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Soroushianfar M, Sadr S, Sazmand A, Dianaty S, Khedri J, Schuster RK, Borji H. Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in the Middle East (2000-2023): A literature review. Parasitol Int 2024; 102:102919. [PMID: 38960370 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Gastrointestinal parasites in stray cats are of significant clinical and zoonotic importance and pose a potential threat to public health. Hence, the current review has practical implications as it aims to present the diversity and the prevalence of cat parasites in Middle Eastern countries. METHODS The research process was rigorous and thorough, spanning from 2000 to 2023. Data collection and analysis were conducted utilizing multiple international and national databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Irandoc. This meticulous approach ensures the reliability and validity of the findings, providing a solid foundation for further research and preventive measures. RESULTS A total of 159 articles were collected and comprehensively reviewed. Among these, 85 articles were from Iran, 25 from Türkiye, 20 from Iraq, 11 from Egypt, five from Qatar, three from Cyprus, three from Kuwait, and one each from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. Toxocara cati was the most prevalent nematode, exhibiting the highest prevalence in Iran, ranging from 8% to 90%, followed by Egypt, with a range of 8.23% to 58.7%. In comparison, the lowest prevalence was recorded in Qatar at 8%. Hydatigera taeniaeformis, a common cestode in the feline, showed the highest prevalence in Qatar, with a range of 73.6% to 75.8%, while the lowest was in Kuwait at 0.8%. In Iran, the prevalence ranged from 0.9% to 64.7%. Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan protozoan, showcased the highest prevalence in Lebanon at 78.1% and the lowest in the UAE at 0.8%. In Iran, the prevalence ranged between 1.2% and 90%. Additionally, noteworthy patterns regarding the distribution and potential risk factors associated with these parasites were observed. While gender variations were not significant, environmental conditions such as high humidity and absence of sunlight exposure, along with the age and behavior of cats, were among the risk factors associated with the prevalence of parasites. CONCLUSION The prevalence of parasites among stray cats in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries remains notably high. This emphasizes the urgent need for a series of control and preventive measures. Implementing effective anti-parasitic strategies and emphasizing the development of multiple diagnostic methods are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Soroushianfar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran
| | - Shiva Dianaty
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Javad Khedri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rolf Karl Schuster
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, PO Box 597, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Lebbad M, Grüttner J, Beser J, Lizana V, Dea-Ayuela MA, Oropeza-Moe M, Carmena D, Stensvold CR. Complete sequencing of the Cryptosporidium suis gp60 gene reveals a novel type of tandem repeats-Implications for surveillance. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 122:105614. [PMID: 38844191 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105614] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious enteric disease caused by species (some of them zoonotic) of the genus Cryptosporidium that in many countries are under surveillance. Typing assays critical to the surveillance of cryptosporidiosis typically involve characterization of Cryptosporidium glycoprotein 60 genes (gp60). Here, we characterized the gp60 of Cryptosporidium suis from two samples-a human and a porcine faecal sample-based on which a preliminary typing scheme was developed. A conspicuous feature of the C. suis gp60 was a novel type of tandem repeats located in the 5' end of the gene and that took up 777/1635 bp (48%) of the gene. The C. suis gp60 lacked the classical poly-serine repeats (TCA/TCG/TCT), which is usually subject to major genetic variation, and the length of the tandem repeat made a typing assay incorporating this region based on Sanger sequencing practically unfeasible. We therefore designed a typing assay based on the post-repeat region only and applied it to C. suis-positive samples from suid hosts from Norway, Denmark, and Spain. We were able to distinguish three different subtypes; XXVa-1, XXVa-2, and XXVa-3. Subtype XXVa-1 had a wider geographic distribution than the other subtypes and was also observed in the human sample. We think that the present data will inform future strategies to develop a C. suis typing assay that could be even more informative by including a greater part of the gene, including the tandem repeat region, e.g., by the use of long-read next-generation sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lebbad
- Sjöbjörnsvägen, (formerly at the Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana Grüttner
- European Programme for Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden; Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Jessica Beser
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Victor Lizana
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain; Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marianne Oropeza-Moe
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain; CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen S, Denmark.
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Li J, Feng R, Zhang X, Hou W, Zhang Y, Li J, Li X, Jian F, Zhang L, Zhang S, Wang R. miR-181d targets BCL2 to regulate HCT-8 cell apoptosis and parasite burden in response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Vet Parasitol 2024; 330:110237. [PMID: 38878462 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is an important zoonotic pathogen that is studied worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as post-transcriptional regulators and may play a key role in modulating host epithelial responses following Cryptosporidium infection. Our previous study has shown that C. parvum downregulates the expression of miR-181d through the p50-dependent TLRs/NF-κB pathway. However, the mechanism by which miR-181d regulates host cells in response to C. parvum infection remains unclear. The present study found that miR-181d downregulation inhibited cell apoptosis and increased parasite burden in HCT-8 cells after C. parvum infection. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays have shown that BCL2 was a target gene for miR-181d. Moreover, BCL2 overexpression and miR-181d downregulation had similar results. To further investigate the mechanism by which miR-181d regulated HCT-8 cell apoptosis during C. parvum infection, the expression of molecules involved in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway was detected. Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 expression was decreased at 4, 8, 12, and 24 hpi and upregulated at 36 and 48 hpi. Interfering with the expression of miR-181d or BCL2 significantly affected the expression of molecules in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. These data indicated that miR-181d targeted BCL2 to regulate HCT-8 cell apoptosis and parasite burden in response to C. parvum infection via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. These results allowed us to further understand the regulatory mechanisms of host miRNAs during Cryptosporidium infection, and provided a theoretical foundation for the design and development of anti-cryptosporidiosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanfeng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruiying Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Wenyan Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Bellinzona G, Nardi T, Castelli M, Batisti Biffignandi G, Adjou K, Betson M, Blanchard Y, Bujila I, Chalmers R, Davidson R, D'Avino N, Enbom T, Gomes J, Karadjian G, Klotz C, Östlund E, Plutzer J, Rimhanen-Finne R, Robinson G, Sannella AR, Sroka J, Stensvold CR, Troell K, Vatta P, Zalewska B, Bandi C, Sassera D, Cacciò SM. Comparative genomics of Cryptosporidium parvum reveals the emergence of an outbreak-associated population in Europe and its spread to the United States. Genome Res 2024; 34:877-887. [PMID: 38977307 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278830.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is a global cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans and ruminants. Sequence analysis of the highly polymorphic gp60 gene enabled the classification of C. parvum isolates into multiple groups (e.g., IIa, IIc, Id) and a large number of subtypes. In Europe, subtype IIaA15G2R1 is largely predominant and has been associated with many water- and food-borne outbreaks. In this study, we generated new whole-genome sequence (WGS) data from 123 human- and ruminant-derived isolates collected in 13 European countries and included other available WGS data from Europe, Egypt, China, and the United States (n = 72) in the largest comparative genomics study to date. We applied rigorous filters to exclude mixed infections and analyzed a data set from 141 isolates from the zoonotic groups IIa (n = 119) and IId (n = 22). Based on 28,047 high-quality, biallelic genomic SNPs, we identified three distinct and strongly supported populations: Isolates from China (IId) and Egypt (IIa and IId) formed population 1; a minority of European isolates (IIa and IId) formed population 2; and the majority of European (IIa, including all IIaA15G2R1 isolates) and all isolates from the United States (IIa) clustered in population 3. Based on analyses of the population structure, population genetics, and recombination, we show that population 3 has recently emerged and expanded throughout Europe to then, possibly from the United Kingdom, reach the United States, where it also expanded. The reason(s) for the successful spread of population 3 remain elusive, although genes under selective pressure uniquely in this population were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Bellinzona
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Tiago Nardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Karim Adjou
- UMR BIPAR, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Martha Betson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Yannick Blanchard
- Viral Genetics and Biosecurity Unit (GVB), French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), 22440 Ploufragan, France
| | - Ioana Bujila
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE-171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Rachel Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Swansea SA2 8QA, United Kingdom
- Swansea Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicoletta D'Avino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Tuulia Enbom
- Animal Health Diagnostic Unit, Finnish Food Authority, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research, 1300 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gregory Karadjian
- UMR BIPAR, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christian Klotz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Emma Östlund
- Swedish Veterinary Agency, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Judith Plutzer
- National Institute for Public Education, Budapest, 1007, Hungary
| | | | - Guy Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Swansea SA2 8QA, United Kingdom
- Swansea Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Rosa Sannella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacek Sroka
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | | | - Karin Troell
- Swedish Veterinary Agency, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Paolo Vatta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbora Zalewska
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food and Feed Safety, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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Kaduková M, Schreiberová A, Mudroň P, Tóthová C, Gomulec P, Štrkolcová G. Cryptosporidium Infections in Neonatal Calves on a Dairy Farm. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1416. [PMID: 39065184 PMCID: PMC11279349 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071416] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted with the aim of the molecular identification of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. in calves in the early stage of their development on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. Twenty-five Holstein and Holstein cross calves were included in the study and monitored from their birth to the fifth week of life (1-5 weeks). Fresh fecal samples were collected from the same group of calves each week, except during the fourth week, and with the exception of Sample 8. All samples were analyzed using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and coproantigen was tested using the ELISA test as the screening method. Using the ELISA method, the highest incidence of cryptosporidiosis was observed in the second week of life of the calves, while the antigen was detected in 21 (91.6%) calves. Using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, the highest incidence was also observed in the second week, with an incidence rate of 62.5%. Positive isolates confirmed by the ELISA test were molecularly characterized. The species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium in the positive isolates were identified using PCR and the sequence analysis of the small subunit of the ribosomal 18S RNA (ssu rRNA) and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of the parasite. The sequence analysis of 29 isolates at the 18S rRNA loci confirmed the presence of two species-Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ryanae. Out of 29 isolates, 25 were assigned to the species C. parvum, with the gp60 locus identified as genotype IIaA17G1R1. Among the individual animal groups, calves are the most common reservoirs of the C. parvum zoonotic species. This disease has significant public health implications as contact with livestock and their feces and working with barn manure are major sources of infection, not only for other animals but also for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kaduková
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (G.Š.)
| | - Andrea Schreiberová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (G.Š.)
| | - Pavol Mudroň
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (P.M.); (C.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Csilla Tóthová
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (P.M.); (C.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Pavel Gomulec
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (P.M.); (C.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (G.Š.)
