1
|
Silvestrini MMA, Alessio GD, Frias BED, Sales Júnior PA, Araújo MSS, Silvestrini CMA, Brito Alvim de Melo GE, Martins-Filho OA, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins HR. New insights into Trypanosoma cruzi genetic diversity, and its influence on parasite biology and clinical outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342431. [PMID: 38655255 PMCID: PMC11035809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health problem worldwide. The parasite was subdivided into six distinct genetic groups, called "discrete typing units" (DTUs), from TcI to TcVI. Several studies have indicated that the heterogeneity of T. cruzi species directly affects the diversity of clinical manifestations of Chagas disease, control, diagnosis performance, and susceptibility to treatment. Thus, this review aims to describe how T. cruzi genetic diversity influences the biology of the parasite and/or clinical parameters in humans. Regarding the geographic dispersion of T. cruzi, evident differences were observed in the distribution of DTUs in distinct areas. For example, TcII is the main DTU detected in Brazilian patients from the central and southeastern regions, where there are also registers of TcVI as a secondary T. cruzi DTU. An important aspect observed in previous studies is that the genetic variability of T. cruzi can impact parasite infectivity, reproduction, and differentiation in the vectors. It has been proposed that T. cruzi DTU influences the host immune response and affects disease progression. Genetic aspects of the parasite play an important role in determining which host tissues will be infected, thus heavily influencing Chagas disease's pathogenesis. Several teams have investigated the correlation between T. cruzi DTU and the reactivation of Chagas disease. In agreement with these data, it is reasonable to suppose that the immunological condition of the patient, whether or not associated with the reactivation of the T. cruzi infection and the parasite strain, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. In this context, understanding the genetics of T. cruzi and its biological and clinical implications will provide new knowledge that may contribute to additional strategies in the diagnosis and clinical outcome follow-up of patients with Chagas disease, in addition to the reactivation of immunocompromised patients infected with T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Glaucia Diniz Alessio
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Estefânia Diniz Frias
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Policarpo Ademar Sales Júnior
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Márcio Sobreira Silva Araújo
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helen Rodrigues Martins
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zingales B, Macedo AM. Fifteen Years after the Definition of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs: What Have We Learned? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2339. [PMID: 38137940 PMCID: PMC10744745 DOI: 10.3390/life13122339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causative of Chagas disease (ChD), exhibits striking genetic and phenotypic intraspecific diversity, along with ecoepidemiological complexity. Human-pathogen interactions lead to distinct clinical presentations of ChD. In 2009, an international consensus classified T. cruzi strains into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI to TcVI, later including TcBat, and proposed reproducible genotyping schemes for DTU identification. This article aims to review the impact of classifying T. cruzi strains into DTUs on our understanding of biological, ecoepidemiological, and pathogenic aspects of T. cruzi. We will explore the likely origin of DTUs and the intrinsic characteristics of each group of strains concerning genome organization, genomics, and susceptibility to drugs used in ChD treatment. We will also provide an overview of the association of DTUs with mammalian reservoirs, and summarize the geographic distribution, and the clinical implications, of prevalent specific DTUs in ChD patients. Throughout this review, we will emphasize the crucial roles of both parasite and human genetics in defining ChD pathogenesis and chemotherapy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa M. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barnabé C, Brenière SF, Santillán-Guayasamín S, Douzery EJP, Waleckx E. Revisiting gene typing and phylogeny of Trypanosoma cruzi reference strains: Comparison of the relevance of mitochondrial DNA, single-copy nuclear DNA, and the intergenic region of mini-exon gene. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 115:105504. [PMID: 37739149 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a widespread neglected disease in Latin America. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of the disease, is currently subdivided into six DTUs (discrete typing units) named TcI-TcVI, and although no clear association has been found between parasite genetics and different clinical outcomes of the disease or different transmission cycles, genetic characterization of T. cruzi strains remains crucial for integrated epidemiological studies. Numerous markers have been used for this purpose, although without consensus. These include mitochondrial genes, single or multiple-copy nuclear genes, ribosomal RNA genes, and the intergenic region of the repeated mini-exon gene. To increase our knowledge of these gene sequences and their usefulness for strain typing, we sequenced fragments of three mitochondrial genes, nine single-copy nuclear genes, and the repeated intergenic part of the mini-exon gene by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on a sample constituted of 16 strains representative of T. cruzi genetic diversity, to which we added the corresponding genetic data of the 38 T. cruzi genomes fully sequenced until 2022. Our results show that single-copy nuclear genes remain the gold standard for characterizing T. cruzi strains; the phylogenetic tree from concatenated genes (3959 bp) confirms the six DTUs previously recognized and provides additional information about the alleles present in the hybrid strains. In the tree built from the three mitochondrial concatenated genes (1274 bp), three main clusters are identified, including one with TcIII, TcIV, TcV, and TcVI DTUs which are not separated. Nevertheless, mitochondrial markers remain necessary for detecting introgression and heteroplasmy. The phylogenetic tree built from the sequence alignment of the repeated mini-exon gene fragment (327 bp) displayed six clusters, but only TcI was associated with a single cluster. The sequences obtained from strains belonging to the other DTUs were scattered into different clusters. Therefore, while the mini-exon marker may bring, for some biological samples, some advantages in terms of sensibility due to its repeated nature, mini-exon sequences must be used with caution and, when possible, avoided for T. cruzi typing and phylogenetic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Barnabé
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Simone Frédérique Brenière
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Soledad Santillán-Guayasamín
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Emmanuel J P Douzery
- Institut des Sciences de l'Évolution de Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Etienne Waleckx
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico; ACCyC, Asociación Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento, A. C, Orizaba, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dumonteil E, Desale H, Tu W, Hernandez-Cuevas N, Shroyer M, Goff K, Marx PA, Herrera C. Intra-host Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics shape disease progression: the missing link in Chagas disease pathogenesis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0423622. [PMID: 37668388 PMCID: PMC10581044 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04236-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops years after infection in 20-40% of patients, but disease progression is poorly understood. Here, we assessed Trypanosoma cruzi parasite dynamics and pathogenesis over a 2.5-year period in naturally infected rhesus macaques. Individuals with better control of parasitemia were infected with a greater diversity of parasite strains compared to those with increasing parasitemia over time. Also, the in vivo parasite multiplication rate decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition among strains or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. Significant differences in electrocardiographic (ECG) profiles were observed in Chagasic macaques compared to uninfected controls, suggesting early conduction defects, and changes in ECG patterns over time were observed only in macaques with increasing parasitemia and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was also associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These data provide a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis, with parasite diversity shaping disease progression.IMPORTANCEChagas disease progression remains poorly understood, and patients at increased risk of developing severe cardiac disease cannot be distinguished from those who may remain asymptomatic. Monitoring of Trypanosoma cruzi strain dynamics and pathogenesis over 2-3 years in naturally infected macaques shows that increasing parasite diversity in hosts is detrimental to parasite multiplication and Chagasic cardiomyopathy disease progression. This provides a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hans Desale
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nora Hernandez-Cuevas
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Monica Shroyer
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kelly Goff
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Preston A. Marx
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Flores-López CA, Esquivias-Flores EA, Guevara-Carrizales A. Phylogenetic description of Trypanosoma cruzi isolates from Dipetalogaster maxima: Occurrence of TcI, TcIV, and TcIV-USA. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 113:105465. [PMID: 37331498 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. The parasite has been classified into six taxonomic assemblages: TcI-TcVI and TcBat (aka Discrete Typing Units or Near-Clades). No studies have focused on describing the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in the northwestern region of Mexico. Within the Baja California peninsula lives Dipetalogaster maxima, the largest vector species for CD. The study aimed to describe the genetic diversity of T. cruzi within D. maxima. A total of three Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) were found (TcI, TcIV, and TcIV-USA). TcI was the predominant DTU found (∼75% of samples), in concordance with studies from the southern USA, one sample was described as TcIV while the other ∼20% pertained to TcIV-USA, which has recently been proposed to have enough genetic divergence from TcIV, to merit its own DTU. Potential phenotype differences between TcIV and TcIV-USA should be assessed in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Flores-López
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, Colonia Playitas C.P. 22860, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Esteban A Esquivias-Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, Colonia Playitas C.P. 22860, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Aldo Guevara-Carrizales
