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Abdel-Baki AAS, Aboelhadid SM, Abdel-Tawab H, Rocha S, Ahmed M, Al-Quraishy S, Mansour L. Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of Glugea sp. (microsporidia), a parasite of the Red Sea fish Carangoides bajad (Carangidae). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13058. [PMID: 39252569 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13058] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Glugea sp. found infecting the liver of the teleost fish Carangoides bajad from the Red Sea, Egypt, is described based on light microscopy and ultrastructural characteristics combined with phylogenetic analyses. This microsporidium forms whitish xenomas up to ~4 mm in size. Xenomas display numerous parasitophorous vacuoles totally filled by mature spores, no other life cycle stages were observed. Mature spores ellipsoidal and measuring 6.3 × 4.0 μm in size. The polaroplast appears composed of two distinct regions: an electron-dense vesicular region and a densely packed lamellar region. The polar tubule forms approximately 24-27 coils arranged in three layers encircling the posterior vacuole. The small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and its ITS region were sequenced and showed the highest similarity of 99.4% to other Glugea spp. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses place the novel isolate within the Glugea clade, more specifically within a subclade that predominantly grouped species described from fish inhabiting the Arabian Gulf or Red Sea. The results validate the parasite's classification in the Glugea genus. Nevertheless, until more detailed ultrastructural and molecular data are obtained, the identification of the current Glugea species is hampered by the absence of some developmental stages and the high degree of genetic similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shawky M Aboelhadid
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Sónia Rocha
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS/UP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/UP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manal Ahmed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamjed Mansour
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Biodiversity, Parasitology and Ecology of Aquatic Systems, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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2
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López-Verdejo A, Occhibove F, Uberti BD, Montero FE, Santoro M. Mass mortality event of round sardinella Sardinella aurita Valenciennes associated with Glugea Thélohan, 1891 microsporidian infection off the southern Italian coast. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2024:e13995. [PMID: 38953156 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular parasites of the genus Glugea Thélohan, 1891 (Microsporidia) comprise about 34 putative species capable of causing high morbidity and mortality in freshwater and marine teleost fishes. In this study, we report on the first mass mortality event associated with Glugea sp. infecting free-ranging round sardinella Sardinella aurita in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy). Here, we describe the ultrastructure of mature spores of this microsporidian and characterize it molecularly, as well as report its phylogenetic position. Most of the affected fish showed an irregular swelling of its abdomen. At necropsy, a variable number of xenomas, spherical to ellipsoidal in shape, were found in the peritoneal cavity strongly attached to the viscera of all fish. Histological analysis revealed varying severity of chronic inflammation along with occasional necrosis in visceral organs associated with multiple xenoma proliferation. These pathological findings were considered the main cause of this mass mortality event. Morphologically, the present material was closely related to G. sardinellesis and G. thunni. The phylogenetically closest taxa to the newly SSU rDNA sequence were G. thunni and an erroneusly identified G. plecoglossi, which were very closely related to each other, also suggesting that all these sequences might belong to the same species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Verdejo
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Paterna, Spain
| | - Flavia Occhibove
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francisco E Montero
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Paterna, Spain
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Schuster CJ, Marancik DP, Couch CE, Leong C, Edwards JJ, Kaplan RM, Kent ML. A novel neurotropic microsporidium from the swamp guppy Micropoecilia picta from Grenada, West Indies. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2024; 158:133-141. [PMID: 38813854 DOI: 10.3354/dao03789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
A novel microsporidium was observed in wild swamp guppies Micropoecilia picta from Levera Pond within Levera National Park Grenada, West Indies. Initial observations indicated similarity with Pseudoloma neurophilia, an important pathogen in zebrafish Danio rerio. P. neurophilia exhibit broad host specifity, including members of the family Poecillidae, and both parasites infect the central nervous system. However, spore morphology and molecular phylogeny based on rDNA showed that the swamp guppy microsporidium (SGM) is distinct from P. neurophilia and related microsporidia (Microsporidium cerebralis and M. luceopercae). Spores of the SGM were smaller than others in the clade (3.6 µm long). Differences were also noted in histology; the SGM formed large aggregates of spores within neural tissues along with a high incidence of numerous smaller aggregates and single spores within the surface tissue along the ventricular spaces that extended submeninx, whereas P. neurophilia and M. cerebralis infect deep into the neuropile and cause associated lesions. Analysis of small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences showed that the SGM was <93% similar to these related microsporidia. Nevertheless, one of 2 commonly used PCR tests for P. neurophilia cross reacted with tissues infected with SGM. These data suggest that there could be other related microsporidia capable of infecting zebrafish and other laboratory fishes that are not being detected by these highly specific assays. Consequently, exclusive use of these PCR tests may not accurately diagnose other related microsporidia infecting animals in laboratory and ornamental fish facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Schuster
- Department of Natural Science, Heritage University, Toppenish, Washington 98948, USA
| | - D P Marancik
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - C E Couch
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, USA
| | - C Leong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, USA
| | - J J Edwards
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - R M Kaplan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - M L Kent
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, USA
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A new microsporidian parasite, Microsporidium theragrae n. sp., infecting Alaska pollock Gadus chalcogrammus (Teleostei: Gadidae). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2337-2346. [PMID: 35754088 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07579-4] [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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A new microsporidian infecting Gadus chalcogrammus Pallas, 1814 (Gadidae), is described based on morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular studies. This microsporidian parasite develops inside intramuscular spindle-shaped lesions measuring approximately 1-2 mm in width and 4-8 mm in length. Infected cells encapsulated by a host-produced wall containing a sponge-like acellular zone. Sporogony presumably proceeds via segmentation of sporogonial plasmodium, resulting in a variable number of spores. Sporogonial stages develop in sporophorous vesicles (SVs), abutting a moderately electron-dense thick walled coat of a homogeneous amorphous material. SVs space contains rare granular and tubular inclusions. Neighboring SVs often interconnected by bridges of the host cell cytoplasm that were limited by membrane comparable with SV coat. The elongate-ovoid spores, measuring 4.29 ± 0.38 × 2.51 ± 0.26 μm (N 104), possess a bipartite polaroplast and polar tube with 15-16 coils arranged in 2-3 layers. The angle of tilt of the polar tube coils is less than 30°. The sequence analysis of SSU rDNA coding region showed that the studied microsporidians differs from other fish muscle-infecting species at least in 17 bp (2.58%) and is closely related to Microsporidium cypselurus Yokoyama et al. (2002) infecting the flying fish from East China Sea. The parasite is provisionally positioned as Microsporidium theragrae sp. n.
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Encephalitozoon spp. as a potential human pathogen. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2022-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Encephalitzoon spp. are microsporidia, and intracellular opportunistic pathogens. The hosts of these pathogens include vertebrates, invertebrates, and certain protozoa. In people microsporidia may be opportunistic pathogens for immunocompromised patients (with AIDS or after organ transplantation). Infection with these microorganisms was also described in persons with diarrhea and corneal diseases.
