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Li Z, Cheng WJ, Deng CQ, Deng ML, Peng HB, Zhu XQ, Zou FC. Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Yunnan Semi-fine Wool Sheep (Ovis aries) and wild Rodents in Yunnan, China. Acta Parasitol 2024:10.1007/s11686-024-00875-2. [PMID: 39162923 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00875-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed zoonotic obligate intracellular parasite, infects a wide array of mammals, including humans, sheep, and birds. As a unique sheep breed in southwestern China, Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep occupies an important position in animal husbandry in Zhaotong due to its strong adaptability, high reproductive rate, and excellent wool quality. Lambs infected with T. gondii are prone to neurological symptoms and growth retardation, while T. gondii infection in ewes can cause abortions, stillbirths, and deformities, thus affecting sheep reproduction and sheep product quality. Meanwhile, mutton and dairy products contaminated with T. gondii can become potential sources of human infection, potentially threatening public health and safety. METHOD To understand the T. gondii infection in semi-fine wool sheep in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, 586 blood samples were collected and subjected to indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) for T. gondii antibodies, and the infection-related factors were analyzed through cross-sectional analysis. In the meantime, nested PCR was conducted on a total of 217 samples collected from 31 rodents caught in and around the sheep breeding ground to test the T. gondii B1 gene in rodent tissues. RESULTS A total of 94 sera tested positive for T. gondii antibodies, with a total positive rate of 16.04% (94/586) (95% CI: 14.77-20.89). Cross-sectional statistical analysis on factors related to semi-fine wool sheep infection rate, including sampling season, sex, age, and weight, suggested that age (< 6 months: 23.81%; 6-12 months: 11.74%; > 12 months: 15.83%) was a significant factor explaining the infection rate differences (P = 0.003 < 0.05, χ2 = 11.62, df = 2). Thus, age was considered a key risk factor for T. gondii infection in this study (odds ratio, OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.42-3.87). Nested PCR analysis on 217 (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, and muscle) tissues from the 31 rodents indicated that 11 tested positive. The total infection rate of rodents in and around the breeding ground was 35.48% (11/31), and 14 samples tested positive, with a positive infection rate of 6.45% (14/217). CONCLUSION The T. gondii infection rates of semi-fine wool sheep and rodents from their breeding environment in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, were high, necessitating enhanced prevention, control, and treatment measures to ensure the healthy breeding of semi-fine wool sheep and veterinary public health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China.
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China.
| | - Wen-Jie Cheng
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China
| | - Cai-Qin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650500, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China
| | - Meng-Ling Deng
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China
| | - Hai-Bo Peng
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China
- Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Yongshan County, Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, 657300, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, PR China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, PR China.
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Karami M, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Rostami-Mansour S, Shirafkan H. Prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the General Population and Uveitis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024; 32:1003-1016. [PMID: 37043543 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2190801] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in the general population and patients with uveitis. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched and 130 studies for evaluating the prevalence of OT among the general population and uveitis patients were included. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of OT among the general population was estimated at 2% (95% CI, 2-3%; 762/486 051). The highest prevalence rate was observed in America 6% (95% CI, 1-11%). In uveitis patients, a prevalence rate of 9% (95% CI, 8-10%; 5668/88 006) was reported. The countries with a lower middle income had higher prevalence rates. The prevalence of OT in posterior uveitis 33% (95%CI, 24-42%) was substantially higher than in panuveitis 7% (95% CI, 5-8%). CONCLUSION Our results provide a new perspective on the prevalence of OT. Knowledge of international and regional patterns of disease is essential for the establishment of precise diagnostic protocols and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami
- Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Gorgani-Firouzjaee
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sahar Rostami-Mansour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hoda Shirafkan
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Centre, Research Institute for Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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3
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Kang Y, Zhang X, Zhang L, Huang M, Tang C, Zhang L. Cerebral toxoplasmosis mimicking stroke in a woman living with undiagnosed HIV. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:102477. [PMID: 38905925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102477] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic pathogen that can intrude into the blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain only with low inflammatory reaction. When infected with HIV, the immune system becomes severely compromised and leads to the reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis infection, which can mimic the clinical manifestation of stroke. We report a case of a 65-year-old female patient who presented with sudden right limb weakness, walking difficulty, and numbness without other typical symptoms, raising suspicion of acute ischemic stroke. The HIV serology returned positive, which expedited the diagnostic workup for opportunistic infection. Combining imageological examination and metagenomics next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid, HIV-associated cerebral toxoplasmosis was confirmed. The patient underwent treatment for toxoplasmosis and HIV. Six months after onset, the patient can walk independently but still exhibits weakness in the right upper limb. In HIV-infected patients, cerebral toxoplasmosis, particularly presenting as isolated stroke-like episodes, poses a more significant challenge, emphasizing the need for more thorough investigations to reduce the potential for misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulai Kang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Centre of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Internal Medicine, No. 93285 Hospital of PLA, Jilin, China
| | - Xinqin Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Centre of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, No. 93285 Hospital of PLA, Jilin, China
| | - Mei Huang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Centre of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Centre of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Centre of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Daka V, Mukosha M, Zimba SD, Phiri AM. Cross-sectional study to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among women attending the antenatal clinic in Namwala, Zambia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084582. [PMID: 38950992 PMCID: PMC11328639 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). It has a wide host range and is capable of vertical transmission in pregnant women, which may lead to undesirable pregnancy outcomes such as congenital malformations, miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. This study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Namwala District Hospital in Southern Zambia. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study where blood was collected, and the serum was tested for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM. A questionnaire was administered to participants on demographic characteristics and risk factors. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. RESULTS A total of 401 women were enrolled in the study from 3 March to 5 August 2021. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG was 4.2% (n=17), while the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgM was 0.7% (n=3). The median age was 27 (IQR: 24-30) years, and a larger proportion had primary-level education (n=223, 55.6%). The majority (81.6%) of the women were married. None of the risk factors investigated in this study were significant for T. gondii infection. CONCLUSION There was a low seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in the Namwala district of Southern Province, Zambia, and regular screening may not be warranted in this population. Continued research on toxoplasmosis is recommended to understand its epidemiology across Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Daka
- Department of Clinical Sciences Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sharon D Zimba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rusangu University, Monze, Zambia
| | - Andrew M Phiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Porte R, Belloy M, Audibert A, Bassot E, Aïda A, Alis M, Miranda-Capet R, Jourdes A, van Gisbergen KPJM, Masson F, Blanchard N. Protective function and differentiation cues of brain-resident CD8+ T cells during surveillance of latent Toxoplasma gondii infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403054121. [PMID: 38838017 PMCID: PMC11181119 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403054121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection induces brain-resident CD8+ T cells (bTr), but the protective functions and differentiation cues of these cells remain undefined. Here, we used a mouse model of latent infection by T. gondii leading to effective CD8+ T cell-mediated parasite control. Thanks to antibody depletion approaches, we found that peripheral circulating CD8+ T cells are dispensable for brain parasite control during chronic stage, indicating that CD8+ bTr are able to prevent brain parasite reactivation. We observed that the retention markers CD69, CD49a, and CD103 are sequentially acquired by brain parasite-specific CD8+ T cells throughout infection and that a majority of CD69/CD49a/CD103 triple-positive (TP) CD8+ T cells also express Hobit, a transcription factor associated with tissue residency. This TP subset develops in a CD4+ T cell-dependent manner and is associated with effective parasite control during chronic stage. Conditional invalidation of Transporter associated with Antigen Processing (TAP)-mediated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation showed that presentation of parasite antigens by glutamatergic neurons and microglia regulates the differentiation of CD8+ bTr into TP cells. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses revealed that resistance to encephalitis is associated with the expansion of stem-like subsets of CD8+ bTr. In summary, parasite-specific brain-resident CD8+ T cells are a functionally heterogeneous compartment which autonomously ensure parasite control during T. gondii latent infection and which differentiation is shaped by neuronal and microglial MHC I presentation. A more detailed understanding of local T cell-mediated immune surveillance of this common parasite is needed for harnessing brain-resident CD8+ T cells in order to enhance control of chronic brain infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Porte
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Marcy Belloy
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Alexis Audibert
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Emilie Bassot
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Amel Aïda
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Marine Alis
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Romain Miranda-Capet
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Aurélie Jourdes
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | | | - Frédérick Masson
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
| | - Nicolas Blanchard
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse31300, France
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Alberione MP, González-Ruiz V, von Rohr O, Rudaz S, Soldati-Favre D, Izquierdo L, Kloehn J. N-acetylglucosamine supplementation fails to bypass the critical acetylation of glucosamine-6-phosphate required for Toxoplasma gondii replication and invasion. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011979. [PMID: 38900808 PMCID: PMC11218972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The cell surface of Toxoplasma gondii is rich in glycoconjugates which hold diverse and vital functions in the lytic cycle of this obligate intracellular parasite. Additionally, the cyst wall of bradyzoites, that shields the persistent form responsible for chronic infection from the immune system, is heavily glycosylated. Formation of glycoconjugates relies on activated sugar nucleotides, such as uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc). The glucosamine-phosphate-N-acetyltransferase (GNA1) generates N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate critical to produce UDP-GlcNAc. Here, we demonstrate that downregulation of T. gondii GNA1 results in a severe reduction of UDP-GlcNAc and a concomitant drop in glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs), leading to impairment of the parasite's ability to invade and replicate in the host cell. Surprisingly, attempts to rescue this defect through exogenous GlcNAc supplementation fail to completely restore these vital functions. In depth metabolomic analyses elucidate diverse causes underlying the failed rescue: utilization of GlcNAc is inefficient under glucose-replete conditions and fails to restore UDP-GlcNAc levels in GNA1-depleted parasites. In contrast, GlcNAc-supplementation under glucose-deplete conditions fully restores UDP-GlcNAc levels but fails to rescue the defects associated with GNA1 depletion. Our results underscore the importance of glucosamine-6-phosphate acetylation in governing T. gondii replication and invasion and highlight the potential of the evolutionary divergent GNA1 in Apicomplexa as a target for the development of much-needed new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pía Alberione
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Olivier von Rohr
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Chen HL, Chen YS. Prevalence of coccidia in lagomorphs in China between 1981 and 2023: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110185. [PMID: 38642525 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110185] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Lagomorpha coccidiosis, caused by coccidia, is a prevalent disease affecting rabbits, hares and pikas. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of coccidia infection in lagomorphs and identify potential risk factors. A systematic search of six databases yielded 102 studies published between 1981 and 2023. The pooled prevalence of Eimeriidae, Sarcocystidae and Cryptosporidiidae in lagomorphs was 76.4%, 6.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Rabbits had the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (76.8%) and Sarcocystidae (7.4%), while pikas had the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidiidae (6.2%). Juvenile rabbits exhibited the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (84.6%) and Cryptosporidiidae (9.9%). Northwest China had the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (87.8%). Over time, the prevalence of Eimeriidae declined (Coefficient: -0.0062; P<0.05), but remained high (65.0%) in the past five years. Our findings highlight the prevalence of Eimeriidae infection in lagomorphs and the need for further research on Sarcocystidae and Cryptosporidiidae infections. We emphasize the importance of developing lagomorpha coccidia vaccines and implementing vaccination schedules for juvenile rabbits to mitigate coccidia infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Liang Chen
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China.
| | - You-Si Chen
- School of Nursing, Jiangxi University of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330000, China.