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, Colonia Playitas C.P. 22860, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Torhorst CW, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Milleson MP, Corral CC, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mammals in Florida: New insight into the transmission of T. cruzi in the southeastern United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:237-245. [PMID: 37575667 PMCID: PMC10422094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.009] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, where they facilitate the transmission of the parasite to humans and other reservoir hosts in peridomestic settings. In the United States, raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are known synanthropic T. cruzi reservoir hosts; however, the role these species have in the peridomestic transmission cycle in the US is not well understood. This study aimed to identify the suite of mammalian reservoirs of T. cruzi in Florida. We also compared infection prevalence in raccoon populations sampled from within and outside of the estimated distribution of the common T. cruzi vector in Florida to gain insight into how the arthropod vector distribution impacts the distribution of infected reservoirs in the state. Finally, to investigate the impact of peridomestic landscapes on parasite prevalence, we compared the prevalence of T. cruzi-infected raccoons and opossums across five paired peridomestic and sylvatic sites. We live-trapped and collected peripheral blood samples from 135 raccoons, 112 opossums, 18 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), and nine species of rodents in north central Florida. Using quantitative PCR methods, we found that raccoons (42.2%, 95% CI [34.2-50.7%]) and opossums (50.9%, 95% CI [41.8-60.0%]) were infected with T. cruzi and the prevalence across habitats was similar for both raccoons (peridomestic: n = 77, 44.2%, 95% CI [33.6-55.3%], sylvatic: n = 58, 39.7%, 95% CI [28.1-52.5%]) and opossums (peridomestic: n = 66, 48.5%, 95% CI [36.8-60.3%], sylvatic: n = 46, 54.3%, 95% CI [40.2-67.8%]). Raccoons sampled outside the estimated distribution of Triatoma sanguisuga were not infected with T. cruzi (n = 73, 0.0%, 95% CI [0.0-5.0%]). Our study did not indicate that peridomestic habitats in Florida maintained a higher infection prevalence than their sylvatic counterparts; however, we did find a difference in prevalence within vs. outside the estimated vector distribution in Florida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael P. Milleson
- United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Program, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catalina C. Corral
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Landsgaard KA, Milliron SM, Faccin M, Broughton CA, Auckland LD, Edwards JF, Hamer SA, Hensel ME. Protozoal meningoencephalitis and myelitis in 4 dogs associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Vet Pathol 2023; 60:199-202. [PMID: 36636956 DOI: 10.1177/03009858221148510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis is caused by the zoonotic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and primarily results in heart disease. Organisms also infect the central nervous system (CNS). The Texas A&M University veterinary teaching hospital archive was searched for dogs with CNS disease with intralesional protozoal amastigotes. This study summarizes 4 cases of dogs with disseminated trypanosomiasis and CNS involvement confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with T. cruzi primers. Clinical signs included lethargy, respiratory distress, tetraparesis, and seizures. Central nervous system lesions included meningeal congestion (1/4), necrosis with hemorrhage in the spinal cord gray and white matter (2/4), and histiocytic meningoencephalitis (4/4), and meningomyelitis (2/4) with intralesional and intracellular protozoal. Genotyping identified 1 case of T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and 2 cases as TcIV, both are common variants in the United States. Trypanosomiasis should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs with CNS signs in T. cruzi-endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Martha E Hensel
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Majeau A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Dumonteil E, Herrera C. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi infecting raccoons ( Procyon lotor) in 2 metropolitan areas of southern Louisiana: implications for parasite transmission networks. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36788672 PMCID: PMC10090583 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, exists as an anthropozoonosis in Louisiana. Raccoons are an important reservoir, as they demonstrate high prevalence and maintain high parasitaemia longer than other mammals. Given the complex nature of parasite transmission networks and importance of raccoons as reservoirs that move between sylvatic and domestic environments, detailing the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in raccoons is crucial to assess risk to human health. Using a next-generation sequencing approach targeting the mini-exon, parasite diversity was assessed in 2 metropolitan areas of Louisiana. Sequences were analysed along with those previously identified in other mammals and vectors to determine if any association exists between ecoregion and parasite diversity. Parasites were identified from discrete typing units (DTUs) TcI, TcII, TcIV, TcV and TcVI. DTUs TcII, TcV and TcVI are previously unreported in raccoons in the United States (US). TcI was the most abundant DTU, comprising nearly 80% of all sequences. All but 1 raccoon harboured multiple haplotypes, some demonstrating mixed infections of different DTUs. Furthermore, there is significant association between DTU distribution and level III ecoregion in Louisiana. Finally, while certain sequences were distributed across multiple tissues, others appeared to have tissue-specific tropism. Taken together, these findings indicate that ongoing surveillance of T. cruzi in the US should be undertaken across ecoregions to fully assess risk to human health. Given potential connections between parasite diversity and clinical outcomes, deep sequencing technologies are crucial and interventions targeting raccoons may prove useful in mitigating human health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - A. Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rangel-Gamboa L, González-Martínez EI, Sánchez-Cruz LC, Montiel-Rangel AI, Martínez-Hernández F. Trypanosoma cruzi DTU II coinfection with bacteria producing prolonged cutaneous lesion in a healthy young male. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2023; 65:e15. [PMID: 36921203 PMCID: PMC10013466 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202365015] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is genetically classified in six discrete typing units (DTUs). The isolates reported in Mexico are generally associated with DTU I. We presented a case of a prolonged cutaneous lesion in a Mexican man, caused by DTU II in coinfection with Bacillus velezensis and Corynebacterium sp. The patient assessment included a complete clinical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and a skin biopsy. In the facial tissues, intracellular parasites were revealed. The PCR tests were positive for T. cruzi in tissue and blood samples. DNA satellite sequencing was correlated with the DTU II. The initial serological tests reported negative results. However, four months later, two serological tests reported positive results. These exams were performed in different health centers. Mexico is considered an endemic area for CD; nevertheless, this is just the second cutaneous case associated with a DTU different from DTU-I noted in this country. From an ecological point of view, this fact suggests a geographical expansion of DTU II and an association with atypical skin manifestations. Further studies should be conducted to understand this exciting association between DTU-II and prolonged cutaneous expression in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rangel-Gamboa
- Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Luminox Skin Centre, Dermatologic Department, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Erik-Iyair González-Martínez
- Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | | | - Fernando Martínez-Hernández
- Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gulas-Wroblewski BE, Gorchakov R, Kairis RB, Dowler RC, Murray KO. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the Etiologic Agent of Chagas Disease, Infection in Texas Skunks (Mammalia: Mephitidae). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:18-28. [PMID: 36633561 PMCID: PMC10024073 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0056] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chagas disease is one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases, infecting over six million people across the Americas. The hemoparasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent for the disease, circulating in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic transmission cycles that are maintained by triatomine vectors and a diversity of wild and synanthropic hosts. Public health and wildlife management interventions targeting the interruption of T. cruzi transmission rely on an understanding of the dynamics driving the ecology of this zoonotic pathogen. One wildlife host that purportedly plays a role in the transmission of Chagas disease within the southern United States is the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), although infection prevalence in this species is poorly understood. Materials and Methods: To this end, we conducted a PCR-based surveillance of T. cruzi in 235 wild skunks, representing 4 species, across 76 counties and 10 ecoregions in Texas, United States, along with an evaluation of risk factors associated with the infection. Results: We recovered an overall T. cruzi prevalence of 17.9% for all mephitid taxa aggregated, ranging between 6.7% for plains spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius interrupta) and 42.9% for western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis). We report the first cases of T. cruzi infection in plains spotted and American hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus), of important note for conservation medicine since populations of both species are declining within Texas. Although not statistically significant, we also detected trends for juveniles to exhibit greater infection risk than adults and for differential sex biases in T. cruzi prevalence between taxa, which align with variations in species-specific seasonal activity patterns. No geographic or taxonomic risk factors were identified. Conclusion: Our study contributed key data for population viability analyses and epidemiologic models in addition to providing a baseline for future T. cruzi surveillance among skunks and other wildlife species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie E. Gulas-Wroblewski
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rodion Gorchakov
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca B. Kairis
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert C. Dowler
- Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, USA
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Recent advances on the piezoelectric, electrochemical, and optical biosensors for the detection of protozoan pathogens. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
12
|
Jameson SB, Cloherty E, Londono-Renteria B, Wesson DM. Chagas Disease in the Southeastern USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
13
|
Characterization of triatomine bloodmeal sources using direct Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing methods. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10234. [PMID: 35715521 PMCID: PMC9205944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of host associations of blood-feeding vectors may afford insights into managing disease systems and protecting public health. However, the ability of methods to distinguish bloodmeal sources varies widely. We used two methods—Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing—to target a 228 bp region of the vertebrate Cytochrome b gene and determine hosts fed upon by triatomines (n = 115) collected primarily in Texas, USA. Direct Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was successful for 36 samples (31%). Sanger sequencing revealed 15 distinct host species, which included humans, domestic animals (Canis lupus familiaris, Ovis aries, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, Felis catus, and Capra hircus), wildlife (Rattus rattus, Incilius nebulifer, Sciurus carolinensis, Sciurus niger, and Odocoileus virginianus), and captive animals (Panthera tigris, Colobus spp., and Chelonoidis carbonaria). Samples sequenced by the Sanger method were also subjected to Illumina MiSeq amplicon deep sequencing. The amplicon deep sequencing results (average of 302,080 usable reads per sample) replicated the host community revealed using Sanger sequencing, and detected additional hosts in five triatomines (13.9%), including two additional blood sources (Procyon lotor and Bassariscus astutus). Up to four bloodmeal sources were detected in a single triatomine (I. nebulifer, Homo sapiens, C. lupus familiaris, and S. carolinensis). Enhanced understanding of vector-host-parasite networks may allow for integrated vector management programs focusing on highly-utilized and highly-infected host species.
