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Wang Z, Li D, Lu L, Xu Z, Ouyang G, Sun Y. Identification of Anncaliia algerae in Ascites in an Immunosuppressed Patient, China. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae393. [PMID: 39100525 PMCID: PMC11295253 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Anncaliia algerae, a microsporidium, has risen to prominence as an opportunistic pathogen, particularly afflicting individuals who are immunocompromised with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplantation, and hematologic malignancy. Surprisingly, despite its recognized impact, the identification of A algerae in ascitic fluid has not been documented. As such, we pinpointed A algerae as the probable instigator of ascitic accumulation in a patient with a history of acute myeloid leukemia and extended periods of immunosuppressive therapy. For this patient, there were no signs of A algerae-related infections (eg, myositis), vocal cord involvement, or disseminated infection. The presence of A algerae was finally identified by next-generation metagenomic sequencing analysis of the ascitic fluid. Clinical presentation was characterized by elevated C-reactive protein levels (110.7 mg/L), diminished platelet count (48 × 109/L), abdominal distension secondary to ascitic fluid accumulation, and lower limb pain, and it showed marked improvement following a 4-day regimen of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and albendazole. Despite this promising response, the patient succumbed to aspiration of vomitus. This case underscores the importance of considering rarer organisms, such as A algerae infection, in patients who are immunocompromised and present with unexplained ascites accumulation. It highlights the potential effectiveness of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and albendazole in managing such cases. Further research is warranted to elucidate optimal management strategies and improve outcomes in similar clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanzan Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics of Zhejiang Province, Dian Diagnostics Group Co, Ltd, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou DA Medical Laboratory, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Lu
- Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics of Zhejiang Province, Dian Diagnostics Group Co, Ltd, Hangzhou, China
- Hangzhou DA Medical Laboratory, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijuan Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Guifang Ouyang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yongcheng Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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2
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Das BC, Chokkalingam P, Shareef MA, Shukla S, Das S, Saito M, Weiss LM. Methionine aminopeptidases: Potential therapeutic target for microsporidia and other microbes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13036. [PMID: 39036929 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13036] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) have emerged as a target for medicinal chemists in the quest for novel therapeutic agents for treating cancer, obesity, and other disorders. Methionine aminopeptidase is a metalloenzyme with two structurally distinct forms in humans, MetAP-1 and MetAP-2. The MetAP2 inhibitor fumagillin, which was used as an amebicide in the 1950s, has been used for the successful treatment of microsporidiosis in humans; however, it is no longer commercially available. Despite significant efforts and investments by many pharmaceutical companies, no new MetAP inhibitors have been approved for the clinic. Several lead compounds have been designed and synthesized by researchers as potential inhibitors of MetAP and evaluated for their potential activity in a wide range of diseases. MetAP inhibitors such as fumagillin, TNP-470, beloranib, and reversible inhibitors and their analogs guide new prospects for MetAP inhibitor development in the ongoing quest for new pharmacological indications. This perspective provides insights into recent advances related to MetAP, as a potential therapeutic target in drug discovery, bioactive small molecule MetAP2 inhibitors, and data on the role of MetAP-2 as a therapeutic target for microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar C Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Parthiban Chokkalingam
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mohammed Adil Shareef
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Srushti Shukla
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Sasmita Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mariko Saito
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA
| | - Louis M Weiss
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Ataş AD, Akın-Polat Z, Gülpınar DG, Şahin N. The first evaluation of the in vitro effects of silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes on Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Leishmania major promastigotes. J Biol Inorg Chem 2024:10.1007/s00775-024-02063-z. [PMID: 38918208 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-024-02063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon intestinalis is an opportunistic microsporidian parasite that primarily infects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing organ transplantation. Leishmaniasis is responsible for parasitic infections, particularly in developing countries. The disease has not been effectively controlled due to the lack of an effective vaccine and affordable treatment options. Current treatment options for E. intestinalis infection and leishmaniasis are limited and often associated with adverse side effects. There is no previous study in the literature on the antimicrosporidial activities of Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene compounds. In this study, the in vitro antimicrosporidial activities of previously synthesized Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes were evaluated using E. intestinalis spores cultured in human renal epithelial cell lines (HEK-293). Inhibition of microsporidian replication was determined by spore counting. In addition, the effects of the compounds on Leishmania major promastigotes were assessed by measuring metabolic activity or cell viability using a tetrazolium reaction. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences between treated and control groups. Our results showed that the growth of E. intestinalis and L. major promastigotes was inhibited by the tested compounds in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant decrease in parasite viability was observed at the highest concentrations. These results suggest that the compounds have potential anti-microsporidial and anti-leishmanial activity. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to evaluate the efficacy of the compounds in animal models or clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Duran Ataş
- Departments of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Zübeyda Akın-Polat
- Departments of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Derya Gül Gülpınar
- Departments of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Şahin
- Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Cumhuriyet University, 58040, Sivas, Turkey.
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Gómez-Romano MT, Rodríguez-Iglesias MA, Galán-Sánchez F. Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in Human and Animal Stool Samples. Microorganisms 2024; 12:918. [PMID: 38792745 PMCID: PMC11123919 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are opportunistic microorganisms with remarkable zoonotic transmission potential due to their capacity to infect humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these microorganisms in stool samples of animal and human origin. In total, 369 stool samples (205 from human patients with diarrhea and 164 of animal origin) were included in the study. Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia presence were determined by using multiplex nested PCR. Positive results were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing of the amplicon, utilizing BLASTN and ClustalX software to confirm identification. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 0.97% and 4.26% of human and animal samples, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in human and animal stools in 6.82% and 3.05% of the samples, respectively. No associations were found when analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi and the demographic and clinical variables of patients and animals. This study demonstrates the presence of these microorganisms in human and animal samples from different species, and the most interesting findings are the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in pets (e.g., rodents) that are not usually included in this type of study, and the identification of E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea without underlying disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Antonio Rodríguez-Iglesias
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009 Cádiz, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fátima Galán-Sánchez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, 11009 Cádiz, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
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Li XM, Wang XY, Wei YJ, Jiang J, Cai Y, Zhang XX, Yang X, Cao H. Meta-analysis of the global prevalence and risk factors of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in pigs from 1999 to 2021. Prev Vet Med 2024; 225:106159. [PMID: 38422983 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi), which is one of the most common microsporidia, has been identified as an important obligate intracellular pathogen that commonly colonizes in a variety of animal species and humans worldwide, including humans. In this study, the statistical analyses of E. bieneusi infection and prevalence were performed to clarify the relationship between different genotypes in different countries. The databases Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese Journal Database, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect were used for data collection. The research data were subjected to subgroup, univariate regression, and correlation, to reveal factors related to the high prevalence of E. bieneusi. A total of, 34 of the 498 articles published before April 2022 met the inclusion criteria. The global prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs was 37.69% (5175/12672). The prevalence of E. bieneusi in nursery pigs was 58.87% (588/946). In developing countries and Asia, the highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs were 37.62% (4752/11645) and 40.14% (4715/11345), respectively. Moreover, humans and pigs have been found to be infected with the same genotype of E. bieneusi in some cases, as evidenced by the consolidation of genotype information. The results showed that pigs are susceptible to E. bieneusi during the nursery period. The prevalence of E. bieneusi is high in developing countries, and its genotype prevalence varies in each country. Thus, it is essential to strengthen the health inspection of vulnerable groups and customs quarantine inspection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Man Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Yong-Jie Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province 130600, China.
| | - Yanan Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali, Yunnan Province 671000, China.
| | - Hongwei Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province 224002, China.
