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The prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in diarrheic pigs in southern China. Microb Pathog 2022; 165:105459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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2
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Fehlberg HF, Matos Ribeiro C, Brito Junior PDA, Miranda Oliveira BC, Albano dos Santos C, del Valle Alvarez MR, Harvey TV, Rêgo Albuquerque G. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in small wild mammals in northeastern Brazil. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256199. [PMID: 34398925 PMCID: PMC8366977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in rodents and marsupials from the Atlantic Forest in southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Two hundred and four fecal samples were collected from different forest areas in the municipalities of Ilhéus, Una, Belmonte, and Mascote. Identifications were performed using PCR and nested PCR followed by sequencing of the gdh and tpi genes for G. duodenalis, and the gp60 and Hsp-70 genes for Cryptosporidium. The total frequency of positive PCR samples for both G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was 5.4% (11/204). Giardia duodenalis occurred in 2.94% (4/136) of rodents and 2.94% (2/68) of marsupials. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in rodents and marsupials was 1.47% (2/136) and 4.41% (3/68), respectively. In the areas sampled, the frequency of parasitism was 50% (7/14), while the Mascote region alone had no parasitized animals. The G. duodenalis subgenotype AI was identified in the rodent species Hylaeamys laticeps, Oecomys catherinae, Oligoryzomys nigripes and Akodon cursor, and in the marsupials Gracilinanus agilis and Monodelphis americana. In the rodents Rhipidomys mastacalis, H. laticeps and in the marsupial Marmosa murina the protozoa Cryptosporidium fayeri, Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum with subtypes IIa and IVg by the gp60 gene were found. In conclusion, this study provides the genetic characterization of Giardia and Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in rodents and marsupials. And, these findings reinforce that the rodent and marsupial species mentioned above play a role as new hosts for Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hllytchaikra Ferraz Fehlberg
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University—UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Cássia Matos Ribeiro
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University—UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Camila Albano dos Santos
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University—UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiane Vitor Harvey
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University—UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - George Rêgo Albuquerque
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University—UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
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Morris A, Robinson G, Swain MT, Chalmers RM. Direct Sequencing of Cryptosporidium in Stool Samples for Public Health. Front Public Health 2019; 7:360. [PMID: 31921734 PMCID: PMC6917613 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is an important cause of diarrheal disease (cryptosporidiosis) in humans and animals, with significant morbidity and mortality especially in severely immunocompromised people and in young children in low-resource settings. Due to the sexual life cycle of the parasite, transmission is complex. There are no restrictions on sexual recombination between sub-populations, meaning that large-scale genetic recombination may occur within a host, potentially confounding epidemiological analysis. To clarify the relationships between infections in different hosts, it is first necessary to correctly identify species and genotypes, but these differentiations are not made by standard diagnostic tests and more sophisticated molecular methods have been developed. For instance, multilocus genotyping has been utilized to differentiate isolates within the major human pathogens, Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis. This has allowed mixed populations with multiple alleles to be identified: recombination events are considered to be the driving force of increased variation and the emergence of new subtypes. As yet, whole genome sequencing (WGS) is having limited impact on public health investigations, due in part to insufficient numbers of oocysts and purity of DNA derived from clinical samples. Moreover, because public health agencies have not prioritized parasites, validation has not been performed on user-friendly data analysis pipelines suitable for public health practitioners. Nonetheless, since the first whole genome assembly in 2004 there are now numerous genomes of human and animal-derived cryptosporidia publically available, spanning nine species. It has also been demonstrated that WGS from very low numbers of oocysts is possible, through the use of amplification procedures. These data and approaches are providing new insights into host-adapted infectivity, the presence and frequency of multiple sub-populations of Cryptosporidium spp. within single clinical samples, and transmission of infection. Analyses show that although whole genome sequences do indeed contain many alleles, they are invariably dominated by a single highly abundant allele. These insights are helping to better understand population structures within hosts, which will be important to develop novel prevention strategies in the fight against cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Morris
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Robinson
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Martin T. Swain
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Chalmers
- Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
