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Ogbuigwe P, Roberts JM, Knox MA, Heiser A, Pita A, Haack NA, Garcia-Ramirez J, Velathanthiri N, Biggs P, French NP, Hayman DTS. A novel, stain-free, natural auto-fluorescent signal, Sig M, identified from cytometric and transcriptomic analysis of infectivity of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1178576. [PMID: 37284498 PMCID: PMC10239843 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1178576] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide diarrheal disease caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium. The primary symptom is diarrhea, but patients may exhibit different symptoms based on the species of the Cryptosporidium parasite they are infected with. Furthermore, some genotypes within species are more transmissible and apparently virulent than others. The mechanisms underpinning these differences are not understood, and an effective in vitro system for Cryptosporidium culture would help advance our understanding of these differences. Using COLO-680N cells, we employed flow cytometry and microscopy along with the C. parvum-specific antibody Sporo-Glo™ to characterize infected cells 48 h following an infection with C. parvum or C. hominis. The Cryptosporidium parvum-infected cells showed higher levels of signal using Sporo-Glo™ than C. hominis-infected cells, which was likely because Sporo-Glo™ was generated against C. parvum. We found a subset of cells from infected cultures that expressed a novel, dose-dependent auto-fluorescent signal that was detectable across a range of wavelengths. The population of cells that expressed this signal increased proportionately to the multiplicity of infection. The spectral cytometry results confirmed that the signature of this subset of host cells closely matched that of oocysts present in the infectious ecosystem, pointing to a parasitic origin. Present in both C. parvum and C. hominis cultures, we named this Sig M, and due to its distinct profile in cells from both infections, it could be a better marker for assessing Cryptosporidium infection in COLO-680N cells than Sporo-Glo™. We also noted Sig M's impact on Sporo-Glo™ detection as Sporo-Glo™ uses fluoroscein-isothiocynate, which is detected where Sig M also fluoresces. Lastly, we used NanoString nCounter® analysis to investigate the transcriptomic landscape for the two Cryptosporidium species, assessing the gene expression of 144 host and parasite genes. Despite the host gene expression being at high levels, the levels of putative intracellular Cryptosporidium gene expression were low, with no significant difference from controls, which could be, in part, explained by the abundance of uninfected cells present as determined by both Sporo-Glo™ and Sig M analyses. This study shows for the first time that a natural auto-fluorescent signal, Sig M, linked to Cryptosporidium infection can be detected in infected host cells without any fluorescent labeling strategies and that the COLO-680N cell line and spectral cytometry could be useful tools to advance the understanding of Cryptosporidium infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ogbuigwe
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | - Matthew A. Knox
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Axel Heiser
- Animal Health Solutions, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anthony Pita
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Neville A. Haack
- Animal Health Solutions, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd., Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Juan Carlos Garcia-Ramirez
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Niluka Velathanthiri
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P. French
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- School of Veterinary Science, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Koh W, Thompson A, Edwards H, Monis P, Clode PL. Extracellular excystation and development of Cryptosporidium: tracing the fate of oocysts within Pseudomonas aquatic biofilm systems. BMC Microbiol 2014; 14:281. [PMID: 25403949 PMCID: PMC4236811 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-014-0281-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aquatic biofilms often serve as environmental reservoirs for microorganisms and provide them with a nutrient-rich growth environment under harsh conditions. With regard to Cryptosporidium, biofilms can serve as environmental reservoirs for oocysts, but may also support the growth of additional Cryptosporidium stages. Results Here we used confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and flow cytometry to identify and describe various Cryptosporidium developmental stages present within aquatic biofilm systems, and to directly compare these to stages produced in cell culture. We also show that Cryptosporidium has the ability to form a parasitophorous vacuole independently, in a host-free biofilm environment, potentially allowing them to complete an extracellular life cycle. Correlative data from confocal and SEM imaging of the same cells confirmed that the observed developmental stages (including trophozoites, meronts, and merozoites) were Cryptosporidium. These microscopy observations were further supported by flow cytometric analyses, where excysted oocyst populations were detected in 1, 3 and 6 day-old Cryptosporidium-exposed biofilms, but not in biofilm-free controls. Conclusions These observations not only highlight the risk that aquatic biofilms pose in regards to Cryptosporidium outbreaks from water distribution systems, but further indicate that even simple biofilms are able to stimulate oocyst excystation and support the extracellular multiplication and development of Cryptosporidium within aquatic environments. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-014-0281-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Koh
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch 6150, WA, Australia.
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Koh W, Clode PL, Monis P, Thompson RCA. Multiplication of the waterborne pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum in an aquatic biofilm system. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:270. [PMID: 24330483 PMCID: PMC3848567 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In natural aquatic environments biofilms are known to act as environmental reservoirs for Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. However, the fate of these oocysts within biofilms has yet to be determined. METHODS This study aimed to identify if biofilms have the ability to support the multiplication of Cryptosporidium by measuring the change in parasite number over time using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and detecting the possible extracellular developmental stages using a combination of confocal microscopy and immunolabelling techniques. Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm flow cell systems were established and C. parvum oocysts were constantly supplied over a six day period. RESULTS A significant (P<0.001) increase in Cryptosporidium was detected as the biofilm matured, with the total number of C. parvum multiplying 2-3 fold during this period. With this, various Cryptosporidium developmental stages (sporozoites, trophozoites, type I and II meronts) were identified from the biofilm. CONCLUSION This is the first study demonstrating that biofilms not only serve as an environmental reservoir for oocysts, but are also capable of supporting the multiplication of Cryptosporidium over time in an aquatic environment.
