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Pagotti MC, Dias HJ, Candido ACBB, Oliveira TAS, Borges A, Oliveira ND, Lopes CD, Orenha RP, Parreira RLT, Crotti AEM, Magalhães LG. Exploring Synthetic Dihydrobenzofuran and Benzofuran Neolignans as Antiprotozoal Agents against Trypanosoma cruzi. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030754. [PMID: 36986617 PMCID: PMC10052957 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 8 million people. Although there are therapies against this disease, the search for new drugs is important because the current treatments show limited effectiveness and high toxicity. In this work, eighteen dihydrobenzofuran-type neolignans (DBNs) and two benzofuran-type neolignans (BNs) were synthesized and evaluated against amastigote forms of two Trypanosoma cruzi strains. The in vitro cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of the most active compounds were also evaluated and their relationships with T. cruzi tubulin DBNs were investigated by an in silico approach. Four DBNs demonstrated activity against the T. cruzi Tulahuen lac-Z strain (IC50 from 7.96 to 21.12 µM), and DBN 1 exhibited the highest activity against the amastigote forms of the T. cruzi Y strain (IC50 3.26 μM). Compounds 1-4 showed CC50 values higher than antitrypanosomal activities, except for DBN 3. All DBNs with antitrypanosomal activity demonstrated CH50 higher than 100 µM. The in silico results indicated that DBNs 1, 2, and 4 are capable of destabilizing the dynamics of the tubulin-microtubule from the vinca site. These compounds displayed promising in vitro activity against T. cruzi, especially compound 1, and can be considered molecular prototypes for the development of new antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C Pagotti
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
| | - Herbert J Dias
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
- Goiano Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology, Campus Urutaí, Urutaí 75790-000, GO, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina B B Candido
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
| | - Thaís A S Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Borges
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, University Center of Santa Fe do Sul, Santa Fé do Sul 15775-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Nicoli D Oliveira
- Animal Science Post Graduation, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla D Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato P Orenha
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato L T Parreira
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
| | - Antônio E M Crotti
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Research Group on Natural Products, Center for Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
- Animal Science Post Graduation, University of Franca, Franca 14404-600, SP, Brazil
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Medina-Rincón GJ, Gallo-Bernal S, Jiménez PA, Cruz-Saavedra L, Ramírez JD, Rodríguez MJ, Medina-Mur R, Díaz-Nassif G, Valderrama-Achury MD, Medina HM. Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Chronic Manifestations in Chagas Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111493. [PMID: 34832648 PMCID: PMC8619182 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic manifestations of Chagas disease present as disabling and life-threatening conditions affecting mainly the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Although meaningful research has outlined the different molecular mechanisms underlying Trypanosoma cruzi’s infection and the host-parasite interactions that follow, prompt diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge, particularly in developing countries and also in those where the disease is considered non-endemic. This review intends to present an up-to-date review of the parasite’s life cycle, genetic diversity, virulence factors, and infective mechanisms, as well as the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options of the main chronic complications of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán J. Medina-Rincón
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (S.G.-B.); (M.D.V.-A.); (H.M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-310-817-2369
| | - Sebastián Gallo-Bernal
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (S.G.-B.); (M.D.V.-A.); (H.M.M.)
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Paula A. Jiménez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (P.A.J.); (L.C.-S.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (P.A.J.); (L.C.-S.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (P.A.J.); (L.C.-S.); (J.D.R.)
| | - María Juliana Rodríguez
- Division of Cardiology, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 110131, Colombia; (M.J.R.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Ramón Medina-Mur
- Division of Cardiology, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 110131, Colombia; (M.J.R.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Gustavo Díaz-Nassif
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 111221, Colombia;
| | | | - Héctor M. Medina
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (S.G.-B.); (M.D.V.-A.); (H.M.M.)
- Division of Cardiology, Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá 110131, Colombia; (M.J.R.); (R.M.-M.)