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Baptista CG, Hosking S, Gas-Pascual E, Ciampossine L, Abel S, Hakimi MA, Jeffers V, Le Roch K, West CM, Blader IJ. The Toxoplasma gondii F-Box Protein L2 Functions as a Repressor of Stage Specific Gene Expression. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012269. [PMID: 38814984 PMCID: PMC11166348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe and life-threatening infections in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. Felids are its only definitive hosts, and a wide range of animals, including humans, serve as intermediate hosts. When the transmissible bradyzoite stage is orally ingested by felids, they transform into merozoites that expand asexually, ultimately generating millions of gametes for the parasite sexual cycle. However, bradyzoites in intermediate hosts differentiate exclusively to disease-causing tachyzoites, which rapidly disseminate throughout the host. Though tachyzoites are well-studied, the molecular mechanisms governing transitioning between developmental stages are poorly understood. Each parasite stage can be distinguished by a characteristic transcriptional signature, with one signature being repressed during the other stages. Switching between stages require substantial changes in the proteome, which is achieved in part by ubiquitination. F-box proteins mediate protein poly-ubiquitination by recruiting substrates to SKP1, Cullin-1, F-Box protein E3 ubiquitin ligase (SCF-E3) complexes. We have identified an F-box protein named Toxoplasma gondii F-Box Protein L2 (TgFBXL2), which localizes to distinct perinucleolar sites. TgFBXL2 is stably engaged in an SCF-E3 complex that is surprisingly also associated with a COP9 signalosome complex that negatively regulates SCF-E3 function. At the cellular level, TgFBXL2-depleted parasites are severely defective in centrosome replication and daughter cell development. Most remarkable, RNAseq data show that TgFBXL2 conditional depletion induces the expression of stage-specific genes including a large cohort of genes necessary for sexual commitment. Together, these data suggest that TgFBXL2 is a latent guardian of stage specific gene expression in Toxoplasma and poised to remove conflicting proteins in response to an unknown trigger of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G. Baptista
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Sarah Hosking
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Elisabet Gas-Pascual
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia United States of America
| | - Loic Ciampossine
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Steven Abel
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Victoria Jeffers
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Karine Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. West
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia United States of America
| | - Ira J. Blader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
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Voyiatzaki C, Zare Chormizi AD, Tsoumani ME, Efstathiou A, Konstantinidis K, Chaniotis D, Chrysos G, Argyraki A, Papastamopoulos V, Kotsianopoulou M. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among HIV Positive Patients under Surveillance in Greek Infectious Disease Units: A Screening Study with Comparative Evaluation of Serological Methods. Pathogens 2024; 13:375. [PMID: 38787227 PMCID: PMC11123859 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050375] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to screen for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the sera of 155 newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients under surveillance in Greek Infectious Disease Units. Additionally, risk factors based on patient demographics were examined, and a comparative evaluation of commercially available serological methods was conducted. Three methods were employed to detect IgG antibodies against T. gondii: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT), and Western Blot (WB), which was used as a reference here. Forty-nine sera samples were true-positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii, resulting in a 31.61% positivity rate, and the immunoassay test statistical reliability analysis resulted in higher IFAT accuracy (90.97%) compared to ELISA (76.26%). Furthermore, statistical analysis of demographic and immunological data included in the study placed female and foreign/non-Greek individuals at 2.24 (p = 0.0009) and 2.34 (p = 0.0006) times higher risk of positive T. gondii IgG testing compared to their male and Greek counterparts, respectively. Our findings on positivity rates and comparative serology underscore the importance of early and suitable screening measures for newly diagnosed HIV+ patients to mitigate the life-threatening outcomes that may arise from a potential subsequent T. gondii activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysa Voyiatzaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratories Science, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Apollon Dareios Zare Chormizi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratories Science, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria E. Tsoumani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratories Science, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Efstathiou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratories Science, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
- Immunology of Infection Group, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Konstantinidis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Biology, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chaniotis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Laboratories Science, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Chrysos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus, 18536 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Argyraki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Thoracic Diseases General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papastamopoulos
- 5th Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Evaggelismos General Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Marika Kotsianopoulou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
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10
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Wu M, Wu H, Chen X, Wu F, Ma G, Du A, Yang Y. RPA-CRISPR/Cas9-based method for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii: A proof of concept. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110115. [PMID: 38232511 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110115] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread and specialized intracellular protozoan pathogen that affects one third of the world' s population, posing a great threat to public health. As the definitive host, cats excrete oocysts and play a crucial role in the transmission of toxoplasmosis. The current diagnostic tools usually require bulky equipment and expertize, which hinders the efficient diagnosis and intervention of Toxoplasma infection in cats. In this study, we combined (RPA) with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technique to establish an easier method for the detection of T. gondii oocysts in cat fecal samples. The sensitivity, specificity, and practicability of the established RPA-CRISPR/Cas9 method were evaluated using a lateral flow strip, with the limitation of detection determined at 10 plasmid copies/μL (corresponding to about one oocyst), cross reactivity to none of Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium sp., Microsporidium biberi and Blastocystis hominis that also commonly found in cats, and comparable performance in detecting T. gondii in clinical samples to conventional PCR amplification. This RPA-CRISPR/Cas9 method provides an alternative to conventional molecular tools used in the clinical diagnosis of Toxoplasma infection in cats and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; South Taihu Modern Agricultural Technology Promotion Center of Huzhou & Zhejiang University, Huzhou, China.
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11
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Ortiz OR, Norris T. A Blast From the Past: Toxoplasmic Encephalitis As the Initial Presentation of HIV/AIDS. Cureus 2024; 16:e58693. [PMID: 38651086 PMCID: PMC11034395 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58693] [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] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Many opportunistic infections (OIs) seen early in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic receded in prevalence with the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the availability of early detection and treatment of HIV as well as guidelines for near-universal screening, there remains a sizable population of individuals living with HIV who are not yet aware of their HIV status. These individuals are at risk for OIs such as toxoplasmosis, which would otherwise be preventable with ART and appropriate prophylaxis. Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) usually occurs in the late stages of HIV with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but we present a case of a 38-year-old female with TE as the initial presentation of HIV/AIDS. Testing for the presence of an immunocompromising condition such as HIV is important in patients presenting with focal brain lesions as the differential diagnosis will change, and proper workup may spare invasive procedures such as a brain biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara Norris
- Internal Medicine, Methodist Health System, Dallas, USA
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12
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Kantzanou M, Kostares E, Kostare G, Boufidou F, Tzanai A, Kostares M, Tsakris A. Prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis among people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:525-534. [PMID: 38507297 PMCID: PMC11216520 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0215] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis among people living with HIV through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials & methods: A literature search was conducted, estimating pooled prevalence and performing quality assessment, outlier, influential and meta-regression analyses. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included in the analysis, revealing that the rate of ocular toxoplasmosis among people living with HIV was 0.37% (95% CI: 0.2-0.6). Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the studies. Despite analyzing continuous variables, including year of publication, proportion of males, mean age and proportion of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, no statistically significant associations were found. Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in people living with HIV, emphasizing the need for further research to uncover factors contributing to its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kantzanou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Evangelos Kostares
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Georgia Kostare
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Fotini Boufidou
- Neurochemistry & Biological Markers Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Antzela Tzanai
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Michael Kostares
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
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13
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Chen MY, Zheng WY, Liu YF, Li XH, Lam MI, Su Z, Cheung T, Ungvari GS, Tang L, Ng CH, Zhang Q, Xiang YT. Global prevalence of poor sleep quality in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 87:92-102. [PMID: 38382421 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor sleep quality is common in patients with cancer, but the prevalence rates varied widely across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with cancer. METHODS Systematic literature searches were independently conducted in the major databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO). Studies that reported the prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with cancer were analyzed using a random effects model. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. RESULTS A total of 59 epidemiological studies involving 16,223 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with cancer was 57.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 53.3% - 61.6%]. Additionally, three comparative studies with 372 patients and 412 healthy controls were included. Compared to healthy controls, patients with cancer had a significantly higher risk for poor sleep quality [odd ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95%CI: 1.2-7.2; P < 0.05]. Subgroup analyses of the studies revealed that studies from Middle East & North Africa region and low income countries, and on gynecological cancer as well as those with a lower cut-off value of sleep quality (all P < 0.01) reported a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality. Meta-regression analyses showed that higher prevalence of poor sleep quality was associated with higher prevalence of comorbid depression (P < 0.05) and anxiety (P < 0.01), but was associated with a lower education level (P < 0.05) and alcohol use ratio (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Poor sleep quality is common among patients with cancer. Considering the overall high prevalence rate and negative impact of poor sleep quality, appropriate measures to identify and improve poor sleep quality are needed to enhance the clinical outcomes in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yi Chen
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wan-Ying Zheng
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yu-Fei Liu
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Ieng Lam
- Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- Psychiatry Section, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lili Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chee H Ng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Melbourne Clinic and St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Qinge Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital; Advanced Innovation Center for Human rain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
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14
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Wang D, Liu Y, Yang B, Zhang Z, El-Ashram S, Liu X, Li B. Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) interacts in vitro with host cell receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). Acta Trop 2024; 251:107112. [PMID: 38157925 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107112] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) surface antigen 1 (SAG1) is crucial for tachyzoite invasion into host cells. However, the role of SAG1 in interaction with host cells remains unknown. The primary objective of this study was to analyze and validate the interaction between SAG1 and host cells. RACK1, an intracellular multifunctional protein, was identified as a SAG1 binding partner in host cells. Furthermore, the expression of RACK1 is manipulated by SAG1, and depletion of RACK1 negatively regulated host cell viability. These results imply that through interaction with RACK1, SAG1 preserves the viability of host cells to satisfy the survival needs of T. gondii. Our findings suggest a novel role for SAG1 in intracellular parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuming Liu
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baoling Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China; Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Bing Li
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China.