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Carriere E, Abdul Hamid AI, Feki I, Dubuffet A, Delbac F, Gueirard P. A mouse ear skin model to study the dynamics of innate immune responses against the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1168970. [PMID: 37125152 PMCID: PMC10136781 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1168970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites related to fungi that cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian species capable of infecting mammals, including human and rodents. In response to microsporidian infection, innate immune system serves as the first line of defense and allows a partial clearance of the parasite via the innate immune cells, namely macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and Natural Killer cells. According to the literature, microsporidia bypass this response in vitro by modulating the response of macrophages. In order to study host-parasites interactions in vivo, we developed a model using the mouse ear pinna in combination with an intravital imaging approach. Fluorescent E. cuniculi spores were inoculated into the skin tissue to follow for the first time in real time in an in vivo model the recruitment dynamics of EGFP + phagocytic cells in response to the parasite. The results show that parasites induce an important inflammatory recruitment of phagocytes, with alterations of their motility properties (speed, displacement length, straightness). This cellular response persists in the injection zone, with spores detected inside the phagocytes up to 72 h post-infection. Immunostainings performed on ear tissue cryosections evoke the presence of developing infectious foci from 5 days post-infection, in favor of parasite proliferation in this tissue. Overall, the newly set up mice ear pinna model will increase our understanding of the immunobiology of microsporidia and in particular, to know how they can bypass and hijack the host immune system of an immunocompetent or immunosuppressed host.
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Liu C, Chen Q, Fu P, Shi YY. Anncaliia algerae Microsporidiosis Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing, China. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1466-1470. [PMID: 35731183 PMCID: PMC9239868 DOI: 10.3201/eid2807.212315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Anncaliia algerae microsporidia infection in an immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipient in China. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy initially failed to identify A. algerae, which eventually was detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Our case highlights the supporting role of metagenomic sequencing in early identification of uncommon pathogens.
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Meng X, Ye H, Shang Z, Sun L, Guo Y, Li N, Xiao L, Feng Y. Identification and Characterization of Three Spore Wall Proteins of Enterocytozoon Bieneusi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:808986. [PMID: 35795186 PMCID: PMC9251001 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.808986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian pathogen in farm animals and humans. Although several spore wall proteins (SWPs) of other human-pathogenic microsporidia have been identified, SWPs of E. bieneusi remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we identified the sequences of three E. bieneusi SWPs from whole genome sequence data, expressed them in Escherichia coli, generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against one of them (EbSWP1), and used the mAb in direct immunofluorescence detection of E. bieneusi spores in fecal samples. The amino acid sequence of EbSWP1 shares some identity to EbSWP2 with a BAR2 domain, while the sequence of EbSWP3 contains a MICSWaP domain. No cross-reactivity among the EbSWPs was demonstrated using the polyclonal antibodies generated against them. The mAb against EbSWP1 was shown to react with E. bieneusi spores in fecal samples. Using chromotrope 2R staining-based microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the direct immunofluorescence for the detection of E. bieneusi were 91.4 and 73.7%. Data generated from the study could be useful in the characterization of E. bieneusi and immunological detection of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinan Meng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ye
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Shang
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianjing Sun
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lihua Xiao, ; Yaoyu Feng,
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lihua Xiao, ; Yaoyu Feng,
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The Brief Case: Sister Fungi in a Patient with AIDS. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0114421. [PMID: 35442074 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01144-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Caravello G, Franchet A, Niehus S, Ferrandon D. Phagocytosis Is the Sole Arm of Drosophila melanogaster Known Host Defenses That Provides Some Protection Against Microsporidia Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:858360. [PMID: 35493511 PMCID: PMC9043853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.858360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites able to infest specifically a large range of species, including insects. The knowledge about the biology of microsporidial infections remains confined to mostly descriptive studies, including molecular approaches such as transcriptomics or proteomics. Thus, functional data to understand insect host defenses are currently lacking. Here, we have undertaken a genetic analysis of known host defenses of the Drosophila melanogaster using an infection model whereby Tubulinosema ratisbonensis spores are directly injected in this insect. We find that phagocytosis does confer some protection in this infection model. In contrast, the systemic immune response, extracellular reactive oxygen species, thioester proteins, xenophagy, and intracellular antiviral response pathways do not appear to be involved in the resistance against this parasite. Unexpectedly, several genes such as PGRP-LE seem to promote this infection. The prophenol oxidases that mediate melanization have different functions; PPO1 presents a phenotype similar to that of PGRP-LE whereas that of PPO2 suggests a function in the resilience to infection. Similarly, eiger and Unpaired3, which encode two cytokines secreted by hemocytes display a resilience phenotype with a strong susceptibility to T. ratisbonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dominique Ferrandon
- UPR9022, University of Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), Modèles Insectes D’Immunité Innée (M3I) Unité Propre Recherche (UPR) 9022 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Strasbourg, France
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Trzebny A, Liberska J, Slodkowicz-Kowalska A, Dabert M. Metabarcoding reveals low prevalence of microsporidian infections in castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:26. [PMID: 35033159 PMCID: PMC8760655 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05150-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsporidia is a large group of eukaryotic obligate intracellular spore-forming parasites, of which 17 species can cause microsporidiosis in humans. Most human-infecting microsporidians belong to the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon. To date, only five microsporidian species, including Encephalitozoon-like, have been found in hard ticks (Ixodidae) using microscopic methods, but no sequence data are available for them. Furthermore, no widespread screening for microsporidian-infected ticks based on DNA analysis has been carried out to date. Thus, in this study, we applied a recently developed DNA metabarcoding method for efficient microsporidian DNA identification to assess the role of ticks as potential vectors of microsporidian species causing diseases in humans. METHODS In total, 1070 (493 juvenile and 577 adult) unfed host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks collected at urban parks in the city of Poznan, Poland, and 94 engorged tick females fed on dogs and cats were screened for microsporidian DNA. Microsporidians were detected by PCR amplification and sequencing of the hypervariable V5 region of 18S rRNA gene (18S profiling) using the microsporidian-specific primer set. Tick species were identified morphologically and confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the shortened fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (mini-COI). RESULTS All collected ticks were unambiguously assigned to I. ricinus. Potentially zoonotic Encephalitozoon intestinalis was identified in three fed ticks (3.2%) collected from three different dogs. In eight unfed host-seeking ticks (0.8%), including three males (1.1%), two females (0.7%) and three nymphs (0.7%), the new microsporidian sequence representing a species belonging to the genus Endoreticulatus was identified. CONCLUSIONS The lack of zoonotic microsporidians in host-seeking ticks suggests that I. ricinus is not involved in transmission of human-infecting microsporidians. Moreover, a very low occurrence of the other microsporidian species in both fed and host-seeking ticks implies that mechanisms exist to defend ticks against infection with these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Justyna Liberska
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Slodkowicz-Kowalska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Al-Brhami KAR, Abdul-Ghani R, Al-Qobati SA. Intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Sana'a city, Yemen: first report on prevalence and predictors. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:11. [PMID: 34983416 PMCID: PMC8724650 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-07009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection associated with persistent diarrhea among HIV/AIDS patients. In Yemen, however, its epidemiology is unknown. Therefore, this study determined its prevalence and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sana’a city, the capital of Yemen. Methods This cross-sectional study included 402 patients receiving ART at Al-Jomhori Educational Hospital in Sana’a from November 2019 to December 2020. Data about demographics, clinical characteristics and risk factors were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for microsporidian spores using the Gram-chromotrope Kinyoun staining. Blood samples were also collected and used for CD4 cell counting by flow cytometry. Univariate analysis was used to test the association of patients’ characteristics and risk factors with intestinal microsporidiosis. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to identify the independent predictors of infection. Statistical significance was considered at P-values < 0.05. Results Intestinal microsporidiosis was prevalent among 14.2% (57/402) of HIV/AIDS patients and was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7–6.6; P = 0.001). The significant independent predictors of infection were < 200 CD4 cells/µl (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5–6.9; P = 0.003), not washing hands after contacting soil (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.4; P = 0.026) and before eating (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5–6.4; P = 0.003), eating unwashed raw produce (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.3; P = 0.017) and absence of indoor latrines (AOR 6.2, 95% CI 1.5–25.9; P = 0.012). Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients in Sana'a is high and comparable to that reported from several other countries, being prevalent among approximately 14.0% of patients and significantly associated with diarrhea. It could be predicted among patients who have < 200 CD4 cells/µl, have poor hand hygiene after contacting soil and before eating, usually eat unwashed raw produce, or do not possess indoor latrines. Large-scale studies on its epidemiology and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients across the country are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwkab A R Al-Brhami
