1
|
The transcriptome from asexual to sexual in vitro development of Cystoisospora suis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia). Sci Rep 2022; 12:5972. [PMID: 35396557 PMCID: PMC8993856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis is an enteropathogen of suckling piglets with woldwide distribution. As with all coccidian parasites, its lifecycle is characterized by asexual multiplication followed by sexual development with two morphologically distinct cell types that presumably fuse to form a zygote from which the oocyst arises. However, knowledge of the sexual development of C. suis is still limited. To complement previous in vitro studies, we analysed transcriptional profiles at three different time points of development (corresponding to asexual, immature and mature sexual stages) in vitro via RNASeq. Overall, transcription of genes encoding proteins with important roles in gametes biology, oocyst wall biosynthesis, DNA replication and axonema formation as well as proteins with important roles in merozoite biology was identified. A homologue of an oocyst wall tyrosine rich protein of Toxoplasma gondii was expressed in macrogametes and oocysts of C. suis. We evaluated inhibition of sexual development in a host-free culture for C. suis by antiserum specific to this protein to evaluate whether it could be exploited as a candidate for control strategies against C. suis. Based on these data, targets can be defined for future strategies to interrupt parasite transmission during sexual development.
Collapse
|
2
|
Gong QL, Zhao WX, Wang YC, Zong Y, Wang Q, Yang Y, Yang Y, Shi K, Li JM, Leng X, Du R, Zhao Q. Prevalence of coccidia in domestic pigs in China between 1980 and 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:248. [PMID: 33971953 PMCID: PMC8108339 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swine coccidiosis, a protozoan disease caused by coccidia, can result in diarrhoea and weight loss in piglets and even economic losses in the pig industry. Here, we report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of coccidia (including Eimeria spp. and Cystoisospora suis) in pigs in China. METHODS Five databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of Knowledge, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP) were searched and 50 studies (46,926 domestic pigs, 22 provinces) ultimately identified pertaining to the prevalence of coccidia infection from 1980 to 2019. We incorporated the effect size using the random-effects model in the "meta" package in R software and conducted univariate and multivariate meta-regression analyses using a mixed-effects model. RESULTS The pooled prevalence rate of coccidia in pigs was 21.9%, including the C. suis infection rate of 9.1%. The highest prevalence of coccidia (39.6%) was found in northwest China, and this region also presented the lowest prevalence of C. suis (4.7%). In the subgroup analysis based on sampling year, the highest prevalence of coccidia was detected in 2001 or earlier (32.6%), whereas the lowest rate was found in 2012 or later (14.3%). An opposite trend was observed for C. suis (5.5% in 2000 or earlier vs 14.4% in 2000 or later). The prevalence of coccidia in extensive farming systems (29.5%) was higher than that in intensive farming systems (17.3%). In contrast, the point estimate of C. suis prevalence was lower in the extensive farming systems (5.1%) than in the intensive farming systems (10.0%), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Among the four age categories, the highest total coccidia prevalence (26.2%) was found in finishing pigs, followed by suckling piglets (19.9%), whereas the highest prevalence of C. suis (14.9%) was observed in suckling piglets. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that coccidia infection in Chinese pigs is common, although the prevalence of C. suis in pigs does not receive sufficient attention. We recommend the rational use of anticoccidial drugs to avoid drug resistance and the development of preventive and control measures for C. suis to reduce the incidence of swine coccidiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Long Gong
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xuan Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Chun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zong
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Life Science, Jilin Normal University, Siping, 136000, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Leng
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Du
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, 130600, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Joachim A, Ruttkowski B, Palmieri N. Microsatellite Analysis of Geographically Close Isolates of Cystoisospora suis. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:96. [PMID: 31001546 PMCID: PMC6454066 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites are short repetitive DNA sequences of 2–6 repeats interspersed in the genome that display a rapid mutation rate and consequently show high variation between individuals or populations. They have been used to characterize population diversity and structure and the level of variation between different isolates of a number of different organisms, including apicomplexan protozoa. Currently nothing is known about the genetic variability and population structure of Cystoisospora suis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia), the causative agent of piglet coccidiosis, and we made use of the recently available genome of C. suis (strain Wien-I) to amplify microsatellite regions (ca. 300–550 bp) and evaluate the applicability of fluorescence-labeled primers to investigate amplicon length variation at high resolution using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Two phenotypically characterized isolates (Wien-I, toltrazuril susceptible; Holl 1 toltrazuril resistant) and six field isolates