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15
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Milburn J, Suresh R, Doyle R, Jarvis JN. The diagnosis of central nervous system infections in resource-limited settings and the use of novel and molecular diagnostic platforms to improve diagnosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:219-230. [PMID: 38369939 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2317414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Central nervous system infections (CNSI) disproportionately affect individuals in low-resource settings where diagnosis is challenging; large proportions of patients never receive a confirmed microbiological diagnosis resulting in inadequate management and high mortality. The epidemiology of CNSI varies globally and conventional diagnostics deployed in resource-limited settings have significant limitations, with an urgent need for improved diagnostic strategies. AREAS COVERED This review describes molecular platforms and other novel diagnostics used in the diagnosis of CNSI that are applicable to resource-limited settings. An extensive literature search of Medline and PubMed was performed. The emphasis is on investigations targeting infections of relevance to resource-limited settings either due to variation in regional CNSI epidemiology or due to increased prevalence in patients with immunosuppression. This includes commercially available multiplex PCR platforms, mycobacterial PCR platforms, and rapid diagnostics tests. To offer a framework for the optimal implementation in clinical settings, existing evidence highlighting the advantages and limitations of available platforms is reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The implementation of molecular platforms and other novel diagnostics has the potential to transform CNSI diagnosis in resource-limited settings, with several examples of successful rollout of novel diagnostics such as Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and cryptococcal antigen testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Milburn
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachita Suresh
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ronan Doyle
- Department of Clinical Research, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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16
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Hvorecny KL, Sladewski TE, De La Cruz EM, Kollman JM, Heaslip AT. Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1840. [PMID: 38418447 PMCID: PMC10902351 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, mediating invasion and egress, cargo transport, and organelle inheritance. Advances in live cell imaging have revealed extensive filamentous actin networks in the Apicomplexan parasite, but there are conflicting data regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of Toxoplasma actin. Here, we imaged the in vitro assembly of individual Toxoplasma actin filaments in real time, showing that native, unstabilized filaments grow tens of microns in length. Unlike skeletal muscle actin, Toxoplasma filaments intrinsically undergo rapid treadmilling due to a high critical concentration, fast monomer dissociation, and rapid nucleotide exchange. Cryo-EM structures of jasplakinolide-stabilized and native (i.e. unstabilized) filaments show an architecture like skeletal actin, with differences in assembly contacts in the D-loop that explain the dynamic nature of the filament, likely a conserved feature of Apicomplexan actin. This work demonstrates that evolutionary changes at assembly interfaces can tune the dynamic properties of actin filaments without disrupting their conserved structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Sladewski
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Justin M Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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17
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Li D, Li DN, Liu XY, Song YH, Liu XT, Sehrish S, Jia YX, Zong Y, Li JM, Shi K, Leng X, Liu F, Diao NC, Zeng FL, Gong QL, Du R. Prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis in deer in mainland China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1333975. [PMID: 38440384 PMCID: PMC10909987 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1333975] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Deer tuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic infectious disease, despite the existence of socio-economic and zoonotic risk factors, but at present, there has been no systematic review of deer tuberculosis prevalence in mainland China. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the overall prevalence of deer TB in mainland China and to assess possible associations between potential risk factors and the prevalence of deer tuberculosis. Methodology This study was searched in six databases in Chinese and English, respectively (1981 to December 2023). Four authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts of all retrieved articles to establish the inclusion exclusion criteria. Using the meta-analysis package estimated the combined effects. Cochran's Q-statistic was used to analyze heterogeneity. Funnel plots (symmetry) and used the Egger's test identifying publication bias. Trim-and-fill analysis methods were used for validation and sensitivity analysis. we also performed subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Results In this study, we obtained 4,400 studies, 20 cross-sectional studies were screened and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Results show: The overall prevalence of tuberculosis in deer in mainland China was 16.1% (95% confidence interval (CI):10.5 24.6; (Deer tuberculosis infected 5,367 out of 22,215 deer in mainland China) 5,367/22215; 1981 to 2023). The prevalence in Central China was the highest 17.5% (95% CI:14.0-21.9; 63/362), and among provinces, the prevalence in Heilongjiang was the highest at 26.5% (95% CI:13.2-53.0; 1557/4291). Elaphurus davidianus was the most commonly infected species, with a prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI:18.5-67.2; 6/17). We also assessed the association between geographic risk factors and the incidence of deer tuberculosis. Conclusion Deer tuberculosis is still present in some areas of China. Assessing the association between risk factors and the prevalence of deer tuberculosis showed that reasonable and scientific-based breeding methods, a suitable breeding environment, and rapid and accurate detection methods could effectively reduce the prevalence of deer tuberculosis. In addition, in the management and operation of the breeding base, improving the scientific feed nutrition standards and establishing comprehensive standards for disease prevention, immunization, quarantine, treatment, and disinfection according to the breeding varieties and scale, are suggested as ways to reduce the prevalence of deer tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan-Ni Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin-Yue Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu-Hao Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue-Tong Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Siddique Sehrish
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu-Xin Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zong
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Leng
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Nai-Chao Diao
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fan-Li Zeng
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Du
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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18
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Yarahmadi S, Saki J, Arjmand R, Shahbazian H. Toxoplasma gondii molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis in hemodialysis patients from Khuzestan, Southwest Iran. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:19. [PMID: 38350969 PMCID: PMC10863173 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00585-5] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection can make a significant influence to the prevention of the dangerous consequences of toxoplasmosis, particularly in immunocompromised people. OBJECTIVE The aim of this investigation was to assess the frequency and genotyping of T. gondii in blood samples of patients with hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the current investigation, a total of 379 blood samples were taken from subjects with hemodialysis who were referred to teaching hospital of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. The samples were evaluated using the Nested PCR by targeting the B1 gene, and then, sequencing and phylogenetic tree were constructed. RESULTS T. gondii DNA was found in 112 (29.55%) of the blood samples by Nested PCR. Amplicons from T. gondii revealed high identity with GenBank sequences. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences were closely related to Type I of T. gondii. CONCLUSION Because of the high incidence of toxoplasmosis with type I prevalent in hemodialysis patients, we recommend a systematic screening for toxoplasmosis to carry out for monitoring the possible dissemination of toxoplasmosis during hemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Yarahmadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 6135743337, Ahvaz, 393-61155, Iran
| | - Jasem Saki
- Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 6135743337, Ahvaz, 393-61155, Iran.
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 6135743337, Ahvaz, 393-61155, Iran
| | - Heshmatolah Shahbazian
- Department of Nephrology, Golestan General Hospital, Diabetes and CKD Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 6135743337, Ahvaz, 393-61155, Iran
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19
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Han RX, Jiang PC, Han B, Zhou HY, Wang YL, Guan JY, Liu ZR, He SY, Zhou CX. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii effect of tylosin in vitro and in vivo. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:59. [PMID: 38341599 PMCID: PMC10858492 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06157-0] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan pathogen with medical and veterinary importance worldwide. Drugs currently used for treatment of toxoplasmosis are less effective and sometimes cause serious side effects. There is an urgent need for the development of more effective drugs with relatively low toxicity. METHODS The effect of tylosin on the viability of host cells was measured using CCK8 assays. To assess the inhibition of tylosin on T. gondii proliferation, a real-time PCR targeting the B1 gene was developed for T. gondii detection and quantification. Total RNA was extracted from parasites treated with tylosin and then subjected to transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Finally, murine infection models of toxoplasmosis were used to evaluate the protective efficacy of tylosin against T. gondii virulent RH strain or avirulent ME49 strain. RESULTS We found that tylosin displayed low host toxicity, and its 50% inhibitory concentration was 175.3 μM. Tylsoin also inhibited intracellular T. gondii tachyzoite proliferation, with a 50% effective concentration of 9.759 μM. Transcriptome analysis showed that tylosin remarkably perturbed the gene expression of T. gondii, and genes involved in "ribosome biogenesis (GO:0042254)" and "ribosome (GO:0005840)" were significantly dys-regulated. In a murine model, tylosin treatment alone (100 mg/kg, i.p.) or in combination with sulfadiazine sodium (200 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly prolonged the survival time and raised the survival rate of animals infected with T. gondii virulent RH or avirulent ME49 strain. Meanwhile, treatment with tylosin significantly decreased the parasite burdens in multiple organs and decreased the spleen index of mice with acute toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that tylosin exhibited potency against T. gondii both in vitro and in vivo, which offers promise for treatment of human toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xia Han
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pi-Cheng Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huai-Yu Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Liang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yu Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Rong Liu
- Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen-Yi He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chun-Xue Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Zheng XN, Sun LX, Elsheikha HM, Li TT, Gao J, Wu XJ, Zhang ZW, Wang M, Fu BQ, Zhu XQ, Wang JL. A newly characterized dense granule protein (GRA76) is important for the growth and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:109-121. [PMID: 37832712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.09.001] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenicity of the zoonotic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii largely depends on the secretion of effector proteins into the extracellular milieu and host cell cytosol, including the dense granule proteins (GRAs). The protein-encoding gene TGME49_299780 was previously identified as a contributor to parasite fitness. However, its involvement in parasite growth, virulence and infectivity in vitro and in vivo remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively examined the role of this new protein, termed GRA76, in parasite pathogenicity. Subcellular localization revealed high expression of GRA76 in tachyzoites inside the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). However, its expression was significantly decreased in bradyzoites. A CRISPR-Cas9 approach was used to knock out the gra76 gene in the T. gondii type I RH strain and type II Pru strain. The in vitro plaque assays and intracellular replication showed the involvement of GRA76 in replication of RH and Pru strains. Deletion of the gra76 gene significantly decreased parasite virulence, and reduced the brain cyst burden in mice. Using RNA sequencing, we detected a significant increase in the expression of bradyzoite-associated genes such as BAG1 and LDH2 in the PruΔgra76 strain compared with the wild-type Pru strain. Using an in vitro bradyzoite differentiation assay, we showed that loss of GRA76 significantly increased the propensity for parasites to form bradyzoites. Immunization with PruΔgra76 conferred partial protection against acute and chronic infection in mice. These findings show the important role of GRA76 in the pathogenesis of T. gondii and highlight the potential of PruΔgra76 as a candidate for a live-attenuated vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Nan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410128, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China.
