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Sugawara-Mikami M, Tanigawa K, Kawashima A, Kiriya M, Nakamura Y, Fujiwara Y, Suzuki K. Pathogenicity and virulence of Mycobacterium leprae. Virulence 2022; 13:1985-2011. [PMID: 36326715 PMCID: PMC9635560 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2141987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) and M. lepromatosis, an obligate intracellular organism, and over 200,000 new cases occur every year. M. leprae parasitizes histiocytes (skin macrophages) and Schwann cells in the peripheral nerves. Although leprosy can be treated by multidrug therapy, some patients relapse or have a prolonged clinical course and/or experience leprosy reaction. These varying outcomes depend on host factors such as immune responses against bacterial components that determine a range of symptoms. To understand these host responses, knowledge of the mechanisms by which M. leprae parasitizes host cells is important. This article describes the characteristics of leprosy through bacteriology, genetics, epidemiology, immunology, animal models, routes of infection, and clinical findings. It also discusses recent diagnostic methods, treatment, and measures according to the World Health Organization (WHO), including prevention. Recently, the antibacterial activities of anti-hyperlipidaemia agents against other pathogens, such as M. tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus have been investigated. Our laboratory has been focused on the metabolism of lipids which constitute the cell wall of M. leprae. Our findings may be useful for the development of future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Sugawara-Mikami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,West Yokohama Sugawara Dermatology Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazunari Tanigawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kawashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kiriya
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Fujiwara
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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Luo Y, Kiriya M, Tanigawa K, Kawashima A, Nakamura Y, Ishii N, Suzuki K. Host-Related Laboratory Parameters for Leprosy Reactions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:694376. [PMID: 34746168 PMCID: PMC8568883 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.694376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy reactions are acute inflammatory episodes that complicate the course of a Mycobacterium leprae infection and are the major cause of leprosy-associated pathology. Two types of leprosy reactions with relatively distinct pathogenesis and clinical features can occur: type 1 reaction, also known as reversal reaction, and type 2 reaction, also known as erythema nodosum leprosum. These acute nerve-destructive immune exacerbations often cause irreversible disabilities and deformities, especially when diagnosis is delayed. However, there is no diagnostic test to detect or predict leprosy reactions before the onset of clinical symptoms. Identification of biomarkers for leprosy reactions, which impede the development of symptoms or correlate with early-onset, will allow precise diagnosis and timely interventions to greatly improve the patients' quality of life. Here, we review the progress of research aimed at identifying biomarkers for leprosy reactions, including its correlation with not only immunity but also genetics, transcripts, and metabolites, providing an understanding of the immune dysfunction and inflammation that underly the pathogenesis of leprosy reactions. Nevertheless, no biomarkers that can reliably predict the subsequent occurrence of leprosy reactions from non-reactional patients and distinguish type I reaction from type II have yet been found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kiriya
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunari Tanigawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kawashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihisa Ishii
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.,National Sanatorium Tamazenshoen, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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Tanigawa K, Hayashi Y, Hama K, Yamashita A, Yokoyama K, Luo Y, Kawashima A, Maeda Y, Nakamura Y, Harada A, Kiriya M, Karasawa K, Suzuki K. Mycobacterium leprae promotes triacylglycerol de novo synthesis through induction of GPAT3 expression in human premonocytic THP-1 cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249184. [PMID: 33770127 PMCID: PMC7997041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) is the etiological agent of leprosy, and the skin lesions of lepromatous leprosy are filled with numerous foamy or xanthomatous histiocytes that are parasitized by M. leprae. Lipids are an important nutrient for the intracellular survival of M. leprae. In this study, we attempted to determine the intracellular lipid composition and underlying mechanisms for changes in host cell lipid metabolism induced by M. leprae infection. Using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), we demonstrated specific induction of triacylglycerol (TAG) production in human macrophage THP-1 cells following M. leprae infection. We then used [14C] stearic acid tracing to show incorporation of this newly synthesized host cell TAG into M. leprae. In parallel with TAG accumulation, expression of host glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3 (GPAT3), a key enzyme in de novo TAG synthesis, was significantly increased in M. leprae-infected cells. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of GPAT3 in THP-1 cells (GPAT3 KO) dramatically reduced accumulation of TAG following M. leprae infection, intracellular mycobacterial load, and bacteria viability. These results together suggest that M. leprae induces host GPAT3 expression to facilitate TAG accumulation within macrophages to maintain a suitable environment that is crucial for intracellular survival of these bacilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunari Tanigawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hayashi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Hama
- Department of Physical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamashita
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Yokoyama
- Department of Physical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuqian Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kawashima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Maeda
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Harada
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Kiriya
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Karasawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo, Japan
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Chavarro-Portillo B, Soto CY, Guerrero MI. Mycobacterium leprae's evolution and environmental adaptation. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105041. [PMID: 31152726 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Leprosy is an ancient disease caused by the acid-fast bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, also known as Hansen's bacillus. M. leprae is an obligate intracellular microorganism with a marked Schwann cell tropism and is the only human pathogen capable of invading the superficial peripheral nerves. The transmission mechanism of M. leprae is not fully understood; however, the nasal mucosa is accepted as main route of M. leprae entry to the human host. The complete sequencing and the comparative genome analysis show that M. leprae underwent a genome reductive evolution process, as result of lifestyle change and adaptation to different environments; some of lost genes are homologous to those of host cells. Thus, M. leprae reduced its genome size to 3.3 Mbp, contributing to obtain the lowest GC content (approximately 58%) among mycobacteria. The M. leprae genome contains 1614 open reading frames coding for functional proteins, and 1310 pseudogenes corresponding to 41% of the genome, approximately. Comparative analyses to different microorganisms showed that M. leprae possesses the highest content of pseudogenes among pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and archaea. The pathogen adaptation into host cells, as the Schwann cells, brought about the reduction of the genome and induced multiple gene inactivation. The present review highlights the characteristics of genome's reductive evolution that M. leprae experiences in the genetic aspects compared with other pathogens. The possible mechanisms of pseudogenes formation are discussed.