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Rashad Abdul-Ghani
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. .,Tropical Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University, of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Salah A Al-Qobati
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
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Tanida K, Hahn A, Eberhardt KA, Tannich E, Landt O, Kann S, Feldt T, Sarfo FS, Di Cristanziano V, Frickmann H, Loderstädt U. Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060656. [PMID: 34073403 PMCID: PMC8229491 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is an infection predominantly occurring in immunosuppressed patients and infrequently also in travelers. This study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR assays targeting microsporidia with etiological relevance in the stool of human patients in a latent class analysis-based test comparison without a reference standard with perfect accuracy. Thereby, two one-tube real-time PCR assays and two two-tube real-time PCR assays targeting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalocytozoon spp. were included in the assessment with reference stool material (20), stool samples from Ghanaian HIV-positive patients (903), and from travelers, migrants and Colombian indigenous people (416). Sensitivity of the assays ranged from 60.4% to 97.4% and specificity from 99.1% to 100% with substantial agreement according to Cohen’s kappa of 79.6%. Microsporidia DNA was detected in the reference material and the stool of the HIV patients but not in the stool of the travelers, migrants, and the Colombian indigenous people. Accuracy-adjusted prevalence was 5.8% (n = 78) for the study population as a whole. In conclusion, reliable detection of enteric disease-associated microsporidia in stool samples by real-time PCR could be demonstrated, but sensitivity between the compared microsporidia-specific real-time PCR assays varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Tanida
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana;
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Loderstädt
- Department of Hospital Hygiene & Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3965709
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14
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Taghipour A, Ghodsian S, Shajarizadeh M, Sharbatkhori M, Khazaei S, Mirjalali H. Global prevalence of microsporidia infection in cats: A systematic review and meta-analysis of an emerging zoonotic pathogen. Prev Vet Med 2021; 188:105278. [PMID: 33548904 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105278] [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: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidiosis in pet and stray cats is an emerging zoonotic threat with public health significance worldwide. However, the epidemiological patterns of feline microsporidiosis is still neglected around the world. Hence, current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at characterizing the prevalence estimates and genotypes of microsporidian parasites among cats of the world. Several databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar) were systematically explored to find relevant studies. Evaluation of the weighted prevalences among included studies was done using random-effects model. Totally, 30 studies (34 datasets) reported from 19 countries were included in the present work. Microsporidia infection demonstrated higher prevalence rates using microscopy 29.7 % (19.7-42.2 %), followed by serology and molecular techniques with 11 % (4.6-24.2 %) and 8.2 % (5.9-11.4 %), respectively. Moreover, molecular data showed Enterocytozoon bieneusi as the most dominant reported species with 7.4 % (5.1-10.5 %). Also, investigations (11 studies) mostly isolated D genotype among all E. bieneusi genotypes. These results highlight cats as a potential reservoir for acquisition of microsporidia infection in humans, and surveillance programs should be implemented in high-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sahar Ghodsian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Shajarizadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Sharbatkhori
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sasan Khazaei
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Zhang Y, Koehler AV, Wang T, Gasser RB. Enterocytozoon bieneusi of animals-With an 'Australian twist'. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 111:1-73. [PMID: 33482973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian microorganism that causes intestinal disease in animals including humans. E. bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen, typically causing severe or chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption and/or wasting. Currently, E. bieneusi is recognised as a fungus, although its exact classification remains contentious. The transmission of E. bieneusi can occur from person to person and/or animals to people. Transmission is usually via the faecal-oral route through E. bieneusi spore-contaminated water, environment or food, or direct contact with infected individuals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes are usually identified and classified by PCR-based sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. To date, ~600 distinct genotypes of E. bieneusi have been recorded in ~170 species of animals, including various orders of mammals and reptiles as well as insects in >40 countries. Moreover, E. bieneusi has also been found in recreational water, irrigation water, and treated raw- and waste-waters. Although many studies have been conducted on the epidemiology of E. bieneusi, prevalence surveys of animals and humans are scant in some countries, such as Australia, and transmission routes of individual genotypes and related risk factors are poorly understood. This article/chapter reviews aspects of the taxonomy, biology and epidemiology of E. bieneusi; the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of microsporidiosis; critically appraises the naming system for E. bieneusi genotypes as well as the phylogenetic relationships of these genotypes; provides new insights into the prevalence and genetic composition of E. bieneusi populations in animals in parts of Australia using molecular epidemiological tools; and proposes some areas for future research in the E. bieneusi/microsporidiosis field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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16
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An G, Tang Y, Mo B, Ran M, He X, Bao J, Zhou Z. Characterization of a Murine Model for Encephalitozoon hellem Infection after Dexamethasone Immunosuppression. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1891. [PMID: 33260440 PMCID: PMC7761425 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem) belongs to a group of opportunistic pathogens called microsporidia. Microsporidia infection symptoms vary and include diarrhea, ocular disorders and systemic inflammations. Traditionally, immunodeficient animals were used to study microsporidia infection. To overcome the difficulties in maintenance and operation using immunodeficient mice, and to better mimic natural occurring microsporidia infection, this study aims to develop a pharmacologically immunosuppressed murine model of E. hellem infection. METHODS Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone (Dex) and then E. hellem spores were inoculated into the mice intraperitoneally. Control groups were the Dex-immunosuppressed but noninoculated mice, and the Dex-immunosuppressed then lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. Mice body weights were monitored and all animals were sacrificed at the 15th day after inoculation. Tissue fragments and immune cells were collected and processed. RESULTS Histopathological analysis demonstrated that E. hellem inoculation resulted in a disseminated nonlethal infection. Interestingly, E. hellem infection desensitized the innate immunity of the host, as shown by cytokine expressions and dendritic cell maturation. We also found that E. hellem infection greatly altered the composition of host gut microbiota. (4) Conclusions: Dex-immunosuppressed mice provide a useful tool for study microsporidiosis and the interactions between microsporidia and host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozhen An
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yunlin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Biying Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Maoshuang Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiao He
- College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China;
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
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17
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Taghipour A, Bahadory S, Khazaei S. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of microsporidia infection among dogs: a zoonotic concern. Trop Med Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Microsporidiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease that is considered a global public health concern. Dogs are suggested as one of potential reservoirs for transmitting the microsporidia infection to humans. However, there is little data on distribution of microsporidia in dogs. The current study aimed to evaluate the global prevalence and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection among the dog population.
Methods
We searched four major databases for studies reporting the prevalence of microsporidia in dogs until 30 May 2020. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalence of microsporidia across studies.
Result
Finally, a total of 32 studies (including 37 datasets) from 17 countries were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence (95% CI) of microsporidia infection was estimated at 23.1% (13.5–36.8%) using microscopic methods, 20.9% (14.6–29%) using serological methods, and 8.4% (6.1–11.5%) using molecular methods. Molecular methods showed that the highest number of reports was related to Enterocytozoon bieneusi with a pooled prevalence of 6.5% (4.9–8.7%). Considering E. bieneusi genotypes, most studies reported the PtEb IX (10 studies) and the D (eight studies) genotypes.