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Chen MY, Wang YY, Si TL, Liu YF, Su Z, Cheung T, Ungvari GS, Jackson T, Zhang Q, Xiang YT. Poor sleep quality in schizophrenia patients: A systematic review and meta-analyses of epidemiological and case-control studies. Schizophr Res 2024; 264:407-415. [PMID: 38241784 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor sleep quality is common in patients with schizophrenia but estimated prevalence rates in this population have been mixed. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of poor sleep quality in schizophrenia samples and moderators of prevalence from epidemiological studies as well as the risk of poor sleep quality in schizophrenia patients based on case-control studies. METHODS Both international (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE) and Chinese databases [Chinese Nation knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WANFANG] were systematically searched. Studies that estimated the prevalence of poor sleep quality in schizophrenia were analyzed using a random effects model. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. RESULTS In total, 23 epidemiological studies and nine case-control studies were included. Based on the epidemiological studies, the pooled overall prevalence of poor sleep quality was 63.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI): 57.0 %-69.9 %]. Additionally, based on the nine case-control studies, schizophrenia patients had a significantly higher risk for poor sleep quality compared to healthy controls [odd ratio (OR) = 4.5; 95%CI: 2.4-8.3; P < 0.0001]. CONCLUSION Poor sleep quality is common among schizophrenia patients. Considering negative outcomes caused by poor sleep quality, regular screening on poor sleep quality should be conducted and effective interventions should be provided to those in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yi Chen
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yue-Ying Wang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tong Leong Si
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yu-Fei Liu
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Todd Jackson
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qinge Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
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22
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Lin XC, Li CL, Zhang SY, Yang XF, Jiang M. The Global and Regional Prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad649. [PMID: 38312215 PMCID: PMC10836986 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad649] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Due to scarce therapeutic options, hospital-acquired infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), particularly carbapenem-resistant KP (CRKP), pose enormous threat to patients' health worldwide. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology and risk factors of CRKP among nosocomial KP infections. Method MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for studies reporting CRKP prevalence from inception to 30 March 2023. Data from eligible publications were extracted and subjected to meta-analysis to obtain global, regional, and country-specific estimates. To determine the cause of heterogeneity among the selected studies, prespecified subgroup analyses and meta-regression were also performed. Odds ratios of CRKP-associated risk factors were pooled by a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method. Results We retained 61 articles across 14 countries and territories. The global prevalence of CRKP among patients with KP infections was 28.69% (95% CI, 26.53%-30.86%). South Asia had the highest CRKP prevalence at 66.04% (95% CI, 54.22%-77.85%), while high-income North America had the lowest prevalence at 14.29% (95% CI, 6.50%-22.0%). In the country/territory level, Greece had the highest prevalence at 70.61% (95% CI, 56.77%-84.45%), followed by India at 67.62% (95% CI, 53.74%-81.79%) and Taiwan at 67.54% (95% CI, 58.65%-76.14%). Hospital-acquired CRKP infections were associated with the following factors: hematologic malignancies, corticosteroid therapies, intensive care unit stays, mechanical ventilations, central venous catheter implantations, previous hospitalization, and antibiotic-related exposures (antifungals, carbapenems, quinolones, and cephalosporins). Conclusions Study findings highlight the importance of routine surveillance to control carbapenem resistance and suggest that patients with nosocomial KP infection have a very high prevalence of CRKP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-chen Lin
- Emergency and Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chang-li Li
- Department of FSTC Clinic, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shao-yang Zhang
- Emergency and Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-feng Yang
- Emergency and Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Jiang
- Emergency and Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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23
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Zhang HS, Cao H, Li CX, Zhang ZW, Wang M, Zhu XQ, Zheng XN. Immunization with Live-Attenuated RHΔ had2a Strain Confers Partial Protective Immunity against Acute and Chronic Infection of Toxoplasma gondii in Mice. Pathogens 2024; 13:121. [PMID: 38392859 PMCID: PMC10892008 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020121] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis of human and animal health significance. Current chemical therapeutics have side effects, and no commercially available vaccine is licensed for the prevention of toxoplasmosis in humans and most animals. Developing a safe and effective vaccine with long-term protection against T. gondii infection is necessary to control toxoplasmosis. HAD2a is a key member of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) phosphatase family, which is essential for T. gondii daughter budding. However, the role of HAD2a in T. gondii virulence remains unknown. In this study, we successfully constructed the had2a gene knockout strain in the T. gondii-type I RH strain (RHΔhad2a) and determined its role in virulence and vaccination. These results demonstrate that HAD2a played an important role in parasite daughter budding and in vitro replication. Knockout of the had2a gene attenuated the virulence of the T. gondii-type I RH strain. Vaccination with RHΔhad2a tachyzoites induced a Th1-biased immune response, provided partial protection against acute T. gondii infection in mice by highly virulent tachyzoites of RH and PYS (ToxoDB#9, Chinese I) strains, and conferred strong protection against challenge infection by cysts and oocysts of the less virulent type II Pru strain. These results demonstrate that T. gondii had2a is important for its in vitro proliferation and virulence in mice and that RHΔhad2a may be used as a candidate strain to generate a multiple gene knockout live-attenuated strain or be collaboratively applied with other live-attenuated strains to confer more effective protection against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Sheng Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Hui Cao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Chen-Xu Li
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Xiao-Nan Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
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24
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de Melo SA, Pinto SD, Ferreira EDS, Brotas R, Marinho EPM, da Silva VA, Monte RL, Feitoza PVS, Reis MF, Almeida TVR, Ferreira LCDL, Bastos MDS. Molecular diagnosis of opportunistic infections in the central nervous system of HIV-infected adults in Manaus, Amazonas. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1298435. [PMID: 38264048 PMCID: PMC10803427 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1298435] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Opportunistic infections in the central nervous system (CNS) of people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) remain significant contributors to morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited scenarios. Diagnosing these infections can be challenging, as brain imaging is non-specific and expensive. Therefore, molecular analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may offer a more accurate and affordable method for diagnosing pathogens. Methods We conducted extensive real-time PCR testing (qPCR) on CSF to evaluate etiological agents in PLWHA with neurological manifestations. Primers targeting DNA from specific pathogens, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), John Cunningham virus (JCV), Toxoplasma gondii, and human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2), were used. Results Cerebrospinal fluid samples revealed 90 pathogens (36.7%). Toxoplasma gondii was the most frequently detected pathogen, found in 22 samples (30.5%). Other pathogens included Cryptococcus sp. (7.7%), EBV (5.3%), CMV, VZV, and JCV (4.0% each). Conclusion Despite antiretroviral therapy and medical follow-up, opportunistic central nervous system infections remain frequent in PLWHA. Herpesviruses are commonly detected, but T. gondii is the most prevalent opportunistic pathogen in our study population. Therefore, molecular diagnosis is a crucial tool for identifying opportunistic infections, even in patients undergoing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Reinan Brotas
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rossiclea Lins Monte
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Taynná V. Rocha Almeida
- Departamento de Formação em Emergências em Saúde Pública, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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Balaji S, Chakraborty R, Aggarwal S. Neurological Complications Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Associated Opportunistic Co-infections: A Review on their Diagnosis and Therapeutic Insights. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:284-305. [PMID: 37005520 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230330083708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurocognitive disorders associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals increase the risk of mortality and morbidity that remain a prevalent clinical complication even in the antiretroviral therapy era. It is estimated that a considerable number of people in the HIV community are developing neurological complications at their early stages of infection. The daily lives of people with chronic HIV infections are greatly affected by cognitive declines such as loss of attention, learning, and executive functions, and other adverse conditions like neuronal injury and dementia. It has been found that the entry of HIV into the brain and subsequently crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) causes brain cell damage, which is the prerequisite for the development of neurocognitive disorders. Besides the HIV replication in the central nervous system and the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy on the BBB, a range of opportunistic infections, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents, augment the neurological complications in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Given the immuno-compromised state of PLHIV, these co-infections can present a wide range of clinical syndromes with atypical manifestations that pose challenges in diagnosis and clinical management, representing a substantial burden for the public health system. Therefore, the present review narrates the neurological complications triggered by HIV and their diagnosis and treatment options. Moreover, coinfections that are known to cause neurological disorders in HIV infected individuals are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaraman Balaji
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research-Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Rohan Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sumit Aggarwal
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research-Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
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26
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Nejabat M, Heydari M, Motamedifar M, Foroozanfar Z, Fard SA, Hashempour A, Nazari N, Rezaei E, Heydari Z. Association of polymorphism of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-6 with Toxoplasma gondii infection susceptibility in HIV/AIDS patients in Shiraz, southern Iran. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1117. [PMID: 38270309 PMCID: PMC10777877 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii infection is considered as one of the most important opportunistic infections and cause of death in HIV patients. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 334 HIV positive patients were included. The molecular test was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction method. Allelic frequency, haplotype analyses, and linkage disequilibrium were calculated. The odds ratio was calculated. The linear regression model was used to analysis of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, and IL-6 single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in HIV patients with and without toxoplasmosis. RESULTS In total, 95 tested'patients (28.4%) were positive for toxoplasmosis. The risk of toxoplasma infection in the current study did not correlate with IL-17 and IL-6 polymorphism and the risk of contracting toxoplasma was also not significantly correlated in this study. There was no association between the frequency of alleles and the risk of toxoplasma infection in IL-17 haplotype analysis. CONCLUSION The findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17A, but not IL-17F, between the case and control groups in various genetic models. However, these polymorphisms did not show a significant relationship with toxoplasma infection in HIV-positive patients. This study represents the first investigation in Iran to explore the role of IL-6 and IL-17 polymorphisms in toxoplasma infection among HIV-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nejabat
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammadreza Heydari
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammad Motamedifar
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz Medical SchoolShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazFarsIran
| | - Zohre Foroozanfar
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Saeid Amirizadeh Fard
- Virology Section, Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research CenterSchool of Paramedical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Ava Hashempour
- HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Nazani Nazari
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz Medical SchoolShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Esmaeil Rezaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Zahra Heydari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShahid Behesti UniversityTehranIran