The species causing rare infections in humans, Encephalitozooncuniculi, had previously been described from animal hosts. However, several new microsporidial species, including E. intestinalis and E. hellem, have been discovered in humans, raising the question of their natural origin. Vertebrate animals are now identified as hosts for all three microsporidial species infecting humans, implying a zoonotic nature of these microorganisms. Molecular studies have identified phenotypic and/or genetic variability within these species, indicating that they are not uniform, and have allowed the question of their zoonotic potential to be addressed. The focus of this review is to present the zoonotic potential of E. intestinalis, E. cuniculi, and E. hellem.
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López-Verdejo A, Montero FE, de la Gándara F, Gallego MA, Ortega A, Raga JA, Palacios-Abella JF. A severe microsporidian disease in cultured Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus). IMA Fungus 2022; 13:5. [PMID: 35272715 PMCID: PMC8915461 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-022-00090-6] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most promising aquaculture species is the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) with high market value; disease control is crucial to prevent and reduce mortality and monetary losses. Microsporidia (Fungi) are a potential source of damage to bluefin tuna aquaculture. A new microsporidian species is described from farmed bluefin tunas from the Spanish Mediterranean. This new pathogen is described in a juvenile associated with a highly severe pathology of the visceral cavity. Whitish xenomas from this microsporidian species were mostly located at the caecal mass and ranged from 0.2 to 7.5 mm. Light and transmission electron microscopy of the spores revealed mature spores with an average size of 2.2 × 3.9 μm in size and a polar filament with 13-14 coils arranged in one single layer. Phylogenetic analysis clustered this species with the Glugea spp. clade. The morphological characteristics and molecular comparison confirm that this is a novel microsporidian species, Glugea thunni. The direct life-cycle and the severe pathologies observed makes this parasite a hard risk for bluefin tuna cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Verdejo
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain.
| | - Francisco E Montero
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
| | - Fernando de la Gándara
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, 30860, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel A Gallego
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, 30860, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain
| | - Aurelio Ortega
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, 30860, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Raga
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
| | - José F Palacios-Abella
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Science Park, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
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7
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Schuster CJ, Sanders JL, Couch C, Kent ML. Recent Advances with Fish Microsporidia. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:285-317. [PMID: 35544007 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There have been several significant new findings regarding Microsporidia of fishes over the last decade. Here we provide an update on new taxa, new hosts and new diseases in captive and wild fishes since 2013. The importance of microsporidiosis continues to increase with the rapid growth of finfish aquaculture and the dramatic increase in the use of zebrafish as a model in biomedical research. In addition to reviewing new taxa and microsporidian diseases, we include discussions on advances with diagnostic methods, impacts of microsporidia on fish beyond morbidity and mortality, novel findings with transmission and invertebrate hosts, and a summary of the phylogenetics of fish microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin J Schuster
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Justin L Sanders
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Claire Couch
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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8
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Picard-Sánchez A, Piazzon MC, Ahmed NH, Del Pozo R, Sitjà-Bobadilla A, Palenzuela O. Enterospora nucleophila (Microsporidia) in Gilthead Sea Bream ( Sparus aurata): Pathological Effects and Cellular Immune Response in Natural Infections. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:565-576. [PMID: 32527210 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820927707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Enterospora nucleophila is a microsporidian responsible for an emaciative disease in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Its intranuclear development and the lack of in vitro and in vivo models hinder its research. This study investigated the associated lesions, its detection by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the cellular immune response of naturally infected fish. The intensity of infection in the intestine was correlated with stunted growth and reduced body condition. At the beginning of the outbreaks, infection prevalence was highest in intestine and stomach, and in subsequent months, the prevalence decreased in the intestine and increased in hematopoietic organs and stomach. In heavy infections, the intestine had histologic lesions of enterocyte hypercellularity and proliferation of rodlet cells. Infected enterocytes had E. nucleophila spores in the cytoplasm, and a pyknotic nucleus, karyorhexis or karyolysis. Lymphocytes were present at the base of the mucosa, and eosinophilic granule cells were located between the enterocytes. In intestinal submucosa, macrophage aggregates containing spores were surrounded by lymphocytes and granulocytes, with submucosal infiltration of granulocytes. Macrophage aggregates appeared to develop into granulomata with necrotic areas containing parasite remnants. Immunohistochemistry revealed mast cells as the main type of granulocyte involved. Abundant IgM+ and IgT+ cells were identified by in situ hybridization in the submucosa when intracytoplasmic stages were present. This study describes the lesions of E. nucleophila in gilthead sea bream, an important aquaculture species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nahla Hossameldin Ahmed
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Castellón, Spain.,National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Hurghada, Egypt
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Jones SRM, Ahonen H, Taskinen J. Myosporidium ladogensis n. comb. in burbot Lota lota from Finland: fine structure and microsporidian taxonomy. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 139:15-23. [PMID: 32297595 DOI: 10.3354/dao03466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Infections with microsporidian parasites are described in skeletal muscle of burbot Lota lota from Lake Haukivesi, Finland. Infected myocytes contained spores within sporophorous vesicles (SPVs) in contact with host cell cytoplasm, similar to Pleistophora ladogensis in L. lota and smelt Osmerus eperlanus in western Russia and northern Germany. Analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequences indicated identity with Myosporidium spraguei in burbot and pike-perch from this lake. The latter is considered a junior synonym of P. ladogensis. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA sequences resolved the burbot parasite apart from a clade containing the type species P. typicalis, but together with M. merluccius. The parasite is renamed Myosporidium ladogensis (Voronin, 1978) n. comb. Networks of tubular appendages arising from developing meronts and SPVs were associated with degradation of host cell cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon R M Jones
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7, Canada
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Mansour L, Zhang J, Abdel-Haleem HM, Darwish AB, Al-Quraishy S, Abdel-Baki AAS. Ultrastructural description and phylogeny of a novel microsporidian, Glugea eda n. sp. from the striated fusilier, Caesio striata, in the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105331. [PMID: 31923380 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glugea eda n. sp. is described from the mesenteries of the striated fusilier, Caesio striata, collected from the Red Sea coast off Yanbu' al Bahr, Saudi Arabia. Numerous blackish xenomas, ranged from 3 to 5 mm, were found in the body cavity associated with the mesenteries. Mature spores are monomorphic, ellipsoidal with an average size of 5(4-6) μm in length and 2.2 (2-3) μm in width. Observations of the ultrastructure revealed that the development was asynchronous and that the nuclei were isolated throughout the life cycle with uninucleate meronts. Sporoblasts were uninucleated and existed together with sporonts in a fully formed parasitophorous vacuole. The polar filament of the mature spore was isofilar with 24-28 coils, arranged in three rows. Phylogenetic analysis placed the current microsporidia within the clade grouping Glugea species and close to the species described from the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The morphometric and molecular comparison with other members of the genus Glugea evidenced the taxonomic novelty of the present form, suggesting that it should be considered as a new species. To the best of our knowledge, the parasite here described represents the first occurrence of microsporidian infection in the fish of the family Caesionidae.