Collapse
|
14
|
Schijman AG, Alonso-Padilla J, Longhi SA, Picado A. Parasitological, serological and molecular diagnosis of acute and chronic Chagas disease: from field to laboratory. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e200444. [PMID: 35613155 PMCID: PMC9164950 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no consensus on the diagnostic algorithms for many scenarios of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which hinders the establishment of governmental guidelines in endemic and non-endemic countries. In the acute phase, parasitological methods are currently employed, and standardised surrogate molecular tests are being introduced to provide higher sensitivity and less operator-dependence. In the chronic phase, IgG-based serological assays are currently used, but if a single assay does not reach the required accuracy, PAHO/WHO recommends at least two immunological tests with different technical principles. Specific algorithms are applied to diagnose congenital infection, screen blood and organ donors or conduct epidemiological surveys. Detecting Chagas disease reactivation in immunosuppressed individuals is an area of increasing interest. Due to its neglect, enhancing access to diagnosis of patients at risk of suffering T. cruzi infection should be a priority at national and regional levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gabriel Schijman
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular Dr Hector Torres, CONICET, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Andrea Longhi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular Dr Hector Torres, CONICET, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Albert Picado
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Flores-López CA, Mitchell EA, Reisenman CE, Sarkar S, Williamson PC, Machado CA. Phylogenetic diversity of two common Trypanosoma cruzi lineages in the Southwestern United States. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 99:105251. [PMID: 35183751 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a devastating parasitic disease endemic to Central and South America, Mexico, and the USA. We characterized the genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi circulating in five triatomine species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri, T. lecticularia, T.indictiva, T. sanguisuga and T. recurva) collected in Texas and Southern Arizona using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) with four single-copy loci (cytochrome oxidase subunit II- NADH dehydrogensase subunit 1 region (COII-ND1), mismatch-repair class 2 (MSH2), dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) and a nuclear gene with ID TcCLB.506529.310). All T. cruzi variants fall in two main genetic lineages: 75% of the samples corresponded to T. cruzi Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) I (TcI), and 25% to a North American specific lineage previously labelled TcIV-USA. Phylogenetic and sequence divergence analyses of our new data plus all previously published sequence data from those four loci collected in the USA, show that TcIV-USA is significantly different from any other previously defined T. cruzi DTUs. The significant level of genetic divergence between TcIV-USA and other T. cruzi DTUs should lead to an increased focus on understanding the epidemiological importance of this DTU, as well as its geographical range and pathogenicity in humans and domestic animals. Our findings further corroborate the fact that there is a high genetic diversity of the parasite in North America and emphasize the need for appropriate surveillance and vector control programs for Chagas disease in southern USA and Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Flores-López
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth A Mitchell
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Carolina E Reisenman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Sahotra Sarkar
- Department of Philosophy and Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Philip C Williamson
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Creative Testing Solutions, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carlos A Machado
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Marcus R, Henao-Martínez AF, Nolan M, Livingston E, Klotz SA, Gilman RH, Miranda-Schaeubinger M, Meymandi S. Recognition and screening for Chagas disease in the USA. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211046086. [PMID: 34589212 PMCID: PMC8474340 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211046086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi,
is a public health concern, mainly among countries in South and Central America.
However, despite the large number of immigrants from endemic countries living in
the USA, awareness of CD is poor in the medical community, and therefore it is
significantly underdiagnosed. To avoid the catastrophic cardiac complications of
CD and to prevent maternal–fetal transmission, widespread educational programs
highlighting the need for diagnosis are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Marcus
- LASOCHA, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21218-2829, USA
| | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Melissa Nolan
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Livingston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephen A Klotz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Sheba Meymandi
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dumonteil E, Desale H, Tu W, Duhon B, Wolfson W, Balsamo G, Herrera C. Shelter cats host infections with multiple Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in southern Louisiana. Vet Res 2021; 52:53. [PMID: 33823911 PMCID: PMC8025558 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00923-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic parasite endemic in the southern US and the Americas, which may frequently infect dogs, but limited information is available about infections in cats. We surveyed a convenience sample of 284 shelter cats from Southern Louisiana to evaluate T. cruzi infection using serological and PCR tests. Parasites from PCR positive cats were also genotyped by PCR and deep sequencing to assess their genetic diversity. We detected a seropositivity rate for T. cruzi of at least 7.3% (17/234), and 24.6% of cats (70/284) were PCR positive for the parasite. Seropositivity increased with cat age (R2 = 0.91, P = 0.011), corresponding to an incidence of 7.2% ± 1.3 per year, while PCR positivity decreased with age (R2 = 0.93, P = 0.007). Cats were predominantly infected with parasites from TcI and TcVI DTUs, and to a lesser extent from TcIV and TcV DTUs, in agreement with the circulation of these parasite DTUs in local transmission cycles. These results indicate that veterinarians should have a greater awareness of T. cruzi infection in pets and that it would be important to better evaluate the risk for spillover infections in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA. .,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Hans Desale
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Brandy Duhon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Wendy Wolfson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Gary Balsamo
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section, Office of Public Health, Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Surveillance of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Triatomine vectors, feral dogs and cats, and wild animals in and around El Paso county, Texas, and New Mexico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009147. [PMID: 33600455 PMCID: PMC7924784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by triatomine vectors. The insect is endemic in the Americas, including the United States, where epidemiological studies are limited, particularly in the Southwestern region. Here, we have determined the prevalence of T. cruzi in triatomines, feral cats and dogs, and wild animals, the infecting parasite genotypes and the mammalian host bloodmeal sources of the triatomines at four different geographical sites in the U.S.-Mexico border, including El Paso County, Texas, and nearby cities in New Mexico. Using qualitative polymerase chain reaction to detect T. cruzi infections, we found 66.4% (n = 225) of triatomines, 45.3% (n = 95) of feral dogs, 39.2% (n = 24) of feral cats, and 71.4% (n = 7) of wild animals positive for T. cruzi. Over 95% of T. cruzi genotypes or discrete typing units (DTUs) identified were TcI and some TcIV. Furthermore, Triatoma rubida was the triatomine species most frequently (98.2%) collected in all samples analyzed. These findings suggest a high prevalence of T. cruzi infections among triatomines, and feral and wild animals in the studied sites. Therefore, our results underscore the urgent need for implementation of a systematic epidemiological surveillance program for T. cruzi infections in insect vectors, and feral and wild animals, and Chagas disease in the human population in the southwestern region of the United States. Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and one of the major transmission routes is the contaminated feces of blood-feeding triatomine insect vectors, popularly known as kissing bugs. In recent years, this disease has become an important public health concern to the United States and other nonendemic regions of the world. Despite many studies about the prevalence of T. cruzi in triatomines, and domestic, feral and wild animals in central and southern Texas, there have been no studies in west Texas and New Mexico. In this study, we report the presence of triatomines in residences in El Paso County, TX, and surrounding communities in New Mexico (cities of Anthony and Las Cruces), as well as T. cruzi infections in feral and wild animals. Using two molecular techniques to analyze the bloodmeal source in triatomines, we detected 12 different mammalian bloodmeal sources, including human and canine. Finally, parasite genotyping showed that most (95%) of the samples belonged to the genotype TcI, which is prevalent in North America. Our findings indicate that the El Paso County and surrounding communities (>950,000 people) are high risk areas for T. cruzi transmission to humans, feral cats and dogs, and wild animals. Thus, there is an urgent necessity for a public health epidemiological surveillance program for T. cruzi infections in kissing bugs, feral and wild animals, and in the human population in the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Collapse
|
19
|
Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008932. [PMID: 33332357 PMCID: PMC7775123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We genotyped parasites in a large cohort of PCR positive dogs to shed light on parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. Methodology/principal findings We used a metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing of T. cruzi mini-exon marker to assess parasite diversity. Phylogenetic analysis of 178 sequences from 40 dogs confirmed the presence of T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and TcIV, as well as TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Infections with multiple DTUs occurred in 38% of the dogs. These data indicate a greater genetic diversity of T. cruzi than previously detected in the US. Comparison of T. cruzi sequence diversity indicated that highly similar T. cruzi strains from these DTUs circulate in hosts and vectors in Louisiana, indicating that they are involved in a shared T. cruzi parasite transmission cycle. However, TcIV and TcV were sampled more frequently in vectors, while TcII and TcVI were sampled more frequently in dogs. Conclusions/significance These observations point to ecological host-fitting being a dominant mechanism involved in the diversification of T. cruzi-host associations. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored TcI parasites with different mini-exon sequences, which strongly supports the hypothesis that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of conserved parasite antigens should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests. Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Here we analyzed the parasite genetic diversity in a large cohort of infected dogs to better understand parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. We used DNA sequencing of a well characterized T. cruzi genetic marker to assess parasite diversity. We confirmed the presence of T. cruzi lineages TcI and TcIV, and report TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Parasite lineages TcIV TcII and TcVI appeared more frequent in dogs compared to insect vectors. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored genetically different TcI parasites, which shows that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of parasite antigens conserved across strains and lineages should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests.
