with different particle sizes of nanomaterials by flow cytometry assay. The results confirmed the permeability of the host cell membrane increases with parasite maturation for the stage-development evolution of NPPs, and especially found that a particle size of about 50 nm had higher efficiency. As a kind of the novel nanomaterials, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) showed no toxicity, specificity binding ability to the malaria parasites, and could label live elder blood-stage P. falciparum through NPPs, indicating the potential application in cell imaging. NPPs and some nanomaterials such as NCDs deserve more attention and exploration for the elimination and prevention of malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (J.B.); (G.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Fengyue Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
- The Third People’s Hospital of Yangzhou, Yangzhou 225012, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Jiaojiao Bao
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (J.B.); (G.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Yi Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Zhenyu Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Ying Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Fang Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Guangyu Bao
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (J.B.); (G.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Jian Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (J.B.); (G.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Yinyue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Xinlong He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Juqun Xi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (F.L.)
| | - Feng Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.X.); (F.H.); (S.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.R.); (Y.D.); (F.T.); (Y.L.); (X.H.)
- Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (J.B.); (G.B.); (J.L.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: (J.X.); (F.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Luiza-Batista C, Nardella F, Thiberge S, Serra-Hassoun M, Ferreira MU, Scherf A, Garcia S. Flowcytometric and ImageStream Rna-Fish Gene Expression, Quantification and Phenotypic Characterization of Blood Sporozoites and Sporozoites From Human Malaria Species. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:1621-1625. [PMID: 34453537 PMCID: PMC9071310 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We adapted the RNA FISH Stellaris method to specifically detect the expression of Plasmodium genes by flow cytometry and ImageStream (Flow-FISH). This new method accurately quantified the erythrocytic forms of (1) Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax and (2) the sexual stages of P vivax from patient isolates. ImageStream analysis of liver stage sporozoites using a combination of surface circumsporozoite protein (CSP), deoxyribonucleic acid, and 18S RNA labeling proved that the new Flow-FISH is suitable for gene expression studies of transmission stages. This powerful multiparametric single-cell method offers a platform of choice for both applied and fundamental research on the biology of malaria parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Luiza-Batista
- Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- INSERM U1201, Paris, France
- CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Ecole Doctorale Complexité du vivant, Paris, France
| | - Flore Nardella
- Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- INSERM U1201, Paris, France
- CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Thiberge
- Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- INSERM U1201, Paris, France
- CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Malika Serra-Hassoun
- Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- INSERM U1201, Paris, France
- CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Artur Scherf
- Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- INSERM U1201, Paris, France
- CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Garcia
- Biology of Host-Parasite Interactions Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- INSERM U1201, Paris, France
- CNRS ERL9195, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Florini F, Visone JE, Lionardi I, Gross MR, Patel V, Deitsch KW. A coordinated transcriptional switching network mediates antigenic variation of human malaria parasites. eLife 2022; 11:83840. [PMID: 36515978 PMCID: PMC9833823 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites avoid immune clearance through their ability to systematically alter antigens exposed on the surface of infected red blood cells. This is accomplished by tightly regulated transcriptional control of individual members of a large, multicopy gene family called var and is the key to both the virulence and chronic nature of malaria infections. Expression of var genes is mutually exclusive and controlled epigenetically, however how large populations of parasites coordinate var gene switching to avoid premature exposure of the antigenic repertoire is unknown. Here, we provide evidence for a transcriptional network anchored by a universally conserved gene called var2csa that coordinates the switching process. We describe a structured switching bias that shifts overtime and could shape the pattern of var expression over the course of a lengthy infection. Our results provide an explanation for a previously mysterious aspect of malaria infections and shed light on how parasites possessing a relatively small repertoire of variant antigen-encoding genes can coordinate switching events to limit antigen exposure, thereby maintaining chronic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Francesca Florini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Joseph E Visone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Irina Lionardi
- Jill Roberts Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Mackensie R Gross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Valay Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Kirk W Deitsch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hviid L, Lopez-Perez M. Analysis by Flow Cytometry of α 2-Macroglobulin and Nonimmune IgM-Binding to Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:435-444. [PMID: 35881364 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_32] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Several members of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family can bind human serum proteins such as IgM and α2-macroglobulin (α2M). This binding seems to play a role in pathogenesis and immune evasion by improving the avidity of PfEMP1-mediated binding to erythrocyte receptors and/or by masking antibody epitopes in PfEMP1. In this protocol, we describe a flow cytometry-based protocol to evaluate IgM- and α2M-binding to intact and unfixed mature-stage IEs. The method can be used for laboratory clones and field isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hviid
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mary Lopez-Perez
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lopez-Perez M. Single-Cell Sorting of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes Expressing Particular PfEMP1 Variants. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:79-90. [PMID: 35881340 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_8] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cultures of Plasmodium falciparum often contain a heterogeneous parasite population. However, several studies require analysis of single infected erythrocytes (IEs) or a clonal parasite population derived from a single parasite. This protocol describes an efficient method for cloning by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). For this, an antibody for a particular IEs surface protein it is added to the cell mixture to separate positive and negative IEs for that marker. After the separation, the viable homogeneous population can be used to grow in culture or for molecular analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lopez-Perez
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lopez-Perez M, Olsen RW. Immunomagnetic Selection of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes Expressing Particular PfEMP1 Variants. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:69-78. [PMID: 35881339 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum expresses a broad range of proteins on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs), including members of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family. This protocol describes an immunomagnetic selection method using PfEMP1-specific antibodies to obtain a parasite clone homogenously expressing a particular PfEMP1 protein. The expression of the corresponding PfEMP1 is later tested by flow cytometry, and the selected parasites can be used for further analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lopez-Perez
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rebecca Wendelboe Olsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Prata IO, Cubillos EFG, Krüger A, Barbosa D, Martins J, Setubal JC, Wunderlich G. Plasmodium falciparum Acetyl-CoA Synthetase Is Essential for Parasite Intraerythrocytic Development and Chromatin Modification. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:3224-3240. [PMID: 34766750 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum possesses a unique Acetyl-CoA Synthetase (PfACS), which provides acetyl moieties for different metabolic and regulatory cellular pathways. We characterized PfACS and studied its role focusing on epigenetic modifications using the var gene family as reporter genes. For this, mutant lines to modulate plasmodial ACS expression by degron-mediated protein degradation and ribozyme-induced transcript decay were created. Additionally, an inhibitor of the human Acetyl-CoA Synthetase 2 was tested for its effectiveness in interfering with PfACS. The knockdown of PfACS or its inhibition resulted in impaired parasite growth. Decreased levels of PfACS also led to differential histone acetylation patterns, altered variant gene expression, and concomitantly decreased cytoadherence of infected red blood cells containing knocked-down parasites. Further, ChIP analysis revealed the presence of PfACS in many loci in ring stage parasites, underscoring its involvement in the regulation of chromatin. Due to its central function in the plasmodial metabolism and significant differences to human ACS, PfACS is an interesting target for drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Oliveira Prata
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Eliana Fernanda Galindo Cubillos
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Arne Krüger
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Deibs Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Martins
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Setubal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Macedo-Silva T, Desai SA, Wunderlich G. Improved Plasmodium falciparum dilution cloning through efficient quantification of parasite numbers and c-SNARF detection. Malar J 2021; 20:279. [PMID: 34162381 PMCID: PMC8220766 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03816-w] [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: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Molecular and genetic studies of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites require limiting dilution cloning and prolonged cultivation in microplates. The entire process is laborious and subject to errors due to inaccurate dilutions at the onset and failed detection of parasite growth in individual microplate wells. Methods To precisely control the number of parasites dispensed into each microplate well, parasitaemia and total cell counts were determined by flow cytometry using parasite cultures stained with ethidium bromide or SYBR Green I. Microplates were seeded with 0.2 or 0.3 infected cells/well and cultivated with fresh erythrocytes. The c-SNARF fluorescent pH indicator was then used to reliably detect parasite growth. Results Flow cytometry required less time than the traditional approach of estimating parasitaemia and cell numbers by microscopic examination. The resulting dilutions matched predictions from Poisson distribution calculations and yielded clonal lines. Addition of c-SNARF to media permitted rapid detection of parasite growth in microplate wells with high confidence. Conclusion The combined use of flow cytometry for precise dilution and the c-SNARF method for detection of growth improves limiting dilution cloning of P. falciparum. This simple approach saves time, is scalable, and maximizes identification of desired parasite clones. It will facilitate DNA transfection studies and isolation of parasite clones from ex vivo blood samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Macedo-Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,The Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Sanjay A Desai
