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Gomes-de-Sá S, Barradas P, Queirós-Reis L, Matas IM, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Muñoz-Mérida A, Mesquita JR. De Novo Assembly of the Dirofilaria immitis Genome by Long-Read Nanopore-Based Sequencing Technology on an Adult Worm from a Canine Cardiopulmonary Dirofilariosis Case. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111342. [PMID: 35681811 PMCID: PMC9179477 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dirofilaria immitis is a zoonotic parasite that infects canids and other vertebrates. We expanded the use of long-read nanopore-based sequencing technology by performing genomic de novo assembly of a D. immitis specimen retrieved from a canine cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis case by using the ONT MinION platform. We also identified loci previously characterized as being associated to macrocyclic lactone resistance selection pressure. The identification of a resistant zoonotic parasite alerts for the overuse of macrocyclic lactone in the region. Abstract Dirofilaria immitis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode that infects domestic and wild canids, among its vertebrate hosts. The genetic analysis of D. immitis nowadays transcends the need for genetic taxonomy of nematodes, such as the study of resistance to macrocyclic lactone. We expanded the use of long-read nanopore-based sequencing technology on nematodes by performing genomic de novo assembly of a D. immitis specimen retrieved from a canine cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis case using the ONT MinION platform, followed by the study of macrocyclic lactone resistance. The assembled genome of D. immitis consists of 110 contigs with an N50 of 3687191. The genome size is 87899012 and contains a total of 9741 proteins; 6 ribosomal RNAs, with three belonging to the small subunit (18S) and three to the large subunit (28S); and 73 tRNAs. Subsequent analysis of six loci previously characterized as being associated to macrocyclic lactone resistance selection pressure showed that four have a genotype associated with either some loss of efficacy or the resistance phenotype. Considering the zoonotic potential of D. immitis, the identification of a resistant parasite alerts for the overuse of macrocyclic lactone in the region, which poses a potential risk to both veterinary and human public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
| | - Patrícia Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Luís Queirós-Reis
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel M. Matas
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO/InBIO), Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661 Porto, Portugal; (I.M.M.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4220-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Antonio Muñoz-Mérida
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO/InBIO), Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661 Porto, Portugal; (I.M.M.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (S.G.-d.-S.); (L.Q.-R.); (I.A.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Chavda VP, Pandya A, Pulakkat S, Soniwala M, Patravale V. Lymphatic filariasis vaccine development: neglected for how long? Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1471-1482. [PMID: 34633881 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1990760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lymphatic filariasis (LF), also known as elephantiasis, has been recognized by the world health organization and the centers for disease control and prevention as one of the neglected tropical diseases. The huge prevalence and risk of manifestation to date reflect the poor management of this disease. The disease poses vast public health and socio-economic burdens and generates a dire need for the development of a prophylactic solution for mass administration. AREAS COVERED Vaccination has been a sought-out strategy for dealing with ever-evolving infectious diseases and can be duly tuned to become a cost effective means of disease control and eventual eradication. In this review, we highlight the epidemiology of LF with the current diagnosis and treatment modules. The need for the development of a potential vaccine candidates, and challenges are discussed. The evidence presented in this review aims to enlighten the readers regarding the essential factors governing LF and its management using prophylactic measures. EXPERT OPINION The complex nature of filarial parasites is evident from the absence of a single vaccine for LF. The development and selection of an appropriate preclinical model and its translation into clinical practice is deemed to be a major task needing in-depth evaluation to formulate an effective vaccine. Explorations of the existing vaccine platforms would serve to be an apt strategy in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L M College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Anjali Pandya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Sreeranjini Pulakkat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Moinuddin Soniwala
- Department of Pharmaceutics, B K Modi Government Pharmacy College, Rajkot, India
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
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Du X, McManus DP, French JD, Jones MK, You H. CRISPR/Cas9: A new tool for the study and control of helminth parasites. Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000185. [PMID: 33145822 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in parasitic helminths open up new avenues for research on these dangerous pathogens. However, the complex morphology and life cycles inherent to these parasites present obstacles for the efficient application of CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis. This is especially true with the trematode flukes where only modest levels of gene mutation efficiency have been achieved. Current major challenges in the application of CRISPR/Cas9 for study of parasitic worms thus lie in enhancing gene mutation efficiency and overcoming issues involved in host passage so that mutated parasites survive. Strategies developed for CRISPR/Cas9 studies on Caenorhabditis elegans, protozoa and mammalian cells, including novel delivery methods, the choice of selectable markers, and refining mutation precision represent novel tactics whereby these impediments can be overcome. Furthermore, employing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene drive to interfere with vector transmission represents a novel approach for the control of parasitic worms that is worthy of further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Du
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juliet D French
- Genetics & Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Evaluation of a Highly Efficient DNA Extraction Method for Bacillus anthracis Endospores. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050763. [PMID: 32443768 PMCID: PMC7285266 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of methods have been established in order to optimize the accessibility of DNA originating from Bacillusanthracis cells and endospores to facilitate highly sensitive molecular diagnostics. However, most endospore lysis techniques have not been evaluated in respect to their quantitative proficiencies. Here, we started by systematically assessing the efficiencies of 20 DNA extraction kits for vegetative B.anthracis cells. Of these, the Epicentre MasterPure kit gave the best DNA yields and quality suitable for further genomic analysis. Yet, none of the kits tested were able to extract reasonable quantities of DNA from cores of the endospores. Thus, we developed a mechanical endospore lysis protocol, facilitating the extraction of high-quality DNA. Transmission electron microscopy or the labelling of spores with the indicator dye propidium monoazide was utilized to assess lysis efficiency. Finally, the yield and quality of genomic spore DNA were quantified by PCR and they were found to be dependent on lysis matrix composition, instrumental parameters, and the method used for subsequent DNA purification. Our final standardized lysis and DNA extraction protocol allows for the quantitative detection of low levels (<50 CFU/mL) of B. anthracis endospores and it is suitable for direct quantification, even under resource-limited field conditions, where culturing is not an option.
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Knot IE, Zouganelis GD, Weedall GD, Wich SA, Rae R. DNA Barcoding of Nematodes Using the MinION. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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