from Europe were compared by conventional PCR followed by agar-gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and CE (fluorescence labeling and fragment length analysis) to evaluate the applicability of the method. Four primer pairs could be identified that amplified bands of the expected size and were labeled for CE analysis. High resolution CE for size determination of PCR amplicons proved to be a reliable and simple method. It revealed high diversity of the analyzed strains, with marked differences even between two strains from neighboring swine farms. In follow-up studies, adaptation of the PCR assay to multiplexing and amplification of small DNA quantities will provide a cost-effective tool to analyse field strains to reveal geographic diversity that could be mapped to phenotypic traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pettersson E, Hestad S, Möttus I, Skiöldebrand E, Wallgren P. Rotavirus and Cystoisospora suis in piglets during the suckling and early post weaning period, in systems with solid floors and age segregated rearing. Porcine Health Manag 2019; 5:7. [PMID: 30788133 PMCID: PMC6368768 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-019-0114-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Piglet diarrhoea is considered a worldwide problem resulting in animal welfare problems and financial losses for pig farmers. Porcine rotavirus and the coccidian parasite Cystoisospora suis (C. suis) are considered two important pathogens associated with diarrhoea in piglets during the suckling and early post weaning periods. To obtain an overview on the prevalence of porcine rotavirus and C. suis in piglet producing herds with solid floors and age segregated rearing, faecal sampling of 791 litters in 81 farms was performed. Results For porcine rotavirus, faecal samples were analysed using a sandwich ELISA. The overall prevalence of rotavirus in the examined herds was 11.4 ± 17.7% at 2 weeks, 56.8 ± 30.7% at 4 weeks and 71.1 ± 29.1% at 6 weeks of age and the accumulated prevalence was 49, 97 and 100%. To detect C. suis, faecal samples were analysed using sedimentation. The overall prevalence of C. suis in the examined herds was 11.9 ± 15.1% at 2 weeks of age, 10.7 ± 16.7% at 4 weeks and 8.7 ± 15.3% at 6 weeks of age and the accumulated prevalence was 56, 76 and 85%. The number of empty days between farrowing batches did influence the shedding of rotavirus at 2 weeks of age but not later. Regarding C. suis, no difference in prevalence was correlated to the number of days between consecutive farrowing batches. Conclusions Our study confirmed that rotavirus should be regarded as an ubiquitous virus that can be expected to be present in almost every pig herd in Sweden. The study also demonstrated that the number of infected litters increased from birth to 6 weeks of age. Secondly, it showed that C. suis frequently occurred in pig herds and that the number of infected litters was rather stable from two to 6 weeks of age. Consequently, both rotavirus and C. suis may play a role in intestinal disturbances in piglets during the suckling and post weaning periods despite age segregated rearing, at least in systems with solid floors. However, as this study was carried out in herds without reported problems with diarrhoea or poor weight gain, the role of these pathogens should not be overestimated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emelie Pettersson
- 1Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden.,2Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanna Hestad
- 1Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivo Möttus
- Bayer AB Animal Health, Gustav III: s Blvd 56, SE-169 26 Solna, Sweden
| | - Eva Skiöldebrand
- 4Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Wallgren
- 1Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden.,2Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Freudenschuss B, Ruttkowski B, Shrestha A, Abd-Elfattah A, Pagès M, Ladinig A, Joachim A. Antibody and cytokine response to Cystoisospora suis infections in immune-competent young pigs. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:390. [PMID: 29973271 PMCID: PMC6031197 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2974-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, investigations on the immune response to Cystoisospora suis infections focused on suckling piglets, the age group clinically most affected. Actively immunizing piglets is unfeasible due to their immature immune system and the typically early infection in the first days after birth. Therefore, understanding and possibly enhancing the immune response of immune-competent animals is the prerequisite to develop a passive immunization strategy for piglets which currently rely on very limited treatment options. Methods To investigate antibody and cytokine responses of immune-competent animals and the impact of the oral immunization protocol on their immune response, growers with unknown previous exposure to C. suis (10–11 weeks-old) were infected one or three times with different doses (600 and 6000 or 200 and 2000, respectively) of C. suis oocysts, and compared to uninfected controls. Oocyst excretion was evaluated, and blood and intestinal mucus antibody titers were determined by IFAT. Systemic production of Th1, Th2, inflammatory and regulatory cytokines was determined in different immune compartments at mRNA and (after stimulation with a recombinant merozoite-protein) at protein level by PCR and multiplex fluorescent immunoassay, respectively. Results Infection generated significantly increased serum IgA and IgG levels against C. suis sporozoites and merozoites, irrespective of infection mode, with IgG against merozoites showing the strongest increase. No clinical signs and only occasional excretion were observed. The systemic cytokine response to C. suis was only weak. Nonetheless, in white blood cells, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA-levels