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Zhang N, Wu R, Ji T, Cui LL, Cao HX, Li D, Li J, Zhang L, Huang C, Zhou DH. Molecular Detection, Multilocus Genotyping, and Population Genetics of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Pigs in Southeastern China. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 67:107-114. [PMID: 31486160 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an important opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in humans and animals that causes diarrhea or fatal diarrhea in immunocompromised hosts. To examine the infection status and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in pigs, 725 fecal samples were collected from pigs in six areas of Fujian Province. The E. bieneusi genotypes were identified based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene by nested PCR, and its population genetics were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The results showed that the infection rate of E. bieneusi was 24.4% (177/725), and 11 known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, CHN-RR2, KIN-1, CHG7, CHS5, CM11, CHG23, G, PigEBITS, and D) and 2 novel genotypes (FJF and FJS) were identified. All the genotypes were found to be clustered into zoonotic Group 1. Moreover, 52 positive samples were successfully amplified at minisatellite and microsatellite loci and formed 48 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Further population structure analyses showed strong genetic linkage disequilibrium (LD) and several recombination events (Rm), indicating that E. bieneusi has a clonal population structure. This study is the first to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in Fujian Province and could provide baseline data to control E. bieneusi infection in pigs and humans and deepen our understanding of the zoonotic risk of E. bieneusi and its distribution in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan, 364012, China
| | - Ran Wu
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ting Ji
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lin-Lin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hao-Xuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- Scientific Research Experiment Center & Laboratory Animal Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan, 364012, China
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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Fariya N. Protocol identification and preservation of myxozoan parasites for microscopy with silver nitrate (Klein's dry) staining technique. Microsc Res Tech 2018; 81:1162-1164. [PMID: 30277291 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present study, discusses a first report of staining techniques with silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) stain for the preservation and identification of myxozoans globally. The silver nitrate stain was used to prepare permanent slide preparation of myxozoans with some adaptations made in our laboratory. Fresh air dried smear were stained with silver nitrate stain ensuing dark brown color polar capsules and light brown color of spore-wall. The stain is everlasting for years differing to other stains like Geimsa, iron-heamotoxylin Zeihl-Neelsen Blue, and trichome stains. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Stains usually fade with time and fail to disclose the morphological characters of the specimen. Present staining method helps to detect less infection in the tissue locating the myxospores. The Klein dry method (1958) is useful and suitable for long term preservation of the myxozoan slides and morphological description.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naireen Fariya
- Parasitology Lab, F. H. M. Division, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, India.,School of Environmental Biology, A.P.S. University, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India
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13
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Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens related to Fungi. These organisms have a unique invasion organelle, the polar tube, which upon appropriate environmental stimulation rapidly discharges out of the spore, pierces a host cell's membrane, and serves as a conduit for sporoplasm passage into the host cell. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that microsporidia are related to the Fungi, being either a basal branch or sister group. Despite the description of microsporidia over 150 years ago, we still lack an understanding of the mechanism of invasion, including the role of various polar tube proteins, spore wall proteins, and host cell proteins in the formation and function of the invasion synapse. Recent advances in ultrastructural techniques are helping to better define the formation and functioning of the invasion synapse. Over the past 2 decades, proteomic approaches have helped define polar tube proteins and spore wall proteins as well as the importance of posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation in the functioning of these proteins, but the absence of genetic techniques for the manipulation of microsporidia has hampered research on the function of these various proteins. The study of the mechanism of invasion should provide fundamental insights into the biology of these ubiquitous intracellular pathogens that can be integrated into studies aimed at treating or controlling microsporidiosis.
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14
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Norris LJ, Watral V, Kent ML. Survival of Bacterial and Parasitic Pathogens from Zebrafish (Danio rerio) After Cryopreservation and Thawing. Zebrafish 2018; 15:188-201. [PMID: 29369747 PMCID: PMC5878546 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a common method used to preserve the sperm of various animal species, and it is widely used with zebrafish (Danio rerio). As with other animals, there is a possibility of paternal pathogen transmission through sperm. We evaluated the ability of five common and important pathogens of zebrafish to survive cryopreservation as used with zebrafish sperm and freezing without cryopreservant. We evaluated Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium marinum, and Edwardsiella ictaluri, each originally isolated from zebrafish, eggs of Pseuodocapillaria tomentosa, and spores of Pseudoloma neurophilia. Each mycobacterial isolate showed relatively minimal reduction in survival after freezing and thawing, particularly when subjected to cryopreservation. E. ictaluri also showed survival after cryopreservation, but exhibited a several log reduction after freezing at -80°C without cryopreservant. With P. neurophilia, two separate experiments conducted 3 years apart yielded very similar results, showing some, but reduced, survival of spores by using three different viability assays: SYTOX stain, Fungi-Fluor stain, and presence of a spore vacuole. Eggs of P. tomentosa showed no survival based on larvation of eggs when subjected to either freezing method. Given that four of the five pathogens exhibited survival after cryopreservation, we recommend that sperm samples or donor male zebrafish fish be tested for pathogens when sperm are to be stored by using cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Norris
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Virginia Watral
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Michael L Kent
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
- 2 Department of Biomedical Science, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
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Zhou QJ, Chai FC, Chen J. First record of Glugea plecoglossi (Takahashi & Egusa, 1977), a microsporidian parasite of ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) in Mainland China. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2018; 41:165-169. [PMID: 28707704 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Q J Zhou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - F C Chai
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - J Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Phylogeny and morphology of Ovipleistophora diplostomuri n. sp. (Microsporidia) with a unique dual-host tropism for bluegill sunfish and the digenean parasite Posthodiplostomum minimum (Strigeatida). Parasitology 2017; 144:1898-1911. [PMID: 28697815 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are diverse opportunistic parasites abundant in aquatic organisms with some species hyperparasitic in digenean parasites. In the current study, we describe a unique microsporidian parasite, Ovipleistophora diplostomuri n. sp. that has a tropism for both the bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus, and its digenean parasite Posthodiplostomum minimum. Though the microsporidium first infects a fish, the subsequent infection causes hypertrophy of the metacercarial wall and degeneration of the P. minimum metacercariae within the fish tissue. Genetic analysis placed this species within Ovipleistophora and ultrastructural characteristics were consistent with the genus, including the presence of dimorphic spores within sporophorous vesicles. Meronts did not have a surface coat of dense material, which has been previously reported for the genus. This is the first Ovipleistophora species described that does not have a tropism for ovary. Genetics demonstrated that O. diplostomuri n. sp. groups closely within fish microsporidia and not other species known to be hyperparasitic in digeneans, suggesting that it evolved from fish-infecting microsporidians and developed a secondary tropism for a common and widespread digenean parasite. The high genetic identity to Ovipleistophora species demonstrates the close relationship of this unique microsporidian with other microsporidia that infect ovary.