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Padilla-Valdez JM, Antonio-Campos A, Arias-Del-Angel JA, Rivas N, Alejandre-Aguilar R. Susceptibility dynamics between five Trypanosoma cruzi strains and three triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) species. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2021; 46:82-95. [PMID: 35229585 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-46.1.82] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis is a zoonosis caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted mainly by blood-sucking insects belonging to the subfamily Triatominae. The importance of this parasite lies in its wide geographical distribution, high morbidity, and the fact that there has not yet been an effective treatment or vaccine. Previous studies have detailed the interactions between different triatomine species and T. cruzi strains. However, the factors necessary to establish infection in triatomines have not yet been fully elucidated. Furthermore, it is postulated that the coexistence between the parasite and triatomines could modulate the susceptibility to infection in these insects. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the susceptibility to T. cruzi infection in the species Triatoma (Meccus) pallidipennis, Triatoma barberi, and Triatoma lecticularia, which were infected with Ninoa, H8, INC-5, Sontecomapan, and Hueypoxtla strains. The criteria used to establish susceptibility were the amount of blood ingested by the insects, percentage of infected triatomines, concentration of parasites in feces, and percentage of metacyclic trypomastigotes in feces. These parameters were analyzed by fresh examination and differential count with Giemsa-stained smears. Our main findings suggest the following order of susceptibility concerning infection with T. cruzi: T. lecticularia > T. barberi > T. (Meccus) pallidipennis. Furthermore, the study concludes that an increased susceptibility to infection of triatomines that share the same geographic region with different strains of T. cruzi is not always a fact.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Padilla-Valdez
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Alberto Antonio-Campos
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Arias-Del-Angel
- Unidad Monterrey, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apocada NL, Mexico
| | - Nancy Rivas
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Alejandre-Aguilar
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico,
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Eberhard FE, Klimpel S, Guarneri AA, Tobias NJ. Metabolites as predictive biomarkers for Trypanosoma cruzi exposure in triatomine bugs. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3051-3057. [PMID: 34136103 PMCID: PMC8178018 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), colonizes the intestinal tract of triatomines. Triatomine bugs act as vectors in the life cycle of the parasite and transmit infective parasite stages to animals and humans. Contact of the vector with T. cruzi alters its intestinal microbial composition, which may also affect the associated metabolic patterns of the insect. Earlier studies suggest that the complexity of the triatomine fecal metabolome may play a role in vector competence for different T. cruzi strains. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry and supervised machine learning, we aimed to detect differences in the intestinal metabolome of the triatomine Rhodnius prolixus and predict whether the insect had been exposed to T. cruzi or not based solely upon their metabolic profile. We were able to predict the exposure status of R. prolixus to T. cruzi with accuracies of 93.6%, 94.2% and 91.8% using logistic regression, a random forest classifier and a gradient boosting machine model, respectively. We extracted the most important features in producing the models and identified the major metabolites which assist in positive classification. This work highlights the complex interactions between triatomine vector and parasite including effects on the metabolic signature of the insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny E. Eberhard
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Alessandra A. Guarneri
- Vector Behaviour and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima,1715, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Nicholas J. Tobias
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Corresponding author at: LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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Valenzuela L, Sepúlveda S, Ponce I, Galanti N, Cabrera G. The overexpression of TcAP1 endonuclease confers resistance to infective Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes against oxidative DNA damage. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:5985-5995. [PMID: 29575156 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease survives to DNA damage generated by ROS/RNS inside to their different hosts. In recent eukaryotes, oxidative DNA damage is repaired mainly by the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway, being essential the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity. Using a pTREX-gfp vector, the nucleotide sequence that encodes T. cruzi AP endonuclease TcAP1 (orthologue of human APE1) and a putative TcAP1 dominant negative (TcAP1DN), were transfectedand expressed in T. cruzi epimastigotes. TcAP1-GFP and TcAP1DN-GFP were expressed in those modified epimastigotes and found in the parasite nucleus. The endonucleases were purified under native conditions and the AP endonuclease activity was evaluated. While TcAP1 presents the expected AP endonuclease activity TcAP1DN does not. Moreover, TcAP1DN