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Wang D, Jiang P, Yang X, Zhang J, Chen T, Hu M, Cacciò SM, Yin J, Zhu G. Novel strategy to quantify the viability of oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis, a risk factor of the waterborne protozoan pathogens of public health concern. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121788. [PMID: 38810599 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121788] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
While waters might be contaminated by oocysts from >40 Cryptosporidium species, only viable oocysts of C. parvum and C. hominis truly pose the main health risk to the immunocompetent population. Oocyst viability is also an important but often neglected risk factor in monitoring waterborne parasites. However, commonly used methods in water monitoring and surveys cannot distinguish species (microscopic observation) or oocyst viability (PCR), as dead oocysts in water could retain gross structure and DNA content for weeks to months. Here, we report new TaqMan qRT-PCR/qPCR assays for quantitative detection of viable C. parvum and C. hominis oocysts. By targeting a hypothetical protein-encoding gene cgd6_3920 that is highly expressed in oocysts and variable between species, the qRT-PCR/qPCR assays achieve excellent analytical specificity and sensitivity (limit of quantification [LOQ] = 0.25 and 1.0 oocyst/reaction). Using calibration curves, the number and ratio of viable oocysts in specimens could be calculated. Additionally, we also establish a TaqMan-18S qPCR for cost-effective screening of pan-Cryptosporidium-positive specimens (LOQ = 0.1 oocyst/reaction). The assay feasibility is validated using field water (N = 43) and soil (79) specimens from 17 locations in Changchun, China, which detects four Cryptosporidium species from seven locations, including three gp60-subtypes (i.e., IIdA19G1, IIdA17G1 and IIdA24G2) of C. parvum oocysts showing varied viability ratios. These new TaqMan q(RT)-PCR assays supplement current methods in the survey of waters and other samples (e.g., surfaces, foods and beverages), and are applicable to assessing the efficiency of oocyst deactivation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jifei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Jigang Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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7
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Deng ML, Heng ZJ, Li LJ, Yang JF, He JJ, Zou FC, Shu FF. Cryptosporidium spp. Infection and Genotype Identification in Pre-Weaned and Post-Weaned Calves in Yunnan Province, China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1907. [PMID: 38998019 PMCID: PMC11240314 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131907] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and animals. Infection is widespread in dairy cattle, especially in calves, resulting in neonatal enteritis, production losses and high mortality. However, the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre- and post-weaned calves in Yunnan Province remains unclear. METHODS We collected 498 fecal samples from Holstein calves on 10 different farms in four regions of Yunnan Province. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing were used to determine the infection, species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. in these animals. RESULTS The overall occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Holstein calves was 32.9% (164/498), and the prevalence in pre- and post-weaned calves was 33.5% (106/316) and 31.9% (58/182), respectively. Four Cryptosporidium species were identified in these animals, namely C. bovis (n = 119), C. parvum (n = 23), C. ryanae (n = 20) and C. andersoni (n = 2). Based on sequencing analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene of C. bovis, C. parvum and C. ryanae, six subtypes of C. bovis (XXVIe, XXVIb, XXVIf, XXVIa XXVIc and XXVId), two subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA19G1 and IIdA18G1) and four subtypes of C. ryanae (XXIf, XXId, XXIe and XXIg) were identified. CONCLUSIONS These results provide essential information to understand the infection rate, species diversity and genetic structure of Cryptosporidium spp. populations in Holstein pre-weaned and post-weaned calves in Yunnan Province. Further, the presence of IIdA18G1 and IIdA19G1 in C. parvum implies significant animal and public health concerns, which requires greater attention and more preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Deng
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Heng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Liu-Jia Li
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali 671003, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Fan-Fan Shu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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8
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Kimball A, Funkhouser-Jones L, Huang W, Xu R, Witola WH, Sibley LD. Mendelian segregation and high recombination rates facilitate genetic analyses in Cryptosporidium parvum. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011162. [PMID: 38885280 PMCID: PMC11213348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Very little is known about the process of meiosis in the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium despite the essentiality of sex in its life cycle. Most cell lines only support asexual growth of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), but stem cell derived intestinal epithelial cells grown under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions support the sexual cycle. To examine chromosomal dynamics during meiosis in C. parvum, we generated two transgenic lines of parasites that were fluorescently tagged with mCherry or GFP on chromosomes 1 or 5, respectively. Infection of ALI cultures or Ifngr1-/- mice with mCherry and GFP parasites resulted in cross-fertilization and the formation of "yellow" oocysts, which contain 4 haploid sporozoites that are the product of meiosis. Recombinant oocysts from the F1 generation were purified and used to infect HCT-8 cultures, and phenotypes of the progeny were observed by microscopy. All possible phenotypes predicted by independent segregation were represented equally (~25%) in the population, indicating that C. parvum chromosomes exhibit a Mendelian inheritance pattern. The most common pattern observed from the outgrowth of single oocysts included all possible parental and recombinant phenotypes derived from a single meiotic event, suggesting a high rate of crossover. To estimate the frequency of crossover, additional loci on chromosomes 1 and 5 were tagged and used to monitor intrachromosomal crosses in Ifngr1-/- mice. Both chromosomes showed a high frequency of crossover compared to other apicomplexans with map distances (i.e., 1% recombination) of 3-12 kb. Overall, a high recombination rate may explain many unique characteristics observed in Cryptosporidium spp. such as high rates of speciation, wide variation in host range, and rapid evolution of host-specific virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Kimball
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lisa Funkhouser-Jones
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Wanyi Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - William H. Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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9
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Karim MR, Li J, Harun AB, Rume FI, Zhang L. Molecular characterization and zoonotic risk assessment of Cryptosporidium spp. in children and calves in Bangladesh. One Health 2024; 18:100692. [PMID: 39010972 PMCID: PMC11247295 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a gastro-intestinal protozoan parasite that has been found to infect both humans and livestock. This study investigated the parasite in 998 fecal samples from Bangladeshi children (n = 299) and calves (n = 699) to determine its prevalence, genetic variation, and zoonotic importance. The nested PCR and sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene in the samples showed a Cryptosporidium infection rate of 2.3% (7/299) in children and 15.7% (110/699) in calves. Statistical analysis revealed insignificant variations in Cryptosporidium infections among children across age, gender, and study area, while in calves, the infection rate significantly differed based on location and breed. Genotyping of seven human isolates of Cryptosporidium confirmed C. hominis (n = 5) and C. parvum (n = 2). After characterizing 110 Cryptosporidium isolates from calves, C. andersoni (n = 55), C. ryanae (n = 29), C. bovis (n = 14), C. parvum (n = 10), C. ubiquitum (n = 1), and C. occultus (n = 1) were identified. Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum-positive samples were further subjected to nested PCR and sequencing of the glycoprotein 60 (gp60) gene for subtyping. Four C. hominis subtypes (IaA19R3, IaA23R3, IbA9G3, and IdA15G1) and one C. parvum subtype (IIdA15G1) were observed. In conclusion, Cryptosporidium was prevalent in calves but less common in children in the study locations, and the presence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in calves raises concerns regarding zoonotic transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Robiul Karim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Anas Bin Harun
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Farzana Islam Rume
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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10
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Zhao Q, Qi M, Jing B, Jian F, Gong P, Lu C, Yan Y, Pei Z, Ning C. Cryptosporidium spp. in large-scale sheep farms in China: prevalence and genetic diversity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11218. [PMID: 38755395 PMCID: PMC11099184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are significant zoonotic intestinal parasites that induce diarrhea and even death across most vertebrates, including humans. Previous studies showed that sheep are important hosts for Cryptosporidium and that its distribution in sheep is influenced by geography, feeding patterns, age, and season. Environmental factors also influence the transmission of Cryptosporidium. Molecular studies of Cryptosporidium in sheep have been conducted in only a few regions of China, and studies into the effect of sheep-housing environments on Cryptosporidium transmission are even rarer. To detect the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in large-scale sheep-housing farms, a total of 1241 fecal samples were collected from sheep, 727 environmental samples were taken from sheep housing, and 30 water samples were collected in six regions of China. To ascertain the existence of the parasite and identify the species of Cryptosporidium spp., we conducted nested PCR amplification of DNA extracted from all samples using the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene as a target. For a more in-depth analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. subtypes, C. xiaoi-and C. ubiquitum-positive samples underwent separate nested PCR amplification targeting the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. The amplification of the Cryptosporidium spp. SSU rRNA gene locus from the whole genomic DNA of all samples yielded a positive rate of 1.2% (20/1241) in fecal samples, 0.1% (1/727) in environmental samples, and no positive samples were found in water samples. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in large-scale housed sheep was 1.7%, which was higher than that in free-ranging sheep (0.0%). The highest prevalence of infection was found in weaning lambs (6.8%). Among the different seasons, the peaks were found in the fall and winter. The most prevalent species were C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum, with the former accounting for the majority of infections. The distribution of C. xiaoi subtypes was diverse, with XXIIIc (n = 1), XXIIId (n = 2), XXIIIe (n = 2), and XXIIIl (n = 4) identified. In contrast, only one subtype, XIIa (n = 9), was found in C. ubiquitum. In this study, C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum were found to be the predominant species, and Cryptosporidium was found to be present in the environment. These findings provide an important foundation for the comprehensive prevention and management of Cryptosporidium in intensively reared sheep. Furthermore, by elucidating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in sheep and its potential role in environmental transmission, this study deepens our understanding of the intricate interactions between animal health, environmental contamination, and public health dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianming Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Jing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pihong Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqun Yan
- School of Life Science and Agronomy, ZhouKou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyang Pei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Huang W, Tang K, Chen C, Arrowood MJ, Chen M, Guo Y, Li N, Roellig DM, Feng Y, Xiao L. Sequence introgression from exogenous lineages underlies genomic and biological differences among Cryptosporidium parvum IOWA lines. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 254:121333. [PMID: 38402753 PMCID: PMC10994760 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The IOWA strain of Cryptosporidium parvum is widely used in studies of the biology and detection of the waterborne pathogens Cryptosporidium spp. While several lines of the strain have been sequenced, IOWA-II, the only reference of the original subtype (IIaA15G2R1), exhibits significant assembly errors. Here we generated a fully assembled genome of IOWA-CDC of this subtype using PacBio and Illumina technologies. In comparative analyses of seven IOWA lines maintained in different laboratories (including two sequenced in this study) and 56 field isolates, IOWA lines (IIaA17G2R1) with less virulence had mixed genomes closely related to IOWA-CDC but with multiple sequence introgressions from IOWA-II and unknown lineages. In addition, the IOWA-IIaA17G2R1 lines showed unique nucleotide substitutions and loss of a gene associated with host infectivity, which were not observed in other isolates analyzed. These genomic differences among IOWA lines could be the genetic determinants of phenotypic traits in C. parvum. These data provide a new reference for comparative genomic analyses of Cryptosporidium spp. and rich targets for the development of advanced source tracking tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Kevin Tang
- Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Chengyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Michael J Arrowood
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA
| | - Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dawn M Roellig
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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12
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Luo C, Xu Y, Zhang J, Tian Q, Guo Y, Li N, Feng Y, Xu R, Xiao L. Cryptosporidium parvum disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier in neonatal mice through downregulation of cell junction molecules. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012212. [PMID: 38787872 PMCID: PMC11156435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. cause watery diarrhea in humans and animals, especially in infants and neonates. They parasitize the apical surface of the epithelial cells in the intestinal lumen. However, the pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium-induced diarrhea is not fully understood yet. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we infected C57BL/6j neonatal mice with C. parvum IIa and IId subtypes, and examined oocyst burden, pathological changes, and intestinal epithelial permeability during the infection. In addition, transcriptomic analyses were used to study the mechanism of diarrhea induced by the C. parvum IId subtype. The neonatal mice were sensitive to both C. parvum IIa and IId infection, but the IId subtype caused a wide oocyst shedding window and maintained the high oocyst burden in the mice compared with the IIa subtype. In addition, the mice infected with C. parvum IId resulted in severe intestinal damage at the peak of infection, leading to increased permeability of the epithelial barrier. The KEGG, GO and GSEA analyses revealed that the downregulation of adherens junction and cell junction molecules at 11 dpi. Meanwhile, E-cadherin, which is associated with adherens junction, was reduced at the protein level in mouse ileum at peak and late infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE C. parvum IId infection causes more severe pathological damage than C. parvum IIa infection in neonatal mice. Furthermore, the impairment of the epithelial barrier during C. parvum IId infection results from the downregulation of intestinal junction proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowei Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Lenière AC, Vlandas A, Follet J. Treating cryptosporidiosis: A review on drug discovery strategies. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100542. [PMID: 38669849 PMCID: PMC11066572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite several decades of research on therapeutics, cryptosporidiosis remains a major concern for human and animal health. Even though this field of research to assess antiparasitic drug activity is highly active and competitive, only one molecule is authorized to be used in humans. However, this molecule was not efficacious in immunocompromised people and the lack of animal therapeutics remains a cause of concern. Indeed, the therapeutic arsenal needs to be developed for both humans and animals. Our work aims to clarify research strategies that historically were diffuse and poorly directed. This paper reviews in vitro and in vivo methodologies to assess the activity of future therapeutic compounds by screening drug libraries or through drug repurposing. It focuses on High Throughput Screening methodologies (HTS) and discusses the lack of knowledge of target mechanisms. In addition, an overview of several specific metabolic pathways and enzymatic activities used as targets against Cryptosporidium is provided. These metabolic processes include glycolytic pathways, fatty acid production, kinase activities, tRNA elaboration, nucleotide synthesis, gene expression and mRNA maturation. As a conclusion, we highlight emerging future strategies for screening natural compounds and assessing drug resistance issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Charlotte Lenière
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Junia, Université Polytechnique Hauts de France, UMR 8520, IEMN Institut d'Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, F, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Alexis Vlandas
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Junia, Université Polytechnique Hauts de France, UMR 8520, IEMN Institut d'Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, F, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Follet
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Junia, Université Polytechnique Hauts de France, UMR 8520, IEMN Institut d'Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, F, 59000, Lille, France.