- The Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Firdaus ER, Park JH, Muh F, Lee SK, Han JH, Lim CS, Na SH, Park WS, Park JH, Han ET. Performance Evaluation of Biozentech Malaria Scanner in Plasmodium knowlesi and P. falciparum as a New Diagnostic Tool. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:113-119. [PMID: 33951766 PMCID: PMC8106981 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The computer vision diagnostic approach currently generates several malaria diagnostic tools. It enhances the accessible and straightforward diagnostics that necessary for clinics and health centers in malaria-endemic areas. A new computer malaria diagnostics tool called the malaria scanner was used to investigate living malaria parasites with easy sample preparation, fast and user-friendly. The cultured Plasmodium parasites were used to confirm the sensitivity of this technique then compared to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and light microscopic examination. The measured percentage of parasitemia by the malaria scanner revealed higher precision than microscopy and was similar to FACS. The coefficients of variation of this technique were 1.2–6.7% for Plasmodium knowlesi and 0.3–4.8% for P. falciparum. It allowed determining parasitemia levels of 0.1% or higher, with coefficient of variation smaller than 10%. In terms of the precision range of parasitemia, both high and low ranges showed similar precision results. Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation data coming from all methods. A strong correlation of measured parasitemia (r2=0.99, P<0.05) was observed between each method. The parasitemia analysis using this new diagnostic tool needs technical improvement, particularly in the differentiation of malaria species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egy Rahman Firdaus
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Fauzi Muh
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Chae-Seung Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08308, Korea
| | - Sung-Hun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyun Park
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Boulet C, Gaynor TL, Carvalho TG. Eryptosis and Malaria: New Experimental Guidelines and Re-Evaluation of the Antimalarial Potential of Eryptosis Inducers. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:630812. [PMID: 33777843 PMCID: PMC7994622 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.630812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythrocytes possess an unusual programmed cell death mechanism termed eryptosis, and several compounds have been previously claimed to induce eryptosis in vitro. Malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium) reside in erythrocytes during the pathogenic part of their life cycle, and the potential of several eryptosis inducers to act as antimalarials has been tested in recent years. However, the eryptosis-inducing capacity of these compounds varies significantly between eryptosis-focused studies and malaria investigations. Here, we investigated the reasons for these discrepancies, we developed a protocol to investigate eryptosis in malaria cultures and we re-evaluated the potential of eryptosis inducers as antimalarials. First, we showed that eryptosis read-out in vitro is dependent on culture conditions. Indeed, conditions that have consistently been used to study eryptosis do not support P. falciparum growth and prime erythrocytes for eryptosis. Next, we defined culture conditions that allow the detection of eryptosis while supporting P. falciparum survival. Finally, we selected six eryptosis-inducers based on their clinical use, molecular target and antimalarial activities, and re-evaluated their eryptosis inducing capacities and their potential as antimalarials. We demonstrate that none of these compounds affect the viability of naïve or P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes in vitro. Nevertheless, three of these compounds impair parasite development, although through a mechanism unrelated to eryptosis and yet to be elucidated. We conclude that careful consideration of experimental set up is key for the accurate assessment of the eryptosis-inducing potential of compounds and their evaluation as potential antimalarials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Boulet
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Taylah L Gaynor
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lysercell M enhances the detection of stage-specific Plasmodium-infected red blood cells in the automated hematology analyzer XN-31 prototype. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102206. [PMID: 33049417 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The automated hematology analyzers XN-30 (for research) and XN-31 prototype (for diagnosis support) can easily and rapidly detect Plasmodium-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) and distinguish the developmental stages of the parasite in approximately 1 min. Two dedicated reagents, Lysercell M and Fluorocell M, are available with the analyzers. Lysercell M plays an indispensable role in enhancing the fluorescence intensity of the nucleic acid staining dye in Fluorocell M and altering cell morphology. These effects of Lysercell M have been empirically determined but insufficiently analyzed. In this study, the properties of Lysercell M were analyzed using two flow cytometers and a fluorescence microscope. First, the fluorescence intensity emitted by iRBCs treated with Lysercell M or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was evaluated. Second, the size of RBCs treated with Lysercell M or PBS was measured. Finally, the morphology of individual parasites was observed after reconstruction of an M scattergram, a cytogram of the XN-31 prototype system, using an imaging flow cytometer. These analyses showed that treatment of iRBCs with Lysercell M increased the fluorescence intensity of stained parasite nucleic acids by approximately 10-fold and reduced the size of iRBCs in a stage-specific manner, facilitating the identification and quantification of ring form, trophozoite, and schizont stage iRBCs. These properties suggest that Lysercell M is useful for rapidly detecting iRBCs and accurately distinguishing the parasite developmental stages, thereby contributing to the usability of the XN-30 and XN-31 prototype analyzers.
Collapse
|
15
|
Fotoran WL, Kleiber N, Müntefering T, Liebau E, Wunderlich G. Production of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins for vaccines and directed binding of immunoliposomes to specific cell types. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200032. [PMID: 32788917 PMCID: PMC7401668 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liposomes are highly useful carriers for delivering drugs or antigens. The association of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins to liposomes potentially enhances the immunogenic effect of vaccine antigens by increasing their surface concentration. Furthermore, the introduction of a universal immunoglobulin-binding domain can make liposomes targetable to virtually any desired receptor for which antibodies exist. METHODS We developed a system for the production of recombinant proteins with GPI anchors and histidine tags and Strep-tags for simplified purification from cells. This system was applied to i) the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter, ii) the promising Plasmodium falciparum vaccine antigen PfRH5 and iii) a doubled immunoglobulin Fc-binding domain termed ZZ from protein A of Staphylococcus aureus. As the GPI-attachment domain, the C-terminus of murine CD14 was used. After the recovery of these three recombinant proteins from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and association with liposomes, their vaccine potential and ability to target the CD4 receptor on lymphocytes in ex vivo conditions were tested. RESULTS Upon immunization in mice, the PfRH5-GPI-loaded liposomes generated antibody titers of 103 to 104, and showed a 45% inhibitory effect on in vitro growth at an IgG concentration of 600 µg/mL in P. falciparum cultures. Using GPI-anchored ZZ to couple anti-CD4 antibodies to liposomes, we created immunoliposomes with a binding efficiency of 75% to CD4+ cells in splenocytes and minimal off-target binding. CONCLUSIONS Proteins are very effectively associated with liposomes via a GPI-anchor to form proteoliposome particles and these are useful for a variety of applications including vaccines and antibody-mediated targeting of liposomes. Importantly, the CHO-cell and GPI-tagged produced PfRH5 elicited invasion-blocking antibodies qualitatively comparable to other approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesley L. Fotoran
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nicole Kleiber
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Müntefering
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology,
University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Liebau
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology,
University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The Role of Single-Cell Technology in the Study and Control of Infectious Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061440. [PMID: 32531928 PMCID: PMC7348906 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of single-cell research in the recent decade has allowed biological studies at an unprecedented resolution and scale. In particular, single-cell analysis techniques such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) have helped show substantial links between cellular heterogeneity and infectious disease progression. The extensive characterization of genomic and phenotypic biomarkers, in addition to host-pathogen interactions at the single-cell level, has resulted in the discovery of previously unknown infection mechanisms as well as potential treatment options. In this article, we review the various single-cell technologies and their applications in the ongoing fight against infectious diseases, as well as discuss the potential opportunities for future development.
Collapse
|
17
|
A Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitor Can Reverse Epigenetically Acquired Drug Resistance in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.02021-19. [PMID: 32179524 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02021-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites invade and replicate within red blood cells (RBCs), extensively modifying their structure and gaining access to the extracellular environment by placing the plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC) into the RBC membrane. Expression of members of the cytoadherence linked antigen gene 3 (clag3) family is required for PSAC activity, a process that is regulated epigenetically. PSAC is a well-established route of uptake for large, hydrophilic antimalarial compounds, and parasites can acquire resistance by silencing clag3 gene expression, thereby reducing drug uptake. We found that exposure to sub-IC50 concentrations of the histone methyltransferase inhibitor chaetocin caused substantial changes in both clag3 gene expression and RBC permeability, and reversed acquired resistance to the antimalarial compound blasticidin S that is transported through PSACs. Chaetocin treatment also altered progression of parasites through their replicative cycle, presumably by changing their ability to modify chromatin appropriately to enable DNA replication. These results indicate that targeting histone modifiers could represent a novel tool for reversing epigenetically acquired drug resistance in P. falciparum.
