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Huertas-López A, Cantos-Barreda A, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Martínez-Carrasco C, Ibáñez-López FJ, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ, Álvarez-García G. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the validation of serological methods for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in humans and animals. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110173. [PMID: 38537410 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110173] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a paradigmatic zoonotic parasite from the One Health perspective, since it is broadly distributed and virtually infects all warm-blooded species. A wide variety of serological techniques have been developed to detect T. gondii infection in humans and animals. Our aim was to describe and compare the main characteristics of these serological tests and validation processes and to critically analyze whether these tests meet the standards required to ensure an accurate serological diagnosis. The current systematic review and meta-analysis included 134 studies that were published from 2013 to 2023. QUADAS 2 tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. A total of 52 variables related to the characteristics of the techniques and analytical and diagnostic validation parameters were studied. A wider panel of tests was developed for humans, including techniques exclusively developed for humans that involve costly equipment and the measurement of different Ig isotypes that are considered biomarkers of congenital toxoplasmosis. Studies conducted in humans frequently employed commercial techniques as reference tests, measured different immunoglobulin isotypes with a predominance for IgG (>50%) and discriminated between acute and chronic infections. In animals, the most commonly used reference techniques were in-house tests, which almost exclusively detected IgG. Common limitations identified in a large number of studies were some misunderstandings of the terms "gold standard" and "reference test" and the absence of information about the negative and positive control sera used or the exact cutoff employed, which were independent of the quality of the study. There is a lack of analytical validation, with few evaluations of cross-reactivity with other pathogens. Diagnostic odds ratio values showed that indirect ELISA based on native or chimeric antigens performed better than other tests. The reproducibility of serological test results in both humans and animals is not guaranteed due to a lack of relevant information and analytical validation. Thus, several key issues should be considered in the future, including interlaboratory ring trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain; Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain.
| | - Ana Cantos-Barreda
- Animal Health Department, University of Murcia, Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain
| | - Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Javier Ibáñez-López
- Statistical Support Section (SAE), Scientific and Research Area (ACTI), University of Murcia, Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Murcia, Espinardo 30100, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
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Mangena ML, Gcebe N, Thompson PN, Adesiyun AA. Q fever and toxoplasmosis in South African livestock and wildlife: a retrospective study on seropositivity, sporadic abortion, and stillbirth cases in livestock caused by Coxiella burnetii. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:168. [PMID: 37735412 PMCID: PMC10512517 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03645-w] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Q fever and toxoplasmosis are economically important zoonoses as they cause considerable losses in livestock (cattle, sheep and goats) and wildlife (antelopes, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs) through reproductive disorders such as abortions and stillbirths. Q fever and toxoplasmosis testing in South Africa is conducted by the Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR). However, both zoonoses are understudied and not monitored in South Africa as they are not considered controlled or notifiable diseases in the Animal Disease Act 35 of 1984. A retrospective study was conducted on Q fever (2007-2009) and toxoplasmosis (2007-2017) using diagnostic laboratory data at the ARC-OVR. Also, we report on sporadic abortion and stillbirth cases in livestock from diagnostic tissue samples submitted for Coxiella burnetii polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection at the ARC-OVR. RESULTS During 2007 to 2009, 766 animal samples were tested for C. burnetii antibodies and seropositivity was 0.9% (95%CI: 0.3-1.7) with sheep (1.9%; 95%CI: 0.6-4.4) having the highest seropositivity followed by cattle (0.7%; 95%CI: 0.09-2.6), while all goats (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0-4.2) and wildlife (0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0-2.5) tested were negative. From 2007 to 2017, 567 sera were tested for T. gondii antibodies; overall seropositivity was 12.2% (95%CI: 9.6-15). Wildlife had highest seropositivity to T. gondii antibodies (13.9%; 95%CI: 9.0-19.7) followed by goats (12.9%; 95%CI: 9.2-17.4) and sheep (12.3%; 95%CI: 5.1-23.8) while seropositivity in cattle was 2.4% (95%CI: 0.06-12.9). Of 11 animals tested by C. burnetii PCR detection (2021-2022), 10 (91.0%) were positive. The amplicon sequences showed similarity to Coxiella burnetii strain 54T1 transposase gene partial coding sequence. CONCLUSIONS We have confirmed the occurrence of the causative agents of Q fever and toxoplasmosis in livestock and wildlife in South Africa, with data limitations. These zoonoses remain of importance with limited information about them in South Africa. This study provides baseline information for future studies on Q fever and toxoplasmosis in South African livestock and wildlife, as well other African countries. Due to limited data collection experienced in this study, it is recommended that improvements in data collection samples tested should include associated factors such as sex, age, and breed of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maruping L Mangena