Conclusion
These results emphasize the role of a dog as a reservoir host for human-infecting microsporidia. In addition, monitoring programs for human-infecting microsporidia in animals with close contact to humans should be considered.
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Buczek K, Trytek M, Deryło K, Borsuk G, Rybicka-Jasińska K, Gryko D, Cytryńska M, Tchórzewski M. Bioactivity studies of porphyrinoids against microsporidia isolated from honeybees. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11553. [PMID: 32665695 PMCID: PMC7360595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68420-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidian infections are dangerous to honeybees due to the absence of an efficient treatment for nosemosis. In the present work, the abilities of several porphyrins to directly inactivate microsporidia derived from Nosema-infected honeybees were studied in vitro. Amide derivatives of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) conjugated with one and two amino acid moieties were synthesized, and their activities were compared with those of two cationic porphyrins, TMePyP and TTMePP. The most active porphyrins, PP[Lys-Asp]2, PP[Lys-TFA]2, PP[Asp(ONa)2]2 and PP[Lys-Lys]2 at concentrations as low as 10–50 µM exerted significant effects on microsporidia, reducing the number of spores by 67–80% compared to the control. Live-cell imaging of the spores treated with porphyrins showed that only 1.6% and 3.0% of spores remained alive after 24 h-incubation with 50 µM PP[Asp(ONa)2]2 and PP[Lys-Asp]2, respectively. The length of the amino acid side chains and their identity in the PPIX molecules affected the bioactivity of the porphyrin. Importantly, the irradiation of the porphyrins did not enhance their potency in destroying Nosema spores. We showed that the porphyrins accumulated inside the living spores but not inside dead spores, thus the destruction of the microsporidia by non-metallated porphyrins is not dependent on photosensitization, but is associated with their active transport into the spore cell. When administered to honeybees in vivo, PPIX[Lys-TFA]2 and PPIX[Lys-Lys]2 reduced spore loads by 69–76% in infected individuals. They both had no toxic effect on honeybees, in contrast to zinc-coordinated porphyrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Buczek
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Trytek
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Kamil Deryło
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Borsuk
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Gryko
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Tchórzewski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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19
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Trzebny A, Slodkowicz-Kowalska A, Becnel JJ, Sanscrainte N, Dabert M. A new method of metabarcoding Microsporidia and their hosts reveals high levels of microsporidian infections in mosquitoes (Culicidae). Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1486-1504. [PMID: 32516485 PMCID: PMC7818484 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA metabarcoding offers new perspectives, especially with regard to the high‐throughput identification and diagnostics of pathogens. Microsporidia are an example of widely distributed, opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms in which molecular identification is important for both environmental research and clinical diagnostics. We have developed a method for parallel detection of both microsporidian infection and the host species. We designed new primer sets: one specific for the classical Microsporidia (targeting the hypervariable V5 region of small subunit [ssu] rDNA), and a second one targeting a shortened fragment of the COI gene (standard metazoan DNA‐barcode); both markers are well suited for next generation sequencing. Analysis of the ssu rDNA data set representing 607 microsporidian species (120 genera) indicated that the V5 region enables identification of >98% species in the data set (596/607). To test the method, we used microsporidians that infect mosquitoes in natural populations. Using mini‐COI data, all field‐collected mosquitoes were unambiguously assigned to seven species; among them almost 60% of specimens were positive for at least 11 different microsporidian species, including a new microsporidian ssu rDNA sequence (Microsporidium sp. PL01). Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species belongs to one of the two main clades in the Terresporidia. We found a high rate of microsporidian co‐infections (9.4%). The numbers of sequence reads for the operational taxonomic units suggest that the occurrence of Nosema spp. in co‐infections could benefit them; however, this observation should be retested using a more intensive host sampling. Our results show that DNA barcoding is a rapid and cost‐effective method for deciphering sample diversity in greater resolution, including the hidden biodiversity that may be overlooked using classical methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Slodkowicz-Kowalska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - James J Becnel
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Neil Sanscrainte
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microsporidia have been increasingly reported to infect humans. The most common presentation of microsporidiosis is chronic diarrhea, a significant mortality risk in immune-compromised patients. Albendazole, which inhibits tubulin, and fumagillin, which inhibits methionine aminopeptidase type 2 (MetAP2), are the two main therapeutic agents used for treatment of microsporidiosis. In addition, to their role as emerging pathogens in humans, microsporidia are important pathogens in insects, aquaculture, and veterinary medicine. New therapeutic targets and therapies have become a recent focus of attention for medicine, veterinary, and agricultural use. Areas covered: Herein, we discuss the detection and symptoms of microsporidiosis in humans and the therapeutic targets that have been utilized for the design of new drugs for the treatment of this infection, including triosephosphate isomerase, tubulin, MetAP2, topoisomerase IV, chitin synthases, and polyamines. Expert opinion: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidia in human infection. Fumagillin has a broader anti-microsporidian activity than albendazole and is active against both Ent. bieneusi and Encephaliozoonidae. Microsporidia lack methionine aminopeptidase type 1 and are, therefore, dependent on MetAP2, while mammalian cells have both enzymes. Thus, MetAP2 is an essential enzyme in microsporidia and new inhibitors of this pathway have significant promise as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Pathology, Division of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Division of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
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21
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Çetinkaya Ü, Charyyeva A, Sivcan E, Gürbüz E. Evaluation of four commercial DNA extraction kits for the detection of Microsporidia and the importance of pretreatments in DNA isolation. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:386-392. [PMID: 29654668 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa infecting the wide variety of hosts and are commonly known as a cause of chronic diarrhea particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Molecular-based tests have high sensitivity and specificity in disease diagnosis. However, these tests' performance relies on the isolation of DNA in a good concentration. The standard procedures of commercial DNA extraction kits are usually insufficient for this purpose due to the tough walls of spores. This study aimed to test the significance of pretreatments by glass beads and freeze-thawing processes in DNA isolation from microsporidia spores. The parasite was cultured in growing Vero cells and seven serial dilutions were prepared from the collected spores. DNA purification was performed according to different tissue kits and stool kit procedures with and without any pretreatment. Concentration of isolated DNA samples were evaluated by real-time PCR. As a result of this study, the detectable amount of spores is minimum 10 spores in each 100 μ! sample according to the different tissue kits' standard protocols. However, according to the DNA stool mini kit, the detectable amount of spores was found to be 1,000 spores/100 μl of stool sample when pretreated with both the freeze-thawing and glass beads methods.In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that further pretreatments are an essential process for DNA extraction from the stool specimens in order to avoid possible false negativity in the diagnosis of microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ülfet Çetinkaya
- Halil Bayraktar Health Vocational College, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Arzuv Charyyeva
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Eda Sivcan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Esra Gürbüz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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22
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García-Torres I, De la Mora-De la Mora I, Hernández-Alcántara G, Molina-Ortiz D, Caballero-Salazar S, Olivos-García A, Nava G, López-Velázquez G, Enríquez-Flores S. First characterization of a microsporidial triosephosphate isomerase and the biochemical mechanisms of its inactivation to propose a new druggable target. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8591. [PMID: 29872223 PMCID: PMC5988755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia are a large group of intracellular parasites with a broad range of hosts, including humans. Encephalitozoon intestinalis is the second microsporidia species most frequently associated with gastrointestinal disease in humans, especially immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals, including children and the elderly. The prevalence reported worldwide in these groups ranges from 0 to 60%. Currently, albendazole is most commonly used to treat microsporidiosis caused by Encephalitozoon species. However, the results of treatment are variable, and relapse can occur. Consequently, efforts are being directed toward identifying more effective drugs for treating microsporidiosis, and the study of new molecular targets appears promising. These parasites lack mitochondria, and oxidative phosphorylation therefore does not occur, which suggests the enzymes involved in glycolysis as potential drug targets. Here, we have for the first time characterized the glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase of E. intestinalis at the functional and structural levels. Our results demonstrate the mechanisms of inactivation of this enzyme by thiol-reactive compounds. The most striking result of this study is the demonstration that established safe drugs such as omeprazole, rabeprazole and sulbutiamine can effectively inactivate this microsporidial enzyme and might be considered as potential drugs for treating this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzhel García-Torres
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Ignacio De la Mora-De la Mora
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Gloria Hernández-Alcántara
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Dora Molina-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Silvia Caballero-Salazar
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Olivos-García
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y Hospital General, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Nava
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Gabriel López-Velázquez
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico.