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14
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Khan A, Alves-Ferreira EVC, Vogel H, Botchie S, Ayi I, Pawlowic MC, Robinson G, Chalmers RM, Lorenzi H, Grigg ME. Phylogenomic reconstruction of Cryptosporidium spp. captured directly from clinical samples reveals extensive genetic diversity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.17.589752. [PMID: 38659886 PMCID: PMC11042339 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.17.589752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of severe diarrhea and mortality in young children and infants in Africa and southern Asia. More than twenty Cryptosporidium species infect humans, of which C. parvum and C. hominis are the major agents causing moderate to severe diarrhea. Relatively few genetic markers are typically applied to genotype and/or diagnose Cryptosporidium. Most infections produce limited oocysts making it difficult to perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) directly from stool samples. Hence, there is an immediate need to apply WGS strategies to 1) develop high-resolution genetic markers to genotype these parasites more precisely, 2) to investigate endemic regions and detect the prevalence of different genotypes, and the role of mixed infections in generating genetic diversity, and 3) to investigate zoonotic transmission and evolution. To understand Cryptosporidium global population genetic structure, we applied Capture Enrichment Sequencing (CES-Seq) using 74,973 RNA-based 120 nucleotide baits that cover ~92% of the genome of C. parvum. CES-Seq is sensitive and successfully sequenced Cryptosporidium genomic DNA diluted up to 0.005% in human stool DNA. It also resolved mixed strain infections and captured new species of Cryptosporidium directly from clinical/field samples to promote genome-wide phylogenomic analyses and prospective GWAS studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Khan
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - E V C Alves-Ferreira
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - H Vogel
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - S Botchie
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - I Ayi
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - M C Pawlowic
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - G Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - R M Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales, Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - H Lorenzi
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - M E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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15
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Deng M, Hou T, Zhang J, Mao X, Yang F, Wei Y, Tang Y, Zeng W, Huang W, Li N, Xiao L, Feng Y, Guo Y. Cultivation, cryopreservation, and transcriptomic studies of host-adapted Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis using enteroids. iScience 2024; 27:109563. [PMID: 38623332 PMCID: PMC11016910 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109563] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are major causes of severe diarrhea. Comparative studies of them are hampered by the lack of effective cultivation and cryopreservation methods, especially for C. hominis. Here, we describe adapted murine enteroids for the cultivation and complete development of host-adapted C. parvum and C. hominis subtypes, producing oocysts infectious to mice. Using the system, we developed a cryopreservation method for Cryptosporidium isolates. In comparative RNA-seq analyses of C. hominis cultures, the enteroid system generated significantly more host and pathogen responses than the conventional HCT-8 cell system. In particular, the infection was shown to upregulate PI3K-Akt, Ras, TNF, NF-κB, IL-17, MAPK, and innate immunity signaling pathways and downregulate host cell metabolism, and had significantly higher expression of parasite genes involved in oocyst formation. Therefore, the enteroid system provides a valuable tool for comparative studies of the biology of divergent Cryptosporidium species and isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miner Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianyi Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinjie Mao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanting Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongping Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanting Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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16
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Bertuccini L, Boussadia Z, Salzano AM, Vanni I, Passerò I, Nocita E, Scaloni A, Sanchez M, Sargiacomo M, Fiani ML, Tosini F. Unveiling Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite-derived extracellular vesicles: profiling, origin, and protein composition. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1367359. [PMID: 38660488 PMCID: PMC11039866 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367359] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a common cause of a zoonotic disease and a main cause of diarrhea in newborns. Effective drugs or vaccines are still lacking. Oocyst is the infective form of the parasite; after its ingestion, the oocyst excysts and releases four sporozoites into the host intestine that rapidly attack the enterocytes. The membrane protein CpRom1 is a large rhomboid protease that is expressed by sporozoites and recognized as antigen by the host immune system. In this study, we observed the release of CpRom1 with extracellular vesicles (EVs) that was not previously described. To investigate this phenomenon, we isolated and resolved EVs from the excystation medium by differential ultracentrifugation. Fluorescence flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments identified two types of sporozoite-derived vesicles: large extracellular vesicles (LEVs) and small extracellular vesicles (SEVs). Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) revealed mode diameter of 181 nm for LEVs and 105 nm for SEVs, respectively. Immunodetection experiments proved the presence of CpRom1 and the Golgi protein CpGRASP in LEVs, while immune-electron microscopy trials demonstrated the localization of CpRom1 on the LEVs surface. TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that LEVs were generated by means of the budding of the outer membrane of sporozoites; conversely, the origin of SEVs remained uncertain. Distinct protein compositions were observed between LEVs and SEVs as evidenced by their corresponding electrophoretic profiles. Indeed, a dedicated proteomic analysis identified 5 and 16 proteins unique for LEVs and SEVs, respectively. Overall, 60 proteins were identified in the proteome of both types of vesicles and most of these proteins (48 in number) were already identified in the molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles from other organisms. Noteworthy, we identified 12 proteins unique to Cryptosporidium spp. and this last group included the immunodominant parasite antigen glycoprotein GP60, which is one of the most abundant proteins in both LEVs and SEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaira Boussadia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Salzano
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry laboratory, ISPAAM, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Portici, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vanni
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, SANV, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Passerò
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Nocita
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry laboratory, ISPAAM, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Sargiacomo
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Fiani
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Tosini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Wang MY, Zhang S, Zhang ZS, Qian XY, Chai HL, Wang Y, Fan WJ, Yi C, Ding YL, Han WX, Zhao L, Liu YH. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Ningxia, northwestern China. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10364-6. [PMID: 38565798 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10364-6] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are common intestinal pathogens that infect humans and animals. To date, research regarding these three protozoa in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia) has mostly been limited to a single pathogen, and comprehensive data on mixed infections are unavailable. This study aimed to evaluate the zoonotic potential of these three protozoa. In this study, small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of Cryptosporidium; internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene of E. bieneusi; and SSU rRNA, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), and beta-giardin (bg) genes of G. duodenalis were examined. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and sequence analysis were performed on fecal samples collected from 320 dairy cattle at three intensive dairy farms in Ningxia in 2021 to determine the prevalence and genetic characteristics of these three protozoa. The findings revealed that 61.56% (197/320) of the samples were infected with at least one protozoan. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 19.38% (62/320), E. bieneusi was 41.56% (133/320), and G. duodenalis was 29.38% (94/320). This study identified four Cryptosporidium species (C. bovis, C. andersoni, C. ryanae, and C. parvum) and the presence of mixed infections with two or three Cryptosporidium species. C. bovis was the dominant species in this study, while the dominant C. parvum subtypes were IIdA15G1 and IIdA20G1. The genotypes of E. bieneusis were J, BEB4, and I alongside the novel genotypes NX1-NX8, all belonging to group 2, with genotype J being dominant. G. duodenalis assemblages were identified as assemblages E, A, and B, and a mixed infection involving assemblages A + E was identified, with assemblage E being the dominant one. Concurrently, 11 isolates formed 10 different assemblage E multilocus genotypes (MLGs) and 1 assemblage A MLG and assemblage E MLGs formed 5 subgroups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on mixed infection with two or three Cryptosporidium species in cattle in Ningxia and on the presence of the C. parvum subtype IIdA20G1 in this part of China. This study also discovered nine genotypes of E. bieneusis and novel features of G. duodenalis assemblages in Ningxia. This study indicates that dairy cattle in this region may play a significant role in the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhan-Sheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Qian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai-Liang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Jun Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chao Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yu-Lin Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Han
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Reproductive Biotechnology (Group) Co., Ltd., Hohhot, China
| | - Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
| | - Yong-Hong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
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18
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Häkkänen T, Rimhanen-Finne R, Antikainen J, Ruotsalainen E, Vainio A. Molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in human cases in five Finnish hospital districts during 2021: first findings of Cryptosporidium mortiferum (Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I) in Finland. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:225-231. [PMID: 38242277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The aims of the study were to characterise the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. and subtypes causing infections in Finland during 2021. This was carried out with 60 clinical samples from the hospital districts of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Vaasa, Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, and Central Finland, as well as with Finnish Infectious Diseases Register (FIDR) data. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the potential exposures related to Cryptosporidium mortiferum (Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype I) infections via interview. Species identification was carried out with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and 18S sequencing. Further typing was performed with gp60 subtyping. Over 70% of the samples were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum and 20% as C. mortiferum, which had not been identified in Finland before. Two cases of Cryptosporidium hominis were identified from patients reported to have travelled outside Europe. The C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 and the C. mortiferum subtype XIVaA20G2T1 were the most common subtypes identified. The interviewed C. mortiferum cases did not report shared exposures such as contact with wild rodents. In conclusion, C. parvum and C. mortiferum were the major causes of cryptosporidiosis in the five studied Finnish hospital districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Häkkänen
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Antikainen
- Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva Ruotsalainen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anni Vainio
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
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Bayona-Vásquez NJ, Sullivan AH, Beaudry MS, Khan A, Baptista RP, Petersen KN, Bhuiyan M, Brunelle B, Robinson G, Chalmers RM, Alves-Ferreira E, Grigg ME, AlvesFerreira Kissinger JC, Glenn TC. WHOLE GENOME TARGETED ENRICHMENT AND SEQUENCING OF HUMAN-INFECTING CRYPTOSPORIDIUM spp. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.29.586458. [PMID: 38585809 PMCID: PMC10996700 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.29.586458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause severe illness in vulnerable human populations. Obtaining pure Cryptosporidium DNA from clinical and environmental samples is challenging because the oocysts shed in contaminated feces are limited in quantity, difficult to purify efficiently, may derive from multiple species, and yield limited DNA (<40 fg/oocyst). Here, we develop and validate a set of 100,000 RNA baits (CryptoCap_100k) based on six human-infecting Cryptosporidium spp. ( C. cuniculus , C. hominis , C. meleagridis , C. parvum , C. tyzzeri , and C. viatorum ) to enrich Cryptosporidium spp. DNA from a wide array of samples. We demonstrate that CryptoCap_100k increases the percentage of reads mapping to target Cryptosporidium references in a wide variety of scenarios, increasing the depth and breadth of genome coverage, facilitating increased accuracy of detecting and analyzing species within a given sample, while simultaneously decreasing costs, thereby opening new opportunities to understand the complex biology of these important pathogens.