partially inhibits in vitro TcAP1 enzymatic activity. Transfected epimastigotes expressing TcAP1-GFP and TcAP1DN-GFP were differentiated to infective trypomastigotes. The infective parasites maintained both proteins (TcAP1-GFP and TcAP1DN-GFP) in the nucleus. The overexpression of TcAP1-GFP in epimastigotes and trypomastigotes increases the viability of both parasite forms when exposed to oxidative stress while the expression of TcAP1DN-GFP did not show any in vivo inhibitory effect, suggesting that endogenous TcAP1 constitutive expression overcomes the TcAP1DN inhibitory activity. Our results show that TcAP1 is important for trypomastigote survival under oxidative conditions similar to those found in infected mammalian cells, then increasing its permanence in the infected cells and the possibility of development of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Valenzuela
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Soía Sepúlveda
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Ponce
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Norbel Galanti
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Cabrera
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Dworak ES, Araújo SMD, Gomes ML, Massago M, Ferreira ÉC, Toledo MJDO. Sympatry influence in the interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with triatomine. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:629-637. [PMID: 29160509 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0219-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, is widely distributed in nature, circulating between triatomine bugs and sylvatic mammals, and has large genetic diversity. Both the vector species and the genetic lineages of T. cruzi present a varied geographical distribution. This study aimed to verify the influence of sympatry in the interaction of T. cruzi with triatomines. Methods: The behavior of the strains PR2256 (T. cruzi II) and AM14 (T. cruzi IV) was studied in Triatoma sordida (TS) and Rhodnius robustus (RR). Eleven fifth-stage nymphs were fed by artificial xenodiagnosis with 5.6 × 103 blood trypomastigotes/0.1mL of each T. cruzi strain. Every 20 days, their excreta were examined for up to 100 days, and every 30 days, the intestinal content was examined for up to 120 days, by parasitological (fresh examination and differential count with Giemsa-stained smears) and molecular (PCR) methods. Rates of infectivity, metacyclogenesis and mortality, and mean number of parasites per insect and of excreted parasites were determined. RESULTS Sympatric groups RR+AM14 and TS+PR2256 showed higher values of the four parameters, except for mortality rate, which was higher (27.3%) in the TS+AM14 group. General infectivity was 72.7%, which was mainly proven by PCR, showing the following decreasing order: RR+AM14 (100%), TS+PR2256 (81.8%), RR+PR2256 (72.7%) and TS+AM14 (36.4%). CONCLUSIONS Our working hypothesis was confirmed once higher infectivity and vector capacity (flagellate production and elimination of infective metacyclic forms) were recorded in the groups that contained sympatric T. cruzi lineages and triatomine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Schultz Dworak
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Silvana Marques de Araújo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil.,Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Mônica Lúcia Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil.,Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Miyoko Massago
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Érika Cristina Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil.,Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Max Jean de Ornelas Toledo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil.,Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Cooper C, Thompson RCA, Botero A, Kristancic A, Peacock C, Kirilak Y, Clode PL. A comparative molecular and 3-dimensional structural investigation into cross-continental and novel avian Trypanosoma spp. in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:234. [PMID: 28499405 PMCID: PMC5427604 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular and structural information on avian Trypanosoma spp. throughout Australia is limited despite their intrinsic value in understanding trypanosomatid evolution, diversity, and structural biology. In Western Australia tissue samples (n = 429) extracted from 93 birds in 25 bird species were screened using generic PCR primers to investigate the diversity of Trypanosoma spp. To investigate avian trypanosome structural biology the first 3-dimensional ultrastructural models of a Trypanosoma spp. (Trypanosoma sp. AAT) isolated from a bird (currawong, Strepera spp.) were generated using focussed ion beam milling combined with scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). RESULTS Here, we confirm four intercontinental species of avian trypanosomes in native Australian birds, and identify a new avian Trypanosoma. Trypanosome infection was identified in 18 birds from 13 different bird species (19%). A single new genotype was isolated and found to be closely related to T. culicavium (Trypanosoma sp. CC2016 B002). Other Trypanosoma spp. identified include T. avium, T. culicavium, T. thomasbancrofti, Trypanosoma sp. TL.AQ.22, Trypanosoma sp. AAT, and an uncharacterised Trypanosoma sp. (group C-III sensu Zidková et al. (Infect Genet Evol 12:102-112, 2012)), all previously identified in Australia or other continents. Serially-sectioning Trypanosoma sp. AAT epimastigotes using FIB-SEM revealed the disc-shaped kinetoplast pocket attached perpendicular to the branching mitochondrion. Additionally, the universal minicircle sequence within the kinetoplast DNA and the associated binding protein were determined in Trypanosoma sp. AAT. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that bird trypanosomes are relatively conserved across continents, while being locally diverse, which supports the hypothesis that bird trypanosomes exist as fewer species than described in the literature. Evidence exists that avian Trypanosoma spp. are infecting mammals and could be transmitted by haemadipsid leeches. Trypanosoma sp. AAT is most likely a separate species currently found only in Australia and the first 3-dimentional ultrastructural analysis of an avian trypanosome provides interesting information on their morphology and organelle arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Cooper