Collapse
|
18
|
Matthews KA, Senagbe KM, Nötzel C, Gonzales CA, Tong X, Rijo-Ferreira F, Bhanu NV, Miguel-Blanco C, Lafuente-Monasterio MJ, Garcia BA, Kafsack BFC, Martinez ED. Disruption of the Plasmodium falciparum Life Cycle through Transcriptional Reprogramming by Inhibitors of Jumonji Demethylases. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:1058-1075. [PMID: 32272012 PMCID: PMC7748244 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Little
is known about the role of the three Jumonji C (JmjC) enzymes
in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). Here,
we show that JIB-04 and other established inhibitors of mammalian
JmjC histone demethylases kill asexual blood stage parasites and are
even more potent at blocking gametocyte development and gamete formation.
In late stage parasites, JIB-04 increased levels of trimethylated
lysine residues on histones, suggesting the inhibition of P. falciparum Jumonji demethylase activity. These epigenetic
defects coincide with deregulation of invasion, cell motor, and sexual
development gene programs, including gene targets coregulated by the
PfAP2-I transcription factor and chromatin-binding factor, PfBDP1.
Mechanistically, we demonstrate that PfJmj3 converts 2-oxoglutarate
to succinate in an iron-dependent manner consistent with mammalian
Jumonji enzymes, and this catalytic activity is inhibited by JIB-04
and other Jumonji inhibitors. Our pharmacological studies of Jumonji
activity in the malaria parasite provide evidence that inhibition
of these enzymatic activities is detrimental to the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista A. Matthews
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Kossi M. Senagbe
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Christopher Nötzel
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, W-705, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, W-705, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Christopher A. Gonzales
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Xinran Tong
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, W-705, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Filipa Rijo-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Natarajan V. Bhanu
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Bldg. 421, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Celia Miguel-Blanco
- Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus, GlaxoSmithKline, P.T.M. Severo Ochoa, Tres Cantos, Madrid 28760, Spain
| | | | - Benjamin A. Garcia
- Epigenetics Program, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Bldg. 421, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Björn F. C. Kafsack
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, W-705, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, W-705, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Elisabeth D. Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Voronin DV, Kozlova AA, Verkhovskii RA, Ermakov AV, Makarkin MA, Inozemtseva OA, Bratashov DN. Detection of Rare Objects by Flow Cytometry: Imaging, Cell Sorting, and Deep Learning Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2323. [PMID: 32230871 PMCID: PMC7177904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry nowadays is among the main working instruments in modern biology paving the way for clinics to provide early, quick, and reliable diagnostics of many blood-related diseases. The major problem for clinical applications is the detection of rare pathogenic objects in patient blood. These objects can be circulating tumor cells, very rare during the early stages of cancer development, various microorganisms and parasites in the blood during acute blood infections. All of these rare diagnostic objects can be detected and identified very rapidly to save a patient's life. This review outlines the main techniques of visualization of rare objects in the blood flow, methods for extraction of such objects from the blood flow for further investigations and new approaches to identify the objects automatically with the modern deep learning methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis V. Voronin
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
- Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, National University of Oil and Gas (Gubkin University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia A. Kozlova
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Roman A. Verkhovskii
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
- School of Urbanistics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, 410054 Saratov, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Ermakov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Makarkin
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Olga A. Inozemtseva
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Daniil N. Bratashov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Photoacoustics, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A Comparison Between Manual Count, Flow Cytometry and Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction as a Means of Determining Babesia rossi Parasitaemia in Naturally Infected Dogs. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:128-135. [PMID: 31721056 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00134-9] [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: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Light microscopic manual count is the current gold standard for parasite quantification. The ability to determine parasite density in whole blood is crucial to understanding disease pathogenesis and finding a suitable automated method of Babesia rossi parasite quantification would facilitate higher throughput and provide results that are more objective. This study investigated both peripheral capillary and central venous whole blood to estimate the correlations between light microscopy, flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). METHODS Peripheral capillary and central venous blood were sampled from 40 naturally B. rossi-infected dogs and 10 healthy control dogs. Samples were analysed by reverse line blot hybridization assay to confirm a mono-B. rossi infection. Capillary blood parasite density was detected using light microscopic manual counting and venous blood parasitaemia detected by manual counts, flow cytometry and qPCR. RESULTS A significant correlation was found between the venous manual counts and flow cytometry (rs = 0.465; P < 0.001), as well as qPCR (rs = - 0.500; P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also observed between the capillary manual counts compared to venous manual counts (rs = 0.793; P < 0.001), flow cytometry (rs = 0.399; P = 0.004), and qPCR (rs = - 0.526; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The study results suggest that qPCR is of value as an alternative to the gold standard manual count for detecting B. rossi parasitaemia in canine whole blood and that flow cytometry may be useful with further refinement of issues such as background fluorescence and the influence of reticulocytes.
Collapse
|
21
|
Post A, Kaboré B, Reuling IJ, Bognini J, van der Heijden W, Diallo S, Lompo P, Kam B, Herssens N, Lanke K, Bousema T, Sauerwein RW, Tinto H, Jacobs J, de Mast Q, van der Ven AJ. The XN-30 hematology analyzer for rapid sensitive detection of malaria: a diagnostic accuracy study. BMC Med 2019; 17:103. [PMID: 31146732 PMCID: PMC6543632 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria is essential for disease management and surveillance. Thin and thick blood smear microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are standard malaria diagnostics, but both methods have limitations. The novel automated hematology analyzer XN-30 provides standard complete blood counts (CBC) as well as quantification of malaria parasitemia at the price of a CBC. This study assessed the accuracy of XN-30 for malaria detection in a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) study and a phase 3 diagnostic accuracy study in Burkina Faso. METHODS Sixteen healthy, malaria-naive CHMI participants were challenged with five Plasmodium falciparum-infected mosquitoes. Blood was sampled daily for XN-30, blood smear microscopy, and malaria qPCR. The accuracy study included patients aged > 3 months presenting with acute febrile illness. XN-30, microscopy, and rapid diagnostic tests (HRP-2/pLDH) were performed on site; qPCR was done in retrospect. The malaria reference standard was microscopy, and results were corrected for sub-microscopic cases. RESULTS All CHMI participants became parasitemic by qPCR and XN-30 with a strong correlation for parasite density (R2 = 0.91; p < .0001). The XN-30 accurately monitored treatment and allowed detection of recrudescence. Out of 908 patients in the accuracy study, 241 had microscopic malaria (density 24-491,802 parasites/μL). The sensitivity and specificity of XN-30 compared to microscopy were 98.7% and 99.4% (PPV = 98.7%, NPV = 99.4%). Results were corrected for qPCR-confirmed sub-microscopic cases. Three microscopy-confirmed cases were not detected by XN-30. However, XN-30 detected 19/134 (14.2%) qPCR-confirmed cases missed by microscopy. Among qPCR-confirmed cases, XN-30 had a higher sensitivity (70.9% versus 66.4%; p = .0009) and similar specificity (99.6% versus 100%; p = .5) as microscopy. The accuracy of XN-30 for microscopic malaria was equal to or higher than HRP-2 and pLDH RDTs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The XN-30 is a novel, automated hematology analyzer that combines standard hemocytometry with rapid, objective, and robust malaria detection and quantification, ensuring prompt treatment of malaria and malaria anemia and follow-up of treatment response. TRIAL REGISTRATION Both trials were registered on clinicaltrials.gov with respective identifiers NCT02836002 (CHMI trial) and NCT02669823 (diagnostic accuracy study).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Post
- Nijmegen Institute of International Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Berenger Kaboré
- Nijmegen Institute of International Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Isaie J Reuling
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joel Bognini
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Wouter van der Heijden
- Nijmegen Institute of International Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Salou Diallo
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Basile Kam
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Natacha Herssens
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kjerstin Lanke
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Halidou Tinto
- IRSS/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (CRUN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso.,Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi Boni de Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jan Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Quirijn de Mast
- Nijmegen Institute of International Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andre J van der Ven
- Nijmegen Institute of International Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gilson RC, Deissler RJ, Bihary RF, Condit WC, Thompson ME, Blankenship D, Grimberg KO, Brown RW, Grimberg BT. Growth of Plasmodium falciparum in response to a rotating magnetic field. Malar J 2018; 17:190. [PMID: 29724219 PMCID: PMC5934852 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest strain of malaria and the mortality rate is increasing because of pathogen drug resistance. Increasing knowledge of the parasite life cycle and mechanism of infection may provide new models for improved treatment paradigms. This study sought to investigate the paramagnetic nature of the parasite’s haemozoin to inhibit parasite viability. Results Paramagnetic haemozoin crystals, a byproduct of the parasite’s haemoglobin digestion, interact with a rotating magnetic field, which prevents their complete formation, causing the accumulation of free haem, which is lethal to the parasites. Plasmodium falciparum cultures of different stages of intraerythrocytic growth (rings, trophozoites, and schizonts) were exposed to a magnetic field of 0.46 T at frequencies of 0 Hz (static), 1, 5, and 10 Hz for 48 h. The numbers of parasites were counted over the course of one intraerythrocytic life cycle via flow cytometry. At 10 Hz the schizont life stage was most affected by the rotating magnetic fields (p = 0.0075) as compared to a static magnetic field of the same strength. Parasite growth in the presence of a static magnetic field appears to aid parasite growth. Conclusions Sequestration of the toxic haem resulting from haemoglobin digestion is key for the parasites’ survival and the focus of almost all existing anti-malarial drugs. Understanding how the parasites create the haemozoin molecule and the disruption of its creation aids in the development of drugs to combat this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Gilson