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Hao Y, Liu A, Li H, Zhao Y, Yao L, Yang B, Zhang W, Yang F. Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans and domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:155. [PMID: 38528567 PMCID: PMC10964600 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are significant parasitic diseases shared between humans and domestic animals. Due to the close contact between humans and domestic animals in rural areas, it is important to consider the potential transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected domestic animals to humans. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in domestic animals and villagers. METHODS A total of 116 fecal samples from villagers and 686 fecal samples from domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China, were analyzed for two parasites using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting various genetic loci and DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products. RESULTS By sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in humans was 0.9% (1/116), with one species of C. parvum (n = 1) detected; among domestic animals, the prevalence was 2.6% (18/686), with five species identified: C. suis (n = 7) and C. scrofarum (n = 7) in pigs, C. meleagridis (n = 1) in chickens, C. andersoni (n = 1) in cattle, and C. canis (n = 2) in foxes. C. parvum and C. canis were further subtyped as IIdA19G1 and XXa4 on the basis of gp60 gene. Regarding G. duodenalis, based on the SSU rRNA, bg, gdh, and tpi genes, the prevalence in domestic animals was 5.1% (31/608), with three assemblages identified: A (n = 1) in pigs, D (n = 1) in foxes, and E (n = 27) in geese, cattle, pigs, ducks, and sheep, along with mixed infection of A + E (n = 1) in one pig and B + E (n = 1) in one sheep. No G. duodenalis was detected in humans (0/116). CONCLUSIONS The present results show that no overlap of subtypes between animals and villagers was found in Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, indicating a minor role of domestic animals in infecting humans in this population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in domestic animals highlights the need for special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yiyang Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Weizhe Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Fengkun Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
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21
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Hasapis KA, Charalambidou I, Schou C, O'Dowd Phanis C, Kazamia S, Kassinis N, Hadjisterkotis E, Karanis P. First Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Endemic Cyprus Mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion). Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1035-1040. [PMID: 38062227 PMCID: PMC11001731 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00747-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cryptosporidium is an intestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects domesticated and wild animals. There are no reports on the prevalence and molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium in the endemic Cyprus mouflon. The mouflon is strictly protected by national and international legislation. Its main distribution is Paphos State Forest and surrounding areas, where it may share the same water sources as free-ranging domestic goats. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes in mouflon and free-ranging goats within the mouflon range. METHODS Faecal samples of 70 mouflons and 34 free-ranging goats were screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification and sequencing. RESULTS Only one sample (1/70) belonging to a mouflon was PCR positive for Cryptosporidium. Based on sequencing of the 18S rRNA locus, this species was identified as Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). No positive sample was detected in the free-ranging goats (0/34). CONCLUSION This is the first report on the molecular identification of this Cryptosporidium species in a Cyprus mouflon. The results indicate that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Cyprus mouflon is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriacos A Hasapis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Iris Charalambidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chad Schou
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Catherine O'Dowd Phanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefanie Kazamia
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Eleftherios Hadjisterkotis
- Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50923, Cologne, Germany.
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22
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Mthethwa-Hlongwa NP, Amoah ID, Gomez A, Davison S, Reddy P, Bux F, Kumari S. Profiling pathogenic protozoan and their functional pathways in wastewater using 18S rRNA and shotgun metagenomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169602. [PMID: 38154626 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169602] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research, little is known about the composition of eukaryotic protists in environmental samples. This is due to low parasite concentrations, the complexity of parasite diversity, and a lack of suitable reference databases and standardized protocols. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study used 18S rRNA short amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing approaches to profile protozoan microbial communities as well as their functional pathways in treated and untreated wastewater samples collected from different regions of South Africa. Results demonstrated that protozoan diversity (Shannon index P-value = 0.03) and taxonomic composition (PERMANOVA, P-value = 0.02) was mainly driven by the type of wastewater samples (treated & untreated) and geographic location. However, these WWTPs were also found to contain a core community of protozoan parasites. The untreated wastewater samples revealed a predominant presence of free-living, parasitic, and potentially pathogenic protists typically found in humans and animals, ranging from Alveolata (27 %) phylum (Apicomplexa and Ciliophora) to Excavata (3.88 %) (Discoba and Parasalia) and Amoebozoa (2.84 %) (Entamoeba and Acanthamoeba). Shotgun metagenomics analyses in a subset of the untreated wastewater samples confirmed the presence of public health-importance protozoa, including Cryptosporidium species (3.48 %), Entamoeba hystolitica (6.58 %), Blastocystis hominis (2.91 %), Naegleria gruberi (2.37 %), Toxoplasma gondii (1.98 %), Cyclospora cayetanensis (1.30 %), and Giardia intestinalis (0.31 %). Virulent gene families linked to pathogenic protozoa, such as serine/threonine protein phosphatase and mucin-desulfating sulfatase were identified. Additionally, enriched pathways included thiamine diphosphate biosynthesis III, heme biosynthesis, Methylerythritol 4-Phosphate Pathway, methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP), and pentose phosphate pathways. These findings suggest that protozoan pathogens may possess metabolic and growth potential within WWTPs, posing a severe risk of transmission to humans and animals if inadequately disinfected before release. This study provides a baseline for the future investigation of diverse protozoal communities in wastewater, which are of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonsikelelo P Mthethwa-Hlongwa
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Isaac D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Shantz Building Rm 4291177 E 4th St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Andres Gomez
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Sam Davison
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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Certad G, Gantois N, Merlin S, Martel S, Even G, Viscogliosi E, Audebert C, Chabé M. Frequency and Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium in Adult Prim'Holstein Dairy Cattle Farms in the North of France. Microorganisms 2024; 12:335. [PMID: 38399739 PMCID: PMC10892647 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020335] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium apicomplexan protozoa are ubiquitous intracellular agents affecting humans and animals. In particular, bovine cryptosporidiosis is recognized as endemic worldwide. However, epidemiological investigations remain limited in France regarding the burden of these parasites in cattle. To improve our understanding of the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis, the main aim of this study was to determine the frequency and the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in adult Prim'Holstein dairy cattle farms in the north of France. Fecal specimens were collected from 1454 non-diarrheic and non-pregnant animals (nulli-, primi-, or multiparous) throughout 20 farms in an area of 110 km around Lille. For Cryptosporidium species identification, nested PCR followed by sequence and phylogenetic analyses were used. The overall frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. in-fection was 30.00% (C.I. 95%: 12.83-54.33) in farms and 0.89% (C.I. 95%: 0.498-1.57) at the individual level. In primi- or multiparous cows, only C. andersoni was found. C. ryanae, C. bovis/xiaoi and C. andersoni were detected in heifers. The phylogenetic tree confirmed that analyzed sequences were grouped with known reference sequences reported in dairy cattle. Further studies on the cumulative prevalence, risks factors and pathogenicity are needed to give a more accurate assessment of the impact of Cryptosporidium infection in dairy cattle in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Certad
- Centre National de la Rrecherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.G.); (E.V.); (M.C.)
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nausicaa Gantois
- Centre National de la Rrecherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.G.); (E.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Sophie Merlin
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.M.); (S.M.); (G.E.); (C.A.)
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sophie Martel
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.M.); (S.M.); (G.E.); (C.A.)
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Gaël Even
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.M.); (S.M.); (G.E.); (C.A.)
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Centre National de la Rrecherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.G.); (E.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Christophe Audebert
- GD Biotech-Gènes Diffusion, F-59000 Lille, France; (S.M.); (S.M.); (G.E.); (C.A.)
- PEGASE-Biosciences (Plateforme d’Expertises Génomiques Appliquées aux Sciences Expérimentales), Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- Centre National de la Rrecherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.G.); (E.V.); (M.C.)
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Kimball A, Funkhouser-Jones L, Huang W, Xu R, Witola WH, Sibley LD. Mendelian segregation and high recombination rates facilitate genetic analyses in Cryptosporidium parvum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578536. [PMID: 38352509 PMCID: PMC10862819 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Very little is known about the process of meiosis in the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium despite the essentiality of sex in its life cycle. Most cell lines only support asexual growth of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), but stem cell derived intestinal epithelial cells grown under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions support the sexual cycle. To examine chromosomal dynamics during meiosis in C. parvum, we generated two transgenic lines of parasites that were fluorescently tagged with mCherry or GFP on chromosomes 1 or 5, respectively. Infection of ALI cultures or Ifngr1-/- mice with mCherry and GFP parasites produced "yellow" oocysts generated by cross-fertilization. Outcrossed oocysts from the F1 generation were purified and used to infect HCT-8 cultures, and phenotypes of the progeny were observed by microscopy. All possible phenotypes predicted by independent segregation were represented equally (~25%) in the population, indicating that C. parvum chromosomes exhibit a Mendelian inheritance pattern. Unexpectedly, the most common pattern observed from the outgrowth of single oocysts included all possible parental and recombinant phenotypes derived from a single meiotic event, suggesting a high rate of crossover. To estimate the frequency of crossover, additional loci on chromosomes 1 and 5 were tagged and used to monitor intrachromosomal crosses in Ifngr1-/- mice. Both chromosomes showed a high frequency of crossover compared to other apicomplexans with map distances (i.e., 1% recombination) of 3-12 kb. Overall, a high recombination rate may explain many unique characteristics observed in Cryptosporidium spp. such as high rates of speciation, wide variation in host range, and rapid evolution of host-specific virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Kimball
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lisa Funkhouser-Jones
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wanyi Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - William H. Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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25
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Pardy RD, Wallbank BA, Striepen B, Hunter CA. Immunity to Cryptosporidium: insights into principles of enteric responses to infection. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:142-155. [PMID: 37697084 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00932-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parasites replicate within intestinal epithelial cells and are an important cause of diarrhoeal disease in young children and in patients with primary and acquired defects in T cell function. This Review of immune-mediated control of Cryptosporidium highlights advances in understanding how intestinal epithelial cells detect this infection, the induction of innate resistance and the processes required for activation of T cell responses that promote parasite control. The development of a genetic tool set to modify Cryptosporidium combined with tractable mouse models provide new opportunities to understand the principles that govern the interface between intestinal epithelial cells and the immune system that mediate resistance to enteric pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Pardy
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bethan A Wallbank
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Dashti A, Alonso H, Escolar-Miñana C, Köster PC, Bailo B, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Evaluation of the Use of Singleplex and Duplex CerTest VIASURE Real-Time PCR Assays to Detect Common Intestinal Protist Parasites. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:319. [PMID: 38337835 PMCID: PMC10855428 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030319] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica are species of protozoa- causing diarrhoea that are common worldwide, while Entamoeba dispar, Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis sp. appear to be commensal parasites whose role in pathogenicity remains controversial. We conducted the clinical evaluation of five singleplex and one duplex CerTest VIASURE Real-Time PCR Assays against a large panel of positive DNA samples (n = 358), and specifically to Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 96), G. duodenalis (n = 115), E. histolytica (n = 25) E. dispar (n = 11), Blastocystis sp. (n = 42), D. fragilis (n = 37), and related parasitic phylum species such as Apicomplexa, Euglenozoa, Microsporidia and Nematoda. DNA samples were obtained from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates in a national reference centre. Estimated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity values were 0.94-1 for Cryptosporidium spp., 0.96-0.99 for G. duodenalis, 0.96-1 for E. histolytica, 1-1 for E. dispar, and 1-0.99 for D. fragilis in the evaluated singleplex assays. In the duplex assay for the simultaneous detection of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis these values were 1-0.98 and 1-0.99, respectively. Measures of diagnostic precision for repeatability and reproducibility were found to be under acceptable ranges. The assays identified six Cryptosporidium species (C. hominis, C. parvum, C. canis, C. felis, C. scrofarum, and C. ryanae), four G. duodenalis assemblages (A, B, C, and F), and six Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST5, and ST8). The evaluated singleplex and duplex VIASURE Real-Time PCR assays provide sensitive, practical, and cost-effective choices to the molecular diagnosis of the main diarrhoea-causing intestinal protists in clinical microbiology and research laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
| | - Henar Alonso
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatrics, Radiology, and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Saragossa, Spain
| | - Cristina Escolar-Miñana
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Saragossa, Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, 28008 Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
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Li G, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Wang H, Li M, He D, Guan W, Yao H. Research progress on phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitors. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115993. [PMID: 38151075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases (PI4Ks) could phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol (PI) to produce phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and maintain its metabolic balance and location. PI4P, the most abundant monophosphate inositol in eukaryotic cells, is a precursor of higher phosphoinositols and an essential substrate for the PLC/PKC and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. PI4Ks regulate vesicle transport, signal transduction, cytokinesis, and cell unity, and are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including infection and growth of parasites such as Plasmodium and Cryptosporidium, replication and survival of RNA viruses, and the development of tumors and nervous system diseases. The development of novel drugs targeting PI4Ks and PI4P has been the focus of the research and clinical application of drugs, especially in recent years. In particular, PI4K inhibitors have made great progress in the treatment of malaria and cryptosporidiosis. We describe the biological characteristics of PI4Ks; summarize the physiological functions and effector proteins of PI4P; and analyze the structural basis of selective PI4K inhibitors for the treatment of human diseases in this review. Herein, this review mainly summarizes the developments in the structure and enzyme activity of PI4K inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Yanting Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China; Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Huamin Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Dengqin He
- School of Biotechnology and Health Science, Wuyi University, 22 Dongchengcun, Jiangmen, Guangdong, 529020, China
| | - Wen Guan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Hongliang Yao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China.