- Agricultural Research Council -Vaccines and Diagnostics Development Programme, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X 05, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Agricultural Research Council - Bacteriology and Zoonotic Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Private Bag X 05, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Peter N Thompson
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Abiodun A Adesiyun
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Tshwane, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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Hernández-Ortiz A, Bouchard É, Snyman LP, Al-Adhami BH, Gouin GG, Neelin M, Jenkins EJ. Toxoplasma gondii and related Sarcocystidae parasites in harvested caribou from Nunavik, Canada. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:246-254. [PMID: 37575665 PMCID: PMC10422106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Caribou are keystone species important for human harvest and of conservation concern; even so, much is unknown about the impact of parasites on caribou health and ecology. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence, tissue prevalence, and diversity of tissue-dwelling coccidian parasites (including Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp.) in 88 migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) harvested for human consumption in two communities in Nunavik, Québec, Canada. Both T. gondii and N. caninum have potential to cause abortions and neurological disease in caribou. Seroprevalence for antibodies to T. gondii using ELISA on fluid from thawed hearts was 18% overall, and no DNA of T. gondii was detected in tissues, which has positive implications for food safety since this parasite is zoonotic. Seroprevalence for antibodies to N. caninum using competitive ELISA was 5%, and DNA of N. caninum was detected in only one heart sample. DNA of Sarcocystis, a non-zoonotic, related coccidian, was detected in tissue samples from 85% of caribou, with higher prevalence in heart (82%) than skeletal muscle (47%). This is the first time that Sarcocystis spp. from caribou in Canada have been identified to species level, many of which have been described in reindeer from Fennoscandia. The high prevalence and diversity of Sarcocystis spp. suggests intact trophic relationships between canids and caribou in Nunavik. Besnoitia spp. was serendipitously detected in three muscle samples, a parasite previously associated with skin lesions in caribou in Nunavik. Community-level differences in T. gondii exposure and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in skeletal muscle tissues may reflect differences in hunter selection of individual animals and muscles, or possibly regional differences in the ecology of carnivore definitive hosts for these parasites. Further work is needed to explore effects of tissue coccidians in caribou, their taxonomic classifications, and community level differences in parasite prevalence and diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Hernández-Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Louwrens P. Snyman
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Batol H. Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2R3, Canada
| | | | - Mikhaela Neelin
- Nunavik Hunting Fishing Trapping Association (NHFTA), Tasiujaq, QC, J0M 1T0, Canada
| | - Emily J. Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Huertas-López A, Álvarez-García G, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Cantos-Barreda A, Ibáñez-López FJ, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ, Martínez-Carrasco C. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection highlight the lack of a One Health integrative research. Res Vet Sci 2023; 155:137-149. [PMID: 36682338 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.01.005] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed food-borne zoonotic parasite with numerous infection sources. The control of this zoonosis requires a One Health response that partially depends on serological monitoring in humans and animals. Herein, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to analyse and compare the transdisciplinary and integrative research under the One Health approach. We searched for articles published between January 1st 2014 and September 5th 2022, focused on the development and evaluation of serological techniques for the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in humans and animals. After an exhaustive search on three scientific databases, a quality assessment was performed on 291 articles by QUADAS-2 tool, and 113 articles were finally selected. A total of 18 variables were extracted and analysed, including bibliometric characteristics, study aims and methodology. Remarkably, none of the studies included in the meta-analysis explicitly quoted the words "One Health", and only 23.9% of them alluded to the principles underlying the One Health approach; in particular, none were conducted by physician-only teams, with the majority of these studies involving interdisciplinary research teams, followed by veterinarians and by non-physician or non-veterinarian researchers. The One Health approach followed in the serodiagnosis of T. gondii still needs further integration among scientific disciplines, which is essential to design effective control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cantos-Barreda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-A, University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain; Animal Health Department, University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Ibáñez-López