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Zhokhov AE, Pugacheva MN, Molodozhnikova NM. Parasites of the invasive goby Proterorhinus semilunaris (pisces: Gobiidae) in Rybinsk Reservoir and checklist of the parasites of gobiids (genus Proterorhinus) in Eurasia. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s2075111717010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Study of Loma acerinae (Microsporidia) detected from three Ponto-Caspian gobies (Gobiidae) in Ukraine. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1453-1462. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5422-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Xu LW, Liu XH, Zhang JY, Liu GF, Feng J. Outbreak of enteric microsporidiosis of hatchery-bred juvenile groupers, Epinephelus spp., associated with a new intranuclear microporidian in China. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2017; 40:183-189. [PMID: 27593948 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A new enteric microsporidian was found to be associated with the mass mortality of hatchery-bred juvenile groupers, Epinephelus spp., in China. The outbreak usually occurred during the rainy season between May and November when water temperature ranged from 26 to 30 °C and salinity from 28 to 34 ppt, although this microsporidian can be detected year round. External clinical signs included severe emaciation, white faeces syndrome, anorexia, sinking to the bottom of culture ponds and mass mortality (up to 90%). Upon necropsy, severe intestinal oedema and thin and transparent intestinal wall could be observed. The mature spores are tiny, measuring 1.3-1.5 (1.35 ± 0.13) × 1.6-2.4 (2.16 ± 0.31) μm and can be found in the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm of most enteric epithelial cells of host. Epidemiological investigation showed that this species was distributed throughout most of the culture area of grouper fingerlings in Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan and Guangxi provinces in China, with maximum prevalence of 95%. Molecular analysis based on the partial small subunit rRNA sequence (1045 bp) placed this species within the Enterocytozoonidae, but sequence identities to other species were below 90%. The exact taxonomic position warrants study of the ultrastructural characteristics of the developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-W Xu
- Key Laboratory for Exploitation & Utilization of Marine Fisheries Resource in South China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Tropical Aquaculture Research and Development Center, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - X-H Liu
- Fish Diseases Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - J-Y Zhang
- Fish Diseases Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - G-F Liu
- Key Laboratory for Exploitation & Utilization of Marine Fisheries Resource in South China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Tropical Aquaculture Research and Development Center, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Feng
- Key Laboratory for Exploitation & Utilization of Marine Fisheries Resource in South China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Tropical Aquaculture Research and Development Center, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Ultrastructural characterization of Pleistophora macrozoarcidis Nigerelli 1946 (Microsporidia) infecting the ocean pout Macrozoarces americanus (Perciformes, Zoarcidae) from the gulf of Maine, MA, USA. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:61-71. [PMID: 27663244 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pleistophora macrozoarcidis a microsporidian parasite infecting the muscle tissue of the ocean pout Macrozoarces americanus collected from the Gulf of Maine of the Atlantic Ocean, MA, USA, was morphologically described on the basis of ultrastructural features. Infection was detected as opaque white or rusty brown lesions scattered throughout the musculature of the fish mainly in the region anterior to anus. Transmission electron microscopy showed that in individual parasitized muscle cells, the infection progresses within parasite formed vesicles which are in direct contact with muscle cell elements. The earliest observed parasitic stages are the globular multinucleated proliferative cells or plasmodia limited by a highly tortuous plasmalemma with intervesicular finger-like digitations projecting into the parasite cytoplasm. These cells divided through the invagination of the plasmalemma and the amorphous coat producing daughter-cells. Fine electron-dense secretion is deposited on the plasmalemma that causes its thickening which is a sign of commencement of the sporogonic phase. This phase is carried out by cytokinesis of the sporonts and results in the formation of sporoblasts and finally spores. Mature spore has a thin electron-dense exospore, a thick electron-lucent endospore, and the plasma membrane which encloses the spore contents. A single nucleus is centrally located with the posterior region containing a posterior vacuole. The majority of spores have 7-13 coils in 1-2 rows, and a small group of spores had about 23 coils forming two rows. Events of polar filament extrusion for penetration of uninfected cells were studied. The polaroplast membranes were expanded and occupy most of the length of the spore. The coils are dislocated from the sides of the spore to throughout the entire sporoplasm. The polar filament everts and extrudes through the polar cap with a sufficient force to pierce adjacent sporophorous vesicle walls. After eversion, the polar filament is referred to as a polar tubule, as it forms a tube through which the sporoplasm travels. It pierces anything in its path and deposits the sporoplasm at a new location to begin another infective cycle.
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21
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Jones SRM, Ahonen HS, Granlund L, Arsiola T, Taskinen J. Two Novel Microsporidia in Skeletal Muscle of Pike-Perch Sander lucioperca and Burbot Lota lota in Finland. J Parasitol 2016; 103:95-102. [PMID: 27650692 DOI: 10.1645/16-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two new species of Microsporidia were recognized in skeletal muscle of freshwater fishes from Finland. Myosporidium spraguei n. sp. from pike-perch Sander lucioperca occurred as mature spores within sporophorous vesicles (SPVs) within a xenoma. The ovoid spores were 3.8 μm long and 2.4 μm wide, based on transmission electron micrographs (TEM). The exospore and endospore were equally thick, the nucleus was monokaryotic and the polar filament was isofilar with 12 coils in a single rank, entirely adjacent to the prominent posterior vacuole. Small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequence confirmed the presence of M. spraguei n. sp. in burbot Lota lota . The second species, Microsporidium luciopercae n. sp., also from pike-perch, occurred within SPVs that occupied only a fraction of the volume of the otherwise intact myocyte; no xenoma was produced. Myocyte degeneration and necrosis occurred as mature spores dispersed into direct contact with the sarcoplasm. The ovoid spores were 4.6 μm long and 2.8 μm wide (based on TEM); they were monokaryotic and the polar filament was isofilar with 25 coils in a single rank in the posterior of the spore. The exospore was relatively thin with an irregular profile. Neither infection elicited an inflammatory response, although degenerate spores were observed within host cells, suggesting phagocytosis. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU sequences placed both organisms on distinct clades within the Marinosporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R M Jones
- Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - H S Ahonen
- Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - L Granlund
- Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - T Arsiola
- Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - J Taskinen
- Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6N7, Canada
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22
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Costa G, Melo-Moreira E, de Carvalho MAP. Occurrence of microsporidians Glugea hertwigi and Pleistophora ladogensis, in smelt Osmerus eperlanus from two German rivers, North Sea coast. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2016; 121:49-57. [PMID: 27596859 DOI: 10.3354/dao03040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Monthly samples of smelt Osmerus eperlanus (Linnaeus, 1758) were collected from July 1985 to May 1986, in the river Elbe (Germany), and examined for infections with microsporidians. Two microsporidians were found: Glugea hertwigi Weissenberg, 1911, infecting the digestive tract and Pleistophora ladogenis Voronin, 1978, infecting the skeletal musculature. G. hertwigi infection led to the formation of xenomas, whereas P. ladogensis was characterized by diffuse infections, with the production of macroscopic visible thread-like or oval-shaped infection foci. Development of G. hertwigi in the host cells showed characteristics typical of the genus Glugea. The ultrastructural development of P. ladogensis showed features typical of the genus Pleistophora, without evidence of the production of 2 types of spores. Host reaction consisted of inflammatory tissue surrounding some of the infection foci as well as phagocytosis of spores. G. hertwigi was only found in juvenile smelt (<10 cm in length), whereas P. ladogensis infected smelts from 6 to 26 cm in length. Prevalence increased with fish length to a maximum value of 9.6%. Seasonal fluctuations in prevalence of infection were also found, with the lowest value in the winter months (2.5% in January 1986) and the highest in summer (11.8% in July 1985). The differences in prevalence of infection with fish length and date of sampling were significant. Additionally, samples of smelt caught in April 1986 from the rivers Eider and Ems revealed infections with P. ladogensis in the first river system only.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Costa
- Estação de Biologia Marinha do Funchal, Promenade Orla Marítima do Funchal, 9000-107 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