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Bujila I, Troell K, Ögren J, Hansen A, Killander G, Agudelo L, Lebbad M, Beser J. Cryptosporidium species and subtypes identified in human domestic cases through the national microbiological surveillance programme in Sweden from 2018 to 2022. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38291399 PMCID: PMC10826111 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. A national microbiological surveillance programme was implemented in Sweden in 2018 in order to increase knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis to better understand transmission patterns and potential zoonotic sources. This article summarises the results of the first five years of the surveillance programme. METHODS Cryptosporidium-positive faecal and DNA samples from domestically acquired infections were collected from clinical microbiological laboratories in Sweden. Species and subtype determination was performed using 60 kDa glycoprotein and/or small subunit ribosomal RNA gene analysis. RESULTS Between 2018 and 2022, 1654 samples were analysed and 11 different species were identified: C. parvum (n = 1412), C. mortiferum (n = 59), C. hominis (n = 56), C. erinacei (n = 11), C. cuniculus (n = 5), C. meleagridis (n = 3), C. equi (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), and one each of C. canis, C. ditrichi and C. felis. Subtyping revealed seven subtype families of C. parvum (new subtype families IIy and IIz) and 69 different subtypes (11 new subtypes). The most common C. parvum subtypes were IIdA22G1c, IIdA24G1, IIdA15G2R1 and IIaA16G1R1b. For C. hominis, four different subtype families and nine different subtypes (two new subtypes) were identified. For additional species, two new subtype families (IIIk and VId) and nine new subtypes were identified. All successfully subtyped C. mortiferum cases were subtype XIVaA20G2T1, confirming previous findings in Sweden. Several outbreaks were identified of which the majority were foodborne and a few were due to direct contact with infected animals. CONCLUSION Infection with C. parvum is the leading cause of human cryptosporidiosis acquired in Sweden, where more than 90% of domestic cases are caused by this zoonotic species and only a small proportion of cases are due to infection with other species. The rodent-associated C. mortiferum is considered an emerging zoonotic species in Sweden and the number of domestically acquired human cases has surpassed that of infection with C. hominis. A high diversity of species and subtypes, as well as diversity within the same subtype, was detected. Also, cryptosporidiosis appears to affect adults to a great extent in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Bujila
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Karin Troell
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Jessica Ögren
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anette Hansen
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection, Unit of Zoonoses and Antibiotic Resistance, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Gustav Killander
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lady Agudelo
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marianne Lebbad
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jessica Beser
- Department of Microbiology, Unit of Parasitology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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Matas-Méndez P, Ávalos G, Caballero-Gómez J, Dashti A, Castro-Scholten S, Jiménez-Martín D, González-Barrio D, Muñoz-de-Mier GJ, Bailo B, Cano-Terriza D, Mateo M, Nájera F, Xiao L, Köster PC, García-Bocanegra I, Carmena D. Detection and Molecular Diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in the Endangered Iberian Lynx ( Lynx pardinus), Spain. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:340. [PMID: 38275800 PMCID: PMC10812403 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020340] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are the main non-viral causes of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals globally. Comparatively, much less information is currently available in free-ranging carnivore species in general and in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in particular. Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were investigated with molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods in individual faecal DNA samples of free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes from the main population nuclei in Spain. Overall, Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were detected in 2.4% (6/251) and 27.9% (70/251) of the animals examined, respectively. Positive animals to at least one of them were detected in each of the analysed population nuclei. The analysis of partial ssu rRNA gene sequences revealed the presence of rodent-adapted C. alticolis (n = 1) and C. occultus (n = 1), leporid-adapted C. cuniculus (n = 2), and zoonotic C. parvum (n = 2) within Cryptosporidium, and zoonotic assemblages A (n = 5) and B (n = 3) within G. duodenalis. Subgenotyping analyses allowed for the identification of genotype VaA19 in C. cuniculus (gp60 locus) and sub-assemblages AI and BIII/BIV in G. duodenalis (gdh, bg, and tpi loci). This study represents the first molecular description of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in the Iberian lynx in Spain. The presence of rodent/leporid-adapted Cryptosporidium species in the surveyed animals suggests spurious infections associated to the Iberian lynx's diet. The Iberian lynx seems a suitable host for zoonotic genetic variants of Cryptosporidium (C. parvum) and G. duodenalis (assemblages A and B), although the potential risk of human transmission is regarded as limited due to light parasite burdens and suspected low excretion of infective (oo)cysts to the environment by infected animals. More research should be conducted to ascertain the true impact of these protozoan parasites in the health status of the endangered Iberian lynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Matas-Méndez
- Faculty of Veterinary, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain;
| | - Gabriel Ávalos
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (G.Á.); (A.D.); (D.G.-B.); (B.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.C.-S.); (D.J.-M.); (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), University Hospital Reina Sofía, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (G.Á.); (A.D.); (D.G.-B.); (B.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.C.-S.); (D.J.-M.); (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.C.-S.); (D.J.-M.); (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (G.Á.); (A.D.); (D.G.-B.); (B.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Gemma J. Muñoz-de-Mier
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain;
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (G.Á.); (A.D.); (D.G.-B.); (B.B.); (D.C.)
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.C.-S.); (D.J.-M.); (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (G.Á.); (A.D.); (D.G.-B.); (B.B.); (D.C.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain;
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (S.C.-S.); (D.J.-M.); (D.C.-T.); (I.G.-B.)
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (G.Á.); (A.D.); (D.G.-B.); (B.B.); (D.C.)