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA.,Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Robert J Deissler
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - Richard F Bihary
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - William C Condit
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - Mary E Thompson
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - D'Arbra Blankenship
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Kerry O Grimberg
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Robert W Brown
- Department of Physics, CWRU College of Arts and Sciences, 2076 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7079, USA
| | - Brian T Grimberg
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Biomedical Research Building, Room 427, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fetal and Maternal Innate Immunity Receptors Have Opposing Effects on the Severity of Experimental Malaria in Pregnancy: Beneficial Roles for Fetus-Derived Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Type I Interferon Receptor 1. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00708-17. [PMID: 29440369 PMCID: PMC5913849 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00708-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a distinctive clinical form of Plasmodium infection and is a cause of placental insufficiency leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. Maternal innate immunity responses play a decisive role in the development of placental inflammation, but the action of fetus-derived factors in MiP outcomes has been overlooked. We investigated the role of the Tlr4 and Ifnar1 genes, taking advantage of heterogenic mating strategies to dissect the effects mediated by maternally and fetally derived Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or type I interferon receptor 1 (IFNAR1). Using a mouse infection system displaying severe MiP outcomes, we found that the expressions of TLR4 and IFNAR1 in the maternal compartment take part in deleterious MiP outcomes, but their fetal counterparts patently counteract these effects. We uncovered that fetal TLR4 contributes to the in vitro uptake of infected erythrocytes by trophoblasts and to the innate immune response in the placenta, offering robust protection of fetus viability, but had no sensible impact on the placental parasite burden. In contrast, we observed that the expression of IFNAR1 in the fetal compartment was associated with a reduced placental parasite burden but had little beneficial effect on fetus outcomes. Furthermore, the downregulation of Ifnar1 expression in infected placentas and in trophoblasts exposed to infected erythrocytes indicated that the interferon-IFNAR1 pathway is involved in the trophoblast response to infection. This work unravels that maternal and fetal counterparts of innate immune pathways drive opposing responses in murine placental malaria and implicates the activation of innate receptors in fetal trophoblast cells in the control of placental infection and in the protection of the fetus.
Collapse
|
24
|
Tougan T, Suzuki Y, Izuka M, Aono K, Okazaki T, Toya Y, Uchihashi K, Horii T. Application of the automated haematology analyzer XN-30 in an experimental rodent model of malaria. Malar J 2018; 17:165. [PMID: 29661200 PMCID: PMC5902832 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The erythrocytic stage, where malaria parasites proliferate in human blood, is clinically significant as this causes the symptoms and illness of malaria. Experimental rodent models of malaria at the erythrocytic stage are used for the development of anti-malarial drugs and for biological analysis. An automated haematology analyzer XN-30 was developed for detection of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) in human blood samples and measurement of their parasitaemia in approximately 1 min through flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, the analyzer simultaneously measured other haematological parameters in these samples. It is inferred that the analyzer would also allow easy and rapid measurement of parasitaemia in mice and provide important clues on the mouse haematological state during infection and treatment. Results The XN-30 analyzer is a simple and rapid tool to detect iRBCs in mouse blood samples infected with rodent malarial parasites, with three-dimensional analysis permitting the precise measurement of parasitaemia (referred herein as the ‘XN-30 system’). The XN-30 analyzer allowed not only the detection of iRBCs but also the monitoring of RBC, white blood cell, and platelet counts, as well as haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean platelet volume values in the mouse blood sample. For anti-malarial drug development, aside from demonstrating possible efficacy in mouse models, XN-30 analyzer could provide a first glimpse of the safety profile of the drug. Conclusions The XN-30 system is a powerful tool that can be utilized for the in vivo screening, development, and evaluation of anti-malarial drugs as well as for pre-clinical pharmacology and/or toxicity tests in rodent models. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2313-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Tougan
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuhgi Suzuki
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Munehisa Izuka
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Kei Aono
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Tomonori Okazaki
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Yuji Toya
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Kinya Uchihashi
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tougan T, Suzuki Y, Itagaki S, Izuka M, Toya Y, Uchihashi K, Horii T. An automated haematology analyzer XN-30 distinguishes developmental stages of falciparum malaria parasite cultured in vitro. Malar J 2018; 17:59. [PMID: 29391022 PMCID: PMC5796453 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The automated haematology analyzer XN-30 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) easily and rapidly detects malarial parasites in clinical blood samples using flow cytometry. The XN-30 analyzer is able to distinguish each developmental stage by measuring DNA content and cell size. Thus, it was expected to be capable of quantifying the developmental stages of cultured falciparum parasite. To achieve this requirement, a modified algorithm was tested for its validity and reliability using in vitro cultured falciparum parasite. Results The XN-30 analyzer automatically measured each developmental stage as well as total parasitaemia. Comparison of the parasitaemia obtained using the XN-30 analyzer equipped with the modified algorithm with that obtained using microscopy examination of Giemsa-stained smears revealed the greater sensitivity and reproducibility of the former. The XN-30 analyzer also detected free merozoites and purified gametocytes. Conclusions The XN-30 analyzer allows the precise recognition and enumeration of total and each developmental stages of cultured falciparum parasites, and permits the sensitive and reproducible calculation of parasitaemia. The results indicate the potential of the XN-30 analyzer for basic research on malarial biology, anti-malarial drug discovery, and evaluation of drug efficacy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2208-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Tougan
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuhgi Suzuki
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Sawako Itagaki
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Munehisa Izuka
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Yuji Toya
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Kinya Uchihashi
- Sysmex Corporation, 4-4-4 Takatsukadai Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cariaco Y, Lima WR, Sousa R, Nascimento LAC, Briceño MP, Fotoran WL, Wunderlich G, Dos Santos JL, Silva NM. Ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum decreases inflammation and ameliorates experimental cerebral malaria in C57BL/6 mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1547. [PMID: 29367729 PMCID: PMC5784021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19840-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased resistance to the first-line treatment against P. falciparum malaria, artemisinin-based combination therapies, has been reported. Here, we tested the effect of crude ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum (Ext-Ts) on the growth of P. falciparum NF54 in infected human red blood cells (ihRBCs) and its anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory properties in a mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria. For this purpose, ihRBCs were treated with Ext-Ts and analysed for parasitaemia; C57BL/6 mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA (PbA), treated daily with Ext-Ts, and clinical, biochemical, histological and immunological features of the disease were monitored. It was observed that Ext-Ts presented a dose-dependent ability to control P. falciparum in ihRBCs. In addition, it was demonstrated that Ext-Ts treatment of PbA-infected mice was able to increase survival, prevent neurological signs and decrease parasitaemia at the beginning of infection. These effects were associated with systemically decreased levels of lipids and IFN-γ, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CCR5 cerebral expression, preserving blood brain barrier integrity and attenuating the inflammatory lesions in the brain, liver and lungs. These results suggest that Ext-Ts could be a source of immunomodulatory and antimalarial compounds that could improve the treatment of cerebral malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusmaris Cariaco
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, 38400-902, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wânia Rezende Lima
- Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Rondonópolis, 78735-901, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Romulo Sousa
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, 38400-902, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Layane Alencar Costa Nascimento
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, 38400-902, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marisol Pallete Briceño