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Frenette AP, Eydal M, Hansen H, Burt MDB, Duffy MS. Integrative Approach for the Reliable Detection and Specific Identification of the Microsporidium Loma morhua in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2016; 64:67-77. [PMID: 27317934 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are fungal parasites that infect diverse invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Finfish aquaculture supports epizootics due to high host density and the high biotic potential of these parasites. Reliable methods for parasite detection and identification are a necessary precursor to empirical assessment of strategies to mitigate the effects of these pathogens during aquaculture. We developed an integrative approach to detect and identify Loma morhua infecting Atlantic cod. We show that the spleen is more reliable than the commonly presumed gills as best organ for parasite detection in spite of substantial morphological plasticity in xenoma complexes. We developed rDNA primers with 100% sensitivity in detecting L. morhua and with utility in distinguishing some congeneric Loma species. ITS sequencing is necessary to distinguish L. morhua from other congeneric microsporidia due to intraspecific nucleotide variation. 64% of L. morhua ITS variants from Atlantic cod have a 9-nucleotide motif that distinguishes it from Loma spp. infecting non-Gadus hosts. The remaining 36% of ITS variants from Atlantic cod are distinguished from currently represented Loma spp., particularly those infecting Gadus hosts, based on a 14-nucleotide motif. This research approach is amenable to developing templates in support of reliable detection and identification of other microsporidian parasites in fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Frenette
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Matthías Eydal
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Haakon Hansen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevalsveien 68, Pb 750 Sentrum, N-0106, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael D B Burt
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Michael S Duffy
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
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Casal G, Rocha S, Costa G, Al-Quraishy S, Azevedo C. Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of Glugea serranus n. sp., a microsporidian infecting the blacktail comber, Serranus atricauda (Teleostei: Serranidae), in the Madeira Archipelago (Portugal). Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3963-72. [PMID: 27287485 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A new microsporidian infecting the connective tissue of the coelomic cavity of the blacktail comber Serranus atricauda, in the Madeira Archipelago (Portugal), is described on the basis of morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular features. The microsporidian formed large whitish xenomas adhering to the peritoneal visceral organs of the host. Each xenoma consisted of a single hypertrophic cell, in the cytoplasm of which mature spores proliferated within parasitophorous vacuoles surrounded by numerous collagen fibers. Mature spores were ellipsoidal and uninucleated, measuring an average of 6.5 ± 0.5 μm in length and 3.4 ± 0.6 μm in width. The anchoring disk of the polar filament was subterminal, laterally shifted from the anterior pole of the spore. The isofilar polar filament coiled in 18-19 turns, forming two rows that surrounded the posterior vacuole. The latter occupied about one third of the spore length. The polaroplast surrounding the apical and uncoiled portion of the polar filament displayed two distinct regions: a lamellar region and an electron-dense globule. Molecular analysis of the rRNA genes, including the internal transcribed spacer region, and phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood and neighbor joining demonstrated that this microsporidian parasite clustered with some Glugea species. Based on the differences found both at the morphological and molecular levels, to other members of the genus Glugea, the microsporidian infecting the blacktail comber is considered a new species, thus named Glugea serranus n. sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Casal
- Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/UP), University of Porto, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS/UP), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Rocha
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/UP), University of Porto, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS/UP), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Graça Costa
- Marine Biological Station of Funchal, University of Madeira, 9000-107, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Azevedo
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/UP), University of Porto, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS/UP), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Ryan JA, Kohler SL. Distribution, prevalence, and pathology of a microsporidian infecting freshwater sculpins. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2016; 118:195-206. [PMID: 27025307 DOI: 10.3354/dao02974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidian infections are common in many fish species, yet detailed studies of these parasites in ecologically important wild populations are rare. Phylogenetic analysis using rDNA sequence data and parasite morphology indicate that mottled sculpin Cottus bairdii and slimy sculpin C. cognatus are hosts for Glugea sp. microsporidia in the northern USA. Glugea sp. is common in the Michigan populations sampled for this study, and prevalence was ≥ 70% in 4 of 6 infected populations (range -4 to 80%). Glugea sp. infection causes the formation of xenomas associated with the body wall, fat body, gonads, and kidneys. Infections range from mild to very heavy, with variable xenoma numbers and sizes. Female sculpin experience heavier infections and more frequent infection of the gonads relative to males. Glugea sp. is transmitted horizontally between hosts through ingestion of spores. Vertical transmission may also be possible, either by spores infecting eggs directly or by spores contaminating the surface of eggs in the ovary or in the nest. The frequency and route of vertical transmission requires further study, but if it occurs, it may partly explain the high prevalence of infection. Our study combined with previous research suggests that additional molecular data and cross-infection experiments should be conducted to clarify species designations in the genus Glugea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Ryan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5410, USA
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Gillett AK, Ploeg R, O’Donoghue PJ, Chapman PA, Webb RI, Flint M, Mills PC. Ultrastructural and Molecular Characterisation of an Heterosporis-Like Microsporidian in Australian Sea Snakes (Hydrophiinae). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150724. [PMID: 27007116 PMCID: PMC4805256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Four sea snakes (two Hydrophis major, one Hydrophis platurus, one Hydrophis elegans) were found washed ashore on different beaches in the Sunshine Coast region and Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia between 2007–2013. Each snake had multiple granulomas and locally extensive regions of pallor evident in the hypaxial and intercostal musculature along the body. Lesions in two individuals were also associated with vertebral and rib fractures. Histological examination revealed granulomas scattered throughout skeletal muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue and fractured bone. These were composed of dense aggregates of microsporidian spores surrounded by a mantle of macrophages. Sequences (ssrRNA) were obtained from lesions in three sea snakes and all revealed 99% similarity with Heterosporis anguillarum from the Japanese eel (Anguillarum japonica). However, ultrastructural characteristics of the organism were not consistent with those of previous descriptions. Electron microscopic examination of skeletal muscle revealed large cysts (not xenomas) bound by walls of fibrillar material (Heterosporis-like sporophorocyst walls were not detected). The cysts contained numerous mature microsporidian spores arranged in small clusters, sometimes apparently within sporophorous vesicles. The microspores were monomorphic, oval and measured 2.5–3.0 μm by 1.6–1.8 μm. They contained isofilar polar filaments with 11 (infrequently 9–12) coils arranged in two ranks. This is the first published report of a microsporidian infection in hydrophiid sea snakes. This discovery shows microsporidia with molecular affinities to Heterosporis anguillarum but ultrastructural characters most consistent with the genus Pleistophora (but no hitherto described species). Further studies are required to determine whether the microsporidian presented here belongs to the genus Heterosporis, or to a polymorphic species group as suggested by the recognition of a robust Pleistophora/Heterosporis clade by molecular studies. The gross and histological pathology associated with these infections are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber K. Gillett
- Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J. O’Donoghue
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Phoebe A. Chapman
- Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard I. Webb
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Flint
- Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, The Florida Aquarium’s Centre for Conservation, Apollo Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Mills
- Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Azevedo C, Abdel-Baki AAS, Rocha S, Al-Quraishy S, Casal G. Ultrastructure and phylogeny of Glugea arabica n. sp. (Microsporidia), infecting the marine fish Epinephelus polyphekadion from the Red Sea. Eur J Protistol 2016; 52:11-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Microsporidiosis in Vertebrate Companion Exotic Animals. J Fungi (Basel) 2015; 2:jof2010003. [PMID: 29376921 PMCID: PMC5753084 DOI: 10.3390/jof2010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians caring for companion animals may encounter microsporidia in various host species, and diagnosis and treatment of these fungal organisms can be particularly challenging. Fourteen microsporidial species have been reported to infect humans and some of them are zoonotic; however, to date, direct zoonotic transmission is difficult to document versus transit through the digestive tract. In this context, summarizing information available about microsporidiosis of companion exotic animals is relevant due to the proximity of these animals to their owners. Diagnostic modalities and therapeutic challenges are reviewed by taxa. Further studies are needed to better assess risks associated with animal microsporidia for immunosuppressed owners and to improve detection and treatment of infected companion animals.