- Statistical Support Section (SAE), Scientific and Research Area (ACTI), University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Animal Health Department, University of Murcia - Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
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Mahdi Ghahari SM, Ajami A, Sadeghizadeh M, Esmaeili Rastaghi AR, Mahdavi M. Nanocurcumin as an adjuvant in killed Toxoplasma gondii vaccine formulation: An experience in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 243:108404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Synthesis, Characterization and Nanoformulation of Novel Sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole Molecular Conjugates as Potent Antiparasitic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084241. [PMID: 35457059 PMCID: PMC9025934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a highly prevalent parasite that has no gold standard treatment due to the poor action or the numerous side effects. Focused sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrids 3a–c were wisely designed and synthesized via copper catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition approach between prop-2-yn-1-alcohol 1 and sulfa drug azides 2a–c. The newly synthesized click products were fully characterized using different spectroscopic experiments and were loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles to form novel nanoformulations for further anti-Toxoplasma investigation. The current study proved the anti-Toxoplasma effectiveness of all examined compounds in experimentally infected mice. Relative to sulfadiazine, the synthesized sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole (3c) nanoformulae demonstrated the most promising result for toxoplasmosis treatment as it resulted in 100% survival, 100% parasite reduction along with the remarkable histopathological improvement in all the studied organs.
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Hagras NAE, Mogahed NMFH, Sheta E, Darwish AAE, El-Hawary MA, Hamed MT, Elwakil BH. The powerful synergistic effect of spiramycin/propolis loaded chitosan/alginate nanoparticles on acute murine toxoplasmosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010268. [PMID: 35294434 PMCID: PMC8926208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel formula of spiramycin/propolis loaded chitosan (CS)/alginate (Alg) nanoparticles (NPs) was assessed for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) treatment in comparison with the commercially available spiramycin regarding tissue penetration and blood brain barrier (BBB) passage. Swiss Albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally by 2500 tachyzoites of the virulent T. gondii RH strain. The experimental groups were treated with oral spiramycin, propolis, CS/Alg NPs, spiramycin loaded CS/Alg NPs, propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs, and spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs. The results demonstrated that spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs exerted the longest survival time with no mortality on the sacrifice day (8th) in addition to representing the highest significant parasite percent reduction of (≥96% reduction) in liver, spleen and brain designating successful tissue penetration and BBB passage. Tachyzoites treated with spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs demonstrated the most disfigured rapturing organism via scanning electron microscope examination along with representing an overall remarkable improvement of the histopathological pictures of liver, spleen and brain. In conclusion, spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs showed the uppermost efficacy in the treatment of acute murine toxoplasmosis. The safe nature and the anti-parasitic effect of each of CS, Alg, spiramycin and propolis encourage the synergistic use of spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs as a potent treatment for human toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that results from infection with a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The parasite is considered to be one of the world’s most common parasites. Infection frequently occurs by eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure to infected cat faeces, or mother-to-fetus transmission throughout pregnancy. The parasite has the ability to reach all body organs including the brain. This in turn, may lead to death specially among people with weakened immune systems and infants born to infected mothers. There are many treatment options for the disease, however they may have severe side effects or can’t fully reach the brain. Consequently, the present work focused on the formulation of a safe novel formula at the nano size for better tissue penetration. The novel treatment was achieved by preparing the natural organic chitosan/alginate nanoparticles and loading them with spiramycin (the safest drug used in toxoplasmosis) along with propolis (a natural bee product). The treatment efficacy of the novel spiramycin/propolis loaded chitosan/alginate nanoparticles was compared with the commercial spiramycin. The used drug showed a marked potency in toxoplasmosis treatment. The anti-parasitic effect and the safe nature of each of the used components potentiate its use as a promising treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Abd-Elkader Hagras
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Abd-Elfattah Darwish
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ali El-Hawary
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Moaaz Tarek Hamed
