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Barzgar G, Ahmadpour E, Ahmadi R, Norouzi R, Siyadatpanah A, Kohansal MH. Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis by microscopy and molecular methods in women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Northwest Iran. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:624-629. [PMID: 39145365 PMCID: PMC11319573 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01703-0] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic disease that affects the human reproductive and urinary systems, representing a substantial non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Given its impact on reproductive health, and the limited available information on the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of T. vaginalis among women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Northwest Iran. Study was conducted on 448 suspicious women who attended to 29Bahman hospital in Tabriz, Northwest Iran, during September 2020 to September 2021. Demographic data were collected according to the study protocol. Vaginal discharges were obtained using sterile swabs, and the prevalence of T. vaginalis was determined using Papanicolauo staining and PCR method. Among the 448 cases studied, 48 (10.7%) samples were suspected as a T. vaginalis infection, while 4 (0.89%) confirmed using the PCR method. The mean age of infected individuals was 41.7 ± 9.4 years. No statistical correlation was observed between inflammation, method of contraception and infection (p = 0.8). The present study revealed a relatively low prevalence of T. vaginalis infection within the study population. Additionally, the utilization of the PCR method can be beneficial in confirming suspected samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Barzgar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
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2
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Martínez-Rosas V, Navarrete-Vázquez G, Ortega-Cuellar D, Arreguin-Espinosa R, Pérez de la Cruz V, Calderón-Jaimes E, Enríquez-Flores S, Wong-Baeza C, Baeza-Ramírez I, Morales-Luna L, Vázquez-Bautista M, Rojas-Alarcón MA, Hernández-Ochoa B, Gómez-Manzo S. Imidazole Carbamates as a Promising Alternative for Treating Trichomoniasis: In Vitro Effects on the Growth and Gene Expression of Trichomonas vaginalis. Molecules 2024; 29:2585. [PMID: 38893461 PMCID: PMC11173628 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112585] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metronidazole (MTZ) is the most common drug used against Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infections; however, treatment failures and high rates of recurrence of trichomoniasis have been reported, suggesting the presence of resistance in T. vaginalis to MTZ. Therefore, research into new therapeutic options against T. vaginalis infections has become increasingly urgent. This study investigated the trichomonacidal activity of a series of five imidazole carbamate compounds (AGR-1, AGR-2, AGR-3, AGR-4, and AGR-5) through in vitro susceptibility assays to determine the IC50 value of each compound. All five compounds demonstrated potent trichomonacidal activity, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range and AGR-2 being the most potent (IC50 400 nM). To gain insight into molecular events related to AGR-induced cell death in T. vaginalis, we analyzed the expression profiles of some metabolic genes in the trophozoites exposed to AGR compounds and MTZ. It was found that both AGR and MTZ compounds reduced the expression of the glycolytic genes (CK, PFK, TPI, and ENOL) and genes involved in metabolism (G6PD, TKT, TALDO, NADHOX, ACT, and TUB), suggesting that disturbing these key metabolic genes alters the survival of the T. vaginalis parasite and that they probably share a similar mechanism of action. Additionally, the compounds showed low cytotoxicity in the Caco-2 and HT29 cell lines, and the results of the ADMET analysis indicated that these compounds have pharmacokinetic properties similar to those of MTZ. The findings offer significant insights that can serve as a basis for future in vivo studies of the compounds as a potential new treatment against T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Martínez-Rosas
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.); (M.V.-B.); (M.A.R.-A.)
- Programa de Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Ortega-Cuellar
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Roberto Arreguin-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Ernesto Calderón-Jaimes
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biomoléculas y Salud Infantil, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Wong-Baeza
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11350, Mexico; (C.W.-B.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Isabel Baeza-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11350, Mexico; (C.W.-B.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Laura Morales-Luna
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.); (M.V.-B.); (M.A.R.-A.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Montserrat Vázquez-Bautista
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.); (M.V.-B.); (M.A.R.-A.)
- Programa de Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Miriam Abigail Rojas-Alarcón
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.); (M.V.-B.); (M.A.R.-A.)
- Programa de Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Saúl Gómez-Manzo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.); (M.V.-B.); (M.A.R.-A.)