Collapse
|
20
|
Brown JJ, Rodríguez-Ruano SM, Poosakkannu A, Batani G, Schmidt JO, Roachell W, Zima J, Hypša V, Nováková E. Ontogeny, species identity, and environment dominate microbiome dynamics in wild populations of kissing bugs (Triatominae). MICROBIOME 2020; 8:146. [PMID: 33040738 PMCID: PMC7549230 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00921-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kissing bugs (Triatominae) are blood-feeding insects best known as the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease. Considering the high epidemiological relevance of these vectors, their biology and bacterial symbiosis remains surprisingly understudied. While previous investigations revealed generally low individual complexity but high among-individual variability of the triatomine microbiomes, any consistent microbiome determinants have not yet been identified across multiple Triatominae species. METHODS To obtain a more comprehensive view of triatomine microbiomes, we investigated the host-microbiome relationship of five Triatoma species sampled from white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) nests in multiple locations across the USA. We applied optimised 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding with a novel 18S rRNA gene blocking primer to a set of 170 T. cruzi-negative individuals across all six instars. RESULTS Triatomine gut microbiome composition is strongly influenced by three principal factors: ontogeny, species identity, and the environment. The microbiomes are characterised by significant loss in bacterial diversity throughout ontogenetic development. First instars possess the highest bacterial diversity while adult microbiomes are routinely dominated by a single taxon. Primarily, the bacterial genus Dietzia dominates late-stage nymphs and adults of T. rubida, T. protracta, and T. lecticularia but is not present in the phylogenetically more distant T. gerstaeckeri and T. sanguisuga. Species-specific microbiome composition, particularly pronounced in early instars, is further modulated by locality-specific effects. In addition, pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bartonella, acquired from the vertebrate hosts, are an abundant component of Triatoma microbiomes. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate deterministic patterns in microbiome composition among all life stages and multiple Triatoma species. We hypothesise that triatomine microbiome assemblages are produced by species- and life stage-dependent uptake of environmental bacteria and multiple indirect transmission strategies that promote bacterial transfer between individuals. Altogether, our study highlights the complexity of Triatominae symbiosis with bacteria and warrant further investigation to understand microbiome function in these important vectors. Video abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel J. Brown
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Anbu Poosakkannu
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Giampiero Batani
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Walter Roachell
- US Army Public Health Command-Central, JBSA Fort Sam, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jan Zima
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hypša
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Nováková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dye-Braumuller KC, Lynn MK, Gorchakov R, Gunter SM, Berry RM, Murray KO, Nolan MS. Low Trypanosoma cruzi transmission risk to humans in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00180. [PMID: 33005772 PMCID: PMC7511731 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00180] [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: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, reports of domestic triatomine bites were common (67%), with 36% of residentially collected triatomines positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the transmission potential, no human infections were detected. Collected Triatoma rubida species were themselves frequently parasitized with mites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rodion Gorchakov
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah M Gunter
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca M Berry
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristy O Murray
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dumonteil E, Pronovost H, Bierman EF, Sanford A, Majeau A, Moore R, Herrera C. Interactions among Triatoma sanguisuga blood feeding sources, gut microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi diversity in southern Louisiana. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:3747-3761. [PMID: 32749727 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Integrating how biodiversity and infectious disease dynamics are linked at multiple levels and scales is highly challenging. Chagas disease is a vector-borne disease, with specificities of the triatomine vectors and Trypanosoma cruzi parasite life histories resulting in a complex multihost and multistrain life cycle. Here, we tested the hypothesis that T. cruzi transmission cycles are shaped by triatomine host communities and gut microbiota composition by comparing the integrated interactions of Triatoma sanguisuga in southern Louisiana with feeding hosts, T. cruzi parasite and bacterial microbiota in two habitats. Bugs were collected from resident's houses and animal shelters and analysed for genetic structure, blood feeding sources, T. cruzi parasites, and bacterial diversity by PCR amplification of specific DNA markers followed by next-generation sequencing, in an integrative metabarcoding approach. T. sanguisuga feeding host communities appeared opportunistic and defined by host abundance in each habitat, yielding distinct parasite transmission networks among hosts. The circulation of a large diversity of T. cruzi DTUs was also detected, with TcII and TcV detected for the first time in triatomines in the US. The bacterial microbiota was highly diverse and varied significantly according to the DTU infecting the bugs, indicating specific interactions among them in the gut. Expanding such studies to multiple habitats and additional triatomine species would be key to further refine our understanding of the complex life cycles of multihost, multistrain parasites such as T. cruzi, and may lead to improved disease control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Henry Pronovost
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Eli F Bierman
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Anna Sanford
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ryan Moore
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Majeau A, Pronovost H, Sanford A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Balsamo G, Gee L, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Herrera C. Raccoons As an Important Reservoir for Trypanosoma cruzi: A Prevalence Study from Two Metropolitan Areas in Louisiana. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:535-540. [PMID: 32286921 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Raccoons are an important reservoir for Trypanosoma cruzi infection, having been reported to maintain a high and lengthy parasitemia. Although raccoon populations have historically been abundant in Louisiana, the prevalence rate of T. cruzi infection in raccoons in this state is unknown. Here, we tested raccoon tissues from two urban areas in Louisiana, namely Orleans Parish (OP) and East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP), to investigate prevalence in these areas using direct detection through polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 33.6% of raccoons tested were positive. The prevalence in OP (42.9%) was significantly higher than the prevalence in EBRP (23.2%). There was no significant difference in prevalence between sexes or based on age, but there was a significant difference in infection prevalence based on season of trapping. These results suggest the importance of raccoons as a reservoir host, maintaining T. cruzi infection and potentially posing a risk to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Henry Pronovost
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anna Sanford
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - A Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gary Balsamo
- Department of Health, Office of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Laura Gee
- Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Susanne C Straif-Bourgeois
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infections and associated pathology in urban-dwelling Virginia opossums ( Didelphis virginiana). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:287-293. [PMID: 32215248 PMCID: PMC7090276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects a wide range of mammals. The southern United States has endemic sylvatic transmission cycles maintained by several species of wildlife and domestic dogs. We hypothesized that urban-dwelling opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in South Texas are infected with T. cruzi, and that tissue pathology would be associated with infection. In 2017, we collected blood, heart tissue and anal gland secretions from 100 wild opossums across three seasons that were trapped by animal control in South Texas. In addition, anal gland tissue and intercostal muscle were collected from 43 of the 100 opossums for which time allowed the extra tissue collection. All blood, tissue, and secretion samples were screened for T. cruzi DNA using qPCR with confirmation of positive status achieved through one or more additional PCR assays, including a qPCR to determine the parasite discrete typing unit (DTU). T. cruzi DNA was detected in at least one tissue of 15% of the opossums sampled: blood clot (9%), heart tissue (10%), anal gland secretions (12%), intercostal muscle (16.3%), and anal gland tissue (11.6%). Infection was detected in two or more different tissue types in nine of the opossums. The 35 tissues for which parasite DTU was determined were exclusively 'Tcl'- a DTU previously associated with locally-acquired human disease in the United States. T. cruzi-positive opossums were nearly 14 times more likely to exhibit significant heart lesions on histopathology (lympoplasmacytic inflammation±fibrosis) when compared to negative opossums (OR = 13.56, CI = 1.23-751.28, p-value = 0.03). Three triatomines were opportunistically collected from the study site, of which two were infected (66.7%), and bloodmeal analysis revealed canine, opossum, and human bloodmeals. Given the presence of parasite in opossum blood, unique potential for shedding of parasite in anal glad secretions, and evidence of vectors feeding on opossums, it is likely that opossums serve as wild reservoirs around urban dwellings in South Texas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Italo B. Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sánchez-Villamil JP, Bautista-Niño PK, Serrano NC, Rincon MY, Garg NJ. Potential Role of Antioxidants as Adjunctive Therapy in Chagas Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:9081813. [PMID: 32308809 PMCID: PMC7136780 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9081813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases in the American continent. Host-derived nitroxidative stress in response to Trypanosoma cruzi infection can induce tissue damage contributing to the progression of Chagas disease. Antioxidant supplementation has been suggested as adjuvant therapy to current treatment. In this article, we synthesize and discuss the current evidence regarding the use of antioxidants as adjunctive compounds to fight harmful reactive oxygen species and lower the tissue oxidative damage during progression of chronic Chagas disease. Several antioxidants evaluated in recent studies have shown potential benefits for the control of oxidative stress in the host's tissues. Melatonin, resveratrol, the combination of vitamin C/vitamin E (vitC/vitE) or curcumin/benznidazole, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants seem to be beneficial in reducing plasma and cardiac levels of lipid peroxidation products. Nevertheless, further research is needed to validate beneficial effects of antioxidant therapies in Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juana P. Sánchez-Villamil