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, 38400-902, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, 38400-902, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mehlotra RK, Blankenship D, Howes RE, Rakotomanga TA, Ramiranirina B, Ramboarina S, Franchard T, Linger MH, Zikursh-Blood M, Ratsimbasoa AC, Zimmerman PA, Grimberg BT. Long-term in vitro culture of Plasmodium vivax isolates from Madagascar maintained in Saimiri boliviensis blood. Malar J 2017; 16:442. [PMID: 29100506 PMCID: PMC5670718 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2090-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax is the most prevalent human malaria parasite and is likely to increase proportionally as malaria control efforts more rapidly impact the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum. Despite the prominence of P. vivax as a major human pathogen, vivax malaria qualifies as a neglected and under-studied tropical disease. Significant challenges bringing P. vivax into the laboratory, particularly the capacity for long-term propagation of well-characterized strains, have limited the study of this parasite’s red blood cell (RBC) invasion mechanism, blood-stage development, gene expression, and genetic manipulation. Methods and results Patient isolates of P. vivax have been collected and cryopreserved in the rural community of Ampasimpotsy, located in the Tsiroanomandidy Health District of Madagascar. Periodic, monthly overland transport of these cryopreserved isolates to the country’s National Malaria Control Programme laboratory in Antananarivo preceded onward sample transfer to laboratories at Case Western Reserve University, USA. There, the P. vivax isolates have been cultured through propagation in the RBCs of Saimiri boliviensis. For the four patient isolates studied to-date, the median time interval between sample collection and in vitro culture has been 454 days (range 166–961 days). The median time in culture, continually documented by light microscopy, has been 159 days; isolate AMP2014.01 was continuously propagated for 233 days. Further studies show that the P. vivax parasites propagated in Saimiri RBCs retain their ability to invade human RBCs, and can be cryopreserved, thawed and successfully returned to productive in vitro culture. Conclusions/significance Long-term culture of P. vivax is possible in the RBCs of Saimiri boliviensis. These studies provide an alternative to propagation of P. vivax in live animals that are becoming more restricted. In vitro culture of P. vivax in Saimiri RBCs provides an opening to stabilize patient isolates, which would serve as precious resources to apply new strategies for investigating the molecular and cellular biology of this important malaria parasite. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2090-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Mehlotra
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA
| | - D'Arbra Blankenship
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA
| | - Rosalind E Howes
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA.,Oxford Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tovonahary A Rakotomanga
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Brune Ramiranirina
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Stephanie Ramboarina
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Thierry Franchard
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Marlin H Linger
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA
| | - Melinda Zikursh-Blood
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA
| | - Arsène C Ratsimbasoa
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Peter A Zimmerman
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA.
| | - Brian T Grimberg
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4983, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Arias MH, Deharo E, Valentin A, Garavito G. Adaptation and optimization of a fluorescence-based assay for in vivo antimalarial drug screening. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1955-1962. [PMID: 28508922 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5477-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo efficacy of potential antimalarials is usually evaluated by direct microscopic determination of the parasitaemia of Plasmodium-infected mice on Giemsa-stained blood smears. This process is time-consuming, requires experienced technicians and is not automatable. Therefore, we optimized a SYBR Green I (SYBRG I) fluorescence-based assay to fluorometers commonly available in many research laboratories. This technique was originally developed to assess parasitaemia in humans by cytometry. We defined optimal conditions with Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, standard lysis buffer (Tris, EDTA, saponin and Triton), whole blood cells and 2 h staining incubation with SYBRG I 2X. The fluorescence background generated by uninfected whole blood cells was low (around 4.6%), and the linearity high (r 2 = 0.96), with parasitaemia ranging from 1.4 to 60%. The Bland-Altman plot showed a strong correlation between SYBRG I and Giemsa gold standard method; Z'-factor was >0.5. These findings suggest that our fluorescence-based assay is suitable for in vivo antimalarial drug assessment in a malaria murine model. It can help to overcome the human bias found with microscopic techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria H Arias
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Farmacia (DFUNC), Grupo de Investigación FaMeTra (Farmacología de la Medicina Tradicional y Popular), Carrera 30 45-03, Bogotá D.C., 111311, Colombia
| | - Eric Deharo
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Représentation IRD Ban Naxay, Saysettha District, P.O. Box 5992, Vientiane, Lao PDR.,UMR 152 PHARMA-DEV, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement IRD, Université de Toulouse UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexis Valentin
- UMR 152 PHARMA-DEV, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement IRD, Université de Toulouse UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Giovanny Garavito
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Farmacia (DFUNC), Grupo de Investigación FaMeTra (Farmacología de la Medicina Tradicional y Popular), Carrera 30 45-03, Bogotá D.C., 111311, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dinko B, King E, Targett GAT, Sutherland CJ. Antibody responses to surface antigens of Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte-infected erythrocytes and their relation to gametocytaemia. Parasite Immunol 2017; 38:352-64. [PMID: 27084060 PMCID: PMC5089589 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
An essential element for continuing transmission of Plasmodium falciparum is the availability of mature gametocytes in human peripheral circulation for uptake by mosquitoes. Natural immune responses to circulating gametocytes may play a role in reducing transmission from humans to mosquitoes. Here, antibody recognition of the surface of mature intra‐erythrocytic gametocytes produced either by a laboratory‐adapted parasite, 3D7, or by a recent clinical isolate of Kenyan origin (HL1204), was evaluated longitudinally in a cohort of Ghanaian school children by flow cytometry. This showed that a proportion of children exhibited antibody responses that recognized gametocyte surface antigens on one or both parasite lines. A subset of the children maintained detectable anti‐gametocyte surface antigen (GSA) antibody levels during the 5 week study period. There was indicative evidence that children with anti‐GSA antibodies present at enrolment were less likely to have patent gametocytaemia at subsequent visits (odds ratio = 0·29, 95% CI 0·06–1·05; P = 0·034). Our data support the existence of antigens on the surface of gametocyte‐infected erythrocytes, but further studies are needed to confirm whether antibodies against them reduce gametocyte carriage. The identification of GSA would allow their evaluation as potential anti‐gametocyte vaccine candidates and/or biomarkers for gametocyte carriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Dinko
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - E King
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - G A T Targett
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - C J Sutherland
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cursino-Santos JR, Singh M, Pham P, Lobo CA. A novel flow cytometric application discriminates among the effects of chemical inhibitors on various phases ofBabesia divergensintraerythrocytic cycle. Cytometry A 2017; 91:216-231. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manpreet Singh
- Department of Blood Borne Parasites; New York Blood Center; New York New York
| | - Petra Pham
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility; New York Blood Center; New York New York
| | - Cheryl A. Lobo
- Department of Blood Borne Parasites; New York Blood Center; New York New York
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Nyakundi RK, Nyamongo O, Maamun J, Akinyi M, Mulei I, Farah IO, Blankenship D, Grimberg B, Hau J, Malhotra I, Ozwara H, King CL, Kariuki TM. Protective Effect of Chronic Schistosomiasis in Baboons Coinfected with Schistosoma mansoni and Plasmodium knowlesi. Infect Immun 2016; 84:1320-1330. [PMID: 26883586 PMCID: PMC4862699 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00490-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria and schistosomiasis coinfections are common, and chronic schistosomiasis has been implicated in affecting the severity of acute malaria. However, whether it enhances or attenuates malaria has been controversial due the lack of appropriately controlled human studies and relevant animal models. To examine this interaction, we conducted a randomized controlled study using the baboon (Papio anubis) to analyze the effect of chronic schistosomiasis on severe malaria. Two groups of baboons (n = 8 each) and a schistosomiasis control group (n = 3) were infected with 500 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. At 14 and 15 weeks postinfection, one group was given praziquantel to treat schistosomiasis infection. Four weeks later, the two groups plus a new malaria control group (n = 8) were intravenously inoculated with 10(5) Plasmodium knowlesi parasites and monitored daily for development of severe malaria. A total of 81% of baboons exposed to chronic S. mansoni infection with or without praziquantel treatment survived malaria, compared to only 25% of animals infected with P. knowlesi only (P = 0.01). Schistosome-infected animals also had significantly lower parasite burdens (P = 0.004) than the baboons in the P. knowlesi-only group and were protected from severe anemia. Coinfection was associated with increased spontaneous production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting an enhanced innate immune response, whereas animals infected with P. knowlesi alone failed to develop mitogen-driven tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-10, indicating the inability to generate adequate protective and balancing immunoregulatory responses. These results indicate that chronic S. mansoni attenuates the severity of P. knowlesi coinfection in baboons by mechanisms that may enhance innate immunity to malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth K Nyakundi
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Onkoba Nyamongo
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jeneby Maamun
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mercy Akinyi
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Mulei
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Idle O Farah
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Jann Hau
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Indu Malhotra
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hastings Ozwara
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Thomas M Kariuki
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Flow Cytometry for Antimalarial Drug Testing: More than Meets the Eye. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:817. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03017-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
33
|
Towards ultrasensitive malaria diagnosis using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20177. [PMID: 26858127 PMCID: PMC4746575 DOI: 10.1038/srep20177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We report two methods of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for hemozoin detection in malaria infected human blood. In the first method, silver nanoparticles were synthesized separately and then mixed with lysed blood; while in the second method, silver nanoparticles were synthesized directly inside the parasites of Plasmodium falciparum. It was observed that the first method yields a smaller variation in SERS measurements and stronger correlation between the estimated contribution of hemozoin and the parasitemia level, which is preferred for the quantification of the parasitemia level. In contrast, the second method yields a higher sensitivity to a low parasitemia level thus could be more effective in the early malaria diagnosis to determine whether a given blood sample is positive.