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Prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection in farmed pigs in Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Yunnan provinces, China. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:653-657. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Becker DJ, Oloya J, Ezeamama AE. Household Socioeconomic and Demographic Correlates of Cryptosporidium Seropositivity in the United States. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004080. [PMID: 26368018 PMCID: PMC4569081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium are parasitic protozoa that infect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife globally. In the United States, cryptosporidiosis occurs in an estimated 750,000 persons annually, and is primarily caused by either of the Cryptosporidium parvum genotypes 1 and 2, exposure to which occurs through ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocytes shed from infected hosts. Although most cryptosporidiosis cases are caused by genotype 1 and are of human origin, the zoonotic sources of genotype 2, such as livestock, are increasingly recognized as important for understanding human disease patterns. Social inequality could mediate patterns of human exposure and infection by placing individuals in environments where food or water contamination and livestock contact is high or through reducing the availability of educational and sanitary resources required to avoid exposure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We here analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2000, and related seropositivity to Cryptosporidium parvum to correlates of social inequality at the household and individual scale. After accounting for the complex sampling design of NHANES and confounding by individual demographics and household conditions, we found impaired household food adequacy was associated with greater odds of Cryptosporidium seropositivity. Additionally, we identified individuals of non-white race and ethnicity and those born outside the United States as having significantly greater risk than white, domestic-born counterparts. Furthermore, we provide suggestive evidence for direct effects of family wealth on Cryptosporidium seropositivity, in that persons from low-income households and from families close to the poverty threshold had elevated odds of seropositivity relative to those in high-income families and in households far above the poverty line. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results refute assertions that cryptosporidiosis in the United States is independent of social marginalization and poverty, and carry implications for targeted public health interventions for Cryptosporidium infection in resource-poor groups. Future longitudinal and multilevel studies are necessary to elucidate the complex interactions between ecological factors, social inequality, and Cryptosporidium dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James Oloya
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Amara E. Ezeamama
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bouzid M, Hunter PR, McDonald V, Elwin K, Chalmers RM, Tyler KM. A new heterogeneous family of telomerically encoded Cryptosporidium proteins. Evol Appl 2012; 6:207-17. [PMID: 23467513 PMCID: PMC3586618 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2012.00277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is predominantly caused by two closely related species of protozoan parasites the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum and anthroponotic Cryptosporidium hominis which diverge phenotypically in respect to host range and virulence. Using comparative genomics we identified two genes displaying overt heterogeneity between species. Although initial work suggested both were species specific, Cops-1 for C. parvum and Chos-1 for C. hominis, subsequent study identified an abridged ortholog of Cops-1 in C. hominis. Cops-1 and Chos-1 showed limited, but significant, similarity to each other and share common features: (i) telomeric location: Cops-1 is the last gene on chromosome 2, whilst Chos-1 is the first gene on chromosome 5, (ii) encode circa 50-kDa secreted proteins with isoelectric points above 10, (iii) are serine rich, and (iv) contain internal nucleotide repeats. Importantly, Cops-1 sequence contains specific SNPs with good discriminatory power useful epidemiologically. C. parvum-infected patient sera recognized a 50-kDa protein in antigen preparations of C. parvum but not C. hominis, consistent with Cops-1 being antigenic for patients. Interestingly, anti-Cops-1 monoclonal antibody (9E1) stained oocyst content and sporozoite surface of C. parvum only. This study provides a new example of protozoan telomeres as rapidly evolving contingency loci encoding putative virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Bouzid
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia Norwich, UK
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7
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Bouzid M, Tyler KM, Christen R, Chalmers RM, Elwin K, Hunter PR. Multi-locus analysis of human infective Cryptosporidium species and subtypes using ten novel genetic loci. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:213. [PMID: 20696051 PMCID: PMC2928199 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal illness in a wide range of hosts including humans. Two species, C. parvum and C. hominis are of primary public health relevance. Genome sequences of these two species are available and show only 3-5% sequence divergence. We investigated this sequence variability, which could correspond either to sequence gaps in the published genome sequences or to the presence of species-specific genes. Comparative genomic tools were used to identify putative species-specific genes and a subset of these genes was tested by PCR in a collection of Cryptosporidium clinical isolates and reference strains. Results The majority of the putative species-specific genes examined were in fact common to C. parvum and C. hominis. PCR product sequence analysis revealed interesting SNPs, the majority of which were species-specific. These genetic loci allowed us to construct a robust and multi-locus analysis. The Neighbour-Joining phylogenetic tree constructed clearly discriminated the previously described lineages of Cryptosporidium species and subtypes. Conclusions Most of the genes identified as being species specific during bioinformatics in Cryptosporidium sp. are in fact present in multiple species and only appear species specific because of gaps in published genome sequences. Nevertheless SNPs may offer a promising approach to studying the taxonomy of closely related species of Cryptosporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Bouzid
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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8