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Bassma Hassan Elwakil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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Huertas-López A, Rojo MC, Sukhumavasi W, Martínez-Subiela S, Álvarez-García G, López-Ureña NM, Cerón JJ, Martínez-Carrasco C. Comparative performance of five recombinant and chimeric antigens in a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats. Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Freitas R, Consalter A, Spyrides A, Dória P, Albuquerque G, Bruno S, Barbosa C, Ferreira A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats in tropical region of Serra da Tiririca State Park, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cats of the Serra da Tiririca State Park region using the IFAT to evaluate the sex and age variables. The cats were domiciled in the region of Serra da Tiririca State Park (PESET-RJ), Rio de Janeiro. Between 2015 and 2016, a total of 86 blood samples were collected from 35 female and 51 male semi-domiciled cats that were attended to by a spay-neuter program of UFF. Samples were evaluated for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G by the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT) with a cut-off point of 1:40. Of the samples analyzed, 29.07% (25/86) presented anti-T gondii antibodies. There was no significant association (P> 0.05) between the variables sex and age of the animals with serology results. The results obtained in this study suggest that T. gondii has a considerable distribution among the cats of the studied region (PESET-RJ). This is the first report of the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats from this area. Age and gender were not considered risk factors for infection by T. gondii in this group of animals studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - C.G. Barbosa
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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El-Sayad M, Abdel Rahman M, Hussein N, Abdel Aziz R, El-Taweel HA, Abd El-Latif N. microRNA-155 Expression and Butyrylcholinesterase Activity in the Liver Tissue of Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii (Avirulent and Virulent Strains). Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1167-1176. [PMID: 33840057 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00383-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that exhibits distinct strain-related virulence patterns in mice. It can induce hepatic inflammation. The present study investigated MicroRNA-155 (miRNA-155) expression and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in the liver tissue of mice infected with virulent and avirulent strains of T. gondii. METHODS Mice groups included: Group (A), uninfected controls; Group (B), infected with T. gondii avirulent strain (ME-49) and euthanized 7, 27, 47, or 67 days post-infection (pi); Group (C), infected by T. gondii virulent strain (RH) and euthanized 7 days pi; and Group (D), infected by T. gondii virulent strain (RH), treated 24 h pi with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (150 mg/Kg/day and 30 mg/Kg/day, respectively) and euthanized 5, 10, or 20 days pi. miRNA-155 expression was estimated in the liver tissue using the reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and the ΔΔCt method. BChE activity was estimated in liver homogenates by Ellman's colorimetric method. Liver sections were examined histopathologically. RESULTS revealed a significant elevation in miRNA-155 expression and a significant reduction of BChE activity in all the infected untreated groups compared to the uninfected mice. In group B, the maximum upregulation of miRNA-155 expression and the least reduction in BChE activity were detected 7 days pi. In group D, complete restoration of normal levels occurred 20 days pi. Liver sections showed distinct histopathological patterns with detection of intracellular tachyzoites in group B. CONCLUSION miRNA-155 and BChE play a role in regulating host-parasite interaction in toxoplasmosis and may contribute to the pathogenesis of T. gondii induced hepatic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona El-Sayad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Neveen Hussein
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry. Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rawda Abdel Aziz
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry. Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hend A El-Taweel
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Naglaa Abd El-Latif
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Identification of Oocyst-Driven Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Humans and Animals through Stage-Specific Serology-Current Status and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112346. [PMID: 34835471 PMCID: PMC8618849 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii has three infective stages: sporozoites in sporulated oocysts, which are shed in unsporulated form into the environment by infected felids; tissue cysts containing bradyzoites, and fast replicating tachyzoites that are responsible for acute toxoplasmosis. The contribution of oocysts to infections in both humans and animals is understudied despite being highly relevant. Only a few diagnostic antigens have been described to be capable of discriminating which parasite stage has caused an infection. Here we provide an extensive overview of the antigens and serological assays used to detect oocyst-driven infections in humans and animals according to the literature. In addition, we critically discuss the possibility to exploit the increasing knowledge of the T. gondii genome and the various 'omics datasets available, by applying predictive algorithms, for the identification of new oocyst-specific proteins for diagnostic purposes. Finally, we propose a workflow for how such antigens and assays based on them should be evaluated to ensure reproducible and robust results.