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Baptista CG, Hosking S, Gas-Pascual E, Ciampossine L, Abel S, Hakimi MA, Jeffers V, Le Roch K, West CM, Blader IJ. Toxoplasma gondii F-Box Protein L2 Silences Feline-Restricted Genes Necessary for Sexual Commitment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.572150. [PMID: 38187549 PMCID: PMC10769283 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe and life-threatening infections in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. Felids are its only definitive hosts, and a wide range of animals, including humans, serve as intermediate hosts. When the transmissible bradyzoite stage is orally ingested by felids, they transform into merozoites that expand asexually, ultimately generating millions of gametes for the parasite sexual cycle. However, bradyzoites in intermediate hosts differentiate exclusively to disease-causing tachyzoites, which rapidly disseminate throughout the host. Though tachyzoites are well-studied, the molecular mechanisms governing transitioning between developmental stages are poorly understood. Each parasite stage can be distinguished by a characteristic transcriptional signature, with one signature being repressed during the other stages. Switching between stages requires substantial changes in the proteome, which is achieved in part by ubiquitination. F-box proteins mediate protein poly-ubiquitination by recruiting substrates to SKP1, Cullin-1, F-Box protein E3 ubiquitin ligase (SCF-E3) complexes. We have identified an F-box protein named Toxoplasma gondii F-Box Protein L2 (TgFBXL2), which localizes to distinct nuclear sites. TgFBXL2 is stably engaged in an SCF-E3 complex that is surprisingly also associated with a COP9 signalosome complex that negatively regulates SCF-E3 function. At the cellular level, TgFBXL2-depleted parasites are severely defective in centrosome replication and daughter cell development. Most remarkable, RNA seq data show that TgFBXL2 conditional depletion induces the expression of genes necessary for sexual commitment. We suggest that TgFBXL2 is a latent guardian of sexual stage development in Toxoplasma and poised to remove conflicting proteins in response to an unknown trigger of sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G. Baptista
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY 14203 USA
| | - Sarah Hosking
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY 14203 USA
| | - Elisabet Gas-Pascual
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Loic Ciampossine
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521USA
| | - Steven Abel
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521USA
| | - Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Victoria Jeffers
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Karine Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521USA
| | - Christopher M. West
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Ira J. Blader
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY 14203 USA
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Jia DT, Carcamo PM, Diaz MM. Ongoing Healthcare Disparities in neuroHIV: Addressing Gaps in the Care Continuum. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:368-378. [PMID: 37999827 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00683-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We aim to review the neurological complications of HIV and the social, cultural, and economic inequalities that contribute to disparities in neuroHIV care. RECENT FINDINGS Disparities in diagnostics and care of patients with neurological infections and non-infectious conditions associated with HIV in both high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC) are common. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities. Factors, such as HIV-related stigma, may deter people from accessing HIV treatment. First-line recommended treatments for neurological infections are not available in many LMICs, leading to inadequate treatment and exposure to agents with more harmful side effect profiles. Access-related factors, such as lack of transportation, lack of health insurance, and inadequate telehealth access, may increase the risk of HIV-related neurological complications. Further research is needed to increase awareness of neurological complications among providers and PWH, and regional guidelines should be considered to better address these complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tong Jia
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paloma M Carcamo
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Health Innovation Laboratory, Alexander Von Humboldt Tropical Medicine Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Monica M Diaz
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Oliveira VHF, Webel AR, Borsari AL, Cárdenas JDG, Deminice R. Health and sociodemographic factors associated with low muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance among people living with HIV. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1863-1873. [PMID: 36404290 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2147482] [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: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study examined the factors associated with low muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in 331 people living with HIV. Participants completed handgrip as a strength measure, appendicular skeletal muscle mass using bioimpedance analysis, and chair rise was a physical performance measure. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between low values on these measures with sociodemographic, HIV-related factors, and comorbidities. Higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.91; CI = 0.86-0.97) and higher CD4/CD8 ratio (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.18-0.82) were associated with decreased likelihood of low handgrip strength. Being non-employed (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.07-4.06), having hypertension (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.13-4.54) and rheumatism (OR = 5.46; 95% CI = 1.68-17.74) increased the chance of low handgrip strength. Higher BMI (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.34-0.56), CD4/CD8 ratio (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.09-0.93), and bioimpedance phase angle (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.12-0.40) were associated with decreased likelihood of low muscle mass. Lastly, having less than eight years of education (OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.02-3.41) and being non-employed (OR = 8.18; 95% CI = 3.09-21.61) increased the chance of low chair stand performance. In addition, higher CD4 + lymphocytes count (OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.99-0.99) was associated with a decreased likelihood of low chair stand performance. In conclusion, specific and non-specific HIV-related factors are associated with low handgrip strength, low muscle mass, and/or low chair stand performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor H F Oliveira
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison R Webel
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ana Lucia Borsari
- Department of Physical Education, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Deminice
- Department of Physical Education, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
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Li X, Yuan W, He T, Guo R, Du X, He Y, Li X, El-Ashram S, Al-Olayan EM, Yang N, Sang X. Boosting Mouse Defense against Lethal Toxoplasma gondii Infection with Full-Length and Soluble SAG1 Recombinant Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1678. [PMID: 38006011 PMCID: PMC10675489 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a major worldwide protozoan zoonosis. The surface antigen 1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has always been recognized as an ideal vaccine candidate antigen. However, the intact and soluble SAG1 protein is usually difficult to acquire in vitro, which is unfavorable for employing the recombinant protein as a vaccine candidate antigen. In the present study, we obtained the full-length SAG1 recombinant protein in soluble form by Escherichia coli Transetta (DE3) cells under optimized expression conditions. The immunogenicity and protective ability of this recombinant protein against T. gondii acute infection were evaluated in a mouse model. Monitoring changes in serum antibody levels and types, the presence of cytokines, and the rate of lymphocyte proliferation in vaccinated mice were used to assess humoral and cellular immune responses. Additional assessments were performed to determine the protective potency of the recombinant protein in combating T. gondii RH tachyzoites. It was found that the titers of both IgG2a and IgG2b were considerably greater in the immunized mice compared to the titers of IgG1 and IgG3. The levels of Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-2, and TNF-α) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-10) significantly increased when splenocytes from immunological group mice were treated with T. gondii lysate antigen. Compared to the control group, a recombinant protein substantially increased the longevity of infected mice, with an average death time prolonged by 14.50 ± 0.34 days (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that the full-length and soluble SAG1 recombinant protein produced potent immune responses in mice and could be a preferred subunit vaccine candidate for T. gondii, offering a feasible option for vaccination against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ting He
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ruiying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiuxian Du
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yanhong He
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Ebtesam M. Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Na Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
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Jafari MM, Azimzadeh Tabrizi Z, Dayer MS, Kazemi-Sefat NA, Mohtashamifard M, Mohseni R, Bagheri A, Bahadory S, Karimipour-Saryazdi A, Ghaffarifar F. Immune system roles in pathogenesis, prognosis, control, and treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110872. [PMID: 37660595 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the protozoan causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and warm-blooded animals. Recent studies have illustrated that the immune system plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis by triggering immune cytokines like IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and immune cells like DCs, Th1, and Th17. On the other hand, some immune components can serve as prognosis markers of toxoplasmosis. In healthy people, the disease is often asymptomatic, but immunocompromised people and newborns may suffer severe symptoms and complications. Therefore, the immune prognostic markers may provide tools to measure the disease progress and help patients to avoid further complications. Immunotherapies using monoclonal antibody, cytokines, immune cells, exosomes, novel vaccines, and anti-inflammatory molecules open new horizon for toxoplasmosis treatment. In this review article, we discussed the immunopathogenesis, prognosis, and immunotherapy of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Azimzadeh Tabrizi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saaid Dayer
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahshid Mohtashamifard
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahimeh Mohseni
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Bagheri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Karimipour-Saryazdi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Tunali V, Korkmaz M. Emerging and Re-Emerging Parasitic Infections of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in Europe. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:679-699. [PMID: 37987400 PMCID: PMC10660548 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In a rapidly evolving global landscape characterized by increased international travel, migration, and ecological shifts, this study sheds light on the emergence of protozoal and helminthic infections targeting the central nervous system (CNS) within Europe. Despite being traditionally associated with tropical regions, these infections are progressively becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas. By scrutinizing the inherent risks, potential outcomes, and attendant challenges, this study underscores the intricate interplay between diagnostic limitations, susceptibility of specific population subsets, and the profound influence of climate fluctuations. The contemporary interconnectedness of societies serves as a conduit for introducing and establishing these infections, warranting comprehensive assessment. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of heightened clinician vigilance, judicious public health interventions, and synergistic research collaborations to mitigate the potential consequences of these infections. Though rare, their profound impact on morbidity and mortality underscores the collective urgency required to safeguard the neurological well-being of the European populace. Through this multifaceted approach, Europe can effectively navigate the complex terrain posed with these emergent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varol Tunali
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, 45030 Manisa, Turkey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Eşrefpaşa Hospital, 35170 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Metin Korkmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey;
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33
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El Bissati K, Krishack PA, Zhou Y, Weber CR, Lykins J, Jankovic D, Edelblum KL, Fraczek L, Grover H, Chentoufi AA, Singh G, Reardon C, Dubey JP, Reed S, Alexander J, Sidney J, Sette A, Shastri N, McLeod R. CD4 + T Cell Responses to Toxoplasma gondii Are a Double-Edged Sword. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1485. [PMID: 37766162 PMCID: PMC10535856 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091485] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells have been found to play critical roles in the control of both acute and chronic Toxoplasma infection. Previous studies identified a protective role for the Toxoplasma CD4+ T cell-eliciting peptide AS15 (AVEIHRPVPGTAPPS) in C57BL/6J mice. Herein, we found that immunizing mice with AS15 combined with GLA-SE, a TLR-4 agonist in emulsion adjuvant, can be either helpful in protecting male and female mice at early stages against Type I and Type II Toxoplasma parasites or harmful (lethal with intestinal, hepatic, and spleen pathology associated with a storm of IL6). Introducing the universal CD4+ T cell epitope PADRE abrogates the harmful phenotype of AS15. Our findings demonstrate quantitative and qualitative features of an effective Toxoplasma-specific CD4+ T cell response that should be considered in testing next-generation vaccines against toxoplasmosis. Our results also are cautionary that individual vaccine constituents can cause severe harm depending on the company they keep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal El Bissati
- Institute of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Paulette A. Krishack
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (P.A.K.); (C.R.W.); (G.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (L.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Christopher R. Weber
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (P.A.K.); (C.R.W.); (G.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Joseph Lykins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (L.F.); (R.M.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Dragana Jankovic
- Immunoparasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Karen L. Edelblum
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Laura Fraczek
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (L.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Harshita Grover
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (H.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Aziz A. Chentoufi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Gurminder Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (P.A.K.); (C.R.W.); (G.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Catherine Reardon
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (P.A.K.); (C.R.W.); (G.S.); (C.R.)