Collapse
|
34
|
Mokgethi-Morule T, N'Da DD. Cell based assays for anti-Plasmodium activity evaluation. Eur J Pharm Sci 2016; 84:26-36. [PMID: 26776968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most common and deadly infectious diseases worldwide. The severity of this global public health challenge is reflected by the approximately 198 million people, who were reportedly infected in 2013 and by the more than 584,000 related deaths in that same year. The rising emergence of drug resistance towards the once effective artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) has become a serious concern and warrants more robust drug development strategies, with the objective of eradicating malaria infections. The intricate biology and life cycle of Plasmodium parasites complicate the understanding of the disease in such a way that would enhance the development of more effective chemotherapies that would achieve radical clinical cure and that would prevent disease relapse. Phenotypic cell based assays have for long been a valuable approach and involve the screening and analysis of diverse compounds with regards to their activities towards whole Plasmodium parasites in vitro. To achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of malaria eradication by 2020, new generation drugs that are active against all parasite stages (erythrocytic (blood), exo-erythrocytic (liver stages and gametocytes)) are needed. Significant advances are being made in assay development to overcome some of the practical challenges of assessing drug efficacy, particularly in the liver and transmission stage Plasmodium models. This review discusses primary screening models and the fundamental progress being made in whole cell based efficacy screens of anti-malarial activity. Ongoing challenges and some opportunities for improvements in assay development that would assist in the discovery of effective, safe and affordable drugs for malaria treatments are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thabang Mokgethi-Morule
- Drug Design, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARMACEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - David D N'Da
- Drug Design, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARMACEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
De SL, Stanisic DI, Rivera F, Batzloff MR, Engwerda C, Good MF. Plasmodium berghei bio-burden correlates with parasite lactate dehydrogenase: application to murine Plasmodium diagnostics. Malar J 2016; 15:3. [PMID: 26729268 PMCID: PMC4700574 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-1027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spectrum of techniques to detect malaria parasites in whole blood is limited to measuring parasites in circulation. One approach that is currently used to enumerate total parasite bio-burden involves the use of bio-luminescent parasites. As an alternative approach, this study describes the use of a commercial ELISA human parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) detection kit to estimate total parasite bio-burden in murine malaria models. METHODS The cross reactivity of pLDH in a commercial human malaria pLDH diagnostic kit was established in different components of blood for different murine malaria models. The use of pLDH as a measure of parasite bio-burden was evaluated by examining pLDH in relation to peripheral blood parasitaemia as determined by microscopy and calculating total parasite bio-burden using a bio-luminescent Plasmodium berghei ANKA luciferase parasite. RESULTS The pLDH antigen was detected in all four murine Plasmodium species and in all components of Plasmodium-infected blood. A significant correlation (r = 0.6922, P value <0.0001) was observed between total parasite bio-burden, measured as log average radiance, and concentration of pLDH units. CONCLUSIONS This high throughput assay is a suitable measure of total parasite bio-burden in murine malaria infections. Unlike existing methods, it permits the estimation of both circulating and sequestered parasites, allowing a more accurate assessment of parasite bio-burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Lata De
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Fabian Rivera
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael R Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Inocêncio da Luz R, Mavoko H, Crandall I, Deshpande S, Lutumba P, Van geertruyden J. Small angle light scattering assay for the detection of malaria infection. Talanta 2016; 147:473-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
37
|
Assessment of liposome disruption to quantify drug delivery in vitro. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:163-7. [PMID: 26589183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Efficient liposome disruption inside the cells is a key for success with any type of drug delivery system. The efficacy of drug delivery is currently evaluated by direct visualization of labeled liposomes internalized by cells, not addressing objectively the release and distribution of the drug. Here, we propose a novel method to easily assess liposome disruption and drug release into the cytoplasm. We propose the encapsulation of the cationic dye Hoechst 34580 to detect an increase in blue fluorescence due to its specific binding to negatively charged DNA. For that, the dye needs to be released inside the cell and translocated to the nucleus. The present approach correlates the intensity of detected fluorescent dye with liposome disruption and consequently assesses drug delivery within the cells.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wirjanata G, Handayuni I, Prayoga P, Apriyanti D, Chalfein F, Sebayang BF, Kho S, Noviyanti R, Kenangalem E, Campo B, Poespoprodjo JR, Price RN, Marfurt J. Quantification of Plasmodium ex vivo drug susceptibility by flow cytometry. Malar J 2015; 14:417. [PMID: 26498665 PMCID: PMC4619360 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0940-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax highlights the need for objective measures of ex vivo drug susceptibility. Flow cytometry (FC) has potential to provide a robust and rapid quantification of ex vivo parasite growth. METHODS Field isolates from Papua, Indonesia, underwent ex vivo drug susceptibility testing against chloroquine, amodiaquine, piperaquine, mefloquine, and artesunate. A single nucleic acid stain (i.e., hydroethidine (HE) for P. falciparum and SYBR Green I (SG) for P. vivax) was used to quantify infected red blood cells by FC-based signal detection. Data derived by FC were compared to standard quantification by light microscopy (LM). A subset of isolates was used to compare single and double staining techniques. RESULTS In total, 57 P. falciparum and 23 P. vivax field isolates were collected for ex vivo drug susceptibility testing. Reliable paired data between LM and FC was obtained for 88 % (295/334) of these assays. The median difference of derived IC50 values varied from -5.4 to 6.1 nM, associated with 0.83-1.23 fold change in IC50 values between LM and FC. In 15 assays (5.1 %), the derived difference of IC50 estimates was beyond the 95 % limits of agreement; in eleven assays (3.7 %), this was attributable to low parasite growth (final schizont count < 40 %), and in four assays (1.4 %) due to low initial parasitaemia at the start of assay (<2000 µl(-1)). In a subset of seven samples, LM, single and double staining FC techniques generated similar IC50 values. CONCLUSIONS A single staining FC-based assay using a portable cytometer provides a simple, fast and versatile platform for field surveillance of ex vivo drug susceptibility in clinical P. falciparum and P. vivax isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grennady Wirjanata
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, 0811, Darwin, Australia. .,Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation (PHCDF), Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
| | - Irene Handayuni
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, 0811, Darwin, Australia.