- Translational Biomedical Research Group, Centro de Investigaciones, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Santander, Colombia
| | - Paula K. Bautista-Niño
- Translational Biomedical Research Group, Centro de Investigaciones, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
| | - Norma C. Serrano
- Translational Biomedical Research Group, Centro de Investigaciones, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
| | - Melvin Y. Rincon
- Translational Biomedical Research Group, Centro de Investigaciones, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
| | - Nisha J. Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sass G, Tsamo AT, Chounda GAM, Nangmo PK, Sayed N, Bozzi A, Wu JC, Nkengfack AE, Stevens DA. Vismione B Interferes with Trypanosoma cruzi Infection of Vero Cells and Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1359-1368. [PMID: 31571568 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional African medicine is a source of new molecules that might be useful in modern therapeutics. We tested ten limonoids, six quinones, one xanthone, one alkaloid, and one cycloartane, isolated from four Cameroonian medicinal plants, and one plant-associated endophytic fungus, against Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD). Vero cells, or human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) were infected with T. cruzi trypomastigotes (discrete typing unit types I or II). Infection took place in the presence of drugs, or 24 hours before drug treatment. Forty-eight hours after infection, infection rates and parasite multiplication were evaluated by Giemsa stain. Cell metabolism was measured to determine functional integrity. In Vero cells, several individual molecules significantly affected T. cruzi infection and multiplication with no, or minor, effects on cell viability. Reduced infection rates and multiplication by the quinone vismione B was superior to the commonly used therapeutic benznidazole (BNZ). The vismione B concentration inhibiting 50% of T. cruzi infection (IC50) was 1.3 µM. When drug was applied after infection, anti-Trypanosoma effects of vismione B [10 µM) were significantly stronger than effects of BNZ (23 µM). Furthermore, in hiPSC-CM cultures, infection and multiplication rates in the presence of vismione B (10 µM) were significantly lower than in BNZ (11.5 µM), without showing signs of cytotoxicity. Our data indicate that vismione B is more potent against T. cruzi infection and multiplication than BNZ, with stronger effects on established infection. Vismione B, therefore, might become a promising lead molecule for treatment development for CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California
| | - Armelle T Tsamo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gwladys A M Chounda
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pamela K Nangmo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nazish Sayed
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Adriana Bozzi
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Institute of Research René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Augustin E Nkengfack
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - David A Stevens
- Institute of Research René Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
PATHOLOGY AND DISCRETE TYPING UNIT ASSOCIATIONS OF TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION IN COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS) AND RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) OF TEXAS, USA. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:134-144. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-03-071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
28
|
Mesías AC, Garg NJ, Zago MP. Redox Balance Keepers and Possible Cell Functions Managed by Redox Homeostasis in Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:435. [PMID: 31921709 PMCID: PMC6932984 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species appears to be merely the tip of the iceberg in the world of redox homeostasis. Now, oxidative stress can be seen as a two-sided process; at high concentrations, it causes damage to biomolecules, and thus, trypanosomes have evolved a strong antioxidant defense system to cope with these stressors. At low concentrations, oxidants are essential for cell signaling, and in fact, the oxidants/antioxidants balance may be able to trigger different cell fates. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of the oxidant environment experienced by T. cruzi along the different phases of its life cycle, and the molecular tools exploited by this pathogen to deal with oxidative stress, for better or worse. Further, we discuss the possible redox-regulated processes that could be governed by this oxidative context. Most of the current research has addressed the importance of the trypanosomes' antioxidant network based on its detox activity of harmful species; however, new efforts are necessary to highlight other functions of this network and the mechanisms underlying the fine regulation of the defense machinery, as this represents a master key to hinder crucial pathogen functions. Understanding the relevance of this balance keeper program in parasite biology will give us new perspectives to delineate improved treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Mesías
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - M Paola Zago
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bern C, Messenger LA, Whitman JD, Maguire JH. Chagas Disease in the United States: a Public Health Approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 33:e00023-19. [PMID: 31776135 PMCID: PMC6927308 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00023-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, usually transmitted by triatomine vectors. An estimated 20 to 30% of infected individuals develop potentially lethal cardiac or gastrointestinal disease. Sylvatic transmission cycles exist in the southern United States, involving 11 triatomine vector species and infected mammals such as rodents, opossums, and dogs. Nevertheless, imported chronic T. cruzi infections in migrants from Latin America vastly outnumber locally acquired human cases. Benznidazole is now FDA approved, and clinical and public health efforts are under way by researchers and health departments in a number of states. Making progress will require efforts to improve awareness among providers and patients, data on diagnostic test performance and expanded availability of confirmatory testing, and evidence-based strategies to improve access to appropriate management of Chagas disease in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D Whitman
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James H Maguire
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lucchetti BFC, Boaretto N, Lopes FNC, Malvezi AD, Lovo-Martins MI, Tatakihara VLH, Fattori V, Pereira RS, Verri WA, de Almeida Araujo EJ, Pinge-Filho P, Martins-Pinge MC. Metabolic syndrome agravates cardiovascular, oxidative and inflammatory dysfunction during the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18885. [PMID: 31827186 PMCID: PMC6906468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) on acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Obese Swiss mice, 70 days of age, were subjected to intraperitoneal infection with 5 × 102 trypomastigotes of the Y strain. Cardiovascular, oxidative, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters were evaluated in infected and non-infected mice. We observed higher parasitaemia in the infected obese group (IOG) than in the infected control group (ICG) 13 and 15 days post-infection. All IOG animals died by 19 days post-infection (dpi), whereas 87.5% of the ICG survived to 30 days. Increased plasma nitrite levels in adipose tissue and the aorta were observed in the IOG. Higher INF-γ and MCP-1 concentrations and lower IL-10 concentrations were observed in the IOG compared to those in the ICG. Decreased insulin sensitivity was observed in obese animals, which was accentuated after infection. Higher parasitic loads were found in adipose and hepatic tissue, and increases in oxidative stress in cardiac, hepatic, and adipose tissues were characteristics of the IOG group. Thus, MS exacerbates experimental Chagas disease, resulting in greater damage and decreased survival in infected animals, and might be a warning sign that MS can influence other pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fernando Cruz Lucchetti
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Department of Physiotherapy, University Center of Araguaia Valley, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - Natalia Boaretto
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Novi Cortegoso Lopes
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Aparecida Donizette Malvezi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Lovo-Martins
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Hideko Tatakihara
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Victor Fattori
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Rito Santo Pereira
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu Aparecido Verri
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marli Cardoso Martins-Pinge
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Herrera C, Truyens C, Dumonteil E, Alger J, Sosa-Estani S, Cafferata ML, Gibbons L, Ciganda A, Matute ML, Zuniga C, Carlier Y, Buekens P. Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi from Pregnant Women and Newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico Suggests an Association of Parasite Haplotypes with Congenital Transmission of the Parasite. J Mol Diagn 2019; 21:1095-1105. [PMID: 31450011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, exhibits a high genetic variability and has been classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs) named TcI through TcVI. This genetic diversity is believed to be associated with clinical characteristics and outcomes, but evidence supporting such associations has been limited. Herein, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of T. cruzi sequences of the mini-exon intergenic region obtained from a large cohort of pregnant women and newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico, to assess parasite genetic diversity and possible associations with congenital transmission. Analysis of 105 samples (including five paired samples) from maternal and umbilical cord blood indicated that T. cruzi DTU distribution was similar among pregnant women and newborns from these three countries, with a high frequency of TcII-TcV-TcVI DTUs, including mixed infections with TcI. However, phylogenetic analysis revealed that although the same parasite haplotypes circulated in these three countries, they were present at different frequencies, leading to significant geographic differences. Of importance, a strong association was observed between parasite haplotypes and congenital infection of newborns. Thus, the identification of parasite haplotypes in pregnant women, but not of parasite DTUs, may help predict congenital transmission of T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Jackeline Alger