| | - J. P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Steve Reed
- Infectious Diseases Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E #400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA;
| | - Jeff Alexander
- PaxVax, 3985-A Sorrento Valley Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - John Sidney
- La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandro Sette
- La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (J.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Nilabh Shastri
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; (H.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Rima McLeod
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (L.F.); (R.M.)
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Hvorecny KL, Sladewski TE, De La Cruz EM, Kollman JM, Heaslip AT. Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555340. [PMID: 37693530 PMCID: PMC10491163 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii, mediating invasion and egress, cargo transport, and organelle inheritance. Advances in live cell imaging have revealed extensive filamentous actin networks in the Apicomplexan parasite, but there is conflicting data regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of Toxoplasma actin. Here, we imaged the in vitro assembly of individual Toxoplasma actin filaments in real time, showing that native, unstabilized filaments grow tens of microns in length. Unlike skeletal muscle actin, Toxoplasma filaments intrinsically undergo rapid treadmilling due to a high critical concentration, fast monomer dissociation, and rapid nucleotide exchange. Cryo-EM structures of stabilized and unstabilized filaments show an architecture like skeletal actin, with differences in assembly contacts in the D-loop that explain the dynamic nature of the filament, likely a conserved feature of Apicomplexan actin. This work demonstrates that evolutionary changes at assembly interfaces can tune dynamic properties of actin filaments without disrupting their conserved structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Sladewski
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Justin M Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Akanksha K, Kumari A, Dutta O, Prasanth A, Deeba F, Salam N. Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in HIV patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11055. [PMID: 37422549 PMCID: PMC10329649 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections have been found associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but little is known about the overall burden of STH coinfection in HIV patients. We aimed to assess the burden of STH infections among HIV patients. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic pathogens in HIV patients. Pooled estimates of each helminthic infection were calculated. The odds ratio was also determined as a measure of the association between STH infection and the HIV status of the patients. Sixty-one studies were finally included in the meta-analysis, consisting of 16,203 human subjects from all over the world. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in HIV patients was found to be 8% (95% CI 0.06, 0.09), the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), the prevalence of hookworm infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), and prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.05). Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America & Caribbean and Asia were identified with the highest burden of STH-HIV coinfection. Our analysis indicated that people living with HIV have a higher chance of developing Strongyloides stercoralis infections and decreased odds of developing hookworm infections. Our findings suggest a moderate level of prevalence of STH infections among people living with HIV. The endemicity of STH infections and HIV status both are partially responsible for the burden of STH-HIV coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Akanksha
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Ashu Kumari
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Omprokash Dutta
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Ajay Prasanth
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Farah Deeba
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Nasir Salam
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India.
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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Mamfaluti T, Firdausa S, Siregar ML, Hasan M, Murdia M. A case report of a successful alternative regiment therapy for toxoplasma encephalitis in AIDS patients. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18293. [PMID: 37539148 PMCID: PMC10395520 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction AIDS patients are more susceptible to opportunistic diseases, such as toxoplasma encephalitis, because of weakened immune systems. Toxoplasma encephalitis manifests as a severe neurological crisis in HIV patients. The standard initial treatments are sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. This case presents an HIV patient treated with an alternative regimen for toxoplasma encephalitis. Case description A young Acehnese man, 32 years old, arrived at the emergency unit after complaining of a general seizure 2 hours before arrival. He has a history of a two-week fever and white patches on his tongue and oral cavity. The result of the HIV test was positive, and after a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with toxoplasma encephalitis. The patient was given cotrimoxazole 960 mg twice daily and clindamycin 600 mg four times daily as an alternative treatment. Clinical improvement was reported after six weeks of therapy. Conclusion A case of toxoplasma encephalitis was reported. The first-line treatment for toxoplasma encephalitis is pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine; however, the patient was treated with cotrimoxazole and clindamycin as an alternative treatment. Clinical improvement was used to assess the success of therapy. Cotrimoxazole and clindamycin can be utilized as alternative regiment therapy if the first-line treatment option is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teuku Mamfaluti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Sarah Firdausa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Research Center for Collaboration in Health Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Masra Lena Siregar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Research Center for Collaboration in Health Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Maryatun Hasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Murdia Murdia
- Resident of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
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Zhao M, Yang Y, Shi Y, Chen X, Yang Y, Pan L, Du Z, Sun H, Yao C, Ma G, Du A. PP2Acα-B'/PR61 Holoenzyme of Toxoplasma gondii Is Required for the Amylopectin Metabolism and Proliferation of Tachyzoites. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0010423. [PMID: 37199633 PMCID: PMC10269777 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00104-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report that the inhibition of the PP2A subfamily by okadaic acid results in an accumulation of polysaccharides in the acute infection stage (tachyzoites) of Toxoplasma gondii, which is a protozoan of global zoonotic importance and a model for the apicomplexan parasites. The loss of the catalytic subunit α of PP2A (ΔPP2Acα) in RHΔku80 leads to the polysaccharide accumulation phenotype in the base of tachyzoites as well as residual bodies and significantly compromises the intracellular growth in vitro and the virulence in vivo. A metabolomic analysis revealed that the accumulated polysaccharides in ΔPP2Acα are derived from interrupted glucose metabolism, which affects the production of ATP and energy homeostasis in the T. gondii knockout. The assembly of the PP2Acα holoenzyme complex involved in the amylopectin metabolism in tachyzoites is possibly not regulated by LCMT1 or PME1, and this finding contributes to the identification of the regulatory B subunit (B'/PR61). The loss of B'/PR61 results in the accumulation of polysaccharide granules in the tachyzoites as well as reduced plaque formation ability, exactly the same as ΔPP2Acα. Taken together, we have identified a PP2Acα-B'/PR61 holoenzyme complex that plays a crucial role in the carbohydrate metabolism and viability in T. gondii, and its deficiency in function remarkably suppresses the growth and virulence of this important zoonotic parasite both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, rendering the PP2Acα-B'/PR61 holoenzyme functionless should be a promising strategy for the intervention of Toxoplasma acute infection and toxoplasmosis. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii switches back and forth between acute and chronic infections, mainly in response to host immunologic status, which is characterized by flexible but specific energy metabolism. Polysaccharide granules are accumulated in the acute infection stage of T. gondii that have been exposed to a chemical inhibitor of the PP2A subfamily. The genetic depletion of the catalytic subunit α of PP2A leads to this phenotype and significantly affects the cell metabolism, energy production, and viability. Further, a regulatory B subunit PR61 is necessary for the PP2A holoenzyme to function in glucose metabolism and in the intracellular growth of T. gondii tachyzoites. A deficiency of this PP2A holoenzyme complex (PP2Acα-B'/PR61) in T. gondii knockouts results in the abnormal accumulation of polysaccharides and the disruption of energy metabolism, suppressing their growth and virulence. These findings provide novel insights into cell metabolism and identify a potential target for an intervention against a T. gondii acute infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiu Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Yazhou Bay Sci-Tech City, Sanya, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yimin Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lingtao Pan
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhendong Du
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongchao Sun
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aifang Du
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Shen Y, Zheng B, Sun H, Wu S, Fan J, Ding J, Gao M, Kong Q, Lou D, Ding H, Zhuo X, Lu S. A live attenuated RHΔompdcΔuprt mutant of Toxoplasma gondii induces strong protective immunity against toxoplasmosis in mice and cats. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:60. [PMID: 37322556 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite and is responsible for zoonotic toxoplasmosis. It is essential to develop an effective anti-T. gondii vaccine for the control of toxoplasmosis, and this study is to explore the immunoprotective effects of a live attenuated vaccine in mice and cats. METHODS First, the ompdc and uprt genes of T. gondii were deleted through the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Then, the intracellular proliferation and virulence of this mutant strain were evaluated. Subsequently, the immune responses induced by this mutant in mice and cats were detected, including antibody titers, cytokine levels, and subsets of T lymphocytes. Finally, the immunoprotective effects were evaluated by challenge with tachyzoites of different strains in mice or cysts of the ME49 strain in cats. Furthermore, to discover the effective immune element against toxoplasmosis, passive immunizations were carried out. GraphPad Prism software was used to conduct the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, Student's t test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS The RHΔompdcΔuprt were constructed by the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Compared with the wild-type strain, the mutant notably reduced proliferation (P < 0.05). In addition, the mutant exhibited virulence attenuation in both murine (BALB/c and BALB/c-nu) and cat models. Notably, limited pathological changes were found in tissues from RHΔompdcΔuprt-injected mice. Furthermore, compared with nonimmunized group, high levels of IgG (IgG1 and IgG2a) antibodies and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-12) in mice were detected by the mutant (P < 0.05). Remarkably, all RHΔompdcΔuprt-vaccinated mice survived a lethal challenge with RHΔku80 and ME49 and WH6 strains. The immunized sera and splenocytes, especially CD8+ T cells, could significantly extend (P < 0.05) the survival time of mice challenged with the RHΔku80 strain compared with naïve mice. In addition, compared with nonimmunized cats, cats immunized with the mutant produced high levels of antibodies and cytokines (P < 0.05), and notably decreased the shedding numbers of oocysts in feces (95.3%). CONCLUSIONS The avirulent RHΔompdcΔuprt strain can provide strong anti-T. gondii immune responses, and is a promising candidate for developing a safe and effective live attenuated vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songrui Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiyuan Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzu Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingming Kong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shaohong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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Lan Z, Yu J, Zhang X, Zhang A, Deng R, Li B, Lv Q, Ma X, Gao J, Wang C. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ovine and Caprine Fasciolosis in the Last 20 Years in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101687. [PMID: 37238117 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101687] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a significant zoonotic and common parasitic disease for animals and humans, creating public health concerns worldwide. This study retrieved articles related to the occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica in sheep and goats in China by searching five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and the VIP Chinese Journal Database. A total of 60 valid articles were captured. The pooled prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis was 26.00%. It was also found to be higher in the subgroups of Northwest China and Shaanxi Province, as well as in areas with a high altitude, rainfall of ≥800 mm, and temperature ranging between 10 °C and 20 °C. Analysis of the type of season and sampling years showed significant (p < 0.05) difference. In other subgroups, sheep (34.74%), hosts aged over 2 years (32.26%), females (48.33%) and free-range animals (26.83%) showed a higher disease prevalence. These results indicated that ovine and caprine fasciolosis was widely distributed, especially in Northwest China. The sampling years and the type of season are risk factors for the prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis. Therefore, strategies for ovine and caprine fasciolosis control should be developed based on these epidemic risk factors, which will reduce the prevalence of fasciolosis in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Nehe Animal Husbandry Technology Promotion Center, Nehe 161300, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Aihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ruipeng Deng
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ben Li
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Qingbo Lv
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Junfeng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Chunren Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Daqing 163319, China
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Chen J, Wang X, Li J, Sun L, Chen X, Chu Z, Zhang Z, Wu H, Zhao X, Li H, Zhang X. Influenza A Virus Weakens the Immune Response of Mice to Toxoplasma gondii, Thereby Aggravating T. gondii Infection. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050354. [PMID: 37235437 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050354] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the T. gondii type II strain (Pru) and respiratory viral infections, specifically focusing on the co-infection with PR8 (influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34). In this study, we found that the number of T. gondii (Pru) in the lungs of co-infected mice was significantly higher and lesions were more severe than those in the group infected with T. gondii (Pru) alone, whereas IAV (influenza A virus) copy numbers of co-infected and PR8 alone infected groups were negligible, suggesting that infection with IAV increased the pathogenicity of T. gondii (Pru) in mice. The invasion and proliferation assays demonstrated no significant effect of co-infection on T. gondii (Pru) infection or replication in vitro. To further explore the factors causing the altered pathogenicity of T. gondii (Pru) caused by co-infection, we found that decreased expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 in the co-infected group were associated with the early immune responses against T. gondii (Pru), which affected the division of T. gondii (Pru). Moreover, the significant decrease in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio indicated a weakened long-term immune killing ability of the host against T. gondii (Pru) following IAV infection. In conclusion, a T. gondii type II strain (Pru) could not be properly cleared by the host immune system after IAV infection, resulting in toxoplasmosis and even death in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Jinxuan Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Ziyu Chu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Zhenzhao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Hongxia Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271002, China
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Ran X, Hu Z, Wang J, Yang Z, Li Z, Wen X. Prevalence of Senecavirus A in pigs from 2014 to 2020: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Vet Sci 2023; 24:e48. [PMID: 37271515 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.22307] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Senecavirus A (SVA), a member of the family Picornaviridae, is newly discovered, which causes vesicular lesions, lameness in swine, and even death in neonatal piglets. SVA has rapidly spread worldwide in recent years, especially in Asia. OBJECTIVES We conducted a global meta-analysis and systematic review to determine the status of SVA infection in pigs. METHODS Through PubMed, VIP Chinese Journals Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data search data from 2014 to July 26, 2020, a total of 34 articles were included in this analysis based on our inclusion criteria. We estimated the pooled prevalence of SVA in pigs by the random effects model. A risk of bias assessment of the studies and subgroup analysis to explain heterogeneity was undertaken. RESULTS We estimated the SVA prevalence to be 15.90% (1,564/9,839; 95% confidence interval [CI], 44.75-65.89) globally. The prevalence decreased to 11.06% (945/8,542; 95% CI, 28.25-50.64) after 2016. The highest SVA prevalence with the VP1-based RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assay was 58.52% (594/1,015; 95% CI, 59.90-83.96) and 85.54% (71/83; 95% CI, 76.68-100.00), respectively. Besides, the SVA prevalence in piglet herds was the highest at 71.69% (119/166; 95% CI, 68.61-98.43) (p < 0.05). Moreover, our analysis confirmed that the subgroups, including country, sampling year, sampling position, detected gene, detection method, season, age, and climate, could be the heterogeneous factors associated with SVA prevalence. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that SVA widely exists in various countries currently. Therefore, more prevention and control policies should be proposed to enhance the management of pig farms and improve breeding conditions and the environment to reduce the spread of SVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Ran
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhenru Hu
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Zhongle Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130018, China.
| | - Xiaobo Wen
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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Wang Z, Qu K, Li J, Wang Y, Wang L, Yu Y. Prevalence and potential risk factors of PDCoV in pigs based on publications during 2015-2021 in China: Comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106118. [PMID: 37062492 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), a novel coronavirus which infects pigs, spreading around the world and causing huge economic losses. In recent years, there have also been human cases of PDCoV infection, which poses a potential threat to public health. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of PDCoV in pigs in China between 2015 and 2021. The prevalence of PDCoV in China was searched from five databases (CNKI, VIP, WanFang, PubMed and ScienceDirect) and 65 articles met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 25,977 samples, including 3828 positive cases. The overall prevalence of PDCoV was 13.61% (3828/25,977), with the highest prevalence in northern China (19.18%) and the lowest prevalence in southwest China (7.19%). We also analyzed other subgroup information, such as sampling years, test methods, age and geographic factors. The results show that PDCoV is endemic in China and climate may be a potential risk factor for PDCoV infection. It is suggested that appropriate measures should be taken in different climatic areas to reduce local PDCoV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China; Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China
| | - Kuo Qu
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and Institute of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China.
| | - Yongli Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130021, PR China.
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Li H, Liang X, Sun W, Zhuang B, Cao Y, Zhang J, Shen J, Wang Y, Yu L. Immunological evaluation of a recombinant vaccine delivered with an analogous hyaluronic acid chitosan nanoparticle-hydrogel against Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106092. [PMID: 37003502 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is not only a threat to the public health but it also poses adverse impacts on the livestock industry. This study aimed to develop a recombinant vaccine composed of T. gondii microneme protein 6 (TgMIC6) and T. gondii rhoptry protein 18 (TgROP18).The vaccine was delivered with a novel vector, named analogous hyaluronic acid chitosan nanoparticle-hydrogel (AHACNP-HG) and its immune protection was evaluated. METHODS The recombinant MIC6 and ROP18 proteins were obtained by affinity chromatography and loaded onto AHACNP-HG by magnetic stirring. The characterizations of AHACNP-HG were investigated, including its structure, rheological property, nanoparticle size and zeta potential, its ability to release protein in vitro and toxicology in vivo. The immunological and anti-infection effects of AHACNP-HG/rMIC6/rROP18 were examined in the mice model. RESULTS AHACNP-HG presented a characteristic of composite system and possessed biosecurity with excellent protein control-release property. AHACNP-HG/rMIC6/rROP18 vaccine enhanced a mixed Th1/Th2 cellular immune response accompanied by an increased level of the cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-10. It also provoked a stronger humoral immune response. Additionally, after challenge with T. gondii tachyzoite, AHACNP-HG/rMIC6/rROP18 inoculation prolonged the survival time of mice. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that mixed rMIC6 and rROP18 induced strong immune response and played a certain protective role in controlling T. gondii infection, and the novel adjuvant AHACNP-HG improved modestly some immunogenicity properties in mouse model, which indicated that it can be used as a novel delivery system in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang, 236600, China.
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Human Microenvironment and Precision Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Wenze Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Baocan Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Junling Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Human Microenvironment and Precision Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Brito C, Lourenço C, Magalhães J, Reis S, Borges M. Nanoparticles as a Delivery System of Antigens for the Development of an Effective Vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040733. [PMID: 37112645 PMCID: PMC10142924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles include particles ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers, whose physicochemical characteristics are optimized to make them appropriate delivery vehicles for drugs or immunogens important in the fight and/or prevention of infectious diseases. There has been a rise in the use of nanoparticles in preventive vaccine formulations as immunostimulatory adjuvants, and as vehicles for immunogen delivery to target immune cells. Toxoplasma is important worldwide, and may cause human toxoplasmosis. In immunocompetent hosts, infection is usually asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised patients it can cause serious neurological and ocular consequences, such as encephalitis and retinochoroiditis. Primary infection during pregnancy may cause abortion or congenital toxoplasmosis. Currently, there is no effective human vaccine against this disease. Evidence has emerged from several experimental studies testing nanovaccines showing them to be promising tools in the prevention of experimental toxoplasmosis. For the present study, a literature review was carried out on articles published over the last 10 years through the PubMed database, pertaining to in vivo experimental models of T. gondii infection where nanovaccines were tested and protection and immune responses evaluated. This review aims to highlight the way forward in the search for an effective vaccine for toxoplasmosis.