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3
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Trujillo EN, Flores BA, Romero IV, Moran JA, Leka A, Ramirez AD, Ear J, Mercer F. Complement receptor 3 is required for maximum in vitro trogocytic killing of the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis by human neutrophil-like cells. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13025. [PMID: 38372623 PMCID: PMC11090219 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13025] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually-transmitted infection. Neutrophils are found at the site of infection, and can rapidly kill the parasite in vitro, using trogocytosis. However, the specific molecular players in neutrophil killing of Tv are unknown. Here, we show that complement proteins play a role in Tv killing by human neutrophil-like cells (NLCs). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated NLCs deficient in each of three complement receptors (CRs) known to be expressed on human neutrophils: CR1, CR3, and CR4. Using in vitro trogocytosis assays, we found that CR3, but not CR1 or CR4 is required for maximum trogocytosis of the parasite by NLCs, with NLCs lacking CR3 demonstrating ~40% reduction in trogocytosis, on average. We also observed a reduction in NLC killing of Tv in CR3 knockout, but not CR1 or CR4 knockout NLCs. On average, NLCs lacking CR3 had ~50% reduction in killing activity. We also used a parallel approach of pre-incubating NLCs with blocking antibodies against CR3, which similarly reduced NLC killing of parasites. These data support a model in which Tv is opsonized by the complement protein iC3b, and bound by neutrophil CR3 receptor, to facilitate trogocytic killing of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma N. Trujillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Barbara A. Flores
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Isabel V. Romero
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Jose A. Moran
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Aljona Leka
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Ashley D. Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Jason Ear
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
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4
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Ortiz SFDN, Verdan R, Fortes FDSDA, Benchimol M. Trichomonas vaginalis: Monolayer and Cluster Formation-Ultrastructural Aspects Using High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy. Pathogens 2023; 12:1381. [PMID: 38133266 PMCID: PMC10747464 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an extracellular protozoan parasite that causes human trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects approximately 270 million people worldwide. The phenomenon of T. vaginalis adhesion to inert substrates has been described in several reports. Still, very few studies on cluster formation have been conducted, and more detailed analyses of the contact regions between the parasites' membranes in these aggregate formations have not been carried out. The present study aims to show that T. vaginalis forms a tight monolayer, similar to an epithelium, with parasites firmly adhered to the culture flask bottom by interdigitations and in the absence of host cells. In addition, we analyzed and compared the formation of the clusters, focusing on parasite aggregates that float in the culture flasks. We employed various imaging techniques, including high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cytochemistry, TEM tomography, and dye injection. We analyzed whether the monolayer behaves as an epithelium, analyzing cell junctions, cell communication, and ultrastructural aspects, and concluded that monolayer formation differs from cluster formation in many aspects. The monolayers form strong adhesion, whereas the clusters have fragile attachments. We did not find fusion or the passage of molecules between neighbor-attached cells; there is no need for different strains to form filopodia, cytonemes, and extracellular vesicles during cluster and monolayer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila Fiama das Neves Ortiz
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (S.F.d.N.O.); (R.V.)
| | - Raphael Verdan
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; (S.F.d.N.O.); (R.V.)