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12
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Martins M, Urbani N, Flanagan C, Siebert U, Gross S, Dubey JP, Cardoso L, Lopes AP. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pinnipeds under Human Care and in Wild Pinnipeds. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111415. [PMID: 34832571 PMCID: PMC8620079 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111415] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection has been reported in numerous species of marine mammals, some of them with fatal consequences. A serosurvey for T. gondii infection was conducted in pinnipeds from an oceanographic park in Portugal (n = 60); stranded pinnipeds on the Portuguese coast (n = 10); and pinnipeds captured in Lorenzensplate, Germany (n = 99). Sera from 169 pinnipeds were tested for the presence of antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test with a cut-off titre of 25. An overall seroprevalence of 8.9% (95% confidence interval: 5.1–14.2) was observed. Antibody titres of 25, 50, 100, 1600 and ≥3200 were found in five (33.3%), two (13.3%), five (33.3%), one (6.7%) and two (13.3%) animals, respectively. Pinnipeds under human care had a seroprevalence of 20.0% (12/60), in contrast to 2.8% (3/109) in wild pinnipeds (p < 0.001). General results suggest a low exposure of wild pinnipeds to T. gondii, while the seroprevalence found in pinnipeds under human care highlights the importance of carrying out further studies. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii in pinnipeds in Portugal and the first infection report in South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Martins
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Nuno Urbani
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Carla Flanagan
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Buesum, Germany; (U.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephanie Gross
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Buesum, Germany; (U.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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Huertas-López A, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ, Vázquez-Calvo Á, Pazmiño-Bonilla ED, López-Ureña NM, Martínez-Carrasco C, Álvarez-García G. Development and validation of a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in goats. Vet Parasitol 2021; 293:109432. [PMID: 33915322 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide distributed parasite causing abortions and fetal malformations in small ruminants. The aim of this study was to design and validate a new immunoassay based on the use of TgSAG1-GRA8 chimeric antigen for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies in serum of goats. First, a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TgSAG1-GRA8-TRFIA) was developed. In addition, the diagnostic performance of TgSAG1-GRA8-TRFIA was compared with an optimized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TgSALUVET-ELISA) and a Western Blot (WB), both based on whole T. gondii tachyzoite antigenic extract. The TgSAG1-GRA8-TRFIA has shown a high intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical sensitivity and accuracy. The ROC analysis of this assay showed an optimal cut-off of 217.4 Units of Fluorometry for T. gondii (UFT), with 92 % of sensitivity and 90.48 % of specificity. A positive and statistically significant Spearman's correlation with TgSALUVET-ELISA was detected, and kappa value was 0.83, presenting high agreement with both methods. However, TgSAG1-GRA8 protein showed cross-reactivity with specific anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Thus, TgSAG-1-GRA8 chimeric antigen seems not to be an ideal option for the serodiagnosis of T. gondii infection in goats unless combined with the serodiagnosis of N. caninum infection in parallel. In the light of the results obtained, a comprehensive study on the existence of cross-reactivities between T. gondii antigens used in serological tests employed in animal health and specific antibodies directed against Toxoplasmatinae parasites should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Nadia María López-Ureña
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gema Álvarez-García
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Copaifera spp. oleoresins impair Toxoplasma gondii infection in both human trophoblastic cells and human placental explants. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15158. [PMID: 32938966 PMCID: PMC7495442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is the standard care in cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. However, therapy with these drugs is associated with severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects. The investigation of phytotherapeutic alternatives to treat parasitic diseases without acute toxicity is essential for the advancement of current therapeutic practices. The present study investigates the antiparasitic effects of oleoresins from different species of Copaifera genus against T. gondii. Oleoresins from C. reticulata, C. duckei, C. paupera, and C. pubiflora were used to treat human trophoblastic cells (BeWo cells) and human villous explants infected with T. gondii. Our results demonstrated that oleoresins were able to reduce T. gondii intracellular proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. We observed an irreversible concentration-dependent antiparasitic action in infected BeWo cells, as well as parasite cell cycle arrest in the S/M phase. The oleoresins altered the host cell environment by modulation of ROS, IL-6, and MIF production in BeWo cells. Also, Copaifera oleoresins reduced parasite replication and TNF-α release in villous explants. Anti-T. gondii effects triggered by the oleoresins are associated with immunomodulation of the host cells, as well as, direct action on parasites.