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Ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of Pleistophora hyphessobryconis (Microsporidia) infecting hybrid jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus × Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) in a Brazilian aquaculture facility. Parasitology 2015; 143:41-9. [PMID: 26522338 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A microsporidian infecting the skeletal muscle of hybrid jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus × Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) in a commercial aquaculture facility in Brazil is described. Affected fish exhibited massive infections in the skeletal muscle that were characterized by large opaque foci throughout the affected fillets. Histologically, skeletal muscle was replaced by inflammatory cells and masses of microsporidial developmental stages. Generally pyriform spores had a wrinkled bi-layer spore wall and measured 4·0 × 6·0 µm. Multinucleate meronts surrounded by a simple plasma membrane were observed. The polar filament had an external membrane and a central electron dense mass. The development of sporoblasts within a sporophorous vesicle appeared synchronized. Ultrastructural observations and molecular analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that the microsporidian was Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. This study is the first report of a P. hyphessobryconis infection in a non-ornamental fish.
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Lallo MA, Vidoto Da Costa LF, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Rocha PRD, Spadacci-Morena DD, Konno FTDC, Suffredini IB. Culture and propagation of microsporidia of veterinary interest. J Vet Med Sci 2015; 78:171-6. [PMID: 26346746 PMCID: PMC4785104 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.15-0401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular mitochrondria-lacking pathogens that rely on host cells to grow and
multiply. Microsporidia, currently classified as fungi, are ubiquitous in nature and are found worldwide. They
infect a large number of mammals and are recognized as opportunistic infection agents in HIV-AIDS patients.
Its importance for veterinary medicine has been unveiled in recent years through the description of clinical
and subclinical forms of infection in domestic and wild animals. Domestic and wild birds may be infected by
the same human microsporidia, reinforcing their zoonotic potential. Microsporidiosis in fish is prevalent and
causes significant economic losses for fish farming. Some species of microsporidia have been propagated in
cell cultures, which may provide conditions for the development of diagnostic techniques, understanding of
pathogenesis and immune responses and for the discovery of potential therapies. Unfortunately, the cultivation
of these parasites is not fully standardized in most research laboratories, especially in the veterinary
field. The aim of this review is to relate the most important microsporidia of veterinary interest and
demonstrate how these pathogens can be grown and propagated in cell culture for diagnostic purposes or for
pathogenesis studies. Cultivation of microsporidia allowed the study of its life cycle, metabolism,
pathogenesis and diagnosis, and may also serve as a repository for these pathogens for molecular, biochemical,
antigenic and epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anete Lallo
- Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abdel-Baki AAS, Al-Quraishy S, Rocha S, Dkhil MA, Casal G, Azevedo C. Ultrastructure and phylogeny of Glugea nagelia sp. n. (Microsporidia: Glugeidae), infecting the intestinal wall of the yellowfin hind, Cephalopholis hemistiktos (Actinopterygii: Serranidae), from the Red Sea. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Palenzuela O, Redondo MJ, Cali A, Takvorian PM, Alonso-Naveiro M, Alvarez-Pellitero P, Sitjà-Bobadilla A. A new intranuclear microsporidium, Enterospora nucleophila n. sp., causing an emaciative syndrome in a piscine host (Sparus aurata), prompts the redescription of the family Enterocytozoonidae. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:189-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Richter B, Graner I, Csokai J. Heterosporis anguillarum Infection in a Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). J Comp Pathol 2014; 150:332-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Morphological and phylogenetic description of a new xenoma-inducing microsporidian, Microsporidium aurata nov. sp., parasite of the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata from the Red Sea. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3905-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Parasitism, aptly defined as one of the 'living-together' strategies (Trager, 1986), presents a dynamic system in which the parasite and its host are under evolutionary pressure to evolve new and specific adaptations, thus enabling the coexistence of the two closely interacting partners. Microsporidia are very frequently encountered obligatory intracellular protistan parasites that can infect both animals and some protists and are a consummate example of various aspects of the 'living-together' strategy. Microsporidia, relatives of fungi in the superkingdom Opisthokonta, belong to the relatively small group of parasites for which the host cell cytoplasm is the site of both reproduction and maturation. The structural and physiological reduction of their vegetative stage, together with the manipulation of host cell physiology, enables microsporidia to live in the cytosolic environment for most of their life cycle in a way resembling endocytobionts. The ability to form structurally complex spores and the invention and assembly of a unique injection mechanism enable microsporidia to disperse within host tissues and between host organisms, resulting in long-lasting infections. Microsporidia have adapted their genomes to the intracellular way of life, evolved strategies how to obtain nutrients directly from the host and how to manipulate not only the infected cells, but also the hosts themselves. The enormous variability of host organisms and their tissues provide microsporidian parasites a virtually limitless terrain for diversification and ecological expansion. This review attempts to present a general overview of microsporidia, emphasising some less known and/or more recently discovered facets of their biology.