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Chen F, Huang K. Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Cryptosporidium in Pigs in Eastern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2007; 54:393-400. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2007.01078.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Satoh M, Nakai Y. Discrimination of Cryptosporidium species by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:463-6. [PMID: 17279394 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 01/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was used for the discrimination of three species and one genotype of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium: the C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. muris, and C. muris Japanese field mouse genotype. A set of primers specific for the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium was used in the DGGE; consequently, the four strains showed different banding patterns. This is a potentially convenient and precise method for the discrimination of Cryptosporidium spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Satoh
- Laboratory of Animal Health and Management, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Naruko-Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
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Baishanbo A, Gargala G, Delaunay A, François A, Ballet JJ, Favennec L. Infectivity of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum genotype 2 isolates in immunosuppressed Mongolian gerbils. Infect Immun 2005; 73:5252-5. [PMID: 16041051 PMCID: PMC1201256 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.8.5252-5255.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One-month-old dexamethasone-immunosuppressed Mongolian gerbils were challenged with 1 oocyst to 2 x 10(5) oocysts from two isolates genotyped as Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum (genotype 2), respectively. A similar dose-dependent gut infection was obtained, and the initial genotype maintained for 21 to 22 days. The data suggest that immunosuppressed gerbils provide a reliable rodent model of persistent C. hominis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiya Baishanbo
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Immunopathologie, CHU Clemenceau, 14033 Caen Cedex, France
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11
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Striepen B, Kissinger JC. Genomics meets transgenics in search of the elusive Cryptosporidium drug target. Trends Parasitol 2004; 20:355-8. [PMID: 15246316 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2004.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an important pathogen of humans, and a challenging model for the laboratory. The parasite genome sequence, accessible through a comprehensive database, now provides exciting opportunities for urgently needed advances. Comparative genomics, combined with the genetic system in the related parasite Toxoplasma gondii, outlines a detailed Cryptosporidium parvum metabolic map and facilitates cell biological analyses. New targets for Cryptosporidium drug and vaccine development can be identified and validated based on this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Striepen
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 623 Biological Sciences Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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12
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Guk SM, Yong TS, Park SJ, Park JH, Chai JY. Genotype and animal infectivity of a human isolate of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Republic of Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2004; 42:85-9. [PMID: 15181350 PMCID: PMC2717348 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2004.42.2.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were isolated from a child suffering from acute gastroenteritis and successfully passaged in a calf and mice (designated hereafter SNU-H1) in the Republic of Korea; its molecular genotype has been analyzed. The GAG microsatellite region was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with a 238 base pair product, which is commonly displayed in C. parvum. The isolate was shown to be a mixture of the genotypes 1 (anthroponotic) and 2 (zoonotic). To study its infectivity in animals, 2 calves and 3 strains of mice were infected with the SNU-H1; in these animals, the propagation of both genotypes was successful. In immunosuppressed (ImSP) BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice the number of oocysts decreased after day 10 post-infection (PI); but in ImSP ICR mice, they remained constant until day 27 PI. The results show that both the C. parvum genotypes 1 and 2 can be propagated in calves and ImSP mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Mee Guk
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Smith JJ, Gunasekera TS, Barardi CRM, Veal D, Vesey G. Determination of Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst viability by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a ribosomal RNA-directed probe. J Appl Microbiol 2004; 96:409-17. [PMID: 14723702 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2004.02150.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been proposed for species-specific detection, and viability determination of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. FISH-based viability determination depends on rRNA decay after loss of viability. We examined the effects of RNase(s) and RNase inhibitors on FISH of C. parvum. METHODS AND RESULTS FISH was performed using a 5'-Texas red-labelled DNA oligonucleotide probe at 1 pM microl(-1). Intact and heat-permeabilized oocysts were treated with 1-100 microg ml(-1) RNase. FISH of intact oocysts appeared unaffected by exogenous RNase if this was neutralized before permeabilization. FISH fluorescence of heat-killed oocysts stored in phosphate-buffered saline at room temperature decayed by 1/2 after 55 h, but remained detectable after 6 days. Addition of vanadyl ribonucleoside complex (VRC) extended rRNA half-life of heat-permeabilized oocysts to 155 h. CONCLUSIONS Extended rRNA half-life may result in viability overestimation using FISH. RNase pretreatment before FISH is recommended to destroy residual rRNA in recently killed oocysts. Incorporation of 1-10 mM l(-1) VRC before FISH permeabilization steps should neutralize RNase activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Elimination of FISH fluorescence of nonviable C. parvum is desirable. Use of RNase and VRC is suggested to reduce numbers of false-positive 'viable' oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Smith
- Montana Microbiological Services, IIc., Bozeman, MT, USA.