| | - Pak Prayoga
- Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation (PHCDF), Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
| | - Dwi Apriyanti
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro 69, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia.
| | - Ferryanto Chalfein
- Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation (PHCDF), Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
| | - Boni F Sebayang
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro 69, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia.
| | - Steven Kho
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, 0811, Darwin, Australia.
| | - Rintis Noviyanti
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro 69, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia.
| | - Enny Kenangalem
- Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation (PHCDF), Timika, Papua, Indonesia. .,District Health Authority, Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
| | - Brice Campo
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois, PO Box 1826, 1215, Geneva 15, Switzerland.
| | - Jeanne Rini Poespoprodjo
- Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation (PHCDF), Timika, Papua, Indonesia. .,District Health Authority, Timika, Papua, Indonesia. .,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Ric N Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, 0811, Darwin, Australia. .,Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jutta Marfurt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, 0811, Darwin, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fotoran WL, Santangelo RM, Medeiros MM, Colhone M, Ciancaglini P, Barboza R, Marinho CRF, Stábeli RG, Wunderlich G. Liposomes loaded with P. falciparum merozoite-derived proteins are highly immunogenic and produce invasion-inhibiting and anti-toxin antibodies. J Control Release 2015; 217:121-7. [PMID: 26334481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The formulation of an effective vaccine against malaria is still a significant challenge and the induction of high anti-parasite antibody titers plus a sustained T cell response is mandatory for the success of such a vaccine. We have developed a nanoliposome-based structure which contains plasma membrane-associated proteins (PfMNP) of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites on its surface. Incorporation of parasite-derived proteins led to a significant increase in the size and dispersity of particles. Immunization of particles in BalbC and C57BL/6 mice led to high anti-MSP119 IgG titers (10(4)) after the first dose and reached a plateau (>10(6)) after the third dose. While very high titers were observed against the C-terminal domain of the vaccine candidate MSP1, only modest titers (≤10(3)) were detected against MSP2. The induced antibodies showed also a strong growth-inhibiting effect in reinvasion assays. In addition, PfMNP immunization generated antibodies which partially blocked the inflammatory response, probably by blocking TLR-induced activation of macrophages by malarial toxins such as GPI anchors. The results underline the potential of nanoliposome-based formulations as anti-malarial vaccines.
Collapse
|
40
|
Rebelo M, Tempera C, Bispo C, Andrade C, Gardner R, Shapiro HM, Hänscheid T. Light depolarization measurements in malaria: A new job for an old friend. Cytometry A 2015; 87:437-45. [PMID: 25808846 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of flow cytometry in malaria research has increased over the last decade. Most approaches use nucleic acid stains to detect parasite DNA and RNA and require complex multi-color, multi-parameter analysis to reliably detect infected red blood cells (iRBCs). We recently described a novel and simpler approach to parasite detection based on flow cytometric measurement of scattered light depolarization caused by hemozoin (Hz), a pigment formed by parasite digestion of hemoglobin in iRBCs. Depolarization measurement by flow cytometry was described in 1987; however, patent issues restricted its use to a single manufacturer's hematology analyzers until 2009. Although we recently demonstrated that depolarization measurement of Hz, easily implemented on a bench top flow cytometer (Cyflow), provided useful information for malaria work, doubts regarding its application and utility remain in both the flow cytometry and malaria communities, at least in part because instrument manufacturers do not offer the option of measuring depolarized scatter. Under such circumstances, providing other researchers with guidance as to how to do this seemed to offer the most expeditious way to resolve the issue. We accordingly examined how several commercially available flow cytometers (CyFlow SL, MoFLo, Attune and Accuri C6) could be modified to detect depolarization due to the presence of free Hz on solution, or of Hz in leukocytes or erythrocytes from rodent or human blood. All were readily adapted, with substantially equivalent results obtained with lasers emitting over a wide wavelength range. Other instruments now available may also be modifiable for Hz measurement. Cytometric detection of Hz using depolarization is useful to study different aspects of malaria. Adding additional parameters, such as DNA content and base composition and RNA content, can demonstrably provide improved accuracy and sensitivity of parasite detection and characterization, allowing malaria researchers and eventually clinicians to benefit from cytometric technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rebelo
- Molecular Microbiology and Infection Unit, Instituto De Medicina Molecular, Faculdade De Medicina, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
The rodent malaria lactate dehydrogenase assay provides a high throughput solution for in vivo vaccine studies. Parasitol Int 2015; 64:60-3. [PMID: 25701649 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rodent malaria is a useful model for evaluating the efficacy of malaria vaccine candidates; however, labor-intensive microscopic parasite counting hampers the use of an in vivo parasite challenge in high-throughput screening. The measurement of malaria parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) activity, which is commonly used in the in vitro growth inhibition assay of Plasmodium falciparum, may be the cheapest and simplest alternative to microscopic parasite counting. However, the pLDH assay has not been applied in the in vivo rodent malaria model. Here, we showed that the pLDH assay is reliable and accurately determines parasitemia in the rodent malaria model. pLDH activity measured using a chromogenic substrate reflects the parasite number in the blood; it allows fast and easy assessment using a conventional microplate reader. To validate this approach, we synthesized recombinant PyMSP1-19 protein (rPyMSP1-19) using a wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis system and immunized mice with rPyMSP1-19. The antisera showed specific reactivity on the surface of the Plasmodium yoelii merozoite and immunized mice were protected against a lethal P. yoelii 17 XL challenge. The pLDH assay quickly and easily demonstrated a significant reduction of the parasite numbers in the immunized mice. Accordingly, the pLDH assay proved to be an efficient alternative to rodent malaria parasite counting, and may therefore accelerate in vivo vaccine candidate screening.
Collapse
|
42
|
Sack BK, Miller JL, Vaughan AM, Kappe SHI. Measurement of Antibody-Mediated Reduction of Plasmodium yoelii Liver Burden by Bioluminescent Imaging. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1325:69-80. [PMID: 26450380 PMCID: PMC8441651 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2815-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies against the infectious sporozoite stage of malaria have been shown to be effective in preventing infection of the liver and in mitigating the ensuing blood stage. However, only a handful of antibody targets have been vetted and shown to be successful in mediating in vivo protection. Even more limited are the means with which to measure how effectively antibodies can reduce the number of parasites establishing infection in the liver. Traditionally, only qPCR of infected mouse livers could accurately measure liver parasite burden. However, this procedure requires sacrifice of the animal and precludes monitoring of the ensuing blood stage infection. Herein we describe a method of accurately assessing antibody-mediated reduction of parasite liver burden by combining passive or active immunization of mice and mosquito bite challenge with luciferase-expressing transgenic P. yoelii parasites. This method is rapid, reliable and allows for observation of blood stage disease in the same animal. This model will prove integral in screening the efficacy of novel antibody targets as the search for a more effective malaria vaccine continues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K Sack
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
| | - Jessica L Miller
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
High-throughput tri-colour flow cytometry technique to assess Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia in bioassays. Malar J 2014; 13:412. [PMID: 25331683 PMCID: PMC4213491 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unbiased flow cytometry-based methods have become the technique of choice in many laboratories for high-throughput, accurate assessments of malaria parasites in bioassays. A method to quantify live parasites based on mitotracker red CMXRos was recently described but consistent distinction of early ring stages of Plasmodium falciparum from uninfected red blood cells (uRBC) remains a challenge. METHODS Here, a high-throughput, three-parameter (tri-colour) flow cytometry technique based on mitotracker red dye, the nucleic acid dye coriphosphine O (CPO) and the leucocyte marker CD45 for enumerating live parasites in bioassays was developed. The technique was applied to estimate the specific growth inhibition index (SGI) in the antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) assay and compared to parasite quantification by microscopy and mitotracker red staining. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to compare biases between SGI estimated by the tri-colour staining technique, mitotracker red and by microscopy. RESULTS CPO allowed a better separation between early rings and uRBCs compared to mitotracker red resulting in a more accurate estimate of total parasitaemia. The tri-colour technique is rapid, cost effective and robust with comparable sensitivity to microscopy and capable of discriminating between live and dead and/or compromised parasites. Staining for CD45 improved parasitaemia estimates in ADCI assay since high numbers of leucocytes interfered with the accurate identification of parasitized RBC. The least bias (-1.60) in SGI was observed between the tri-colour and microscopy. CONCLUSION An improved methodology for high-throughput assessment of P. falciparum parasitaemia under culture conditions that could be useful in different bioassays, including ADCI and growth inhibition assays has been developed.