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Santos CL, Nebenzahl-Guimaraes H, Mendes MV, van Soolingen D, Correia-Neves M. To Be or Not to Be a Pseudogene: A Molecular Epidemiological Approach to the mclx Genes and Its Impact in Tuberculosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128983. [PMID: 26035295 PMCID: PMC4452763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis presents a myriad of symptoms, progression routes and propagation patterns not yet fully understood. Whereas for a long time research has focused solely on the patient immunity and overall susceptibility, it is nowadays widely accepted that the genetic diversity of its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, plays a key role in this dynamic. This study focuses on a particular family of genes, the mclxs (Mycobacteriumcyclase/LuxR-like genes), which codify for a particular and nearly mycobacterial-exclusive combination of protein domains. mclxs genes were found to be pseudogenized by frameshift-causing insertion(s)/deletion(s) in a considerable number of M. tuberculosis complex strains and clinical isolates. To discern the functional implications of the pseudogenization, we have analysed the pattern of frameshift-causing mutations in a group of M. tuberculosis isolates while taking into account their microbial-, patient- and disease-related traits. Our logistic regression-based analyses have revealed disparate effects associated with the transcriptional inactivation of two mclx genes. In fact, mclx2 (Rv1358) pseudogenization appears to be primarily driven by the microbial phylogenetic background, being mainly related to the Euro-American (EAm) lineage; on the other hand, mclx3 (Rv2488c) presents a higher tendency for pseudogenization among isolates from patients born on the Western Pacific area, and from isolates causing extra-pulmonary infections. These results contribute to the overall knowledge on the biology of M. tuberculosis infection, whereas at the same time launch the necessary basis for the functional assessment of these so far overlooked genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Lopes Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Hanna Nebenzahl-Guimaraes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Marta Vaz Mendes
- IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dick van Soolingen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Margarida Correia-Neves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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PCR-based techniques for leprosy diagnosis: from the laboratory to the clinic. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2655. [PMID: 24722358 PMCID: PMC3983108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In leprosy, classic diagnostic tools based on bacillary counts and histopathology have been facing hurdles, especially in distinguishing latent infection from active disease and diagnosing paucibacillary clinical forms. Serological tests and IFN-gamma releasing assays (IGRA) that employ humoral and cellular immune parameters, respectively, are also being used, but recent results indicate that quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a key technique due to its higher sensitivity and specificity. In fact, advances concerning the structure and function of the Mycobacterium leprae genome led to the development of specific PCR-based gene amplification assays for leprosy diagnosis and monitoring of household contacts. Also, based on the validation of point-of-care technologies for M. tuberculosis DNA detection, it is clear that the same advantages of rapid DNA detection could be observed in respect to leprosy. So far, PCR has proven useful in the determination of transmission routes, M. leprae viability, and drug resistance in leprosy. However, PCR has been ascertained to be especially valuable in diagnosing difficult cases like pure neural leprosy (PNL), paucibacillary (PB), and patients with atypical clinical presentation and histopathological features compatible with leprosy. Also, the detection of M. leprae DNA in different samples of the household contacts of leprosy patients is very promising. Although a positive PCR result is not sufficient to establish a causal relationship with disease outcome, quantitation provided by qPCR is clearly capable of indicating increased risk of developing the disease and could alert clinicians to follow these contacts more closely or even define rules for chemoprophylaxis.