- Instituto de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitologia Antonio Vidal, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben,", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Administracion Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbran" (ANLIS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria L Cafferata
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Unidad de Investigacion Clinica y Epidemiologica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luz Gibbons
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alvaro Ciganda
- Unidad de Investigacion Clinica y Epidemiologica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria L Matute
- Laboratorio Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud, Secretaria de Salud de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Concepcion Zuniga
- Instituto de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitologia Antonio Vidal, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Yves Carlier
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Buekens
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Herrera C, Majeau A, Didier P, Falkenstein KP, Dumonteil E. Trypanosoma cruzi diversity in naturally infected nonhuman primates in Louisiana assessed by deep sequencing of the mini-exon gene. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2019; 113:281-286. [PMID: 30452731 PMCID: PMC6515898 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic pathogen of increasing relevance in the USA, with a growing number of autochthonous cases identified in recent years. The identification of parasite genotypes is key to understanding transmission cycles and their dynamics and consequently human infection. Natural T. cruzi infection is present in captive nonhuman primate colonies in the southern USA. METHODS We investigated T. cruzi genetic diversity through a metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing approach of the mini-exon gene to characterize the parasite genotypes circulating in nonhuman primates in southern Louisiana. RESULTS We confirmed the presence of T. cruzi in multiple tissues of 12 seropositive animals, including heart, liver, spleen and gut. The TcI discrete typing unit (DTU) predominated in these hosts, and specifically TcIa, but we also detected two cases of coinfections with TcVI and TcIV parasites, unambiguously confirming the circulation of TcVI in the USA. Multiple mini-exon haplotypes were identified in each host, ranging from 6 to 11. CONCLUSIONS The observation of multiple T. cruzi sequence haplotypes in each nonhuman primate indicates possible multiclonal infections. These data suggest the participation of these nonhuman primates in local parasite transmission cycles and highlight the value of these naturally infected animals for the study of human Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Peter Didier
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, 18703 3 Rivers Rd, Covington, LA
| | - Kathrine P Falkenstein
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Tulane National Primate Research Center, 18703 3 Rivers Rd, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Villanueva-Lizama L, Teh-Poot C, Majeau A, Herrera C, Dumonteil E. Molecular Genotyping of Trypanosoma cruzi by Next-Generation Sequencing of the Mini-Exon Gene Reveals Infections With Multiple Parasite Discrete Typing Units in Chagasic Patients From Yucatan, Mexico. J Infect Dis 2019; 219:1980-1988. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Villanueva-Lizama
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi,” Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Christian Teh-Poot
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi,” Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
- Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hodo CL, Rodriguez JY, Curtis‐Robles R, Zecca IB, Snowden KF, Cummings KJ, Hamer SA. Repeated cross-sectional study of Trypanosoma cruzi in shelter dogs in Texas, in the context of Dirofilaria immitis and tick-borne pathogen prevalence. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:158-166. [PMID: 30499189 PMCID: PMC6335532 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases have an adverse impact on health of dogs, and infected dogs can be sentinels for human infection. Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, an agent of Chagas disease, causes fatal heart disease in dogs across the southern United States but has been neglected from wide-scale prevalence studies. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of exposure to T. cruzi, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and infection with Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in shelters across Texas and to identify risk factors for T. cruzi seropositivity. ANIMALS Six hundred and eight dogs. METHODS This repeated cross-sectional study was performed by collecting blood from ~30 dogs during each of the 3 visits to 7 shelters. We tested serum for antibodies to T. cruzi using 2 tests in series and for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and B. burgdorferi and D. immitis antigen using the IDEXX SNAP 4DX Plus point-of-care test. DNA was extracted from blood clots and tested for T. cruzi DNA and strain type via quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). We used logistic regression to assess risk factors. RESULTS One hundred ten (18.1%) of 608 dogs were seropositive for T. cruzi. Prevalence of exposure to the other vector-borne agents was: Ehrlichia spp. 3.6%; Anaplasma spp. 6.9%; B. burgdorferi 0.2%; and D. immitis infection 16.0%. Six of 559 (1.1%) dogs were qPCR-positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE T. cruzi seroprevalence was comparable to D. immitis prevalence and higher than seroprevalence of the tick-borne pathogens. T. cruzi is an underrecognized health threat to dogs across Texas and possibly other southern states where triatomine vectors are endemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Jessica Y. Rodriguez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
- Zoetis, US Companion Animal Specialty OperationsParsippanyNew Jersey
| | - Rachel Curtis‐Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Karen F. Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNew York
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Majeau A, Herrera C, Dumonteil E. An Improved Approach to Trypanosoma cruzi Molecular Genotyping by Next-Generation Sequencing of the Mini-exon Gene. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1955:47-60. [PMID: 30868518 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9148-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is a protozoan parasite usually transmitted by triatomines. As the parasite can infect all mammals and the vectors can be found across a broad range of ecologies, transmission cycles are quite complex, and extensive genetic diversity exists within the parasite population. Seven main evolutionary lineages, named "discrete typing units," have been described, but a large amount of intra-lineage heterogeneity is also observed. To date, typing methods used to elucidate both inter-lineage and intra-lineage diversity have faced limitations, with some approaches unable to determine all levels of diversity and others requiring investigation of numerous markers and often the selective process of isolation of live parasites. Here, we present a method for parasite genotyping using next-generation sequencing of the mini-exon gene marker, to assign lineage and describe intra-lineage diversity directly from biological samples. This approach is sensitive enough to detect the presence of multiclonal infections and low-frequency parasite genotypes within this context, providing an unprecedented description of T. cruzi assemblages in hosts and vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pronovost H, Peterson AC, Chavez BG, Blum MJ, Dumonteil E, Herrera CP. Deep sequencing reveals multiclonality and new discrete typing units of Trypanosoma cruzi in rodents from the southern United States. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2018; 53:622-633. [PMID: 30709717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, is widely distributed throughout the Americas. We explored the nature of T. cruzi infection in small rodents from New Orleans (LA, USA), an enzootic region of the parasite in North America. METHODS We characterized the full complement of discrete typing units (DTUs) in rodent hosts through next-generation metabarcoding, as conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing approaches only detect the dominant genotype in biological samples. We assayed DTU diversity in tissue samples from 6 T. cruzi PCR positive rodents. The intergenic region of the mini-exon gene was amplified and sequenced on a MiSeq platform. A total of 141 sequences were aligned using Muscle, and TCS networks were constructed to identify DTUs in the samples. RESULTS We detected distinct and varying assemblages of DTUs in the rodent hosts. Highly diverse DTU assemblages were detected, with 6-32 haplotypes recovered per individual, spanning multiple DTUs (TcI,TcII, TcIV, TcV and TcVI). Haplotypes varied in frequencies from 82% to less than 0.1%. DTU composition varied according to the tissue analyzed. Rural and urban rodents carried similarly diverse DTU assemblages, though urban rodent species tended to harbor more haplotypes than their sylvatic counterparts. CONCLUSION Our results affirm that mammalian hosts can concurrently harbor a diverse complement of parasites, and indicate that there is greater diversity of T. cruzi DTUs present in North America than previously thought. Further investigation is warranted to understand the role of commensal rodents as a reservoir for T. cruzi in sylvatic and peridomestic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Pronovost
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Anna C Peterson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Bruno Ghersi Chavez
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Michael J Blum
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia P Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Auckland LD, Zecca IB, Skiles R, Hamer SA. Parasitic interactions among Trypanosoma cruzi, triatomine vectors, domestic animals, and wildlife in Big Bend National Park along the Texas-Mexico border. Acta Trop 2018; 188:225-233. [PMID: 30205082 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