| | - Fabio da Silva de Azevedo Fortes
- BIOTRANS-CAXIAS Campus, Universidade do Grande Rio, UNIGRANRIO, Rio de Janeiro 96200-000, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Terapia e Fisiologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Marlene Benchimol
- BIOTRANS-CAXIAS Campus, Universidade do Grande Rio, UNIGRANRIO, Rio de Janeiro 96200-000, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens e Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
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Barnett MJ, Pinheiro J, Keown JR, Biboy J, Gray J, Lucinescu IW, Vollmer W, Hirt RP, Simoes-Barbosa A, Goldstone DC. NlpC/P60 peptidoglycan hydrolases of Trichomonas vaginalis have complementary activities that empower the protozoan to control host-protective lactobacilli. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011563. [PMID: 37585473 PMCID: PMC10461829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011563] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a human protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Trichomoniasis is accompanied by a shift to a dysbiotic vaginal microbiome that is depleted of lactobacilli. Studies on co-cultures have shown that vaginal bacteria in eubiosis (e.g. Lactobacillus gasseri) have antagonistic effects on T. vaginalis pathogenesis, suggesting that the parasite might benefit from shaping the microbiome to dysbiosis (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis among other anaerobes). We have recently shown that T. vaginalis has acquired NlpC/P60 genes from bacteria, expanding them to a repertoire of nine TvNlpC genes in two distinct clans, and that TvNlpCs of clan A are active against bacterial peptidoglycan. Here, we expand this characterization to TvNlpCs of clan B. In this study, we show that the clan organisation of NlpC/P60 genes is a feature of other species of Trichomonas, and that Histomonas meleagridis has sequences related to one clan. We characterized the 3D structure of TvNlpC_B3 alone and with the inhibitor E64 bound, probing the active site of these enzymes for the first time. Lastly, we demonstrated that TvNlpC_B3 and TvNlpC_B5 have complementary activities with the previously described TvNlpCs of clan A and that exogenous expression of these enzymes empower this mucosal parasite to take over populations of vaginal lactobacilli in mixed cultures. TvNlpC_B3 helps control populations of L. gasseri, but not of G. vaginalis, which action is partially inhibited by E64. This study is one of the first to show how enzymes produced by a mucosal protozoan parasite may contribute to a shift on the status of a microbiome, helping explain the link between trichomoniasis and vaginal dysbiosis. Further understanding of this process might have significant implications for treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Barnett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jully Pinheiro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jeremy R. Keown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jacob Biboy
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Gray
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - David C. Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Artuyants A, Hong J, Dauros-Singorenko P, Phillips A, Simoes-Barbosa A. Lactobacillus gasseri and Gardnerella vaginalis produce extracellular vesicles that contribute to the function of the vaginal microbiome and modulate host-Trichomonas vaginalis interactions. Mol Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 37485746 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15130] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an extracellular protozoan parasite of the human urogenital tract, responsible for a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Trichomoniasis is accompanied by a dysbiotic microbiome that is characterised by the depletion of host-protective commensals such as Lactobacillus gasseri, and the flourishing of a bacterial consortium that is comparable to the one seen for bacterial vaginosis, including the founder species Gardnerella vaginalis. These two vaginal bacteria are known to have opposite effects on T. vaginalis pathogenicity. Studies on extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been focused on the direction of a microbial producer (commensal or pathogen) to a host recipient, and largely in the context of the gut microbiome. Here, taking advantage of the simplicity of the human cervicovaginal microbiome, we determined the molecular cargo of EVs produced by L. gasseri and G. vaginalis and examined how these vesicles modulate the interaction of T. vaginalis and host cells. We show that these EVs carry a specific cargo of proteins, which functions can be attributed to the opposite roles that these bacteria play in the vaginal biome. Furthermore, these bacterial EVs are delivered to host and protozoan cells, modulating host-pathogen interactions in a way that mimics the opposite effects that these bacteria have on T. vaginalis pathogenicity. This is the first study to describe side-by-side the protein composition of EVs produced by two bacteria belonging to the opposite spectrum of a microbiome and to demonstrate that these vesicles modulate the pathogenicity of a protozoan parasite. Such as in trichomoniasis, infections and dysbiosis co-occur frequently resulting in significant co-morbidities. Therefore, studies like this provide the knowledge for the development of antimicrobial therapies that aim to clear the infection while restoring a healthy microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiwon Hong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Anthony Phillips