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Bai W, Liu H, Ji Q, Zhou Y, Liang L, Zheng R, Chen J, Liu Z, Yang H, Zhang P, Kaufmann SHE, Ge B. TLR3 regulates mycobacterial RNA-induced IL-10 production through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2014; 26:942-50. [PMID: 24462705 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cytokine induction in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is critical for pathogen control, by (i) mediating innate immune effector functions and (ii) instructing specific adaptive immunity. IL-10 is an important anti-inflammatory cytokine involved in pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Here, we show that TLR3, a sensor of extracellular viral or host RNA with stable stem structures derived from infected or damaged cells, is essential for Mtb-induced IL-10 production. Upon Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection, TLR3(-/-) macrophages expressed lower IL-10 but higher IL-12p40 production, accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of AKT at Ser473. BCG-infected TLR3(-/-) mice exhibited reduced IL-10 but elevated IL-12 expression compared to controls. Moreover, higher numbers of splenic Th1 cells and reduced pulmonary bacterial burden and tissue damage were observed in BCG-infected TLR3(-/-) mice. Finally, BCG RNA induced IL-10 in macrophages via TLR3-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT. Our findings demonstrate a critical role of TLR3-mediated regulation in the pathogenesis of mycobacterial infection involving mycobacterial RNA, which induces IL-10 through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Bai
- Shanghai TB Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Shanghai TB Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qun Ji
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Liang
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijuan Zheng
- Shanghai TB Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxia Chen
- Shanghai TB Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Shanghai TB Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Stefan H E Kaufmann
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Baoxue Ge
- Shanghai TB Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Suzuki K, Tanigawa K, Kawashima A, Miyamura T, Ishii N. Chimpanzees used for medical research shed light on the pathoetiology of leprosy. Future Microbiol 2011; 6:1151-7. [PMID: 22004034 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.11.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disorder caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which mainly affects skin and peripheral nerves. It is classified as either paucibacillary or multibacillary based upon clinical manifestations and slit-skin smear results. It is speculated that leprosy develops after a long latency period following M. leprae infection. However, the actual time of infection and the duration of latency have never been proven in human patients. To date, four cases of spontaneous leprosy have been reported in chimpanzees who were caught in West Africa in infancy and used for medical research in the USA and Japan. One of these chimpanzees was extensively studied in Japan, and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis for the M. leprae genome was conducted. This analysis revealed that the chimpanzee was infected with M. leprae during infancy in West Africa and the pathognomonic signs of leprosy appeared after at least 30 years of incubation. Analysis of leprosy in chimpanzees can contribute not only to medical research but also to the understanding of the pathoetiology of leprosy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-2-1 Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo 189-0002, Japan.
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Suzuki K, Akama T, Kawashima A, Yoshihara A, Yotsu RR, Ishii N. Current status of leprosy: epidemiology, basic science and clinical perspectives. J Dermatol 2011; 39:121-9. [PMID: 21973237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2011.01370.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leprosy has affected humans for millennia and remains an important health problem worldwide, as evidenced by nearly 250 000 new cases detected every year. It is a chronic infectious disorder, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Recent advances in basic science have improved our knowledge of the disease. Variation in the cellular immune response is the basis of a range of clinical manifestations. The introduction of multidrug therapy has significantly contributed to a decrease in the prevalence of the disease. However, leprosy control activities, including monitoring and prevention programs, must be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Suzuki
- Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Department of Dermatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Singh P, Cole ST. Mycobacterium leprae: genes, pseudogenes and genetic diversity. Future Microbiol 2011; 6:57-71. [PMID: 21162636 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.10.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy, which has afflicted human populations for millenia, results from infection with Mycobacterium leprae, an unculturable pathogen with an exceptionally long generation time. Considerable insight into the biology and drug resistance of the leprosy bacillus has been obtained from genomics. M. leprae has undergone reductive evolution and pseudogenes now occupy half of its genome. Comparative genomics of four different strains revealed remarkable conservation of the genome (99.995% identity) yet uncovered 215 polymorphic sites, mainly single nucleotide polymorphisms, and a handful of new pseudogenes. Mapping these polymorphisms in a large panel of strains defined 16 single nucleotide polymorphism-subtypes that showed strong geographical associations and helped retrace the evolution of M. leprae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpendra Singh
- Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Suzuki K, Takigawa W, Tanigawa K, Nakamura K, Ishido Y, Kawashima A, Wu H, Akama T, Sue M, Yoshihara A, Mori S, Ishii N. Detection of Mycobacterium leprae DNA from archaeological skeletal remains in Japan using whole genome amplification and polymerase chain reaction. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12422. [PMID: 20865042 PMCID: PMC2928730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of pathogen DNA from archaeological human remains is a powerful tool in demonstrating that the infectious disease existed in the past. However, it is very difficult to detect trace amounts of DNA remnants attached to the human skeleton, especially from those buried in a humid atmosphere with a relatively high environmental temperature such as in Asia. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we demonstrate Mycobacterium leprae DNA from archaeological skeletal remains in Japan by polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. In addition, we have established a highly sensitive method of detecting DNA using a combination of whole genome amplification and polymerase chain reaction, or WGA-PCR, which provides superior sensitivity and specificity in detecting DNA from trace amounts of skeletal materials. Conclusion/Significance We have detected M. leprae DNA in archaeological skeletal remains for the first time in the Far East. Its SNP genotype corresponded to type 1; the first detected case worldwide of ancient M. leprae DNA. We also developed a highly sensitive method to detect ancient DNA by utilizing whole genome amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
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