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Xu R, Beatty WL, Greigert V, Witola WH, Sibley LD. Multiple pathways for glucose phosphate transport and utilization support growth of Cryptosporidium parvum. Nat Commun 2024; 15:380. [PMID: 38191884 PMCID: PMC10774378 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is an obligate intracellular parasite with a highly reduced mitochondrion that lacks the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the ability to generate ATP, making the parasite reliant on glycolysis. Genetic ablation experiments demonstrated that neither of the two putative glucose transporters CpGT1 and CpGT2 were essential for growth. Surprisingly, hexokinase was also dispensable for parasite growth while the downstream enzyme aldolase was required, suggesting the parasite has an alternative way of obtaining phosphorylated hexose. Complementation studies in E. coli support a role for direct transport of glucose-6-phosphate from the host cell by the parasite transporters CpGT1 and CpGT2, thus bypassing a requirement for hexokinase. Additionally, the parasite obtains phosphorylated glucose from amylopectin stores that are released by the action of the essential enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. Collectively, these findings reveal that C. parvum relies on multiple pathways to obtain phosphorylated glucose both for glycolysis and to restore carbohydrate reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wandy L Beatty
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Valentin Greigert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - William H Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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Shaw S, Cohn IS, Baptista RP, Xia G, Melillo B, Agyabeng-Dadzie F, Kissinger JC, Striepen B. Genetic crosses within and between species of Cryptosporidium. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313210120. [PMID: 38147547 PMCID: PMC10769859 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313210120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites and their hosts are engaged in reciprocal coevolution that balances competing mechanisms of virulence, resistance, and evasion. This often leads to host specificity, but genomic reassortment between different strains can enable parasites to jump host barriers and conquer new niches. In the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium, genetic exchange has been hypothesized to play a prominent role in adaptation to humans. The sexual lifecycle of the parasite provides a potential mechanism for such exchange; however, the boundaries of Cryptosporidium sex are currently undefined. To explore this experimentally, we established a model for genetic crosses. Drug resistance was engineered using a mutated phenylalanyl tRNA synthetase gene and marking strains with this and the previously used Neo transgene enabled selection of recombinant progeny. This is highly efficient, and genomic recombination is evident and can be continuously monitored in real time by drug resistance, flow cytometry, and PCR mapping. Using this approach, multiple loci can now be modified with ease. We demonstrate that essential genes can be ablated by crossing a Cre recombinase driver strain with floxed strains. We further find that genetic crosses are also feasible between species. Crossing Cryptosporidium parvum, a parasite of cattle and humans, and Cryptosporidium tyzzeri a mouse parasite resulted in progeny with a recombinant genome derived from both species that continues to vigorously replicate sexually. These experiments have important fundamental and translational implications for the evolution of Cryptosporidium and open the door to reverse- and forward-genetic analysis of parasite biology and host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Shaw
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Ian S. Cohn
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Rodrigo P. Baptista
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX77030
| | - Guoqin Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA92037
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA02142
| | | | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
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Greigert V, Saraav I, Son J, Zhu Y, Dayao D, Antia A, Tzipori S, Witola WH, Stappenbeck TS, Ding S, Sibley LD. Cryptosporidium infection of human small intestinal epithelial cells induces type III interferon and impairs infectivity of Rotavirus. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2297897. [PMID: 38189373 PMCID: PMC10793699 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2297897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants from resource poor settings. The majority of infections are caused by the human-specific pathogen C. hominis and absence of in vitro growth platforms has limited our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and development of effective treatments. To address this problem, we developed a stem cell-derived culture system for C. hominis using human enterocytes differentiated under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Human ALI cultures supported robust growth and complete development of C. hominis in vitro including all life cycle stages. Cryptosporidium infection induced a strong interferon response from enterocytes, possibly driven, in part, by an endogenous dsRNA virus in the parasite. Prior infection with Cryptosporidium induced type III IFN secretion and consequently blunted infection with Rotavirus, including live attenuated vaccine strains. The development of hALI provides a platform for further studies on human-specific pathogens, including clinically important coinfections that may alter vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Juhee Son
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yinxing Zhu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Denise Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Avan Antia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - William H. Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Siyuan Ding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Zhao L, Wang M, Wang L, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Chai H, Fan W, Yi C, Ding Y, Wang J, Sulijid J, Liu Y. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy and beef cattle in Shanxi, China. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:8. [PMID: 38052995 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are key gastrointestinal protists in humans and animals worldwide. Infected cattle are considered the main source of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans. However, little is known about the genetic makeup of Cryptosporidium populations in Shanxi province, China. We analyzed 858 fecal samples collected from farms in Shanxi. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. was determined via polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene as well as restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Cryptosporidium parvum was subtyped following sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle was 11.19%, with a prevalence of 13.30% and 8.67% in Lingqiu and Yingxian, respectively. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy and beef cattle was 10.78% and 11.50%, respectively. Cryptosporidium infection was detected across all analyzed age groups. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in diarrhea and nondiarrhea samples was 18.24% and 9.72%, respectively, whereas that in intensively farmed and free-range cattle was 17.40% and 3.41%, respectively. We identified five Cryptosporidium species, with C. andersoni being the dominant species. Further, two cases of mixed infections of Cryptosporidium species were detected. All identified C. parvum isolates belonged to the subtype IIdA17G1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Mingyuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhansheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hailiang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chao Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yulin Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Jirintai Sulijid
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
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Holsback L, Marquez EDS, Silva MAD, Porto PP, Garcia JL, Martins FDC, Seixas MD. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in ruminants and observation of natural infection by Cryptosporidium andersoni in sheep from Paraná, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e010023. [PMID: 38055435 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify Cryptosporidium species found in cattle and sheep in Paraná, southern region of Brazil. Individual fecal samples from 458 bovines and 101 sheep were submitted for molecular analysis by PCR and nested PCR using specific primers for sequences of the 18S ribosomal unit (rRNA). Positive samples were analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), followed by genetic sequencing for species confirmation. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium was 11.27% (63/559). The highest occurrence was detected in lambs (12/59, 20.33%). From the 63 positive samples, it was possible to identify the species in 58 of them by RFLP and genetic sequencing. Five species of Cryptosporidium were identified: Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Cryptosporidium xiaoi, and Cryptosporidium parvum. The most prevalent species was C. andersoni (41.38%) and the least predominant was C. parvum (10.34%). The most abundant species of Cryptosporidium in dairy calves were C. andersoni (11/25) and C. ryanae (6/25). Of the 17 positive sheep, nine (52.94%) were infected with C. andersoni. This finding is the first report on the occurrence of C. andersoni in naturally infected sheep in Brazil and the first observation of a high absolute occurrence of this Cryptosporidium species in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane Holsback
- Setor de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Bandeirantes, PR, Brasil
| | - Ellen de Souza Marquez
- Setor de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Bandeirantes, PR, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Alves da Silva
- Setor de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Bandeirantes, PR, Brasil
| | - Petrônio Pinheiro Porto
- Setor de Veterinária e Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Bandeirantes, PR, Brasil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Mércia de Seixas
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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Gunasekera S, Clode PL, King B, Monis P, Thierry B, Carr JM, Chopra A, Watson M, O'Dea M, Hijjawi N, Ryan U. Comparison of in vitro growth characteristics of Cryptosporidium hominis (IdA15G1) and Cryptosporidium parvum (Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1). Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2891-2905. [PMID: 37776335 PMCID: PMC10667462 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07979-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoeal disease and mortality in young children in resource-poor countries, for which no vaccines or adequate therapeutic options are available. Infection in humans is primarily caused by two species: C. hominis and C. parvum. Despite C. hominis being the dominant species infecting humans in most countries, very little is known about its growth characteristics and life cycle in vitro, given that the majority of our knowledge of the in vitro development of Cryptosporidium has been based on C. parvum. In the present study, the growth and development of two C. parvum isolates (subtypes Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1) and one C. hominis isolate (subtype IdA15G1) in HCT-8 cells were examined and compared at 24 h and 48 h using morphological data acquired with scanning electron microscopy. Our data indicated no significant differences in the proportion of meronts or merozoites between species or subtypes at either time-point. Sexual development was observed at the 48-h time-point across both species through observations of both microgamonts and macrogamonts, with a higher frequency of macrogamont observations in C. hominis (IdA15G1) cultures at 48-h post-infection compared to both C. parvum subtypes. This corresponded to differences in the proportion of trophozoites observed at the same time point. No differences in proportion of microgamonts were observed between the three subtypes, which were rarely observed across all cultures. In summary, our data indicate that asexual development of C. hominis is similar to that of C. parvum, while sexual development is accelerated in C. hominis. This study provides new insights into differences in the in vitro growth characteristics of C. hominis when compared to C. parvum, which will facilitate our understanding of the sexual development of both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gunasekera
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Peta L Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation, and Analysis and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Brendon King
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Paul Monis
- South Australian Water Corporation, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Abha Chopra
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mark Watson
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mark O'Dea
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Nawal Hijjawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 150459, Zarqa, 13115, Jordan
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
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Lobão LF, Corrêa LL, Bruno SF, da Silva S, Uchôa CMA, da Silva Barbosa A. Diagnosis of endoparasite species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. with one health importance, in feces from captive snakes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Parasitol Int 2023; 97:102797. [PMID: 37604363 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
In captivity, snakes may present chronic infections with high mortality, such as those caused by Cryptosporidium serpentis, or they may be pseudoparasitized by species that present zoonotic potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of helminths and protozoa in the feces of captive snakes, characterize the species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and correlate the parasites detected with other information obtained from these animals. Feces were collected from 189 snakes kept at the Vital Brazil Institute, Rio de Janeiro, including samples from Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops atrox, Bothrops leucurus, Crotalus durissus and Lachesis muta. All the samples were subjected to microscopy techniques and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in association with sequencing, to identify Cryptosporidium spp.. Forms of parasites infecting the snakes were identified through microscopy in 50.8% of the samples. Helminths were detected more often than protozoa in the feces of these animals, mainly comprising eggs resembling Kalicephalus sp. and oocysts of Eimeria sp.. Pseudoparasites such as Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris sp. and Hymenolepis nana were also detected. Through correlating the results obtained from parasitological staining techniques and PCR, the total frequency of Cryptosporidium sp. was found to be 19%. The species C. tyzzeri and C. parvum were identified. Characterization using the target gp60 showed subtypes with high potential for zoonotic transmission, especially IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA14G2R1 of C. parvum and IXbA8 of C. tyzzeri. This study highlighted the need for more intensive health management in the Institute's serpentarium and, especially, in its bioterium where rodents are reared as a food source for these snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Fernandes Lobão
- Laboratórios de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laís Lisboa Corrêa
- Laboratórios de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sávio Freire Bruno
- Setor de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sidnei da Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Brazil
| | - Claudia Maria Antunes Uchôa
- Laboratórios de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alynne da Silva Barbosa
- Laboratórios de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Coelho NMD, Coelho WMD, Gomes JF, Meireles MV, Nagata WB, de Lima VMF, Santos-Doni TR, Silva VB, da Silveira Neto L, Nakamura AA, Bresciani KDS. Evidence of the Zoonotic Transmission of Cryptosporidium among Children and Pets. Pathogens 2023; 12:1393. [PMID: 38133278 PMCID: PMC10747799 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121393] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among the children (n = 188), dogs (n = 133), and cats (n = 55) living in 188 households. Fecal samples were examined using ELISA and confirmed via nested PCR. Coproantigens oocysts were detected in 3.7% of children, 8.3% of dogs, and 5.5% of cats. We found strong evidence of two cases of the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium canis between children and dogs. Furthermore, four children and their respective pets (one dog and three cats) were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum, but we cannot exclude the hypotheses that the oocysts were transmitted from children to animals or that both hosts were infected by a shared source, such as contaminated water or food. The presence of an infected animal elevated the risk of zoonotic transmission by 129.7-fold (95% CI: 13.92-1209.68). Furthermore, sharing a bed with pets was identified as a risk factor for infection in children (OR: 9.9, 95% CI: 1.37-71.2). In conclusion, the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among children and pets cohabiting in the same household may be quite common, especially when infected animals lie or sleep on children's beds. These findings unequivocally highlight the public health concern surrounding C. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Marinho Dourado Coelho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Fundação Educacional de Andradina, Andradina 16901-160, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | | | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e Instituto de Computação, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-887, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Walter Bertequini Nagata
- Escritório de Defesa Agropecuária, Coordenadoria de Defesa Agropecuária, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo, Lins 16400-050, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Valéria Marçal Felix de Lima
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Thais Rabelo Santos-Doni
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí 38610-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Vitória Beatriz Silva
- Imunologia e Vacinologia, Curso de Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Gurupi 77410-530, Tocantins, Brazil; (V.B.S.); (L.d.S.N.)
| | - Luiz da Silveira Neto
- Imunologia e Vacinologia, Curso de Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Gurupi 77410-530, Tocantins, Brazil; (V.B.S.); (L.d.S.N.)
| | - Alex Akira Nakamura
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Araçatuba 16050-680, São Paulo, Brazil; (N.M.D.C.); (M.V.M.); (V.M.F.d.L.); (A.A.N.)