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Fazlollahpour-Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Almukhtar M, Taha SR, Zadeh MS, Moghadam KB, Tadi MJ, Rouholamin S, Razavi M, Sepidarkish M, Rostami A. Trichomonas vaginalis infection and risk of cervical neoplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288443. [PMID: 37437068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The evidence in the literature regarding the relationship between Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and cervical neoplasia is conflicting. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the risk of cervical neoplasia associated with TV infection. METHODS A meta-analysis of observational studies, which provided raw data on the association of TV infection with cervical neoplasia, was performed. For this aim, we searched scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, the Web of Sciences, and Embase) from inception to March 15, 2023. A random-effects model was applied by Stata 17.0 to calculate the pooled and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), including subgroup, sensitivity, and cumulative analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Of the 2584 records initially identified, 35 eligible studies contributed data for 67,856 women with cervical neoplasia, and 933,697 healthy controls from 14 countries were included. The pooled (2.15; 1.61-2.87; I2 = 87.7%) and adjusted (2.17; 1.82-2.60; I2 = 31.27%) ORs indicated a significant positive association between TV infection and the development of cervical neoplasia. There was no significant change in pooled and adjusted ORs by applying sensitivity and cumulative analyses, indicating the robustness of our findings. The pooled OR was significant in most sub-group analyses. There was no publication bias in the included studies. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that women with a TV infection are at significantly greater risk of cervical neoplasia. Future research, particularly longitudinal and experimental studies, should be done to better understand the various aspects of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andarz Fazlollahpour-Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kimia Behzad Moghadam
- Independent Researcher, Former University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Mehrdad Jafari Tadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoura Rouholamin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Razavi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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8
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Li F, Deng Y, Sheng W, Gao X, Wang W, Chu Z, Mei X, Yang Z, Tian X, Wang S, Zhang Z. Construction a novel detection method for Trichomonas vaginalis based on recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification targeting the Actin gene. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2023; 70:e12963. [PMID: 36632692 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is a common and curable sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The rapid, convenient, and accurate diagnosis of trichomoniasis is an important link in the prevention and treatment of the disease. The current detection methods of Trichomonas vaginalis are mainly wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. However, these detection methods have some shortcomings. In this study, a recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification (RPA) assay had been conducted to detect T. vaginalis. The target gene and the corresponding primers were screened, and the reaction system and conditions were optimized in the assay of RPA. The sensitivity and specificity of this detection method were analyzed. The detection efficiency of wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR, and RPA was compared by testing 53 clinical samples from vaginal secretions. By screening, the actin gene of T. vaginalis could be used as a target gene for RPA detection of T. vaginalis, and the optimum reaction condition to amplify the actin gene by RPA was at 39°C for 30 min. The detection limit of T. vaginalis DNA using RPA was 1 pg, corresponding to a sensitivity of approximately five trophozoites. The RPA assay demonstrated high specificity for T. vaginalis, and there was no cross-reactivity with Giardia lamblia, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, Toxoplasma gondii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Of the 53 clinical samples, the positive rates of T. vaginalis detected by wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR and RPA were 50.9 4% (27/53), 71.7% (38/53), 71.7% (38/53), and 69.81% (37/53), respectively. Compared with culture which was used as the gold standard for diagnosing trichomoniasis, testing clinical samples by wet mount microscopy showed 71.05% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and moderate diagnostic agreement with the culture (K = 0.581, Z = 4.661, p < 0.001). The nested PCR showed 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and excellent diagnostic agreement (K = 1, Z = 7.28, p < 0.001), while RPA displayed 97.37% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and excellent diagnostic agreement (K = 0.954, Z = 6.956, p < 0.001). At the present study, rapid amplification of actin gene by RPA could be used as a tool for detection of T. vaginalis. The detection method of RPA was more sensitive than wet mount microscopy and displayed excellent specificity. Moreover, RPA amplification of actin gene did not require a PCR instrument and the amplification time was shorter than that of ordinary PCR. Therefore, the RPA assay was proposed in this study as a point-of-care examination and a diagnostic method of T. vaginalis infection, which exhibited the potential value in the treatment and prevention of trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakun Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wanxin Sheng
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xihui Gao
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Weijuan Wang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhili Chu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Li S, Wang X, Yu Y, Cao S, Liu J, Zhao P, Li J, Zhang X, Li X, Zhang N, Sun M, Cao L, Gong P. Establishment and application of a CRISPR-Cas12a-based RPA-LFS and fluorescence for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:350. [PMID: 36180879 PMCID: PMC9526244 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05475-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis can lead to cervicitis, urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, prostatitis and perinatal complications and increased risk of HIV transmission. Here, we used an RPA-based CRISPR-Cas12a assay system in combination with a lateral flow strip (LFS) (referred to as RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a) to establish a highly sensitive and field-ready assay and evaluated its ability to detect clinical samples. Methods We developed a one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a combined with RPA-based field detection technology for T. vaginalis, chose actin as the target gene to design crRNA and designed RPA