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Wang R, Zhao N, Zhang H, Wang F, Li H, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhang X. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Chicken Hearts from Farmers' Markets and Supermarkets in the Tai'an Region of China. J Food Prot 2020; 83:338-341. [PMID: 31967482 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-19-374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The detection of Toxoplasma gondii in quick-frozen chickens is a good indicator of the possible transmission risk that this parasite poses to human consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of T. gondii in quick-frozen chicken hearts using a nested PCR assay. Heart samples (n = 720) from farmers' markets and supermarkets in the Tai'an region, People's Republic of China, were collected, and the DNA extracted was analyzed for the presence of T. gondii. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in all samples was 10.7%, but the rates for samples from farmers' markets (19.2%) and supermarkets (2.2%) were significantly different (P < 0.01). Nested PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping was performed on the 77 positive samples based on the T. gondii SAG3 and GRA6 gene loci. SAG3 genotyping revealed a mixed infection rate of 89.6% for type I and type I/II strains, and GRA6 genotyping revealed an infection rate of 98.7% for type I strains. Our results revealed a high prevalence of T. gondii in chicken hearts from farmers' markets, and most strains were mainly type I strains. Further studies are needed to determine whether quick-frozen chicken hearts are involved in disease transmission to human consumers in this area. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibiao Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningning Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangkun Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumin Liu
- Shandong Huamutianyuan Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., 1 Gangxing 3 Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Taian City, Shandong Province 271018, People's Republic of China (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2500-7957 [X.Zhang])
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Taian City, Shandong Province 271018, People's Republic of China (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2500-7957 [X.Zhang])
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Successful treatment of acute experimental toxoplasmosis by spiramycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Exp Parasitol 2019; 204:107717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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17
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Zanatto DCS, Gatto IRH, Labruna MB, Jusi MMG, Samara SI, Machado RZ, André MR. Coxiella burnetii associated with BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus), BoHV (Bovine Herpesvirus), Leptospira spp., Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma vivax in reproductive disorders in cattle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:245-257. [PMID: 31215610 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional study to assess the presence of antibodies in ruminants against selected pathogens associated with reproductive disorders in cattle in four Brazilian states, including the zoonotic agent Coxiella burnetii. The used tests were Virus Neutralization Assay for IBR and BVD, Microscopic Agglutination Test for Leptospira spp., Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for C. burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Neospora caninum and Trypanosoma vivax. Seropositivity for C. burnetii was 13.7% with titers from 128 to 131,072; 57.8% for BoHV-1, with titers between 2 and 1,024; 47.1% for BVDV-1a, with titers from 10 to 5,120; 89.2% for N. caninum; 50% for T. vivax; and 52.0% for Leptospira spp., with titers between 100 to 800 (the following serovars were found: Tarassovi, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Copenhageni, Wolffi, Hardjo, Pomona and Icterohaemorrhagiae); 19.6% for T. gondii with titer of 40. This is the first study that has identified C. burnetii in cattle associated with BoHV and BVDV, N. caninum, Leptospira spp., T. gondii and T. vivax. Thus, future studies should be conducted to investigate how widespread this pathogen is in Brazilian cattle herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Carlos Souza Zanatto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia Agropecuária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil.,Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Igor Renan Honorato Gatto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Samir Issa Samara
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
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Franco PS, Gois PSG, de Araújo TE, da Silva RJ, de Freitas Barbosa B, de Oliveira Gomes A, Ietta F, Dos Santos LA, Dos Santos MC, Mineo JR, Ferro EAV. Brazilian strains of Toxoplasma gondii are controlled by azithromycin and modulate cytokine production in human placental explants. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:10. [PMID: 30665403 PMCID: PMC6340180 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes congenital toxoplasmosis by transplacental transmission. Parasite strains are genetically diverse and disease severity is related to the genotype. In Uberlândia city, Brazil, two virulent strains were isolated: TgChBrUD1 and TgChBrUD2. Congenital toxoplasmosis is more prevalent in South America compared to Europe, and more often associated with severe symptoms, usually as a result of infection with atypical strains. METHODS Considering that T. gondii has shown high genetic diversity in Brazil, the effectiveness of traditional treatment may not be the same, as more virulent strains of atypical genotypes may predominate. Thus, the aim of this study were to evaluate the Brazilian strain infection rate in human villous explants and the azithromycin efficacy with regard to the control of these strains compared to traditional therapy. Villi were infected with RH, ME49, TgChBrUD1 or TgChBrUD2 strains and treated with azithromycin, spiramycin or a combination of pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine. The villous viability was analyzed by LDH assay and morphological analysis. Parasite proliferation, as well as production of cytokines was analyzed by qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the GraphPad Prism 5.0. RESULTS The treatments were not toxic and TgChBrUD1 infected villi showed a higher parasite burden compared with others strains. Treatments significantly reduced the intracellular proliferation of T. gondii, regardless of the strain. TgChBrUD1-infected villi produced a larger amount of MIF, IL-6 and TGF-β1 compared with other infected villi. Azithromycin treatment increased MIF production by RH- or TgChBrUD2-infected villi, but in ME49- or TgChBrUD1-infected villi, the MIF production was not altered by treatment. On the other hand, azithromycin treatment induced lower IL-6 production by ME49- or TgChBrUD1-infected villi. CONCLUSIONS Azithromycin treatment was effective against T. gondii Brazilian strains compared with conventional treatment. Also, the TgChBrUD1 strain replicated more in villi and modulated important cytokines involved in parasite control, showing that different strains use different strategies to evade the host immune response and ensure their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Paula Suellen Guimarães Gois
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Thádia Evelyn de Araújo
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Bellisa de Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Angelica de Oliveira Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Francesca Ietta
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lara Affonso Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Maria Célia Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia da Reprodução, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Building: 2B, CEP, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil.
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Rico-Almochantaf YDR, Hernández-Tinoco J, Quiñones-Canales G, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Torres-González J, Ramírez-Valles EG, Minjarez-Veloz A. Toxoplasma gondii exposure and epilepsy: A matched case-control study in a public hospital in northern Mexico. SAGE Open Med 2018; 6:2050312118767767. [PMID: 29662676 PMCID: PMC5898655 DOI: 10.1177/2050312118767767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to determine the association between infection with Toxoplasma gondii and epilepsy in patients attended to in a public hospital in the northern Mexican city of Durango. Methods We performed an age- and gender-matched case-control study of 99 patients suffering from epilepsy and 99 without epilepsy. Sera of participants were analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays. Seropositive samples to T. gondii were further analyzed for detection of T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Results Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 10 (10.1%) of the 99 cases and in 6 (6.1%) of the 99 controls (odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.60-4.99; p = 0.43). High (> 150 IU/mL) levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 6 of the 99 cases and in 4 of the 99 controls (odds ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.41-5.60; p = 0.74). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 2 of the 10 IgG seropositive cases, and in 2 of the 6 IgG seropositive controls (odds ratio = 0.50; 95% confidence interval: 0.05-4.97; p = 0.60). T. gondii DNA was not found in any of the 10 anti-T. gondii IgG positive patients. Bivariate analysis of IgG seropositivity to T. gondii and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and related Health Problems, 10th Edition codes of epilepsy showed an association between seropositivity and G40.1 code (odds ratio = 22.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.59-186.5; p = 0.008). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between T. gondii infection and consumption of goat meat (odds ratio = 6.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-34.64; p = 0.02), unwashed raw vegetables (odds ratio = 26.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.61-265.23; p = 0.006), and tobacco use (odds ratio = 6.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-36.66; p = 0.04). Conclusions Results suggest that T. gondii infection does not increase the risk of epilepsy in our setting; however, infection might be linked to specific types of epilepsy. Factors associated with T. gondii infection found in this study may aid in the design of preventive measures against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm," Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jorge Torres-González
- Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado, Durango, Mexico