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Ultrastructural and molecular studies of Microgemma carolinus n. sp. (Microsporidia), a parasite of the fish Trachinotus carolinus (Carangidae) in Southern Brazil. Parasitology 2012; 139:1720-8. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012001011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYA new species of Microsporidia Microgemma carolinus n. sp. found in the marine teleost Trachinotus carolinus collected in Florianópolis, Brazil was described based on light, ultrastructural and phylogenetic studies. This parasite developed in the liver forming whitish xenomas that contained different developmental stages with monokaryotic nuclei. The periphery of the xenoma presented some vacuolization and possessed several small projections in the membrane. The mature spores, measuring 3·8 ± 0·4 μm in length and 2·4 ± 0·4 μm in width, were slightly pyriform to ellipsoidal and had rounded ends. The polaroplast was bipartite and the isofilar polar filament was coiled with 8 – 9 turns in a single or double row at the posterior end of the spore. The nucleus was voluminous and in a central position, measuring ∼0·9 μm in diameter. A large posterior vacuole appeared as a pale area, occupying about a third of the spore length. The SSU rRNA gene was sequenced and analysed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and neighbour-joining methods. This study allowed us to conclude that this was a new species of the genus Microgemma, being the first description of this genus from among South America fauna.
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Ultrastructure, development, and molecular phylogeny of Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, a broad host microsporidian parasite of Puntius tetrazona. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1715-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ultrastructure and molecular phylogenetics of a new isolate of Pleistophora pagri sp. nov. (Microsporidia, Pleistophoridae) from Pagrus pagrus in Egypt. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1587-97. [PMID: 22773009 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The spore morphology and molecular systematic of a new microsporidian which was isolated from the common sea bream Pagrus pagrus (F: Sparidae Linnaeus, 1758) from the Red Sea, Egypt have been studied. Fifty-six out of 300 (18.7%) of this fish were infected with microsporidian parasites. The infection was appeared as whitish, ellipsoid, round, or elongated nodules embedded in the epithelial lining of the peritoneum and also in the intestinal epithelium. Light microscopic study revealed that nodules were encapsulated by a fibrous layer encircling numerous mature spores measuring 1.7 ± 0.6 (1.5-2.7 μm) × 1.5 ± 0.3 μm (1.2-1.8 μm) in size. Ultrastructure of spores was characteristic for the genus Pleistophora: dimorphic, uninucleate spores (each spore possesses three to five polar filament coils) and a posterior vacuole. Also, the early recognizable stages of the parasite within nodules include uninucleated, binucleated, and multinucleated meronts followed by detachment of the plasmalemma of the sporont producing sporoblasts which mature to spores that consist of a spore coat and spore contents. Also, we analyzed the small subunit ribosomal gene (SSUrDNA) using PCR and sequencing specimens from the marine populations of P. pagrus fish from the Red Sea. From blast searches, sequence analysis, and phylogenetic analysis, we did not find corresponding GenBank entries to our species. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences showed that the sequence of our microsporidium was most similar to five Pleistophora species with degrees of identity (>91.5%). It was most similar (97.8% identity) to that of Pleistophora hyphessobryconis (account no. GU126672) differing in 19 nucleotide positions and with lower divergence value, Pleistophora ovariae (96.2% identity, account no. AJ252955), Pleistophora hippoglossoideos (91.9% identity, account no. AJ252953), Pleistophora mulleri (91.9% identity, account no. EF119339), and Pleistophora typicalis (91.9% identity, account no. AJ252956). So, they likely represent new species named Pleistophora pagri sp. n. with accession number JF797622 and a GC content of 53%.
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Evaluation of some physical and chemical treatments for inactivating microsporidian spores isolated from fish. Int J Food Microbiol 2012; 156:152-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Morphological and ultrastructural description of Pleistophora dammami sp. n. infecting the intestinal wall of Saurida undosquamis from the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:413-8. [PMID: 22374307 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2855-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Pleistophora dammami sp. n. is described from Saurida undosquamis from the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia. Infection appeared as whitish cysts in the intestinal wall. Cysts ranged in size from 1 to 4 mm. The prevalence of the infection across both fish sexes was 17.5% (24/420). Two kinds of spores were recognized, microspores and macrospores, and each were ovoid in shape. The microspores measured ~2.5 × 2.0 μm in size, while the macrospores measured ~6.0 × 3.0 μm. Ultrastructurally, the parasite did not form xenoma but it formed cysts surrounded by thick cyst wall. All stages of development as meronts, sporonts, sporoblast and spores occurred in the cytoplasm of the host cells within sporophorous vesicles. The stages of development occurred asynchronously and thus all stages were randomly distributed within the cysts. Meronts were elliptical and multinucleated, with unpaired nuclei which constantly divided giving rise to new sporonts. During the transition to sporonts, the border of the meronts increased in thickness to form dense discontinuous cell coat. Later, the sporont divided into sporoblast cells which gradually differentiated the typical organelles of the spores. In mature spores, the polar filament was arranged in 20-24 coils in two rows either side of the posterior vacuole. All ultrastructural and morphological criteria indicate that the described species belongs to the genus Pleistophora.
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Casal G, Clemente SCS, Matos P, Knoff M, Matos E, Abdel-Baki AA, Azevedo C. Redefining the genus Spraguea based on ultrastructural and phylogenetic data from Spraguea gastrophysus n. sp. (phylum Microsporidia), a parasite found in Lophius gastrophysus (Teleostei) from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:79-88. [PMID: 22223036 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2803-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ultrastructure of the fish-infecting microsporidium Spraguea gastrophysus found in the dorsal ganglia and kidney of the anglerfish, Lophius gastrophysus (family Lophiidae) collected on the Brazilian Atlantic coast is described. Each whitish xenoma (up to 3.1 × 1.8 mm) contains several groups of parasites. The host cells are hypertrophied and contain various parasite life stages including mature spores and several developmental stages with unpaired nuclei. Monomorphic spores are ellipsoidal, lightly curved and measure about 3.35 × 1.71 μm. The spore contains a gradually tapering isofilar polar filament with five to six coils arranged in a single row. The nucleus occupies a central zone of the sporoplasm where also several polyribosomes are presented. The posterior vacuole contains a voluminous spherical and granular posterosome measuring up to ~0.65 μm in diameter. The partial small subunit, intergenic spacer and partial large subunit rRNA gene were sequenced and the phylogenetic analysis places the microsporidian described here in the clade that includes all sequences of the Spraguea genus. The ultrastructural morphology of the xenoma and the spores of this microsporidian parasite, as well as the molecular and phylogenetic analysis, suggest the description of a new species. A redefining of the genus Spraguea is also done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Casal
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS/UP), Lg. A. Salazar no. 2, 4099-003, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Pseudoloma neurophilia (Microsporidia) is the most common pathogen detected in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from research facilities. The parasite infects the central nervous system and muscle and may be associated with emaciation and skeletal deformities. However, many fish exhibit subclinical infections. Another microsporidium, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, has recently been detected in a few zebrafish facilities. Here, we review the methods for diagnosis and detection, modes of transmission, and approaches used to control microsporidia in zebrafish, focusing on P. neurophilia. The parasite can be readily transmitted by feeding spores or infected tissues, and we show that cohabitation with infected fish is also an effective means of transmission. Spores are released from live fish in various manners, including through the urine, feces, and sex products during spawning. Indeed, P. neurophilia infects both the eggs and ovarian tissues, where we found concentrations ranging from 12,000 to 88,000 spores per ovary. Hence, various lines of evidence support the conclusion that maternal transmission is a route of infection: spores are numerous in ovaries and developing follicles in infected females, spores are present in spawned eggs and water from spawning tanks based on polymerase chain reaction tests, and larvae are very susceptible to the infection. Furthermore, egg surface disinfectants presently used in zebrafish laboratories are ineffective against microsporidian spores. At this time, the most effective method for prevention of these parasites is avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Sanders
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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Cali A, Kent M, Sanders J, Pau C, Takvorian PM. Development, ultrastructural pathology, and taxonomic revision of the Microsporidial genus, Pseudoloma and its type species Pseudoloma neurophilia, in skeletal muscle and nervous tissue of experimentally infected zebrafish Danio rerio. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2011; 59:40-8. [PMID: 22092657 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2011.00591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia was initially reported to infect the central nervous system of zebrafish causing lordosis and eventually death. Subsequently, muscle tissue infections were also identified. To understand the infection process, development, and ultrastructural pathology of this microsporidium, larval and adult zebrafish were fed P. neurophilia spores. Spores were detected in the larval fish digestive tract 3-h postexposure (PE). By 4.5-d PE, developing parasite stages were identified in muscle tissue. Wet preparations of larvae collected at 8-d PE showed aggregates of spores in the spinal cord adjacent to the notochord. All parasite stages, including spores, were present in the musculature of larval fish 8-d PE. Adult zebrafish sacrificed 45-d PE had fully developed infections in nerves. Ultrastructural study of the developmental cycle of P. neurophilia revealed that proliferative stages undergo karyokinesis, producing tetranucleate stages that then divide into uninucleate cells. The plasmalemma of proliferative cells has a previously unreported glycocalyx-like coat that interfaces with the host cell cytoplasm. Sporogonic stages form sporophorous vacuoles (SPOV) derived from the plasmalemmal dense surface coat, which "blisters" off sporonts. Uninucleate sporoblasts and spores develop in the SPOV. The developmental cycle is identical in both nerve and muscle. The SPOV surface is relatively thick and is the outermost parasite surface entity; thus, xenomas are not formed. Based on the new information provided by this study, the taxonomic description of the genus Pseudoloma and its type species, P. neurophilia, is modified and its life cycle described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Cali
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA.