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Striepen B, Pruijssers AJP, Huang J, Li C, Gubbels MJ, Umejiego NN, Hedstrom L, Kissinger JC. Gene transfer in the evolution of parasite nucleotide biosynthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:3154-9. [PMID: 14973196 PMCID: PMC365759 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0304686101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide metabolic pathways provide numerous successful targets for antiparasitic chemotherapy, but the human pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum thus far has proved extraordinarily refractory to classical treatments. Given the importance of this protist as an opportunistic pathogen afflicting immunosuppressed individuals, effective treatments are urgently needed. The genome sequence of C. parvum is approaching completion, and we have used this resource to critically assess nucleotide biosynthesis as a target in C. parvum. Genomic analysis indicates that this parasite is entirely dependent on salvage from the host for its purines and pyrimidines. Metabolic pathway reconstruction and experimental validation in the laboratory further suggest that the loss of pyrimidine de novo synthesis is compensated for by possession of three salvage enzymes. Two of these, uridine kinase-uracil phosphoribosyltransferase and thymidine kinase, are unique to C. parvum within the phylum Apicomplexa. Phylogenetic analysis suggests horizontal gene transfer of thymidine kinase from a proteobacterium. We further show that the purine metabolism in C. parvum follows a highly streamlined pathway. Salvage of adenosine provides C. parvum's sole source of purines. This renders the parasite susceptible to inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the multistep conversion of AMP to GMP. The inosine 5' monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitors ribavirin and mycophenolic acid, which are already in clinical use, show pronounced anticryptosporidial activity. Taken together, these data help to explain why widely used drugs fail in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and suggest more promising targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Striepen
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Departments of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Templeton TJ, Lancto CA, Vigdorovich V, Liu C, London NR, Hadsall KZ, Abrahamsen MS. The Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein is a member of a multigene family and has a homolog in Toxoplasma. Infect Immun 2004; 72:980-7. [PMID: 14742544 PMCID: PMC321576 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.2.980-987.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidian parasites are transmitted via a fecal oocyst stage that is exceptionally resistant to environmental stress and harsh chemical treatments, which allows parasites to stably persist outside a host. Because of its oocyst durability Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant water- and food-borne pathogen of humans, as well as animals of agricultural importance. To date, only one apicomplexan oocyst membrane protein has been identified, Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein 1 (COWP1). COWP1 has a highly cysteine-rich periodicity due to arrays of two apicomplexan-specific motifs, designated the type I and type II domains. In this study, exhaustive BLAST screening of a complete C. parvum genome sequence database resulted in identification of eight additional genes encoding similar arrays of cysteine-rich type I and/or type II domains. Transcript expression analysis revealed that all COWP genes are abundantly expressed at a time when developing oocysts are observed, roughly 48 to 72 h after inoculation of in vitro cultures. A monoclonal antibody recognizing COWP8 specifically localized to the C. parvum oocyst wall, supporting the hypothesis that multiple COWPs play a role in the oocyst wall structure. BLAST screening of the Toxoplasma gondii genome sequence database resulted in identification of a gene encoding at least one COWP homolog (TgOWP1), and this multiexon sequence information was used to isolate a full-length cDNA. Exhaustive screening of Plasmodium sp. genome sequence databases by using COWP genes as BLAST queries failed to detect similar proteins in PLASMODIUM: We therefore propose that the COWP family of proteins have a structural role in apicomplexan species that produce durable shed cysts capable of surviving environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Templeton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA
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Grinberg A, Oliver L, Learmonth JJ, Leyland M, Roe W, Pomroy WE. Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum
‘cattle’ genotype from a severe outbreak of neonatal foal diarrhoea. Vet Rec 2003; 153:628-31. [PMID: 14653344 DOI: 10.1136/vr.153.20.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Grinberg
- Infectious Diseases Management Group, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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17
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O'Connor RM, Kim K, Khan F, Ward HD. Expression of Cpgp40/15 in Toxoplasma gondii: a surrogate system for the study of Cryptosporidium glycoprotein antigens. Infect Immun 2003; 71:6027-34. [PMID: 14500524 PMCID: PMC201096 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.10.6027-6034.