National parks attract millions of visitors each year. Park visitors, employees, and pets are at risk of infection with various zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. Big Bend National Park is located along the Texas-Mexico border in a region with endemic triatomine insects- vectors of T. cruzi- yet the degree to which the parasite is transmitted in this region is unknown. We collected triatomines for T. cruzi detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination, and conducted blood meal analyses to determine recent hosts. As an index of domestic/peridomestic transmission, we tested residential dogs in the Park for exposure to T. cruzi. From 2015 to 2017, 461 triatomines of three species-Triatoma rubida, Triatoma gerstaeckeri, and Triatoma protracta-were collected in and around the Park. Adult triatomine encounters peaked in June of each year (52.8% of collections). We detected an overall infection prevalence of 23.1% in adult triatomines (n = 320) and 4.2% in nymph triatomines (n = 24). DTU TcI was the only T. cruzi strain detected. Of 89 triatomines subjected to blood meal analyses, vertebrate host DNA was successfully amplified from 42 (47.2%); blood meal sources included humans, domestic animals, and avian and mammalian wildlife species. Tested dogs were considered positive if reactive on at least two independent serologic assays; we found 28.6% seroprevalence in 14 dogs. These findings reveal interactions between infected triatomines, humans, dogs, and wildlife in and around Big Bend National Park, with potential risk of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Raymond Skiles
- Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gunter SM, Versteeg L, Jones KM, Keegan BP, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Brown EL. Covalent vaccination with Trypanosoma cruzi Tc24 induces catalytic antibody production. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12585. [PMID: 30132929 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi 24 (Tc24) is a recently described B-cell superantigen (BC-SAg) expressed by all developmental stages of T. cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. BC-SAgs are immunoevasins that interfere with the catalytic response available to a subset of natural antibodies comprising the preimmune (innate) repertoire. Electrophilic modifications of BC-SAgs facilitate the formation of highly energetic covalent reactions favouring B-cell differentiation instead of B-cell downregulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to convert the inhibitory signals delivered to B-cells with specificity for Tc24 into activating signals after conjugating electrophilic phosphonate groups to recombinant Tc24 (eTc24). Covalent immunization with eTc24 increased the binding affinity between eTc24 and naturally nucleophilic immunoglobulins with specificity for this BC-SAg. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that eTc24 but not Tc24 or other electrophilically modified control proteins bound Tc24-specific IgM+ B-cells covalently. In addition, immunization of mice with eTc24 adjuvanted with ISA720 induced the production of catalytic responses specific for Tc24 compared to the abrogation of this response in mice immunized with Tc24/ISA720. eTc24-immunized mice also produced IgMs that bound recombinant Tc24 compared to the binding observed for IgMs purified from non eTc24-immunized controls. These data suggest that eTc24 immunization overrides the immunosuppressive properties of this BC-SAg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Gunter
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Leroy Versteeg
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Brian P Keegan
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Eric L Brown
- Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Schijman AG. Molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi. Acta Trop 2018; 184:59-66. [PMID: 29476727 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the kinetoplastid protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people, most of them neglected populations. The different phases of the disease, the transmission mode and the high genetic variability of the parasite determine that molecular detection methods display different degree of success. Molecular diagnostic tests may be employed during epidemiological surveys of transmission, for early diagnosis of congenital transmission and acute infections due to oral transmission, transfusion or transplantation routes, reactivation due to immunosuppression and monitoring of treatment response in chronically infected patients receiving trypanocidal chemotherapy. This manuscript summarizes the most widely used molecular tools to detect T. cruzi infection in different epidemiological and clinical scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro G Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Hector Torres" (INGEBI-CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rodríguez-Ruano SM, Škochová V, Rego ROM, Schmidt JO, Roachell W, Hypša V, Nováková E. Microbiomes of North American Triatominae: The Grounds for Chagas Disease Epidemiology. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1167. [PMID: 29951039 PMCID: PMC6008411 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect microbiomes influence many fundamental host traits, including functions of practical significance such as their capacity as vectors to transmit parasites and pathogens. The knowledge on the diversity and development of the gut microbiomes in various blood feeding insects is thus crucial not only for theoretical purposes, but also for the development of better disease control strategies. In Triatominae (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), the blood feeding vectors of Chagas disease in South America and parts of North America, the investigation of the microbiomes is in its infancy. The few studies done on microbiomes of South American Triatominae species indicate a relatively low taxonomic diversity and a high host specificity. We designed a comparative survey to serve several purposes: (I) to obtain a better insight into the overall microbiome diversity in different species, (II) to check the long term stability of the interspecific differences, (III) to describe the ontogenetic changes of the microbiome, and (IV) to determine the potential correlation between microbiome composition and presence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Using 16S amplicons of two abundant species from the southern US, and four laboratory reared colonies, we showed that the microbiome composition is determined by host species, rather than locality or environment. The OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) determination confirms a low microbiome diversity, with 12-17 main OTUs detected in wild populations of T. sanguisuga and T. protracta. Among the dominant bacterial taxa are Acinetobacter and Proteiniphilum but also the symbiotic bacterium Arsenophonus triatominarum, previously believed to only live intracellularly. The possibility of ontogenetic microbiome changes was evaluated in all six developmental stages and feces of the laboratory reared model Rhodnius prolixus. We detected considerable changes along the host's ontogeny, including clear trends in the abundance variation of the three dominant bacteria, namely Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, and Arsenophonus. Finally, we screened the samples for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Comparing the parasite presence with the microbiome composition, we assessed the possible significance of the latter in the epidemiology of the disease. Particularly, we found a trend toward more diverse microbiomes in Trypanosoma cruzi positive T. protracta specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika Škochová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Ryan O. M. Rego
- Biology Centre of ASCR, Institute of Parasitology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Justin O. Schmidt
- Department of Entomology, Southwestern Biological Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Walter Roachell
- US Army Public Health Command-Central, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Václav Hypša
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Biology Centre of ASCR, Institute of Parasitology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Eva Nováková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
- Biology Centre of ASCR, Institute of Parasitology, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hodo CL, Wilkerson GK, Birkner EC, Gray SB, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Captive Nonhuman Primates, Wildlife, and Vectors. ECOHEALTH 2018; 15:426-436. [PMID: 29497880 PMCID: PMC6132415 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural infection of captive nonhuman primates (NHPs) with Trypanosoma cruzi (agent of Chagas disease) is an increasingly recognized problem in facilities across the southern USA, with negative consequences for NHP health and biomedical research. We explored a central Texas NHP facility as a nidus of transmission by characterizing parasite discrete typing units (DTU) in seropositive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), identifying the wildlife reservoirs, and characterizing vector infection. In seropositive NHPs, we documented low and intermittent concentrations of circulating T. cruzi DNA, with two DTUs in equal proportions, TcI and TcIV. In contrast, consistently high concentrations of T. cruzi DNA were found in wild mesomammals at the facility, yet rodents were PCR-negative. Strong wildlife host associations were found in which raccoons (Procyon lotor) harbored TcIV and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) harbored TcI, while skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were infected with both DTUs. Active and passive vector surveillance yielded three species of triatomines from the facility and in proximity to the NHP enclosures, with 17% T. cruzi infection prevalence. Interventions to protect NHP and human health must focus on interrupting spillover from the robust sylvatic transmission in the surrounding environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L Hodo
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Elise C Birkner
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Stanton B Gray
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Detailed ecological associations of triatomines revealed by metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing: implications for triatomine behavior and Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29515202 PMCID: PMC5841364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the agent of Chagas disease, transmitted by hematophagous triatomine vectors. Establishing transmission cycles is key to understand the epidemiology of the disease, but integrative assessments of ecological interactions shaping parasite transmission are still limited. Current approaches also lack sensitivity to assess the full extent of this ecological diversity. Here we developed a metabarcoding approach based on next-generation sequencing to identify triatomine gut microbiome, vertebrate feeding hosts, and parasite diversity and their potential interactions. We detected a dynamic microbiome in Triatoma dimidiata, including 23 bacterial orders, which differed according to blood sources. Fourteen vertebrate species served as blood sources, corresponding to domestic, synantropic and sylvatic species, although four (human, dog, cow and mice) accounted for over 50% of blood sources. Importantly, bugs fed on multiple hosts, with up to 11 hosts identified per bug, indicating very frequent host-switching. A high clonal diversity of T. cruzi was detected, with up to 20 haplotypes per bug. This analysis provided much greater sensitivity to detect multiple blood meals and multiclonal infections with T. cruzi, which should be taken into account to develop transmission networks, and characterize the risk for human infection, eventually leading to a better control of disease transmission.