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomoléculas, Laboratorio de Errores Innatos del Metabolismo y Tamiz, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, 04530, Mexico.
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Leroy J, Cornu M, Deleplancque AS, Bart A, Loridant S, Fréalle E, Dutoit E, Gaillot O, van Gool T, Puisieux F, Labalette P, Sendid B. Case Report: Ocular Microsporidiosis: Case in a Patient Returning from India and Review of the Literature. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:90-93. [PMID: 29692301 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are protists close to the kingdom of fungi that may cause eye infections. Most cases are reported in Asia and affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Here, we report a rare case of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in an immunocompetent French patient 3 weeks after returning from India. In our patient, Weber trichrome staining of conjunctival scrapings revealed rounded elements approximately 1-3 μm in size. Conventional polymerase chain reaction analysis by ribosomal RNA subunit sequencing showed 100% identity with Vittaforma corneae. Treatment by corneal debridement combined with fluoroquinolone eye drops allowed complete resolution of the lesions. Although rare, ocular microsporidiosis should be investigated in a patient who is native to Asia or has returned from an endemic area and presents with keratoconjunctivitis of undetermined etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Leroy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 995-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Fungal Associated Invasive & Inflammatory Diseases, Lille, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Marjorie Cornu
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 995-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Fungal Associated Invasive & Inflammatory Diseases, Lille, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | | | - Aldert Bart
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section Parasitology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Loridant
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 995-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Fungal Associated Invasive & Inflammatory Diseases, Lille, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Emilie Fréalle
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuel Dutoit
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Olivier Gaillot
- Service de Bactériologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Section Parasitology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pierre Labalette
- Service d'Ophtalmologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Boualem Sendid
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 995-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Fungal Associated Invasive & Inflammatory Diseases, Lille, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
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24
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Molecular detection and species identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolated from immunocompetent Orang Asli in Malaysia. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:163-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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25
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Perec-Matysiak A, Wesołowska M, Leśniańska K, Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Hildebrand J, Kicia M. Survey for Zoonotic Microsporidian Pathogens in Wild Living Urban Rooks (Corvus frugilegus). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2017; 64:721-724. [PMID: 28199765 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens in nature infecting all animal phyla. There is a potential risk of microsporidian spores transmission from urban rooks inhabiting some metropolitan cities to people through casual interactions. The aim of this study was to identify microsporidia species in the droppings of rooks in Wroclaw, Poland. A total of 15 collective sets of droppings were examined using nested-PCR method. Amplification of ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi D, Peru 6, and Encephalitozoon hellem 1A genotypes. This study indicates that excreta of urban rooks can be an important source of human infection with these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Maria Wesołowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland
| | - Kinga Leśniańska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Buńkowska-Gawlik
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland
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26
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Bernal CE, Zorro MM, Sierra J, Gilchrist K, Botero JH, Baena A, Ramirez-Pineda JR. Encephalitozoon intestinalis Inhibits Dendritic Cell Differentiation through an IL-6-Dependent Mechanism. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:4. [PMID: 26870700 PMCID: PMC4735406 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of intracellular pathogens causing self-limited and severe diseases in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, respectively. A cellular type 1 adaptive response, mediated by IL-12, IFNγ, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells has been shown to be essential for host resistance, and dendritic cells (DC) play a key role at eliciting anti-microsporidial immunity. We investigated the in vitro response of DC and DC precursors/progenitors to infection with Encephalitozoon intestinalis (Ei), a common agent of human microsporidosis. Ei-exposed DC cultures up-regulated the surface expression of MHC class II and the costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40, only when high loads of spores were used. A vigorous secretion of IL-6 but not of IL-1β or IL-12p70 was also observed in these cultures. Ei-exposed DC cultures consisted of immature infected and mature bystander DC, as assessed by MHC class II and costimulatory molecules expression, suggesting that intracellular Ei spores deliver inhibitory signals in DC. Moreover, Ei selectively inhibited the secretion of IL-12p70 in LPS-stimulated DC. Whereas Ei-exposed DC promoted allogeneic naïve T cell proliferation and IL-2 and IFNγ secretion in DC-CD4+ T cell co-cultures, separated co-cultures with bystander or infected DCs showed stimulation or inhibition of IFNγ secretion, respectively. When DC precursors/progenitors were exposed to Ei spores, a significant inhibition of DC differentiation was observed without shifting the development toward cells phenotypically or functionally compatible with myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Neutralization experiments demonstrated that this inhibitory effect is IL-6-dependent. Altogether this investigation reveals a novel potential mechanism of immune escape of microsporidian parasites through the modulation of DC differentiation and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen E Bernal
- Grupo Inmunomodulación, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellín, Colombia; Grupo de Parasitología, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellín, Colombia
| | - Maria M Zorro
- Grupo Inmunomodulación, Universidad de Antioquia Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jelver Sierra
- Grupo Inmunomodulación, Universidad de Antioquia Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Jorge H Botero
- Grupo de Parasitología, Universidad de Antioquia Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andres Baena
- Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellín, Colombia; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellín, Colombia
| | - Jose R Ramirez-Pineda
- Grupo Inmunomodulación, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellín, Colombia; Corporación Académica para el Estudio de Patologías Tropicales, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellín, Colombia
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27
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Prevalence and molecular characteristics of urinary and intestinal microsporidia infections in renal transplant recipients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2016; 22:462.e5-9. [PMID: 26827672 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Transplant recipients have been identified as a new risk group for microsporidia infection. We characterize for the first time the prevalence of microsporidia in intestinal and urinary tracts of renal transplant recipients. Molecular examination of 86 patients showed that 25.5% of them were infected; 86% were confirmed to have pathogens in their urine and 45.5% in stool. Among positive patients, 32% had microsporidia confirmed in both urine and stool. Genotyping revealed Encephalitozoon cuniculi (59%) and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (23%) monoinfections as well as coinfections with both species (18%). Moreover, we found diarrhoea and fever as symptoms significantly associated with microsporidia presence. Our results indicate that microsporidial infection should be considered in the assessment of renal transplant recipients, especially in the urinary tract, even if asymptomatic. Molecular identification of microsporidia species is relevant because of their different susceptibility for treatment.