primers based on the crRNA binding site. The specificity of the method was demonstrated by detecting genomes from nine pathogens. To improve the usability and visualize the RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assay results, both fluorescence detection and LFS readouts were devised. Results The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assay platform was completed within 60 min and had a maximum detection limit of 1 copy/µl and no cross-reactivity with Candida albicans, Mycoplasma hominis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium parvum, G. duodenalis or Toxoplasma gondii after specificity validation. Thirty human vaginal secretions were tested by RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assays, and the results were read by a fluorescent reporter and LFS biosensors and then compared to the results from nested PCR detection of these samples. Both RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assays showed 26.7% (8/30) T. vaginalis-positive samples and a consistency of 100% (8/8). The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assays had a higher sensitivity than nested PCR (only seven T. vaginalis-positive samples were detected). Conclusions The T. vaginalis RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assay platform in this study can be used for large-scale field testing and on-site tests without the need for trained technicians or costly ancillary equipment. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05475-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yanhui Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Songgao Cao
- Pingdu People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266700, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Pingdu People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266700, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Pengtao Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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10
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Zhang Z, Li Y, Lu H, Li D, Zhang R, Xie X, Guo L, Hao L, Tian X, Yang Z, Wang S, Mei X. A systematic review of the correlation between Trichomonas vaginalis infection and infertility. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106693. [PMID: 36116548 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is an extracellular flagellated protozoan parasitizing the human genital and urinary tracts. T. vaginalis infection impacts human reproductive function, but whether it causes infertility is still a matter of debate. METHODS In this work, we consulted 205 relevant articles, which were classified into three categories: epidemiological investigations (100), review articles (43), and research articles (62). RevMan 5.4 was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the articles reporting epidemiological investigations comparing the incidence of T. vaginalis infection between infertile and fertile groups. Review and research articles were used to summarize the pathogenesis of infertility caused by T. vaginalis. RESULTS The results indicated that rate of T. vaginalis infection in the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group. Moreover, the epidemiological surveys showed that the infertility rates of population infected with T. vaginalis were significantly higher than that of population without T. vaginalis infection. Nine out of ten (90%) related review articles stated that T. vaginalis infection causes infertility, and the review and research articles indicated the main pathogenic mechanisms of infertility caused by T. vaginalis were as follows: T. vaginalis impairs sperm quality, resulting in infertility; the immune response triggered by T. vaginalis infection impacts human reproductive function. CONCLUSION Our results confirm that there is a correlation between T. vaginalis infection and infertility, and T. vaginalis infection can lead to infertility. The study provides a foundation for further investigations into its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Haoran Lu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Dongxian Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Xianghuan Xie
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Lihua Guo
- Xinxiang Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Lixia Hao
- Xinxiang Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China.
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China.
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11
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Martínez-Rosas V, Hernández-Ochoa B, Navarrete-Vázquez G, Martínez-Conde C, Gómez-Chávez F, Morales-Luna L, González-Valdez A, Arreguin-Espinosa R, Enríquez-Flores S, Pérez de la Cruz V, Aguayo-Ortiz R, Wong-Baeza C, Baeza-Ramírez I, Gómez-Manzo S. Kinetic and Molecular Docking Studies to Determine the Effect of Inhibitors on the Activity and Structure of Fused G6PD::6PGL Protein from Trichomonas vaginalis. Molecules 2022; 27:1174. [PMID: 35208965 PMCID: PMC8880039 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease with a high incidence worldwide, affecting 270 million people. Despite the existence of a catalog of available drugs to combat this infection, their extensive use promotes the appearance of resistant Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), and some side effects in treated people, which are reasons why it is necessary to find new alternatives to combat this infection. In this study, we investigated the impact of an in-house library comprising 55 compounds on the activity of the fused T. vaginalis G6PD::6PGL (TvG6PD::6PGL) protein, a protein mediating the first reaction step of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), a crucial pathway involved in the parasite's energy production. We found four compounds: JMM-3, CNZ-3, CNZ-17, and MCC-7, which inhibited the TvG6PD::6PGL protein by more than 50%. Furthermore, we determined the IC50, the inactivation constants, and the type of inhibition. Our results showed that these inhibitors induced catalytic function loss of the TvG6PD::6PGL enzyme by altering its secondary and tertiary structures. Finally, molecular docking was performed for the best inhibitors, JMM-3 and MCC-7. All our findings demonstrate the potential role of these selected hit compounds as TvG6PD::6PGL enzyme selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Martínez-Rosas
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.)