significantly increased after infection, whereas IFN-ɣ, IL-2 and TGF-β expression tended to decrease. In mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), IL-10 and TNF-α levels were elevated while splenic cytokine expression was unaltered upon infection. Stimulated MLN-derived lymphocytes from infected pigs produced slightly more IL-12 and less IFN-α than controls. Conclusions An infection and a subsequent systemic immune response can be induced in immune-competent animals by all evaluated infection models and growers can be used as models to mimic sow immunizations. The immune response to C. suis, although mild and with considerable variation in cytokine expression, was characterized by a Th2-associated and regulatory cytokine profile and antibody production. However, none of the parameters clearly stood out as a potential marker associated with protection. Antibody titers were significantly positively related with oocyst excretion and might thus serve as correlates for parasite replication or severity of infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2974-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Freudenschuss
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Development and application of a recombinant protein-based indirect ELISA for the detection of serum antibodies against Cystoisospora suis in swine. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:57-63. [PMID: 30105979 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis which causes neonatal porcine coccidiosis is one of the predominant parasite in suckling piglets. Currently, the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) is the only available serological tool for detecting serum antibodies against C. suis which has several limitations, including bias from interpretation and low throughput. In the present study, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using a previously characterized recombinant merozoite protein for the detection of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA against C. suis. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli as a N-terminal histidine fusion protein, and its specificity was confirmed in an immunoblot probed with highly positive anti-C. suis sera from experimentally infected piglets. Optimal dilutions of recombinant protein, sera and conjugate were determined by checkerboard titrations, and the serum dilution that gave the greatest ratio between the positive and the negative sera was selected for subsequent analyses. Agreement between the IFAT and the newly developed ELISA was assessed with kappa statistics. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on 185 serum samples with known C. suis exposure previously tested in the reference IFAT was used to determine the cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA. For IgG, the ELISA had an estimated cut-off value of 0.82 and sensitivity and specificity values of 94.7% and 98%, respectively, whereas for IgA the estimated cut-off value was 0.41 and sensitivity and specificity values were both100%. According to kappa coefficient, an excellent correlation (κ > 0.8) was found between IFAT and ELISA for both isotypes. The diagnostic accuracy of the test measured as the area under the ROC curve index scaled between 0.98 and 1.0, indicating high discriminatory capacity and its possible application as a serological tool for detecting antibody response in the host following C. suis exposure/immunization and large-scale surveillance studies.
Collapse
|
7
|
Palmieri N, Shrestha A, Ruttkowski B, Beck T, Vogl C, Tomley F, Blake DP, Joachim A. The genome of the protozoan parasite Cystoisospora suis and a reverse vaccinology approach to identify vaccine candidates. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:189-202. [PMID: 28161402 PMCID: PMC5354109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine development targeting protozoan parasites remains challenging, partly due to the complex interactions between these eukaryotes and the host immune system. Reverse vaccinology is a promising approach for direct screening of genome sequence assemblies for new vaccine candidate proteins. Here, we applied this paradigm to Cystoisospora suis, an apicomplexan parasite that causes enteritis and diarrhea in suckling piglets and economic losses in pig production worldwide. Using Next Generation Sequencing we produced an ∼84Mb sequence assembly for the C. suis genome, making it the first available reference for the genus Cystoisospora. Then, we derived a manually curated annotation of more than 11,000 protein-coding genes and applied the tool Vacceed to identify 1,168 vaccine candidates by screening the predicted C. suis proteome. To refine the set of candidates, we looked at proteins that are highly expressed in merozoites and specific to apicomplexans. The stringent set of candidates included 220 proteins, among which were 152 proteins with unknown function, 17 surface antigens of the SAG and SRS gene families, 12 proteins of the apicomplexan-specific secretory organelles including AMA1, MIC6, MIC13, ROP6, ROP12, ROP27, ROP32 and three proteins related to cell adhesion. Finally, we demonstrated in vitro the immunogenic potential of a C. suis-specific 42kDa transmembrane protein, which might constitute an attractive candidate for further testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Palmieri
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Beck
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fiona Tomley