Collapse
|
44
|
Shapiro HM, Apte SH, Chojnowski GM, Hänscheid T, Rebelo M, Grimberg BT. Cytometry in malaria--a practical replacement for microscopy? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; Chapter 11:11.20.1-11.20.23. [PMID: 23835802 DOI: 10.1002/0471142956.cy1120s65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by protozoan Plasmodium parasites, kills ~800,000 people each year. Exact figures are uncertain because presumptive diagnoses are often made without identifying parasites in patients' blood either by microscopy, using Giemsa's century-old stain, or by simpler tests that are ultimately dependent on microscopy for quality control. Microscopy itself relies on trained observers' ability to detect subtle morphological features of parasitized red blood cells, only a few of which may be present on a slide. Quantitative and objective flow cytometric measurements of cellular constituents such as DNA, RNA, and the malaria pigment hemozoin are now useful in research in malaria biology and pharmacology, and can provide more reliable identification of parasite species and developmental stages and better detection of low-density parasitemia than could microscopy. The same measurements can now be implemented in much smaller, simpler, cheaper imaging cytometers, potentially providing a more accurate and precise diagnostic modality.
Collapse
|
45
|
Simpson JA, Jamsen KM, Anderson TJC, Zaloumis S, Nair S, Woodrow C, White NJ, Nosten F, Price RN. Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling of in vitro drug susceptibility and molecular correlates of multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69505. [PMID: 23894496 PMCID: PMC3722116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of in vitro anti-malarial drug susceptibility testing is vulnerable to the effects of different statistical approaches and selection biases. These confounding factors were assessed with respect to pfmdr1 gene mutation and amplification in 490 clinical isolates. Two statistical approaches for estimating the drug concentration associated with 50% effect (EC50) were compared: the commonly used standard two-stage (STS) method, and nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. The in vitro concentration-effect relationships for, chloroquine, mefloquine, lumefantrine and artesunate, were derived from clinical isolates obtained from patients on the western border of Thailand. All isolates were genotyped for polymorphisms in the pfmdr1 gene. The EC50 estimates were similar for the two statistical approaches but 15–28% of isolates in the STS method had a high coefficient of variation (>15%) for individual estimates of EC50 and these isolates had EC50 values that were 32 to 66% higher than isolates derived with more precision. In total 41% (202/490) of isolates had amplification of pfmdr1 and single nucleotide polymorphisms were found in 50 (10%). Pfmdr1 amplification was associated with an increase in EC50 for mefloquine (139% relative increase in EC50 for 2 copies, 188% for 3+ copies), lumefantrine (82% and 75% for 2 and 3+ copies respectively) and artesunate (63% and 127% for 2 and 3+ copies respectively). In contrast pfmdr1 mutation at codons 86 or 1042 were associated with an increase in chloroquine EC50 (44–48%). Sample size calculations showed that to demonstrate an EC50 shift of 50% or more with 80% power if the prevalence was 10% would require 430 isolates and 245 isolates if the prevalence was 20%. In conclusion, although nonlinear mixed-effects modelling did not demonstrate any major advantage for determining estimates of anti-malarial drug susceptibility, the method includes all isolates, thereby, potentially improving confirmation of candidate molecular markers of anti-malarial drug susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic & Analytic Epidemiology, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kwansa-Bentum B, Izumiyama S, Kitamura K, Obata-Ninomiya K, Ohta N, Asahi H. Comparative studies of serum-free media and detection techniques for <i>in vitro</i> drug sensitivity assessment of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ojcd.2013.33020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
47
|
Boyle MJ, Wilson DW, Beeson JG. New approaches to studying Plasmodium falciparum merozoite invasion and insights into invasion biology. Int J Parasitol 2012; 43:1-10. [PMID: 23220090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Merozoite invasion of human red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum is essential for blood stage asexual replication and the development of malaria disease. Despite this, many of the processes involved in invasion are poorly understood. Recent advances have been made in methods to isolate viable merozoites for studies of invasion. The application of these approaches is providing new insights into the kinetics of invasion and merozoite survival, as well as proteins and interactions involved in invasion, and will facilitate the development and testing of anti-merozoite vaccines and the identification of invasion-inhibitory compounds with potential for drug development. This review discusses these recent advances and considers potential avenues for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Boyle
- The Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rosental B, Hadad U, Sinay R, Braiman A, Porgador A, Pollack Y. Dual fluorescent labelling of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum for the analysis of the ABC type transporter pfmdr2. Malar J 2012; 11:371. [PMID: 23137170 PMCID: PMC3546028 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of the Plasmodium falciparum heavy metal transporter gene pfmdr2 employed radioactive labelled heavy metal. As the use of radioactive isotopes shrank considerably during the last few years, resulting in the cessation of the production of some isotopes, amongst them Cadmium109 which was used for that purpose, a different approach had to be developed. Herein, a dual fluorescent labelling of heavy metals accumulation in the P. falciparum parasite is proposed as an alternative to the use of radioactive labelled heavy metals. METHODS Plasmodium falciparum Cd resistant and sensitive strains at the trophozoite stage were used in this study. The cells were cultured at different CdCl2 concentrations and for different time periods followed by staining of the infected red blood cells with Fluo-3/AM for Cd detection and Hoechst 33342 for parasite DNA labelling. The fluorescent analysis was done by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS The results show that the sensitive strain has a higher Fluo-3/AM fluorescence in a Cd concentration and time dependent manner, whereas in the resistant strain Fluo-3/AM fluorescence levels were negligible and increased only at high concentrations of Cd and at long incubation periods, but to a much lesser extent than the sensitive strain. No Cd uptake is observed in uninfected red blood cells populations originating from cultures infected with either sensitive or resistant strain. In addition, confocal microscopy overlay of Fluo-3/AM and Hoechst staining shows that the Cd metal accumulates in the parasite itself. CONCLUSIONS The dual fluorescent labelling is a valid method for detecting heavy metal accumulation in P. falciparum. Furthermore, in contrast to the use of radioactive labelled heavy metal, the fluorescent labelling enables us to differentiate between the different populations existing in a P. falciparum infected red blood cells cultures and thus actually study a phenomenon at the level of a single cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benyamin Rosental
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P,O, Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Philipp S, Oberg HH, Janssen O, Leippe M, Gelhaus C. Isolation of erythrocytes infected with viable early stages of Plasmodium falciparum by flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2012; 81:1048-54. [PMID: 23136095 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The erythrocytic life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum is highly associated with severe clinical symptoms of malaria that causes hundreds of thousands of death each year. The parasite develops within human erythrocytes leading to the disruption of the infected red blood cell (iRBC) prior to the start of a new cycle of erythrocyte infection. Emerging mechanisms of resistance against antimalarial drugs require improved knowledge about parasite's blood stages to facilitate new alternative antimalarial strategies. For the analysis of young blood stages of Plasmodium at the molecular level, the isolation of ring stages is essential. However, early stages can hardly be separated from both, late stages and non-infected red blood cells using conventional methods. Here, iRBCs were stained with the DNA-binding dyes Vybrant® DyeCycle™ Violet and SYBR® Green I. Subsequently, cells were subjected to flow-cytometric analysis. This enabled the discrimination of early stage iRBCs as well as late-stage iRBCs from non-infected erythrocytes and the properties of the used dyes were evaluated. Moreover, early stage iRBCs were isolated with high purity (>98%) by FACS. Subsequently, development of sorted early stages of the parasite was monitored over time and compared with control cultures. The described flow cytometry method, based on staining with Vybrant DyeCycle Violet, allows the isolation of viable ring stages of the malarial agent P. falciparum, and thereby provides the basis for new, broad-range molecular investigations of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Philipp
- Department of Zoophysiology, Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Kiel 24098, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Screening and Evaluation of Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Egress and Invasion Using Cytometry. Methods Mol Biol 2012. [PMID: 22990802 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-026-7_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
|