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Nessim J, Luna-Ramirez JC, Moreno-Gómez GA, Galvis-Soto DM, Gomez-Marin JE. Estimations of the number people with mental diseases associated with toxoplasmosis and identification of risk factors by continent. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115130. [PMID: 36913872 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence exists based on metanalysis of the relationship between toxoplasmosis and many psychiatric diseases: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and suicidal behavior. Herein, we estimate the number of cases based on the attributable fraction due to toxoplasmosis on these diseases. The population attributable fraction of mental disease associated with toxoplasmosis was 20,4% for schizophrenia; 27,3% for bipolar disorder; and 0,29% for suicidal behavior (self-harm). The lower and upper estimated number of people with mental disease associated with toxoplasmosis was 4'816.491 and 5'564.407 for schizophrenia; 6'348.946 and 7'510.118,82 for bipolar disorder; and 24.310 and 28.151 for self-harm; for a global total lower estimated number of 11'189.748 and global total upper estimated number of 13'102.678 people with mental disease associated with toxoplasmosis for the year 2019. According to the prediction through the Bayesian model of risk factors for toxoplasmosis associated with mental disease, these varied in importance geographically; thus, in Africa, the most important risk factor was water contamination and in the European region, the cooking conditions of meats. Toxoplasmosis and mental health should be a research priority given the enormous potential impact of reducing this parasite in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nessim
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL, for the term in Spanish), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Jorge E Gomez-Marin
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL, for the term in Spanish), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
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Bazmjoo A, Bagherzadeh MA, Raoofi R, Taghipour A, Mazaherifar S, Sotoodeh H, Ostadi Z, Shadmand E, Jahromi MAM, Abdoli A. Toxoplasma gondii, HBV, and HCV co-infection and their correlation with CD4 cells among Iranian HIV-positive patients. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e794. [PMID: 36840494 PMCID: PMC9947625 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.794] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) infected patients have a higher risk of opportunistic infections (OIs) depending on their immunological status, especially CD4 + cell count. Toxoplasma gondii, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are important OIs among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients. However, little is known about co-infection of these pathogens among HIV-infected individuals and their correlation with the patient's CD4 + cell count. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the serological and molecular status of T. gondii infection among HIV-infected individuals who had co-infection with HBV and HCV infections. METHODS A total of 100 HIV/AIDS patients in two cities in the southwest of Iran was tested for T. gondii Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies as well as DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the RE gene. HBV and HCV were detected by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab) test, and Real-Time PCR. The number of CD4 + cell counts was determined by Flow cytometry. RESULTS Anti-T. gondii IgG was positive in 22% of the patients, but anti-T. gondii IgM and PCR were negative in all samples. HBV and HCV were positive in 8% and 33% of the patients, respectively. Co-infections were as followed: HIV + HCV (16%), HIV + HCV + T. gondii (11%), HIV + T. gondii (5%), HIV + HBV (1%), HIV + HBV + T. gondii (1%), HIV + HBV + HCV (1%), and HIV + HBV + HCV + T. gondii (5%). A significant decline in CD4 + cell counts was found in such co-infection groups (HIV + T. gondii, HIV + HCV + T. gondii, and HIV + HBV + HCV + T. gondii) compared with the HIV mono-infection group. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that co-infections of T. gondii, HCV, and HBV were common among HIV-infected patients and co-infections had a negative correlation with CD4 + cell counts of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Bazmjoo
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Student Research CommitteeJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Mohammad Aref Bagherzadeh
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Student Research CommitteeJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Rahim Raoofi
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Infectious DiseasesJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Samaneh Mazaherifar
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | | | - Zahra Ostadi
- Department of Disease ControlFasa University of Medical SciencesFasaIran
| | - Enayat Shadmand
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Mirza A. M. Jahromi
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of ImmunologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & TechnologiesJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran,Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
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Functional Characterization of 15 Novel Dense Granule Proteins in Toxoplasma gondii Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0307822. [PMID: 36515555 PMCID: PMC9927372 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03078-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of the subcellular localization and function of dense granule proteins (GRAs) is of central importance for the understanding of host-parasite interaction and pathogenesis of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Here, we identified 15 novel GRAs and used C-terminal endogenous gene tagging to determine their localization at the intravacuolar network (IVN), parasitophorous vacuole (PV), or PV membrane (PVM) in the tachyzoites and at the periphery of the bradyzoites-containing cysts. The functions of the 15 gra genes were examined in type I RH strain and 5 of these gra genes were also evaluated in the cyst-forming type II Pru strain. The 15 novel gra genes were successfully disrupted by using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated homologous recombination and the results showed that 13 gra genes were not individually essential for T. gondii replication in vitro or virulence in mice during acute and chronic infection. Intriguingly, deletion of TGME49_266410 and TGME49_315910 in both RH and Pru strains decreased the parasite replication in vitro and attenuated its virulence, and also reduced the cyst-forming ability of the Pru strain in mice during chronic infection. Comparison of the transcriptomic profiles of the 15 gra genes suggests that they may play roles in other life cycle stages and genotypes of T. gondii. Taken together, our findings improve the understanding of T. gondii pathogenesis and demonstrate the involvement of two novel GRAs, TGME49_266410 and TGME49_315910, in the parasite replication and virulence. IMPORTANCE Dense granule proteins (GRAs) play important roles in Toxoplasma gondii pathogenicity. However, the functions of many putative GRAs have not been elucidated. Here, we found that 15 novel GRAs are secreted into intravacuolar network (IVN), parasitophorous vacuole (PV), or PV membrane (PVM) in tachyzoites and are located at the periphery of the bradyzoite-containing cysts. TGME49_266410 and TGME49_315910 were crucial to the growth of RH and Pru strains in vitro. Deletion of TGME49_266410 and TGME49_315910 attenuated the parasite virulence in mice. However, disruption of other 13 gra genes did not have a significant impact on the proliferation and pathogenicity of T. gondii in vitro or in vivo. The marked effects of the two novel GRAs (TGME49_266410 and TGME49_315910) on the in vitro growth and virulence of T. gondii are notable and warrant further elucidation of the temporal and spatial dynamics of translocation of these two novel GRAs and how do they interfere with host cell functions.
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Wang XC, Li TT, Elsheikha HM, Zheng XN, Zhao DY, Wang JL, Wang M, Zhu XQ. Effect of deleting four Toxoplasma gondii calcium-binding EGF domain-containing proteins on parasite replication and virulence. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:441-450. [PMID: 36471092 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07739-6] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several calcium-binding proteins including calcium-dependent protein kinases play important roles in several facets of the intracellular infection cycle of the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. However, the role of the calcium-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain-containing proteins (CBDPs) remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the functions of four CBDP genes in T. gondii RH strain of type I by generating knock-out strains using CRISPR-Cas9 system. We investigated the ability of mutant strains deficient in CBDP1, CBDP2, CBDP3, or CBDP4 to form plaques, replicate intracellularly, and egress from the host cells. The results showed that no definite differences between any of these four CBDP mutant strains and the wild-type strain in terms of their ability to form plaques, intracellular replication, and egress. Additionally, CBDP mutants did not exhibit any significant attenuated virulence compared to the wild-type strain in mice. The expression profiles of CBDP2-4 genes were conserved among T. gondii strains of different genotypes, life cycle stages, and developmental forms. Whether other CBDP genes play any roles in the pathogenicity of T. gondii strains of different genotypes remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Xiao-Nan Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, 030801, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, People's Republic of China.
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Tao Y, Shen C, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Leow CY, Wu J, Ji M, Xu Z. Advances in research on schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis in China: A bibliometric analysis of Chinese academic journals published from 1980 to 2021. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106783. [PMID: 36455636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106783] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scale-up of zoonoses prevention control and eradication in China, coupled with numerous academic articles in Chinese journals has led to the development of new tools and strategies aimed at further consolidating parasite control goals. As a result, there is a growing need for an up-to-date understanding of the research progress and prevention and control experience of parasitic diseases in China. METHODS To understand the research status of schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis in China, academic articles published in Chinese journals from 1980 to 2021 were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang databases. The Bibliographic Items Co-occurrence Matrix Builder (BICOMB) software was used to extract and analyze the keyword frequencies. The 'K/A ratio' as the frequency of a keyword that occurred in all the articles within a certain time stage was calculated to compare the popularity of the same keyword in different time stages. Keyword co-occurrence network maps were constructed by VOSviewer software. RESULTS A total of 18,508 articles in the research field of Schistosoma and 13,289 articles in the field of Toxoplasma gondii were included. Results in both fields showed some similarities: the annual number of articles presented an increasing trend before entering the 21st century and decreased rapidly in recent years. Two opposite changing trends of keyword frequency could be observed in the K/A ratio analysis: the K/A ratios of 'Surveillance' and 'Infection' continuously increased over time, while those of 'Schistosoma mansoni' and 'Mesenteric lymph nodes' decreased. The diversification of keyword co-occurrence networks could be observed in the co-occurrence network maps. CONCLUSIONS This bibliometric analysis reveals trends in research themes in the fields of Schistosoma and Toxoplasma gondii from 1980 to 2021, presenting China's experience such as a high degree of government involvement and multidisciplinary participation in schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Tao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Chunxiang Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Chiuan Yee Leow
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Minjun Ji
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection in the central nervous system commonly occurs among immunodeficient patients. Its prevalence is high in countries with a high burden of HIV and low coverage of antiretroviral drugs. The brain is one of the predilections for T. gondii infection due to its low inflammatory reaction, and cerebral toxoplasmosis occurs solely due to the reactivation of a latent infection rather than a new infection. Several immune elements have recently been recognized to have an essential role in the immunopathogenesis of cerebral toxoplasmosis. Although real-time isothermal amplification, next-generation sequencing, and enzyme-linked aptamer assays from blood samples have been the recommended diagnostic tools in some in-vivo studies, a combination of clinical symptoms, serology examination, and neuroimaging are still the daily standard for the presumptive diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis and early anti-toxoplasma administration. Clinical trials are needed to find a new therapy that is less likely to affect folate synthesis, have neuroprotective properties, or cure the latent phase of infection. The development of a vaccine is being extensively tested in animals, but its efficacy and safety for humans are still not proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiati Dian
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjdjaran/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
- Health Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Rizal Ganiem
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjdjaran/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
- Health Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University/Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Savira Ekawardhani
- Parasitology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
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