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
| | - R. C. Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150 Australia
| | - Adriana Botero
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150 Australia
| | - Amanda Kristancic
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150 Australia
| | - Christopher Peacock
- Marshall Centre, School of Pathology and Laboratory and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, 100 Roberts Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008 Australia
| | - Yaowanuj Kirilak
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Peta L. Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
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Cooper C, Clode PL, Peacock C, Thompson RCA. Host-Parasite Relationships and Life Histories of Trypanosomes in Australia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 97:47-109. [PMID: 28325373 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomes constitute a group of flagellate protozoan parasites responsible for a number of important, yet neglected, diseases in both humans and livestock. The most significantly studied include the causative agents of African sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei) and Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) in humans. Much of our knowledge about trypanosome host-parasite relationships and life histories has come from these two human pathogens. Recent investigations into the diversity and life histories of wildlife trypanosomes in Australia highlight that there exists a great degree of biological and behavioural variation within and between trypanosomes. In addition, the genetic relationships between some Australian trypanosomes show that they are unexpectedly more closely related to species outside Australia than within it. These findings have led to a growing focus on the importance of understanding parasites occurring naturally in wildlife to (1) better document parasite biodiversity, (2) determine evolutionary relationships and degree of host specificity, (3) understand host-parasite interactions and the role of parasites in the natural ecosystem and (4) identify biosecurity issues of emerging disease in both wildlife and human populations. Here we review what is known about the diversity, life histories, host-parasite interactions and evolutionary relationships of trypanosomes in Australian wildlife. In this context, we focus upon the genetic proximity of key Australian species to the pathogenic T. cruzi and discuss similarities in their biology and behaviour that present a potential risk of human disease transmission by Australian vectors and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cooper
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - P L Clode
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - C Peacock
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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New Scheme of Intermittent Benznidazole Administration in Patients Chronically Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: a Pilot Short-Term Follow-Up Study with Adult Patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 60:833-7. [PMID: 26596935 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00745-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a clinical need to test new schemes of benznidazole administration that are expected to be at least as effective as the current therapeutic scheme but safer. This study assessed a new scheme of benznidazole administration in chronic Chagas disease patients. A pilot study with intermittent doses of benznidazole at 5 mg/kg/day in two daily doses every 5 days for a total of 60 days was designed. The main criterion of response was the comparison of quantitative PCR (qPCR) findings prior to and 1 week after the end of treatment. The safety profile was assessed by the rate of suspensions and severity of adverse effects. Twenty patients were analyzed for safety, while qPCR was tested for 17 of them. The average age was 43 ± 7.9 years; 55% were female. Sixty-five percent of treated subjects showed detectable qPCR results prior to treatment of 1.45 (0.63 to 2.81) and 2.1 (1.18 to 2.78) parasitic equivalents per milliliter of blood (par.eq/ml) for kinetoplastic DNA (kDNA) qPCR and nuclear repetitive sequence satellite DNA (SatDNA) qPCR, respectively. One patient showed detectable PCR at the end of treatment (1/17), corresponding to 6% treatment failure, compared with 11/17 (65%) patients pretreatment (P = 0.01). Adverse effects were present in 10/20 (50%) patients, but in only one case was treatment suspended. Eight patients showed mild adverse effects, whereas moderate reactions with increased liver enzymes were observed in two patients. The main accomplishment of this pilot study is the promising low rate of treatment suspension. Intermittent administration of benznidazole emerges a new potential therapeutic scheme, the efficacy of which should be confirmed by long-term assessment posttreatment.
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