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28
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Ghoshal U, Khanduja S, Agarwal V, Dhole TN, Ghoshal UC. Comparative evaluation of staining techniques and polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis in immunocompromised patients. Trop Parasitol 2015; 5:101-5. [PMID: 26629452 PMCID: PMC4557148 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.162491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Microsporidia, which causes chronic diarrhoea in immunocompromised hosts, are often missed. The commonest diagnostic techniques include modified trichrome (MT) stain; however, it requires expertise and does not identify the species, which is important therapeutically. Other diagnostic techniques include Calcoflour white staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data on comparative utility of different diagnostic techniques are scanty. Aim: Comparison of Calcoflour white, MT staining and PCR for the diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis. Subjects and Methods: Fecal samples of consecutive immunocompromised patients were evaluated for Microsporidia using Calcoflour white, MT stain and PCR. Species were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism using HindIII and HinfI. Presence of Microsporidia by two or more techniques was considered true positive. Absence of Microsporidia by all three techniques was taken as true negative. Results: Of 730 patients, Microsporidia was detected in 28 (3.8%), 250 (34.2%) and 30 (4.1%) patients by MT, Calcoflour white stains and PCR, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified in all 30 (4.1%) patients. 30 (4.1%) and 479 (65.6%) patients were true positive and true negative, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Calcoflour white, MT stains and PCR were 100%, 93.8%, 96.8% and 68.5%, 100% and 99.8%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of MT stain and PCR was superior to Calcoflour white (99.6% vs. 69.8%; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Though Calcoflour white stain is a highly sensitive, but it is nonspecific technique. MT stain and PCR with high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy are useful diagnostic techniques. Furthermore, PCR is useful for species identification, which has therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjala Ghoshal
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sonali Khanduja
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan N Dhole
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Uday C Ghoshal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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29
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Kim K, Yoon S, Cheun HI, Kim JH, Sim S, Yu JR. Detection of Encephalitozoon spp. from human diarrheal stool and farm soil samples in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2015; 30:227-32. [PMID: 25729242 PMCID: PMC4330474 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.3.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are eukaryotic organisms that cause zoonosis and are major opportunistic pathogens in HIV-positive patients. However, there is increasing evidence that these organisms can also cause gastrointestinal and ocular infections in immunocompetent individuals. In Korea, there have been no reports on human infections with microsporidia to date. In the present study, we used real-time PCR and nucleotide sequencing to detect Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in seven of 139 human diarrheal stool specimens (5%) and Encephalitozoon hellem in three of 34 farm soil samples (8.8%). Genotype analysis of the E. hellem isolates based on the internal transcribed spacer 1 and polar tube protein genes showed that all isolates were genotype 1B. To our knowledge, this is the first report on human E. intestinalis infection in Korea and the first report revealing farm soil samples as a source of E. hellem infection. Because microsporidia are an important public health issue, further large-scale epidemiological studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjin Kim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sejoung Yoon
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeng-Il Cheun
- Division of Epidemic Inteligence Service, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seobo Sim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Ran Yu
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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30
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Nur Su'aidah Nasarudin S, Shazalina Zainudin N, Bernadus M, Mohd Nawi A, Hanafiah A, Osman E. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid molecular detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in faecal specimens. J Med Microbiol 2015; 64:1329-1334. [PMID: 26307076 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed to detect Enterocytozoon bieneusi DNA for the first time from human faecal specimens. Four primers specific for Enterocytozoon bieneusi were designed corresponding to small subunit rRNA gene sequences and tested on 100 human faecal specimens. Thirty-nine of the faecal specimens (39%) were confirmed positive for Enterocytozoon bieneusi by LAMP compared with 33% by PCR and 32% by light microscopy. LAMP yielded 94% sensitivity and 88% specificity compared with microscopy (sensitivity 48%, specificity 76%). No significant differences in positive detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi were found among the three methods (P>0.05). However, LAMP has shown a substantial agreement with PCR (κ = 0.78) and fair agreement was demonstrated between microscopy and PCR (κ = 0.25). In conclusion, the LAMP assay proved to be useful as a simplified, rapid, sensitive and specific alternative molecular screening tool in the diagnosis of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in faecal specimens
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Nur Su'aidah Nasarudin
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Shazalina Zainudin
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mekadina Bernadus
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azmawati Mohd Nawi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alfizah Hanafiah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Emelia Osman
- Department of Parasitology & Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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31
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Concurrent infection of the urinary tract with Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in a renal transplant recipient. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:1780-2. [PMID: 24523472 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03328-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A urinary tract coinfection, caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II and Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype D, was identified in an HIV-seronegative renal transplant recipient kept under lifelong immunosuppression. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing concurrent infection with these two microsporidia species in organ transplant recipients.
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32
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Saleh M, Kumar G, Abdel-Baki AA, El-Matbouli M, Al-Quraishy S. In vitro growth of the microsporidian Heterosporis saurida in the eel kidney EK-1 cell line. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2014; 108:37-44. [PMID: 24492052 DOI: 10.3354/dao02690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Heterosporis saurida is an intracellular microsporidian that infects lizardfish Saurida undosquamis. Although some attempts have been introduced to clarify microsporidian host-pathogen interactions, development of novel strategies to combat fish diseases is still needed. Here we present an in vitro cultivation model for fish microsporidia based on an eel kidney cell line (EK-1), which is susceptible to infection by H. saurida. Spores were isolated from infected lizardfish and used to inoculate EK-1 cells. H. saurida were propagated in the eel kidney EK-1 cell line and detected by immunofluorescence. Developmental stages of H. saurida were seen in EK-1 cells by transmission electron microscopy. Identity of the parasite was confirmed by partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. Our cell culture model provides a valuable means to explore molecular and immunological events and will facilitate development of effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Saleh
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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33
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Comparison of staining techniques and multiplex nested PCR for diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 77:248-9. [PMID: 23993212 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is increasingly being recognized as the cause for diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. The 2 most common microsporidia causing gastrointestinal infection worldwide are Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. The aim of present study was to evaluate different techniques for detection of intestinal microsporidia in human stool samples. The fecal samples of 395 individuals including 125 HIV-seropositive patients with diarrhoea, 158 HIV-seropositive patients without diarrhoea, 55 HIV-seronegative patients with diarrhoea, and 57 healthy controls were used for detection of microsporidia by modified trichrome staining, calcofluor staining, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR had the highest sensitivity of 100%, while its specificity was 97.9%. Trichrome staining had highest specificity of 100% but a sensitivity of 63.8% only, and calcofluor white had a sensitivity and specificity of 79.7% and 82.2%, respectively. Thus, for diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis, it is important to perform PCR as staining techniques are not good enough to detect microsporidia in stool samples and for their species identification.
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34
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New insights of Microsporidial infection among asymptomatic aboriginal population in Malaysia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71870. [PMID: 24014078 PMCID: PMC3754962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies on microsporidial infection mostly focus on immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive individuals. Therefore, this cross-sectional study describes the prevalence and risk factors of microsporidiosis among asymptomatic individuals in Malaysia. Methods/Findings Four hundred and forty seven stool samples were collected and examined for microsporidia after staining with Gram-chromotrope Kinyoun. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral information were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 67 (15%) samples were positive for microsporidia. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher among individuals aged more than 15 years compared to those aged <15 years (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.08, 3.62; P = 0.028). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis confirmed that the presence of other family members infected with microsporidia (OR = 8.45; 95% CI = 4.30, 16.62; P<0.001) and being a consumer of raw vegetables (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.15, 3.66; P = 0.016) were the significant risk factors of this infection. Conclusions These findings clearly show that exposure to microsporidia is common among Aboriginal population. Further studies using molecular approach on microsporidia isolates from asymptomatic individuals is needed to determine species-specific. The risk factors associated with microsporidiosis will help in identifying more clearly the sources of the infection in the environment that pose a risk for transmission so that preventive strategies can be implemented.