- Programa de Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | - Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (G.N.-V.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Carlos Martínez-Conde
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico; (G.N.-V.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Fernando Gómez-Chávez
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Osteoarticulares e Inmunológicas, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07320, Mexico;
| | - Laura Morales-Luna
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.)
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Abigail González-Valdez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Roberto Arreguin-Espinosa
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biomoléculas y Salud Infantil, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Ortiz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Wong-Baeza
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (C.W.-B.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Isabel Baeza-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (C.W.-B.); (I.B.-R.)
| | - Saúl Gómez-Manzo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (V.M.-R.); (L.M.-L.)
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12
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Triosephosphate isomerase as a therapeutic target against trichomoniasis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 246:111413. [PMID: 34537286 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, affecting millions of people worldwide. The main treatment against trichomoniasis is metronidazole and other nitroimidazole derivatives, but up to twenty percent of clinical cases of trichomoniasis are resistant to these drugs. In this study, we used high-performance virtual screening to search for molecules that specifically bind to the protein, triosephosphate isomerase from T. vaginalis (TvTIM). By in silico molecular docking analysis, we selected six compounds from a chemical library of almost 500,000 compounds. While none of the six inhibited the enzymatic activity of recombinant triosephosphate isomerase isoforms, one compound (A4; 3,3'-{[4-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl]methylene}bis(4- hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) altered their fluorescence emission spectra, suggesting that this chemical might interfere in an important non-glycolytic function of TvTIM. In vitro assays demonstrate that A4 is not cytotoxic but does have trichomonacidal impact on T. vaginalis cultures. With these results, we propose this compound as a potential drug with a new therapeutic target against Trichomonas vaginalis.
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13
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Unveiling the role of EVs in anaerobic parasitic protozoa. Mol Immunol 2021; 133:34-43. [PMID: 33621941 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The anaerobic or microaerophilic protozoan parasites such as the enteric human pathogens Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Blastocystis hominis and urogenital tract parasites Trichomonas vaginalis are able to survival in an environment with oxygen deprivation. Despite living in hostile environments these pathogens adopted different strategies to survive within the hosts. Among them, the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has become an active endeavor in the study of pathogenesis for these parasites. EVs are heterogenous, membrane-limited structures that have played important roles in cellular communication, transferring information through cargo and modulating the immune system of the host. In this review, we described several aspects of the recently characterized EVs of the anaerobic protozoa, including their role in adhesion, modulation of the immune response and omics analysis to understand the potential of these EVs in the pathogenesis of these diseases caused by anaerobic parasites.
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Bhakta SB, Moran JA, Mercer F. Neutrophil interactions with the sexually transmitted parasite Trichomonas vaginalis: implications for immunity and pathogenesis. Open Biol 2020; 10:200192. [PMID: 32873151 PMCID: PMC7536067 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the third most common sexually transmitted infection in humans and is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv). Pathogenic outcomes are more common in women and generally include mild vaginitis or cervicitis. However, more serious effects associated with trichomoniasis include adverse reproductive outcomes. Like other infectious agents, pathogenesis from Tv infection is predicted to be the result of both parasite and host factors. At the site of infection, neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells present and probably play key roles in both parasite clearance and inflammatory pathology. Here, we discuss the evidence that neutrophils home to the site of Tv infection, kill the parasite, and that in some circumstances, parasites possibly evade neutrophil-directed killing. In vitro, the parasite is killed by neutrophils using a novel antimicrobial mechanism called trogocytosis, which probably involves both innate and adaptive immunity. While mechanisms of evasion are mostly conjecture at present, the persistence of Tv infections in patients argues strongly for their existence. Additionally, many strains of Tv harbour microbial symbionts Mycoplasma hominis or Trichomonasvirus, which are both predicted to impact neutrophil responses against the parasite. Novel research tools, especially animal models, will help to reveal the true outcomes of many factors involved in neutrophil-Tv interactions during trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA
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