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shrestha A, Palmieri N, Abd-Elfattah A, Ruttkowski B, Pagès M, Joachim A. Cloning, expression and molecular characterization of a Cystoisospora suis specific uncharacterized merozoite protein. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:68. [PMID: 28173829 PMCID: PMC5297187 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The genome of the apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis (syn. Isospora suis) has recently been sequenced and annotated, opening the possibility for the identification of novel therapeutic targets against cystoisosporosis. It was previously proposed that a 42 kDa uncharacterized merozoite protein, encoded by gene CSUI_005805, might be a relevant vaccine candidate due to its high immunogenic score, high expression level and species-specificity as determined in silico. Methods The 1170 bp coding sequence of the CSUI_005805 gene was PCR amplified and cloned into the bacterial expression vector pQE-31. The specificity of the expressed recombinant protein was evaluated in an immunoblot, and relative levels of expression in different developmental stages and subcellular localization were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and indirect immunofluorescence assay, respectively. Results The CSUI_005805 gene encoded for a 389 amino acid protein containing a histidine-rich region. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that CSUI_005805 was differentially expressed during the early development of C. suis in vitro, with higher transcript levels in merozoites compared to sporozoites. The recombinant protein was specifically recognized by sera from chicken immunized with recombinant CSUI_005805 protein and sera from piglets experimentally infected with C. suis, all of which suggested that despite prokaryotic expression, the recombinant CSUI_005805 protein maintained antigenic determinants and could elicit an immune response in the host. Immunofluorescence labelling and confocal microscopy revealed localization primarily at the surface of the parasite. Conclusions The results suggest that CSUI_005805 is highly expressed in merozoites and might thus be critical for their survival and establishment inside host cells. Owing to its specificity, localization and expression pattern, CSUI_005805 could be exploited as an attractive candidate for alternative control strategies against C. suis such as vaccines. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2003-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, A-1210, Austria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, A-1210, Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, A-1210, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, A-1210, Austria
| | | | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, A-1210, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Joachim A. Vaccination against parasites - status quo and the way forward. Porcine Health Manag 2016; 2:30. [PMID: 28405456 PMCID: PMC5382507 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-016-0047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vaccination against various pathogens is integral to health management of swine, vaccines against parasites have not yet been commercialized for the use in pigs. The incentive to develop and commercialize anti-parasitic vaccines in swine are twofold; on the one hand parasitic diseases which are economically important, such as ascarosis and neonatal coccidiosis, could be controlled in a sustainable manner; on the other hand, the transmission of zoonotic parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii or Cysticercus cellulosae, could be effectively interrupted. Although experimental research indicates that vaccination against a number of porcine parasites is feasible, development and commercialization of potential vaccines so far has been very slow, as our knowledge on the host-parasite interplay in porcine parasitic infections is still very limited. In the light of growing concerns regarding consumer health and antiparasitic drug resistance, however, it is timely to re-direct R&D efforts to the development of biological control options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shrestha A, Abd-Elfattah A, Freudenschuss B, Hinney B, Palmieri N, Ruttkowski B, Joachim A. Cystoisospora suis - A Model of Mammalian Cystoisosporosis. Front Vet Sci 2015; 2:68. [PMID: 26664994 PMCID: PMC4672278 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystoisospora suis is a coccidian species that typically affects suckling piglets. Infections occur by oral uptake of oocysts and are characterized by non-hemorrhagic transient diarrhea, resulting in poor weight gain. Apparently, primary immune responses to C. suis cannot readily be mounted by neonates, which contributes to the establishment and rapid development of the parasite, while in older pigs age-resistance prevents disease development. However, the presence of extraintestinal stages, although not unequivocally demonstrated, is suspected to enable parasite persistence together with the induction and maintenance of immune response in older pigs, which in turn may facilitate the transfer of C. suis-specific factors from sow to offspring. It is assumed that neonates are particularly prone to clinical disease because infections with C. suis interfere with the establishment of the gut microbiome. Clostridia have been especially inferred to profit from the altered intestinal environment during parasite infection. New tools, particularly in the area of genomics, might illustrate the interactions between C. suis and its host and pave the way for the development of new control methods not only for porcine cystoisosporosis but also for other mammalian Cystoisospora infections. The first reference genome for C. suis is under way and will be a fertile ground to discover new drugs and vaccines. At the same time, the establishment and refinement of an in vivo model and an in vitro culture system, supporting the complete life cycle of C. suis, will underpin the functional characterization of the parasite and shed light on its biology and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Shrestha
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Barbara Freudenschuss
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| |
Collapse
|