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a waterborne enteric coccidian that causes diarrheal disease in a wide range of hosts. Development of successful therapies is hampered by the inability to culture the parasite and the lack of a transfection system for genetic manipulation. The glycoprotein products of the Cpgp40/15 gene, gp40 and gp15, are involved in C. parvum sporozoite attachment to and invasion of host cells and, as such, may be good targets for anticryptosporidial therapies. However, the function of these antigens appears to be dependent on the presence of multiple O-linked alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine (alpha-GalNAc) determinants. A eukaryotic expression system that would produce proteins bearing glycosylation patterns similar to those found on the native C. parvum glycoproteins would greatly facilitate the molecular and functional characterization of these antigens. As a unique approach to this problem, the Cpgp40/15 gene was transiently expressed in Toxoplasma gondii, and the expressed recombinant glycoproteins were characterized. Antisera to gp40 and gp15 reacted with the surface membranes of tachyzoites expressing the Cpgp40/15 construct, and this reactivity colocalized with that of antiserum to the T. gondii surface protein SAG1. Surface membrane localization was dependent on the presence of the glycophosphatidylinositol anchor attachment site present in the gp15 coding sequence. The presence of terminal O-linked alpha-GalNAc determinants on the T. gondii recombinant gp40 was confirmed by reactivity with Helix pomatia lectin and the monoclonal antibody 4E9, which recognizes alpha-GalNAc residues, and digestion with alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase. In addition to appropriate localization and glycosylation, T. gondii apparently processes the gp40/15 precursor into the gp40 and gp15 component glycopolypeptides, albeit inefficiently. These results suggest that a surrogate system using T. gondii for the study of Cryptosporidium biology may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M O'Connor
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts-New England Medical Center, 50 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Guy RA, Payment P, Krull UJ, Horgen PA. Real-time PCR for quantification of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in environmental water samples and sewage. Appl Environ Microbiol 2003; 69:5178-85. [PMID: 12957899 PMCID: PMC194944 DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.9.5178-5185.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2003] [Accepted: 06/23/2003] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan pathogens Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are major causes of waterborne enteric disease throughout the world. Improved detection methods that are very sensitive and rapid are urgently needed. This is especially the case for analysis of environmental water samples in which the densities of Giardia and Cryptosporidium are very low. Primers and TaqMan probes based on the beta-giardin gene of G. lamblia and the COWP gene of C. parvum were developed and used to detect DNA concentrations over a range of 7 orders of magnitude. It was possible to detect DNA to the equivalent of a single cyst of G. lamblia and one oocyst of C. parvum. A multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for simultaneous detection of G. lamblia and C. parvum resulted in comparable levels of detection. Comparison of DNA extraction methodologies to maximize DNA yield from cysts and oocysts determined that a combination of freeze-thaw, sonication, and purification using the DNeasy kit (Qiagen) provided a highly efficient method. Sampling of four environmental water bodies revealed variation in qPCR inhibitors in 2-liter concentrates. A methodology for dealing with qPCR inhibitors that involved the use of Chelex 100 and PVP 360 was developed. It was possible to detect and quantify G. lamblia in sewage using qPCR when applying the procedure for extraction of DNA from 1-liter sewage samples. Numbers obtained from the qPCR assay were comparable to those obtained with immunofluorescence microscopy. The qPCR analysis revealed both assemblage A and assemblage B genotypes of G. lamblia in the sewage. No Cryptosporidium was detected in these samples by either method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Guy
- University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 1C6.
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Cama VA, Bern C, Sulaiman IM, Gilman RH, Ticona E, Vivar A, Kawai V, Vargas D, Zhou L, Xiao L. Cryptosporidium Species and Genotypes in HIV-Positive Patients in Lima, Peru. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2003; 50 Suppl:531-3. [PMID: 14736153 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2003.tb00620.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parasites from a cross-sectional study conducted in two national hospitals in Lima, Peru were genetically characterized to determine the diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in HIV-positive people. A total of 2,672 patients participated in this study and provided 13,937 specimens. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by microscopy in 354 (13.3%) of the patients. Analysis of 951 Cryptosporidium-positive specimens from 300 patients using a small subunit rRNA-based PCR-RFLP tool identified 6 genotypes; Cryptosporidium hominis was the species most frequently detected (67.5%), followed by C. meleagridis (12.6%) and C. parvum (11.3%). Cryptosporidium canis (4.0%), C. felis (3.3%), and Cryptosporidium pig genotype (0.5%) were also found. These findings indicate that C. hominis is the predominant species in Peruvian HIV-positive persons, and that zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. account for about 30% of cryptosporidiosis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaliano A Cama
- Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Leav BA, Mackay M, Ward HD. Cryptosporidium species: new insights and old challenges. Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36:903-8. [PMID: 12652391 DOI: 10.1086/368194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2002] [Accepted: 11/26/2002] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are protozoan parasites that cause mainly enteric illnesses in humans and other animals. The mode of transmission is most commonly waterborne, but other sources of infection, including foodborne and person-to-person spread, have been documented. The environmental form of the parasite is resistant to most water purification methods, including chlorination. Cryptosporidium infection usually causes a self-limited diarrheal illness but can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals. There is no effective therapy for cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Leav
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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