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Yun CS, Moon BY, Lee K, Kang SM, Ku BK, Hwang MH. The detection and phylogenetic characterization of Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis of cats in South Korea. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1296118. [PMID: 38029266 PMCID: PMC10663360 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1296118] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and Giardia duodenalis are gastrointestinal protozoa parasites that cause diarrhea in various animals. However, information regarding the detection and phylogenetic characterization of gastrointestinal protozoa parasites in cats is limited throughout South Korea. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the detection and identify subspecies of gastrointestinal protozoa parasites in cats from South Korea. Methods A total of 290 fecal samples were collected from stray, companion, and shelter cats in six provinces. Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora, and G. duodenalis were identified by PCR. All positive samples were subtyped by PCR and sequencing of gp60, ITS-1, tpi, bg, and gdh. Results The overall detection of gastrointestinal protozoan parasitic infection was 17.93%. G. duodenalis was the most prevalent, with 7.93%, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (7.24%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (4.48%). In addition, C. felis (n=10), C. parvum (n=2), C. ryanae (n=1), Cystoisospora felis (n=14), Cystoisospora suis (n=5), Cystoisospora ohioensis (n=1), Cystoisospora spp. were identified in subspecies analysis of positive samples. C. felis showed a significant association with diarrhea (7.81%) and living condition (6.04%), and Cystoisospora felis in diarreha (9.38%) according to detection. Through phylogenetic analysis of the tpi, bg, and gdh genes from 23 G. duodenalispositive samples, it was confirmed that the samples of present study belonged to assemblage A, B, C, and D. Discussion South Korean cats have a high rate of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites infection with cat-specific Cryptosporidium and Cystoisospora, which are associated with living conditions and diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, zoonotic and other animal-specific subtype of protozoan parasites have been detected in cat feces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mi-Hye Hwang
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
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Hsu CH, Liang C, Chi SC, Lee KJ, Chou CH, Lin CS, Yang WY. An Epidemiological Assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. Infection in Pet Animals from Taiwan. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3373. [PMID: 37958128 PMCID: PMC10649203 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213373] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are enteric protozoan pathogens in humans. and animals. Companion animals infected with zoonotic species/assemblages are a matter of major public concern around the world. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalences of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections and their co-infection statuses in dogs and cats living in Taiwan and to identify the species and assemblages. Fecal samples were collected from local animal shelters (n = 285) and a veterinary hospital (n = 108). Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the SSU-rRNA, β-giardin, and glutamate dehydrogenase genes for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. Results showed that the overall prevalences of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were 7.38% (29/393) and 10.69% (42/393). In addition, co-infection was detected in 1.02% (4/393) of all samples. Sample source, clinical sign, and breed may be risk factors that influence the infection rate. In Cryptosporidium-positive samples, C. canis and C. felis were detected most frequently. Although the canine-specific assemblages C and D (37/42) were dominant, the zoonotic human-specific assemblage A (1/42) was also found in Giardia-positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most positive samples belonged to host-specific subtypes/assemblages, while some Cryptosporidium or Giardia-positive samples could be zoonotic. The findings suggested that pet animals could be a cause of zoonotic transmission, causing human cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hui Hsu
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Chi Liang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Shi-Chien Chi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Kuan-Ju Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Chung-Hsi Chou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Wen-Yuan Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (C.L.); (S.-C.C.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
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Liu X, Wang J, Liu J, Li X, Guan Y, Qian S, Jia X. Cryptosporidiosis diagnosed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing in a healthy child admitted to pediatric intensive care unit: a case report. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1269963. [PMID: 37965251 PMCID: PMC10641789 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1269963] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium infections in humans typically result in symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. When the diarrhea is severe, it can cause serious complications and even be life-threatening, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. Case presentation Here, we reported the use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a 10-year-old boy with severe Cryptosporidium infection. Despite the absence of any history of immunocompromise, the infection still resulted in severe symptoms, including shock, as well as damage to his pancreas and kidneys. The mNGS tests detected the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum when conventional methods failed. The patient received anti-parasite treatment along with supportive care to manage the condition. With disease surveillance based on regular clinical tests and sequential mNGS tests, the child recovered from the severe conditions. Conclusion Our study emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential severity of Cryptosporidium infection, even among individuals with normal immune systems. Timely diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are essential for patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Liu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Hugobiotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuming Li
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Hugobiotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yuanlin Guan
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Hugobiotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Suyun Qian
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlei Jia
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Roche K, Dalle F, Capelli N, Borne R, Jouffroy-Bapicot I, Valot B, Grenouillet F, Le Bailly M. From modern-day parasitology to paleoparasitology: the elusive past record and evolution of Cryptosporidium. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1249884. [PMID: 37928683 PMCID: PMC10622768 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1249884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts have been made to review the state of the art on a variety of questions and targets in paleoparasitology, including protozoan taxa. Meanwhile, these efforts seemed to let aside Cryptosporidium, and we then intended to review its paleoparasitological record to assess its past distribution and favored detection methods, and eventually highlight needed research trajectories. This review shows that contrary to other parasites, most of the positive results came from South-American sites and coprolites rather than sediment samples, highlighting the need to test this kind of material, notably in Europe where many negative results were reported in the published literature from sediment samples. Moreover, aDNA-based detections are nearly absent from the paleoparasitological record of this parasite, though punctually shown successful. With their potential to address the evolutionary history of Cryptosporidium species, notably through their 18S rRNA tree, aDNA-based approaches should be encouraged in the future. In sum, and though the limits of currently used methods and materials remain unclear, this review highlights the potential role of coprolites and aDNA for the study of Cryptosporidium species in the past and how this history shaped their current diversity and distribution, notably among human populations but also farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Roche
- UMR CNRS-UFC 6249 Chrono-environnement, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Frédéric Dalle
- CNR LE Cryptosporidiosis Collaborating Laboratory, Santé Publique France, Dijon, France
- Department of Parasitology/Mycology, University Hospital of Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Nicolas Capelli
- UMR CNRS-UFC 6249 Chrono-environnement, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Romain Borne
- UMR CNRS-UFC 6249 Chrono-environnement, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Benoit Valot
- UMR CNRS-UFC 6249 Chrono-environnement, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Frédéric Grenouillet
- UMR CNRS-UFC 6249 Chrono-environnement, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Matthieu Le Bailly
- UMR CNRS-UFC 6249 Chrono-environnement, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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Risby H, Robinson G, Chandra N, King G, Vivancos R, Smith R, Thomas D, Fox A, McCarthy N, Chalmers RM. Application of a new multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme for the seasonal investigation of Cryptosporidium parvum cases in Wales and the northwest of England, spring 2022. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100151. [PMID: 38021189 PMCID: PMC10665698 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum is an important cause of gastroenteritis in humans and livestock, and cryptosporidiosis outbreaks are common. However, a multi-locus genotyping scheme is not widely adopted. We describe the further development and application of a seven-locus multi-locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) scheme. From 28th March to 31st July 2022, confirmed C. parvum stools (n = 213) from cryptosporidiosis patients (cases) in Wales (n = 95) and the north west of England (n = 118) were tested by MLVA. Typability (defined as alleles identified at all seven loci in a sample) was 81.2% and discriminatory power estimated by Hunter Gaston Discriminatory Index was 0.99. A MLVA profile was constructed from the alleles, expressed in chromosomal order. Profiles were defined as simple (single allele at each locus) or mixed (more than one allele at any locus). A total of 161 MLVA profiles were identified; 13 were mixed, an additional 38 simple profiles contained null records, and 110 were complete simple profiles. A minimum spanning tree was constructed of simple MLVA profiles and those identical at all seven loci defined genetic clusters of cases (here, null records were considered as an allele); 77 cases formed 25 clusters, ranging from two to nine (mode = two) cases. The largest cluster, following epidemiological investigation, signalled a newly-identified outbreak. Two other cases with mixed profiles that contained the outbreak alleles were included in the outbreak investigation. In another epidemiologically-identified outbreak of six initial cases, MLVA detected two additional cases. In a third, small outbreak of three cases, identical MLVA profiles strengthened the microbiological evidence. Review of the performance characteristics of the individual loci and of the seven-locus scheme suggested that two loci might be candidates for review, but a larger dataset over a wider geographical area and longer timeframe will help inform decision-making about the scheme by user laboratories and stakeholders (such as public health agencies). This MLVA scheme is straightforward in use, fast and cheap compared to sequence-based methods, identifies mixed infections, provides an important tool for C. parvum surveillance, and can enhance outbreak investigations and public health action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Risby
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Guy Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Nastassya Chandra
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Field Service North West, Suite 3B, 3rd Floor, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1DS, UK
| | - Grace King
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
| | - Roberto Vivancos
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Field Service North West, Suite 3B, 3rd Floor, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1DS, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Robert Smith
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
| | - Daniel Thomas
- Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
| | - Andrew Fox
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Field Service North West, Suite 3B, 3rd Floor, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1DS, UK
| | - Noel McCarthy
- University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
| | - Rachel M. Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology and Health Protection, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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Feng K, Li N, Huang Y, Chen C, Wen L, Wang W, Ryan UM, Xiao L, Feng Y, Guo Y. Longitudinal follow-up reveals occurrence of successive Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae infections by different subtype families in dairy cattle. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:651-661. [PMID: 37328045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium bovis and Cryptosporidium ryanae are common species causing cryptosporidiosis in cattle. Data accumulated thus far indicate that the infection patterns of the two species could be different between areas with and without Cryptosporidium parvum. To better understand the infection dynamics of these two species, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of Cryptosporidium spp. were conducted using genotyping and subtyping tools. In the cross-sectional survey, analysis of 634 faecal samples from two farms identified only C. bovis and C. ryanae in pre-weaned calves. Two birth cohorts of 61 and 78 calves were followed longitudinally over a 12 month period, which revealed the shedding of C. bovis oocysts started at 1-2 weeks of age and peaked initially at 6-8 weeks of age. Altogether calves experienced four infections by six subtype families of C. bovis, with each infection caused by different subtype families. In contrast, the shedding of C. ryanae oocysts started at 2-4 weeks of age, and the two infections were caused by different subtype families. The cumulative incidence of C. bovis infection was 100% (58/58, 32/32) on both farms, compared with 84.4-98.3% (27/32 and 57/58) for C. ryanae infection. Overall, the mean duration of oocyst shedding in the cohort studies was 3.8-4.0 weeks for C. bovis compared with 2.1 weeks for C. ryanae. The oocyst shedding intensity was high (mean oocysts per gram of faeces was over 105) during the first infection with each species but became significantly lower in the later infections. Cryptosporidium ryanae was associated with the occurrence of diarrhea on one farm, while C. bovis was not. The data indicate that there is an early occurrence of C. bovis and C. ryanae in pre-weaned calves with high infection intensity in the absence of C. parvum. Calves infected with the same Cryptosporidium sp. multiple times could be associated with the presence of subtype-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Na Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yujin Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chengyi Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Luxing Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weijian Wang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una M Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Yang X, Wang J, Huang S, Song J, Fan Y, Zhao G. Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Escherichia coli in Dairy Goat Kids with Diarrhea in Partial Regions of Shaanxi Province, China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2922. [PMID: 37760322 PMCID: PMC10526037 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182922] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Escherichia coli are important diarrheal pathogens threatening the health of humans and various animals. Goats, especially pre-weaned goat kids, that carry these pathogens are important reservoirs related to human infection. In the present study, PCR-based sequencing techniques were applied to characterize Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli in 202 fecal samples of diarrheal kids for Guanzhong dairy goats from five locations in Shaanxi Province. The positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli were 37.6% (76/202), 16.3% (33/202), 55.4% (112/202) and 78.7% (159/202) in these goat kids, respectively. Co-infection of two to four pathogens was found in 114 of 202 fecal samples. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in the positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were found among locations and age groups. Furthermore, two Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum and C. xiaoi), two G. duodenalis assemblages (E and A), nine E. bieneusi genotypes (CHG3, CHG1, BEB6, CHG5, CHG2, SX1, CHG28, COS-II and CD6) and two E. coli pathotypes (EPEC and EHEC) were identified. As for Cryptosporidium, two (IIdA19G1 and IIdA19G2) and two (XXIIIa and XXIIIg) subtypes were recognized in samples positive for C. parvum and C. xiaoi, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS locus of E. bieneusi indicated that all nine genotypes of E. bieneusi identified in this study belonged to the group 2. Four virulence factors (ehxA, eae, stx2 and stx1) of EPEC and EHEC were found in E. coli strains. Collectively, this study explored the colonization frequency of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi and E. coli in diarrheal kids of Guanzhong dairy goats in Shaanxi Province and expanded our understanding of the genetic composition and zoonotic potential of these pathogens in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Junwei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Shuang Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Junke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yingying Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (X.Y.); (J.W.); (S.H.); (J.S.); (Y.F.)