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Karanis P, Aldeyarbi HM. Evolution of Cryptosporidium in vitro culture. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:1231-42. [PMID: 21889507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This overview discusses findings from culturing Cryptosporidium spp. in cell and axenic cultures as well as factors limiting the development of this parasite in cultivation systems during recent years. A systematic review is undertaken of findings regarding the life cycle of the parasite, taking into account physiological, biochemical and genetic aspects, in the hope that this attempt will facilitate future approaches to research and developments in the understanding of Cryptosporidium biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Karanis
- University of Cologne, Center for Anatomy, Institute II, Molecular and Medical Parasitology, Joseph-Stelzmann-Street 9, Geb.35, 50937 Köln, Germany.
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Abstract
SUMMARYMembers of the genusCryptosporidium, which cause the gastrointestinal disease cryptosporidiosis, still represent a significant cause of water-borne disease worldwide. While intensive efforts have been invested in the development of techniques for parasite culture,in vitrogrowth has been hampered by a number of factors including low levels of infectivity as well as delayed life-cycle development and poor synchronicity. In this study we examined factors affecting the timing of contact between excysted sporozoites and target host cells and the subsequent impact of this upon the establishment of infection. We demonstrate that excystation rate impacts upon establishment of infection and that in our standard assay format the majority of sporozoites are not close enough to the cell monolayer when they are released from the oocyst to successfully establish infection. However, this can be easily overcome by centrifugation of oocysts onto the cell monolayer, resulting in approximately 4-fold increases in sporozoite attachment and subsequent infection. We further demonstrate that excystation procedures can be tailored to control excystation rate to match the assay end purpose and that excystation rate can influence data interpretation. Finally, the addition of both a centrifugation and washing step post-sporozoite attachment may be appropriate when considering the design ofin vitroculture experiments for developmental analysis and stage-specific gene expression as this appears to increase the synchronicity of early developmental stages.
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Morphological changes and viability ofCryptosporidium parvumsporozoites after excystation in cell-free culture media. Parasitology 2010; 137:1861-6. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYCryptosporidium parvum,belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, is a major cause of waterborne gastroenteritis throughout the world. The sporozoites are thought to invade host enterocytes using an active process termed gliding motility. However, the biological and morphological changes within the sporozoites during this process are not fully understood. In the present study, excysted sporozoites ofC. parvumwere analysed ultrastructurallyin vitroand their viability was evaluated using fluorescent dyes. The sporozoites excysted from oocysts changed morphologically from banana-shaped to rod-shaped and finally to a rounded shape, in culture media in 3 h. Transmission microscopy revealed that the distance between the apical end and the nucleus was markedly reduced, dense granules were present close to the rhoptry in the apical region, amylopectin granules were absent, and membranes of round sporozoites were less clear. A fluorescent assay showed that the rate of survival decreased from 89% to 56% at 0–3 h (84·3% for banana-shaped and 49·2% for rod-shaped sporozoites). Therefore, post-excysted sporozoitesin vitrounderwent morphological changes and a rapid loss of viability. This staining method is useful, inexpensive and provides an alternative to more costly and intensive flow cytometric assays or infectivity assays with host cellsin vitro.
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Solar radiation induces non-nuclear perturbations and a false start to regulated exocytosis in Cryptosporidium parvum. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11773. [PMID: 20668710 PMCID: PMC2909268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stratospheric ozone depletion, climate warming and acidification of aquatic ecosystems have resulted in elevated levels of solar radiation reaching many aquatic environments with an increased deleterious impact on a wide range of living organisms. While detrimental effects on living organisms are thought to occur primarily through DNA damage, solar UV can also damage cellular proteins, lipids and signalling pathways. Cryptosporidium, a member of the eukaryotic phylum Apicomplexa, contain numerous vesicular secretory organelles and their discharge via regulated exocytosis is essential for the successful establishment of infection. Using flow cytometric techniques we demonstrate that solar UV rapidly induces sporozoite exocytosis resulting in a significant reduction in the ability of sporozoites to attach and invade host cells. We found that solar UV induced sporozoite membrane depolarization, resulting in reduced cellular ATP and increased cytosolic calcium. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the internal granularity of sporozoites, indicative of apical organelle discharge, which was confirmed by analysis of sporozoites with an exocytosis-sensitive dye. The precise timing of apical organelle discharge in the presence of a compatible host cell is critical for sporozoite attachment and invasion. Our results demonstrate for the first time how solar UV radiation can interfere with exocytosis, a fundamental cellular process in all eukaryotic cells. We contend that not only may the forecast increases in solar radiation in both aquatic and terrestrial environments significantly affect members of the Apicomplexa, solar UV-induced membrane depolarizations resulting in cytosolic calcium perturbation may affect a wider range of eukaryotic organisms through antagonistic effects on a myriad of calcium dependant cellular functions.
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