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Symeonidou I, Gelasakis AI, Arsenopoulos K, Angelou A, Beugnet F, Papadopoulos E. Feline gastrointestinal parasitism in Greece: emergent zoonotic species and associated risk factors. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:227. [PMID: 29618378 PMCID: PMC5885467 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2812-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline gastrointestinal parasitism constitutes an issue of concern for veterinarians since parasites are widespread and affect animals' health and welfare. Furthermore, some of these pathogens have zoonotic potential. To provide detailed data on the current epizootiology of feline endoparasitism, a multicentric survey was conducted during 2016. METHODS Faeces from 1150 cats were collected from all regions of Greece and examined by sedimentation and flotation techniques. Possible risk factors including gender, age, ownership status, living conditions and co-infections with other parasites were assessed using binary regression models for each one of the most prevalent parasites. RESULTS The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in cats was 50.7%. The study population consisted of cats of both sexes, different age groups, ownership status and living conditions. A total of 10 gastrointestinal parasitic species were detected and up to 5 different parasites were isolated in the same faecal sample. The most frequently identified parasites were Toxocara cati (n = 278; 24.2%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (n = 189; 16.4%), Ancylostomatidae (n = 186; 16.2%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (n = 40; 3.5%), Giardia spp. (n = 26; 2.3%), Joyeuxiella pasqualei (n = 14; 1.2%), Capillaria aerophila (n = 8; 0.7%), Dipylidium caninum (n = 3; 0.2%), Toxascaris leonina (n = 2; 0.1%) and Troglostrongylus brevior (n = 2; 0.1%). The occurrence of co-infections was 11.6%. Concerning risk factors, the likelihood of T. cati infection was higher for female cats living outdoors and for cats being infected with Cystoisospora spp. In the same frame, young, stray, male and free of A. abstrusus cats were more likely to be infected with Cystoisospora spp. Correspondingly, stray, infected with Giardia spp. but free of Cystoisospora spp. cats were more likely to be infected with Ancylostomatidae. Regarding A. abstrusus infection, a higher probability was reported for cats living outdoors and for cats free of Cystoisospora spp., while Giardia spp. infections were more common in young and co-infected with Ancylostomatidae animals. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of parasitized cats in Greece was high and thus consideration should be paid to control the risk factors, to implement targeted preventive antiparasitic treatments and educate cat owners on the value of prevention for the health and welfare of their cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, ELGO-Demeter, GR 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arsenopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Angelou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Boehringer Ingelheim, 29 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Knowledge and Practices of Toxoplasmosis among Clinical Laboratory Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Durango, Mexico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14111413. [PMID: 29156547 PMCID: PMC5708052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and practices about toxoplasmosis in a sample of clinical laboratory professionals in Mexico. Methods: 192 clinical laboratory professionals were surveyed. They were asked about (1) Toxoplasma gondii; (2) clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology of toxoplasmosis; and (3) their practices with respect to toxoplasmosis. Results: The range of animals infected by T. gondii was known by 44.8% of participants. Clinical aspects of toxoplasmosis were known by up to 44.3% of subjects. Correct answers about the interpretation of serological markers of T. gondii infection were provided by up to 32.8% of participants. A minority (32.2%) of participants knew about a high number of false positive results of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody tests. Most participants (90.1%) did not know what the anti-T. gondii IgG avidity test was. Up to 55.7% of participants provided incorrect answers about the interpretation of serology tests for the treatment of pregnant women. Common routes of T. gondii infection were known by <15% of participants. Most (84.4%) participants had not performed tests for detection T. gondii infection. Conclusions: Results indicate incomplete knowledge of T. gondii infection and toxoplasmosis and a limited practice of laboratory tests among the professionals surveyed.
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Importance of serological cross-reactivity among Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia spp., Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti. Parasitology 2017; 144:851-868. [PMID: 28241894 PMCID: PMC5471829 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti are genetically related cyst-forming coccidia. Serology is frequently used for the identification of T. gondii, Neospora spp. and B. besnoiti-exposed individuals. Serologic cross-reactions occur in different tests among animals infected with T. gondii and H. hammondi, as well as among animals infected by T. gondii and N. caninum. Infections caused by N. caninum and N. hughesi are almost indistinguishable by serology. Neospora caninum, B. besnoiti and Sarcocystis spp. infections in cattle show some degree of serologic cross-reactivity. Antibody cross-reactivity between Neospora spp. and H. heydorni-infected animals is suspected, but not proven to occur. We review serologic cross-reactivity among animals and/or humans infected with T. gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and B. besnoiti. Emphasis is laid upon antigens and serological methods for N. caninum diagnosis which were tested for cross-reactivity with related protozoa. Species-specific antigens, as well as stage-specific proteins have been identified in some of these parasites and have promising use for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys.
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