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35
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Norhayati M, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Azlin M, Nor Aini U, Shaik A, Sa'iah A, Fatmah MS, Ismail MG, Ahmad Firdaus MS, Aisah MY, Rozlida AR. Intestinal microsporidial infections among Orang Asli (aborigine) children from Malaysia. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2013; 101:547-50. [PMID: 17716439 DOI: 10.1179/136485907x193789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Norhayati
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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36
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Jayahar Bharathi M, Murugan N, Ramesh Kumar G, Ramakrishnan R, Anitha V, Ramesh S. Vittaforma corneae keratitis in southern India: role of a novel duplex PCR. J Med Microbiol 2013; 62:553-559. [PMID: 23319308 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.051722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic cells and have emerged as major opportunistic human pathogens. Due to the difficulties in definitive laboratory diagnosis and insufficient knowledge, ocular microsporidiosis is infrequently reported in India. To improve diagnostic facilities, we have developed a novel duplex PCR (dPCR) for the simultaneous identification of both genera and species of isolates with microsporidian aetiology that cause keratitis. The material scraped from the corneas of 12 clinically diagnosed microsporidial keratitis patients was subjected to routine microbiological examinations and molecular diagnosis using a novel dPCR that targeted the small-subunit rRNA gene (SSU-rRNA) of microsporidia and Vittaforma corneae using genus- and species-specific primers. Of the 12 corneal scrapes, 6 showed positive results in smears, while dPCR provided positive amplification with both pan-microsporidial and V. corneae species-specific primers for 9 corneal scrapes. The results were validated by sequencing and blast analysis. The sensitivity of this novel dPCR method was higher than that of conventional microscopy in the diagnosis of corneal microsporidial infection. dPCR with specific primers is potentially more sensitive, specific and depends less on more complicated methods for exact identification of the aetiology of microsporidial keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jayahar Bharathi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - N Murugan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - G Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - R Ramakrishnan
- Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - V Anitha
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Diseases, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - S Ramesh
- Postgraduate Department of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkuruchi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627412, India
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Iron-sulphur clusters, their biosynthesis, and biological functions in protozoan parasites. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 83:1-92. [PMID: 23876871 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407705-8.00001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fe-S clusters are ensembles of sulphide-linked di-, tri-, and tetra-iron centres of a variety of metalloproteins that play important roles in reduction and oxidation of mitochondrial electron transport, energy metabolism, regulation of gene expression, cell survival, nitrogen fixation, and numerous other metabolic pathways. The Fe-S clusters are assembled by one of four distinct systems: NIF, SUF, ISC, and CIA machineries. The ISC machinery is a house-keeping system conserved widely from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes, while the other systems are present in a limited range of organisms and play supplementary roles under certain conditions such as stress. Fe-S cluster-containing proteins and the components required for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis are modulated under stress conditions, drug resistance, and developmental stages. It is also known that a defect in Fe-S proteins and Fe-S cluster biogenesis leads to many genetic disorders in humans, which indicates the importance of the systems. In this review, we describe the biological and physiological significance of Fe-S cluster-containing proteins and their biosynthesis in parasitic protozoa including Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Giardia, Trichomonas, Entamoeba, Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis, and microsporidia. We also discuss the roles of Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in proliferation, differentiation, and stress response in protozoan parasites. The heterogeneity of the systems and the compartmentalization of Fe-S cluster biogenesis in the protozoan parasites likely reflect divergent evolution under highly diverse environmental niches, and influence their parasitic lifestyle and pathogenesis. Finally, both Fe-S cluster-containing proteins and their biosynthetic machinery in protozoan parasites are remarkably different from those in their mammalian hosts. Thus, they represent a rational target for the development of novel chemotherapeutic and prophylactic agents against protozoan infections.
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Guan R, Shen Z, Zhu F, Chen D, Zhang J, Hou J, Dong S, Tang X, Xu L. Phylogenetic characterization of a microsporidium (Nosema sp.) isolated from the mulberry pest, Hemerophila atrilineata. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2012; 59:87-92. [PMID: 22779108 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2012.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular unicellular eukaryotes that can parasitize a wide variety of other eukaryotes ranging from protists to invertebrates and vertebrates. In this study, we examined the microsporidium Nosema sp. isolated from the mulberry pest, Hemerophila atrilineata Butler, 1881, named herein "Nosema sp. HA". The fresh spores were long oval in shape, 3.8 +/- 0.4 microm in length and 1.9 +/- 0.3 microm in width. Analysis of tissue infection of silkworm, Bombyx mori Linnaeus, 1758, indicated that the midgut, Malpighian tubules, muscle, fat body, silk glands, hemocytes, nerve tissue and gonads of silkworm were infected with Nosema sp. HA. The complete rRNA gene sequence of this microsporidium contained 4 305 base pairs (GenBank Accession JN882299), including the large subunit rRNA (2492 bp), the internal transcribed spacer (187 bp), the small subunit rRNA (1232 bp), the intergenic spacer (279 bp) and the 5S region (115 bp). The organization of the rRNA gene is 5'-LSU-ITS-SSU-IGS-5S-3'. Phylogenetic analysis, comparison of sequence identities and the arrangement in the rRNA gene subunits suggested that this isolate is separate from other Nosema species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guan
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, Jiangsu Province, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali M. Moretto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Imtiaz A. Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- * E-mail: (IAK); (LMW)
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (IAK); (LMW)
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Parasite-insecticide interactions: a case study of Nosema ceranae and fipronil synergy on honeybee. Sci Rep 2012; 2:326. [PMID: 22442753 PMCID: PMC3310228 DOI: 10.1038/srep00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In ecosystems, a variety of biological, chemical and physical stressors may act in combination to induce illness in populations of living organisms. While recent surveys reported that parasite-insecticide interactions can synergistically and negatively affect honeybee survival, the importance of sequence in exposure to stressors has hardly received any attention. In this work, Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) were sequentially or simultaneously infected by the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae and chronically exposed to a sublethal dose of the insecticide fipronil, respectively chosen as biological and chemical stressors. Interestingly, every combination tested led to a synergistic effect on honeybee survival, with the most significant impacts when stressors were applied at the emergence of honeybees. Our study presents significant outcomes on beekeeping management but also points out the potential risks incurred by any living organism frequently exposed to both pathogens and insecticides in their habitat.