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Abdel-Ghaffar F, Bashtar AR, Morsy K, Mehlhorn H, Al Quraishy S, Al-Rasheid K, Abdel-Gaber R. Morphological and molecular biological characterization of Pleistophora aegyptiaca sp. nov. infecting the Red Sea fish Saurida tumbil. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:741-52. [PMID: 21858478 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2597-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
One hundred three out of 225 (45.8%) of the Red Sea fish Saurida tumbil were infected with microsporidian parasites. The infection was recorded as tumor-like masses (whitish macroscopic cysts) or xenomas often up to 2 cm in diameter and embedded in the peritoneal cavity. Generally, the infection was increased during winter 63.8% (86 out of 135) and fall to 18.9% (17 out of 90) in summer. Light microscopic study revealed that xenomas were encapsulated by a fibrous layer encircling numerous sporophorous vesicles filled with mature spores measuring 1.7 ± 0.6 (1.5-2.7 μm) × 1.5 ± 0.3 μm (1.2-1.8 μm) in size. Ultrastructural microscopic study showed the presence of smooth membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum forming a thick, amorphous coat surrounding various developmental stages of the parasite. The various recognizable stages of the parasite were uninuclear, binucleated, and multinucleated meronts followed by detachment of the plasmalemma of the sporont from the sporophorous vesicle producing sporoblasts. Mature spores consist of a spore coat and spore contents. The spore contents consist of the uninucleated sporoplasm and a posterior vacuole located at the posterior end. The polar tube consists of a straight shaft and a coiled region (26-32 coils) arranged in many rows along the inside periphery of the spore. The polaroplast consisted of an anterior region of closely and loosely packed membranes. Molecular analysis based on the small subunit rDNA gene was performed to determine the phylogenetic position of the present species. The percentage identity between this species and a range of other microsporidia predominantly from aquatic hosts demonstrated a high degree of similarity (>92%) with eight Pleistophora species. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences and divergence showed that the sequence of the present microsporidium was most similar to that of Pleistophora anguillarum (99.8% identity) differing in 13 nucleotide positions. So, the present species was recorded and phylogenetically positioned as a new species of Pleistophora.
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Casal G, Matos E, Teles-Grilo L, Azevedo C. Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of a new microsporidium parasite from the Amazonian fish, Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni (Rhamphichthyidae). J Parasitol 2011; 96:1155-63. [PMID: 21158628 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2182.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A new species of a microsporidium found in the freshwater teleost Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni, collected on the lower Amazon River, is described based on light, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic studies. This parasite develops in the skeletal muscle of the abdominal cavity, forming whitish cyst-like structures containing numerous spores. Mature spores, lightly pyriform to ellipsoidal with rounded ends and measuring 4.25 ± 0.38 × 2.37 ± 0.42 µm (n = 30), were observed. The spore wall, which measured about 102 nm, was composed of 2 layers with approximately the same thickness. The isofilar polar filament was coiled, with 9-10 (rarely 8) turns. The posterior vacuole appeared as a pale area, occupying about 1/3 of the spore length, and contained a spherical posterosome composed of granular material that was denser at the periphery. The myofibrils located near the spores appeared to be in advanced degradation. Molecular analysis of the rRNA genes, including the ITS region, and phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Baysesian inference were performed. The ultrastructural characteristics of the spores and the phylogenetic data strongly suggested that it is a new species related to Kabatana, Microgemma, Potaspora, Spraguea, and Tetramicra. We named this new microsporidian from Amazonian fauna as Kabatana rondoni n. sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Casal
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS) and Laboratory of Pathology, Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Lg. Abel Salazar no. 2, P-4099-003 Porto, Portugal
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Carballo MC, Navone GT, Cremonte F. Parasites of the Silversides Odontesthes smitti and Odontesthes nigricans (Pisces: Atherinopsidae) from Argentinean Patagonia. COMP PARASITOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1654/4445.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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47
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BROWN AMANDAMV, KENT MICHAELL, ADAMSON MARTINL. Description of Five New Loma (Microsporidia) Species in Pacific Fishes with Redesignation of the Type Species Loma morhua Morrison & Sprague, 1981, Based on Morphological and Molecular Species-Boundaries Tests. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2010; 57:529-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2010.00508.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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48
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NYLUND STIAN, NYLUND ARE, WATANABE KUNINORI, ARNESEN CARLE, KARLSBAKK EGIL. Paranucleospora theridionn. gen., n. sp. (Microsporidia, Enterocytozoonidae) with a Life Cycle in the Salmon Louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Copepoda) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2010; 57:95-114. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2009.00451.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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49
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Ultrastructure, development, and host–parasite relationship of a new species of the genus Pleistophora—a microsporidian parasite of the marine fish Epinephelus chlorostignei. Parasitol Res 2009; 106:39-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1633-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Accepted: 08/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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50
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Casal G, Matos E, Teles-Grilo ML, Azevedo C. Morphological and genetical description of Loma psittaca sp. n. isolated from the Amazonian fish species Colomesus psittacus. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:1261-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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