Collapse
|
43
|
Vandermark C, Zieman E, Boyles E, Nielsen CK, Davis C, Jiménez FA. Trypanosoma cruzi strain TcIV infects raccoons from Illinois. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:30-37. [PMID: 29211106 PMCID: PMC5719540 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The northern limits of Trypanosoma cruzi across the territory of the United States remain unknown. The known vectors Triatoma sanguisuga and T. lecticularia find their northernmost limits in Illinois; yet, earlier screenings of those insects did not reveal the presence of the pathogen, which has not been reported in vectors or reservoir hosts in this state. OBJECTIVES Five species of medium-sized mammals were screened for the presence of T. cruzi. METHODS Genomic DNA was isolated from heart, spleen and skeletal muscle of bobcats (Lynx rufus, n = 60), raccoons (Procyon lotor, n = 37), nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus, n = 5), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana, n = 3), and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Infections were detected targeting DNA from the kinetoplast DNA minicircle (kDNA) and satellite DNA (satDNA). The discrete typing unit (DTU) was determined by amplifying two gene regions: the Spliced Leader Intergenic Region (SL), via a multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and the 24Sα ribosomal DNA via a heminested reaction. Resulting sequences were used to calculate their genetic distance against reference DTUs. FINDINGS 18.9% of raccoons were positive for strain TcIV; the rest of mammals tested negative. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results confirm for the first time the presence of T. cruzi in wildlife from Illinois, suggesting that a sylvatic life cycle is likely to occur in the region. The analyses of sequences of SL suggest that amplicons resulting from a commonly used multiplex reaction may yield non-homologous fragments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cailey Vandermark
- Southern Illinois University, Department of Zoology, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Elliott Zieman
- Southern Illinois University, Department of Zoology, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Esmarie Boyles
- Southern Illinois University, Department of Zoology, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Southern Illinois University, Department of Zoology, Carbondale, IL, USA.,Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Department of Forestry, Carbondale, IL, USA.,Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Cheryl Davis
- Western Kentucky University, Department of Biology, Bowling Green, KY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Flores-Ferrer A, Marcou O, Waleckx E, Dumonteil E, Gourbière S. Evolutionary ecology of Chagas disease; what do we know and what do we need? Evol Appl 2017; 11:470-487. [PMID: 29636800 PMCID: PMC5891055 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aetiological agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, is a key human pathogen afflicting most populations of Latin America. This vectorborne parasite is transmitted by haematophageous triatomines, whose control by large‐scale insecticide spraying has been the main strategy to limit the impact of the disease for over 25 years. While those international initiatives have been successful in highly endemic areas, this systematic approach is now challenged by the emergence of insecticide resistance and by its low efficacy in controlling species that are only partially adapted to human habitat. In this contribution, we review evidences that Chagas disease control shall now be entering a second stage that will rely on a better understanding of triatomines adaptive potential, which requires promoting microevolutionary studies and –omic approaches. Concomitantly, we show that our knowledge of the determinants of the evolution of T. cruzi high diversity and low virulence remains too limiting to design evolution‐proof strategies, while such attributes may be part of the future of Chagas disease control after the 2020 WHO's target of regional elimination of intradomiciliary transmission has been reached. We should then aim at developing a theory of T. cruzi virulence evolution that we anticipate to provide an interesting enrichment of the general theory according to the specificities of transmission of this very generalist stercorarian trypanosome. We stress that many ecological data required to better understand selective pressures acting on vector and parasite populations are already available as they have been meticulously accumulated in the last century of field research. Although more specific information will surely be needed, an effective research strategy would be to integrate data into the conceptual and theoretical framework of evolutionary ecology and life‐history evolution that provide the quantitative backgrounds necessary to understand and possibly anticipate adaptive responses to public health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alheli Flores-Ferrer
- UMR 228, ESPACE-DEV-IMAGES, 'Institut de Modélisation et d'Analyses en Géo-Environnement et Santé'Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France.,UMR 5096 'Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes' Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France
| | - Olivier Marcou
- UMR 228, ESPACE-DEV-IMAGES, 'Institut de Modélisation et d'Analyses en Géo-Environnement et Santé'Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France
| | - Etienne Waleckx
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi" Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida Mexico
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Tulane University New Orleans LA USA
| | - Sébastien Gourbière
- UMR 228, ESPACE-DEV-IMAGES, 'Institut de Modélisation et d'Analyses en Géo-Environnement et Santé'Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France.,UMR 5096 'Laboratoire Génome et Développement des Plantes' Université de Perpignan Via Domitia Perpignan France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Curtis-Robles R, Auckland LD, Snowden KF, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Analysis of over 1500 triatomine vectors from across the US, predominantly Texas, for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and discrete typing units. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 58:171-180. [PMID: 29269323 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Across the Americas, triatomine insects harbor diverse strains of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), agent of Chagas disease. Geographic patterns of vector infection and parasite strain associations, especially in vectors encountered by the public, may be useful in assessing entomological risk, but are largely unknown across the US. We collected Triatoma spp. from across the US (mainly Texas), in part using a citizen science initiative, and amplified T. cruzi DNA to determine infection prevalence and parasite discrete typing units (DTUs). We found 54.4% infection prevalence in 1510 triatomines of 6 species; prevalence in adult T. gerstaeckeri (63.3%; n=897) and T. lecticularia (66.7%; n=66) was greater than in T. sanguisuga (47.6%; n=315), T. indictiva (47.8% n=67), T. rubida (14.1%; n=64), and T. protracta (10.5%; n=19). The odds of infection in adults were 9.73 times higher than in nymphs (95% CI 4.46-25.83). PCR of the spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR) and/or the putative lathosterol/episterol oxidase TcSC5D gene revealed exclusively T. cruzi DTUs TcI and TcIV; 5.5% of T. cruzi-positive samples were not successfully typed. T. gerstaeckeri (n=548) were more frequently infected with TcI (53.9%) than TcIV (34.4%), and 11.9% showed mixed TcI/TcIV infections. In contrast, T. sanguisuga (n=135) were more frequently infected with TcIV (79.3%) than TcI (15.6%), and 5.2% showed mixed infections. Relative abundance of parasite DTUs varied spatially, with both TcI and TcIV co-circulating in vectors in central Texas, while TcIV predominated in northern Texas. Given prior findings implicating TcI in human disease and TcI and TcIV in animal disease in the US, knowledge of spatial distribution of T. cruzi infection and DTUs in vectors is important to understanding public and veterinary health risk of T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Karen F Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, 4467 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, 4458 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Buekens P, Cafferata ML, Alger J, Althabe F, Belizán JM, Bustamante N, Carlier Y, Ciganda A, Del Cid JH, Dumonteil E, Gamboa-León R, García JA, Gibbons L, Graiff O, Maldonado JG, Herrera C, Howard E, Lara LS, López B, Matute ML, Ramírez-Sierra MJ, Robles MC, Sosa-Estani S, Truyens C, Valladares C, Wesson DM, Zúniga C, For The Congenital Chagas Working Group. Congenital Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico: An Observational Prospective Study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 98:478-485. [PMID: 29210352 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with South America, there is a lack of epidemiologic studies about the risk of congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Central America and Mexico. It has been suggested that T. cruzi genotypes might differ by region and that congenital transmission might vary according to the parasite's genotype. Our objective was to compare T. cruzi congenital transmission rates in three countries. We performed an observational prospective study in 2011-2014 enrolling women at delivery in one hospital in Argentina, two hospitals in Honduras, and two hospitals in Mexico. Congenital T. cruzi infection was defined as the presence of one or more of the following criteria: presence of parasites in cord blood (direct parasitological microscopic examination) with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cord blood, presence of parasites in infant's blood at 4-8 weeks (direct parasitological microscopic examination), and persistence of T. cruzi-specific antibodies at 10 months, as measured by at least two tests. Among 28,145 enrolled women, 347 had at least one antibody rapid test positive in cord blood and a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in maternal blood. PCR in maternal blood was positive in 73.2% of the cases, and genotyping identified a majority of non-TcI in the three countries. We found no (0.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0, 2.0) confirmed congenital case in Honduras. Congenital transmission was 6.6% (95% CI: 3.1, 12.2) in Argentina and 6.3% (95% CI: 0.8, 20.8) in Mexico. Trypanosoma cruzi non-TcI predominated and risks of congenital transmission were similar in Argentina and Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Buekens
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - María Luisa Cafferata
- Unidad de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica Montevideo (UNICEM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jackeline Alger
- Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Fernando Althabe
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José M Belizán
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Yves Carlier
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Alvaro Ciganda
- Unidad de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica Montevideo (UNICEM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Jorge A García
- Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Luz Gibbons
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Olga Graiff
- Instituto de Maternidad y Ginecología Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Jesús Gurubel Maldonado
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi," Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Elizabeth Howard
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Laura Susana Lara
- Instituto de Maternidad y Ginecología Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - María Luisa Matute
- Laboratorio Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud, Secretaría de Salud de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - María Jesús Ramírez-Sierra
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi," Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | - María Cecilia Robles
- Instituto de Maternidad y Ginecología Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben," CONICET, ANLIS, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carine Truyens
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christian Valladares
- Laboratorio Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud, Secretaría de Salud de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Dawn M Wesson
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Concepción Zúniga
- Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dumonteil E, Herrera C. Ten years of Chagas disease research: Looking back to achievements, looking ahead to challenges. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005422. [PMID: 28426735 PMCID: PMC5398480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|