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Advances in Parasite Control in Africa: From Basic Science to Translation. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:158039. [PMID: 22888402 PMCID: PMC3409543 DOI: 10.1155/2012/158039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Ghosh K, Weiss LM. T cell response and persistence of the microsporidia. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2011; 36:748-60. [PMID: 22126330 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites related to the fungi that cause significant and sometimes life-threatening disease in immune-compromised hosts, such as AIDS and organ transplant patients. More recently, their role in causing pathology in immune-competent populations has also been appreciated. Interestingly, in several instances, the microsporidia have been shown to persist in their hosts long term, causing at opposite ends of the spectrum either an intractable chronic diarrhea and wasting in patients with advanced-stage AIDS or asymptomatic shedding of spores in healthy populations. Much remains to be studied regarding the immune response to these pathogens, but it seems clear that CD8+ T cells are essential in clearing infection. However, in the infection models examined thus far, the role for CD4+ T cells is unclear at best. Here, we discuss the possible reasons and ramifications of what may be a weak primary CD4+ T cell response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Given the central role of the CD4+ T cell in other models of adaptive immunity, a better appreciation of its role in responding to microsporidia may provide insight into the survival strategies of these pathogens, which allow them to persist in hosts of varied immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Kyei-Poku G, Gauthier D, Frankenhuyzen K. Complete rRNA Sequence, Arrangement of Tandem Repeated Units and Phylogeny of Nosema fumiferanae from Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2011; 59:93-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2011.00590.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- George Kyei-Poku
- Natural Resources Canada; Canadian Forestry Service; Great Lakes Forestry Centre; 1219 Queen Street East; Sault Ste. Marie; Ontario; P6A 2E5; Canada
| | - Debbie Gauthier
- Natural Resources Canada; Canadian Forestry Service; Great Lakes Forestry Centre; 1219 Queen Street East; Sault Ste. Marie; Ontario; P6A 2E5; Canada
| | - Kees Frankenhuyzen
- Natural Resources Canada; Canadian Forestry Service; Great Lakes Forestry Centre; 1219 Queen Street East; Sault Ste. Marie; Ontario; P6A 2E5; Canada
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Chen YP, Evans JD, Murphy C, Gutell R, Zuker M, Gundensen-Rindal D, Pettis JS. Morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic characterization of Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite isolated from the European honey bee, Apis mellifera. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2011; 56:142-7. [PMID: 19457054 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2008.00374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite originally described from Apis cerana, has been found to infect Apis melllifera and is highly pathogenic to its new host. In the present study, data on the ultrastructure of N. ceranae, presence of N. ceranae-specific nucleic acid in host tissues, and phylogenetic relationships with other microsporidia species are described. The ultrastructural features indicate that N. ceranae possesses all of the characteristics of the genus Nosema. Spores of N. ceranae measured approximately 4.4 x 2.2 μm on fresh smears. The number of coils of the polar filament inside spores was 18-21. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) signals specific for N. ceranae were detected not only in the primary infection site, the midgut, but also in the tissues of hypopharyngeal glands, salivary glands, Malpighian tubules, and fat body. The detection rate and intensity of PCR signals in the fat body were relatively low compared with other examined tissues. Maximum parsimony analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene sequences showed that N. ceranae appeared to be more closely related to the wasp parasite, Nosema vespula, than to N. apis, a parasite infecting the same host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping P Chen
- USDA-ARS, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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Sagastume S, Del Águila C, Martín-Hernández R, Higes M, Henriques-Gil N. Polymorphism and recombination for rDNA in the putatively asexual microsporidian Nosema ceranae, a pathogen of honeybees. Environ Microbiol 2011; 13:84-95. [PMID: 21199250 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is currently one of the major pathogens of honeybees, related to the worldwide colony losses phenomenon. The genotyping of strains based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) can be misleading if the repeated units are not identical. The analysis of cloned rDNA fragments containing the intergenic spacer (IGS) and part of the rDNA small-subunit (SSU) gene, from N. ceranae isolates from different European and Central Asia populations, revealed a high diversity of sequences. The variability involved single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletions, resulting in 79 different haplotypes. Two sequences from the same isolate could be as different as any pair of sequences from different samples; in contrast, identical haplotypes were also found in very different geographical origins. Consequently, haplotypes cannot be organized in a consistent phylogenetic tree, clearly indicating that rDNA is not a reliable marker for the differentiation of N. ceranae strains. The results indicate that recombination between different sequences may produce new variants, which is quite surprising in microsporidia, usually considered to have an asexual mode of reproduction. The diversity of sequences and their geographical distribution indicate that haplotypes of different lineages may occasionally be present in a same cell and undergo homologue recombination, therefore suggesting a sexual haplo-diploid cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Sagastume
- Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Biology Department, 28668 Montepríncipe, Spain.Centro Apícola Regional, Bee Pathology Laboratory, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Carmen Del Águila
- Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Biology Department, 28668 Montepríncipe, Spain.Centro Apícola Regional, Bee Pathology Laboratory, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Biology Department, 28668 Montepríncipe, Spain.Centro Apícola Regional, Bee Pathology Laboratory, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Biology Department, 28668 Montepríncipe, Spain.Centro Apícola Regional, Bee Pathology Laboratory, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Nuno Henriques-Gil
- Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Biology Department, 28668 Montepríncipe, Spain.Centro Apícola Regional, Bee Pathology Laboratory, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
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Branching network of proteinaceous filaments within the parasitophorous vacuole of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon hellem. Infect Immun 2011; 79:1374-85. [PMID: 21220485 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01152-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites that infect all major animal groups and have been recognized as emerging human pathogens for which few chemotherapeutic options currently exist. These organisms infect every tissue and organ system, causing significant pathology, especially in immune-compromised populations. The microsporidian spore employs a unique infection strategy in which its contents are delivered into a host cell via the polar tube, an organelle that lies coiled within the resting spore but erupts with a force sufficient to pierce the plasma membrane of its host cell. Using biochemical and molecular approaches, we have previously identified components of the polar tube and spore wall of the Encephalitozoonidae. In this study, we employed a shotgun proteomic strategy to identify novel structural components of these organelles in Encephalitozoon cuniculi. As a result, a new component of the E. cuniculi developing spore wall was identified. Surprisingly, using the same approach, a heretofore undescribed filamentous network within the lumen of the parasitophorous vacuole was discovered. This network was also present in the parasitophorous vacuole of Encephalitozoon hellem. Thus, in addition to further elucidating the molecular composition of seminal organelles and revealing novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets, proteomic analysis-driven approaches exploring the spore may also uncover unknown facets of microsporidian biology.
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Microsporidiosis: Epidemiology, clinical data and therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:450-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gcb.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Optimal CD8 T-cell response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi is mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 upregulation by dendritic cells. Infect Immun 2010; 78:3097-102. [PMID: 20421379 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00181-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T-cell immunity has been shown to play an important role in the protective immune response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Although earlier studies suggest that dendritic cells (DC) are important for the induction of this response, the factors responsible for initiation of the dendritic cell response against this pathogen have not been evaluated. In the current study, we demonstrate that E. cuniculi infection causes strong Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent dendritic cell activation and a blockade of this molecule reduces the ability of DC to prime an antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell response. Pretreatment of DC with anti-TLR4 antibody causes a defect in both in vitro and in vivo CD8+ T-cell priming. These findings, for the first time, emphasize the contribution of TLR4 in the induction of CD8+ T-cell immunity against E. cuniculi infection.
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Molecular diagnostic tests for microsporidia. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2009; 2009:926521. [PMID: 19657457 PMCID: PMC2719812 DOI: 10.1155/2009/926521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Microsporidia are a ubiquitous group of eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites which were recognized over 100 years ago with the description of Nosema bombycis, a parasite of silkworms. It is now appreciated that these organisms are related to the Fungi. Microsporidia infect all major animal groups most often as gastrointestinal pathogens; however they have been reported from every tissue and organ, and their spores are common in environmental sources such as ditch water. Several different genera of these organisms infect humans, but the majority of infections are due to either
Enterocytozoon bieneusi or Encephalitozoon species. These pathogens can be difficult to diagnose, but significant progress has been made in the last decade in the development of molecular diagnostic reagents for these organisms. This report reviews the molecular diagnostic tests that have been described for the identification of the microsporidia that infect humans.
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Orenstein JM, Russo P, Didier ES, Bowers C, Bunin N, Teachey DT. Fatal Pulmonary Microsporidiosis Due toEncephalitozoon cuniculiFollowing Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Ultrastruct Pathol 2009; 29:269-76. [PMID: 16036880 DOI: 10.1080/01913120590951257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous obligate eukaryotic intracellular parasites that are now felt to be more akin to degenerate fungi than to protozoa. Microsporidia can be highly pathogenic, causing a broad range of symptoms in humans, especially individuals who are immunocompromised. The vast majority of human cases of microsporidiosis have been reported during the past 20 years, in patients with HIV/AIDS, while only relatively rare cases have been described in immunocompetent individuals. However, microsporidia infections are being increasingly reported in patients following solid-organ transplanation, where the main symptom has been diarrhea. The authors report the first case of pulmonary microsporidial infection in an allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipient in the United States and only the second case in the world. The patient, with a history of Hodgkin disease followed by acute myelogenous leukemia received a T-cell-depleted graft, but succumbed to respiratory failure 63 days post transplantation. An open lung biopsy, taken just before death, was originally thought to show toxoplasmosis. The correct diagnosis of microsporidiosis was made postmortem by light and electron microscopy. DNA polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the diagnosis and furthermore revealed it to be the dog strain of the microsporidia species Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Although to date rarely diagnosed, microsporidial infection should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of, e.g., unexplained pulmonary infection in bone marrow transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Orenstein
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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