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Ministry of Education, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
- Engineering Research Center of Efficient New Vaccines for Animals, Universities of Shaanxi Province, Yangling 712100, China
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Greigert V, Saraav I, Son J, Dayao D, Antia A, Tzipori S, Witola WH, Stappenbeck TS, Ding S, Sibley LD. Cryptosporidium infection of human small intestinal epithelial cells induces type III interferon and impairs infectivity of Rotavirus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.30.555581. [PMID: 37693422 PMCID: PMC10491271 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants from resource poor settings. The majority of infections are caused by the human-specific pathogen C. hominis and absence of in vitro growth platforms has limited our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and development of effective treatments. To address this problem, we developed a stem cell-derived culture system for C. hominis using human enterocytes differentiated under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Human ALI cultures supported robust growth and complete development of C. hominis in vitro including all life cycle stages. C. hominis infection induced a strong interferon response from enterocytes, likely driven by an endogenous dsRNA virus in the parasite. Prior infection with Cryptosporidium induced type III IFN secretion and consequently blunted infection with Rotavirus, including live attenuated vaccine strains. The development of hALI provides a platform for further studies on human-specific pathogens, including clinically important coinfections that may alter vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Iti Saraav
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Juhee Son
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Denise Dayao
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Avan Antia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Saul Tzipori
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - William H. Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Thaddeus S. Stappenbeck
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Siyuan Ding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Zhao L, Chai HL, Wang MY, Zhang ZS, Han WX, Yang B, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhao WH, Ma YM, Zhan YJ, Wang LF, Ding YL, Wang JL, Liu YH. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia, Northern China. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:134. [PMID: 37626358 PMCID: PMC10464073 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is a gastrointestinal protozoan that widely exists in nature, it is an established zoonotic pathogen. Infected cattle are considered to be associated with cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans. In the present study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium in dairy cattle in Central Inner Mongolia. METHODS We focused on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) of Cryptosporidium and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) of Cryptosporidium parvum. We collected 505 dairy cattle manure samples from 6 sampling sites in Inner Mongolia in 2021; the samples were divided into 4 groups based on age. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequence analysis, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using SspI and MboII restriction endonucleases were performed. RFLP analysis was performed to determine the prevalence and species distribution of Cryptosporidium. RESULTS SSU rRNA PCR revealed that the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 29.90% (151/505), with a prevalence of 37.67% (55/146) and 26.74% (96/359) in diarrheal and nondiarrheal samples, respectively; these differences were significant. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection at the 6 sampling sites ranged from 0 to 47.06% and that among the 4 age groups ranged from 18.50 to 43.81%. SSU rRNA sequence analysis and RFLP analysis revealed the presence of 4 Cryptosporidium species, namely, C. bovis (44.37%), C. andersoni (35.10%), C. ryanae (21.85%), and C. parvum (11.92%), along with a mixed infection involving two or three Cryptosporidium species. Cryptosporidium bovis or C. andersoni was the most common cause of infection in the four age groups. The subtype of C. parvum was successfully identified as IIdA via gp60 analysis; all isolates were identified as the subtype IIdA19G1. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of dairy cattle infected with four Cryptosporidium species in Inner Mongolia, China, along with a mixed infection involving two or three Cryptosporidium species, with C. bovis and C. andersoni as the dominant species. Moreover, this is the first study to identify C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 in cattle in Inner Mongolia. Our study findings provide detailed information on molecular epidemiological investigation of bovine cryptosporidiosis in Inner Mongolia, suggesting that dairy cattle in this region are at risk of transmitting cryptosporidiosis to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai-Liang Chai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ming-Yuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhan-Sheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Han
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Reproductive Biotechnology (Group) Co.,Ltd, Hohhot, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Animal Disease Control Center of Ordos, Ordos, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yi-Min Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yong-Jie Zhan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li-Feng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yu-Lin Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Jin-Ling Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China
| | - Yong-Hong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology in Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hohhot, China.
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Adjou KT, Chevillot A, Lucas P, Blanchard Y, Louifi H, Arab R, Mammeri M, Thomas M, Polack B, Karadjian G, Dheilly NM. First identification of Cryptosporidium parvum virus 1 (CSpV1) in various subtypes of Cryptosporidium parvum from diarrheic calves, lambs and goat kids from France. Vet Res 2023; 54:66. [PMID: 37608341 PMCID: PMC10464362 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. remain a major cause of waterborne diarrhea and illness in developing countries and represent a significant burden to farmers worldwide. Cryptosporidium parvum virus 1 (CSpV1), of the genus Cryspovirus, was first reported to be present in the cytoplasm of C. parvum in 1997. Full-length genome sequences have been obtained from C. parvum from Iowa (Iowa), Kansas (KSU) and China. We aimed at characterizing the genome of CSpV1 from France and used sequence analysis from Cryptosporidium isolates to explore whether CSpV1 genome diversity varies over time, with geographical sampling location, C. parvum genetic diversity, or ruminant host species. A total of 123 fecal samples of cattle, sheep and goats were collected from 17 different French departments (57 diseased animal fecal samples and 66 healthy animal fecal samples). Subtyping analysis of the C. parvum isolates revealed the presence of two zoonotic subtype families IIa and IId. Sequence analysis of CSpV1 revealed that all CSpV1 from France, regardless of the subtype of C. parvum (IIaA15G2R1, IIaA17G2R1 and IIdA18G1R1) are more closely related to CSpV1 from Turkey, and cluster on a distinct branch from CSpV1 collected from C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 from Asia and North America. We also found that samples collected on a given year or successive years in a given location are more likely to host the same subtype of C. parvum and the same CSpV1 strain. Yet, there is no distinct clustering of CSpV1 per French department or ruminants, probably due to trade, and transmission of C. parvum among host species. Our results point towards (i) a close association between CSpV1 movement and C. parvum movement, (ii) recent migrations of C. parvum among distantly located departments and (iii) incidental transmission of C. parvum between ruminants. All together, these results provide insightful information regarding CSpV1 evolution and suggest the virus might be used as an epidemiological tracer for C. parvum. Future studies need to investigate CSpV1's role in C. parvum virulence and on subtype ability to infect different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Tarik Adjou
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Aurélie Chevillot
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pierrick Lucas
- Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Unité Génétique virale et biosécurité, ANSES, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail, Ploufragan, France
| | - Yannick Blanchard
- Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Unité Génétique virale et biosécurité, ANSES, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail, Ploufragan, France
| | - Houria Louifi
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Razika Arab
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Mohamed Mammeri
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Myriam Thomas
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bruno Polack
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Grégory Karadjian
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, UMR BIPAR, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nolwenn M Dheilly
- Anses Animal Health Laboratory, UMR1161 Virology, INRAE, Anses, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Shaw S, Cohn IS, Baptista RP, Xia G, Melillo B, Agyabeng-Dadzie F, Kissinger JC, Striepen B. Genetic crosses within and between species of Cryptosporidium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.551960. [PMID: 37577700 PMCID: PMC10418217 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.551960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Parasites and their hosts are engaged in rapid coevolution that balances competing mechanisms of virulence, resistance, and evasion. This often leads to host specificity, but genomic reassortment between different strains can enable parasites to jump host barriers and conquer new niches. In the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium genetic exchange has been hypothesized to play a prominent role in adaptation to humans. The sexual lifecycle of the parasite provides a potential mechanism for such exchange; however, the boundaries of Cryptosporidium sex are currently undefined. To explore this experimentally, we established a model for genetic crosses. Drug resistance was engineered using a mutated phenylalanyl tRNA synthetase gene and marking strains with this and the previously used Neo transgene enabled selection of recombinant progeny. This is highly efficient, and genomic recombination is evident and can be continuously monitored in real time by drug resistance, flow cytometry, and PCR mapping. Using this approach multiple loci can now be modified with ease. We demonstrate that essential genes can be ablated by crossing a Cre recombinase driver strain with floxed strains. We further find that genetic crosses are also feasible between species. Crossing C. parvum, a parasite of cattle and humans, and C. tyzzeri a mouse parasite resulted in progeny with a recombinant genome derived from both species that continues to vigorously replicate sexually. These experiments have important fundamental and translational implications for the evolution of Cryptosporidium and open the door to reverse- and forward- genetic analysis of parasite biology and host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Shaw
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ian S. Cohn
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Guoqin Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Institute of Bioinformatics University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Jezkova J, Holubova N, Kvicerova J, Mateju J, Sak B, Kvac M. European ground squirrels Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus) do not share identical Cryptosporidium spp. with North American ground squirrels. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2023; 70:2023.016. [PMID: 37565460 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2023.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1910 is one of the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results of this study provide the first data on Cryptosporidium diversity in the European ground squirrel Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus). A total of 128 faecal samples of European ground squirrels from 39 localities in the Czech Republic were analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) and the actin gene. While the microscopical examination did not reveal the presence of any Cryptosporidium oocysts, eight samples from six localities were PCR-positive. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of five different Cryptosporidium spp. isolates. Four isolates, designated as Cryptosporidium sp. isolate Sc01-04, detected in wild populations and never recorded before, clustered closely to Cryptosporidium genotypes that have previously been found in North American ground squirrels' species. Cryptosporidium sciurinum Prediger, Ježková, Holubová, Sak, Konečný, Rost, McEvoy, Rajský et Kváč, 2021 was found in an animal sanctuary. Because C. sciurinum had previously been detected in Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus at the same facility, it can be concluded that this Cryptosporidium was transmitted from tree squirrels to ground squirrels within the animal sanctuary. The results indicate that populations of European and North American ground squirrels are parasitised by different Cryptosporidium spp. At the same time, this is the first description of the occurrence of C. sciurinum in ground squirrels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jezkova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kvicerova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mateju
- Museum Karlovy Vary, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic *Address for correspondence: Martin Kvac, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, E-mail
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kvac
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Li J, Sun L, Xie F, Shao T, Wu S, Li X, Zhang L, Wang R. MiR-3976 regulates HCT-8 cell apoptosis and parasite burden by targeting BCL2A1 in response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:221. [PMID: 37415254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05826-w] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is second only to rotavirus as a cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in young children. There are currently no fully effective drug treatments or vaccines for cryptosporidiosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the innate immune response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR-3976 in regulating HCT-8 cell apoptosis induced by C. parvum infection. METHODS Expression levels of miR-3976 and C. parvum burden were estimated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The interaction between miR-3976 and B-cell lymphoma 2-related protein A1 (BCL2A1) was studied by luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. RESULTS Expression levels of miR-3976 were decreased at 8 and 12 h post-infection (hpi) but increased at 24 and 48 hpi. Upregulation of miR-3976 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited the parasite burden in HCT-8 cells after C. parvum infection. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that BCL2A1 was a target gene of miR-3976. Co-transfection with miR-3976 and a BCL2A1 overexpression vector revealed that miR-3976 targeted BCL2A1 and suppressed cell apoptosis and promoted the parasite burden in HCT-8 cells. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicated that miR-3976 regulated cell apoptosis and parasite burden in HCT-8 cells by targeting BCL2A1 following C. parvum infection. Future study should determine the role of miR-3976 in hosts' anti-C. parvum immunity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanfeng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Fujie Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Tianren Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Shanbo Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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