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Ulucesme MC, Ozubek S, Aktas M. Experimental infection of purebred Saanen goats high pathogenicity and virulence of Babesia aktasi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012705. [PMID: 39621802 PMCID: PMC11637318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant babesiosis remains a neglected disease despite causing significant economic losses to sheep and goat herds in many regions around the world. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of ovine babesiosis are well-known, but there is a lack of information regarding caprine babesiosis. Since the discovery of the first Babesia spp. in 1888, several species/subspecies/genotypes, including Babesia aktasi, have been described. Our recent molecular survey revealed that the parasite is highly prevalent (22.5%) in indigenous goats from Mediterranean region of Türkiye. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the pathogenicity and virulence of B. aktasi in immunosuppressed (n = 5) and immunocompetent (n = 7) purebred Saanen goats. The goats were experimentally infected with fresh B. aktasi infected blood, and examined for clinical, parasitological, hematological, and serum biochemical findings throughout the infection. Following the parasite inoculation, intra-erythrocytic parasites were detected from the 1st day post-infection, followed by an increase in rectal temperature and parasitemia. The parasitemia was detected ranging from 4.3% to 33.5% in the immunosuppressed group, while it was 2.1% to 7.6% in the immunocompetent. Severe clinical symptoms characterized by anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria developed in both groups. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between the increase in parasitemia and RBC, WBC, HCT, and Hb values in the goats compared to pre-infection levels. Values of AST, ALT, GGT, Total bilirubin, and Albumin showed a significant increase, with all the immunosuppressed goats dying on the 4th and 7th days post-infection, while four out of seven immunocompetent goats died on between 6-8th days. Severe edema in the lungs, frothy fluid in the trachea, jaundice in the subcutaneous and mesenteric fat, and dark red urine were detected in necropsy. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that B. aktasi was highly pathogenic to purebred Saanen goats. Current work assures valuable insights into the pathogenesis and virulence of B. aktasi and serves as a foundation for future studies to develop effective control strategies against caprine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Can Ulucesme
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fırat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fırat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fırat, Elazig, Turkey
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Villanueva-Saz S, Borobia M, Fernández A, Jiménez C, Yzuel A, Verde MT, Ramo MÁ, Figueras L, Ruíz H. Anaemia in Sheep Caused by Babesia and Theileria Haemoparasites. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233341. [PMID: 36496866 PMCID: PMC9738125 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Piroplasmoses in sheep are caused by vector-borne apicomplexan protozoa, Babesia and Theileria. Different species are responsible for the disease; some species are more pathogenic than others and have a worldwide distribution. In this sense, these causative agents can cause anaemia in flocks. In general, these vector-borne diseases infect small ruminants and cause host-mediated pathology. In the case of Babesia species, a combination of different mechanisms is involved: red blood cell lysis due to intracellular parasite multiplication, activation of biogenic amines and the coagulation system with the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation. By contrast, less information is available on the different immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of anaemia in sheep with theileriosis. However, the mechanisms of pathogenic action in theileriosis are similar to those studied in babesiosis. Diagnosis is based on compatible clinical signs, laboratory findings, specific diagnostic tests and the presence of the tick vector. Some of these tests detect the causative agent itself, such as direct identification by light microscopy and molecular analysis. In contrast, other tests detect the sheep's immune response to the organism by serology. Both diseases pose a significant diagnostic challenge for veterinary practitioners around the world. This review presents the most frequent clinical signs, pathogenesis and clinicopathological findings, diagnosis.
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Niu Q, Bonsergent C, Rogniaux H, Guan G, Malandrin L, Moreau E. RAP-1a is the main rhoptry-associated-protein-1 (RAP-1) recognized during infection with Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) (B. motasi-like phylogenetic group), a pathogen of sheep in China. Vet Parasitol 2016; 232:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Expression of sheep pathogen Babesia sp. Xinjiang rhoptry-associated protein 1 and evaluation of its diagnostic potential by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parasitology 2016; 143:1990-1999. [PMID: 27748232 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016001293] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ovine babesiosis is one of the most important tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases of small ruminants. The ovine parasite Babesia sp. Xinjiang is widespread in China. In this study, recombinant full-length XJrRAP-1aα2 (rhoptry-associated protein 1aα2) and C-terminal XJrRAP-1aα2 CT of Babesia sp. Xinjiang were expressed and used to evaluate their diagnostic potential for Babesia sp. Xinjiang infections by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Purified XJrRAP-1aα2 was tested for reactivity with sera from animals experimentally infected with Babesia sp. Xinjiang and other haemoparasites using Western blotting and ELISA. The results showed no cross-reactivities between XJrRAP-1aα2 CT and sera from animals infected by other pathogens. High level of antibodies against RAP-1a usually lasted 10 weeks post-infection (wpi). A total of 3690 serum samples from small ruminants in 23 provinces located in 59 different regions of China were tested by ELISA. The results indicated that the average positive rate was 30·43%, and the infections were found in all of the investigated provinces. This is the first report on the expression and potential use of a recombinant XJrRAP-1aα2 CT antigen for the development of serological assays for the diagnosis of ovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia sp. Xinjiang.
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Jalovecka M, Bonsergent C, Hajdusek O, Kopacek P, Malandrin L. Stimulation and quantification of Babesia divergens gametocytogenesis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:439. [PMID: 27502772 PMCID: PMC4977898 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia divergens is the most common blood parasite in Europe causing babesiosis, a tick-borne malaria-like disease. Despite an increasing focus on B. divergens, especially regarding veterinary and human medicine, the sexual development of Babesia is poorly understood. Development of Babesia sexual stages in the host blood (gametocytes) plays a decisive role in parasite acquisition by the tick vector. However, the exact mechanism of gametocytogenesis is still unexplained. METHODS Babesia divergens gametocytes are characterized by expression of bdccp1, bdccp2 and bdccp3 genes. Using previously described sequences of bdccp1, bdccp2 and bdccp3, we have established a quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for detection and assessment of the efficiency of B. divergens gametocytes production in bovine blood. We analysed fluctuations in expression of bdccp genes during cultivation in vitro, as well as in cultures treated with different drugs and stimuli. RESULTS We demonstrated that all B. divergens clonal lines tested, originally derived from naturally infected cows, exhibited sexual stages. Furthermore, sexual commitment was stimulated during continuous growth of the cultures, by addition of specific stress-inducing drugs or by alternating cultivation conditions. Expression of bdccp genes was greatly reduced or even lost after long-term cultivation, suggesting possible problems in the artificial infections of ticks in feeding assays in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides insight into sexual development of B. divergens and may facilitate the development of transmission models in vitro, enabling a more detailed understanding of Babesia-tick interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jalovecka
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307, Nantes, France. .,LUNAM University, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307, Nantes, France. .,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. .,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Claire Bonsergent
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307, Nantes, France.,LUNAM University, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307, Nantes, France
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307, Nantes, France.,LUNAM University, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences and Engineering, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307, Nantes, France
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Hamšíková Z, Kazimírová M, Haruštiaková D, Mahríková L, Slovák M, Berthová L, Kocianová E, Schnittger L. Babesia spp. in ticks and wildlife in different habitat types of Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:292. [PMID: 27207099 PMCID: PMC4874003 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1560-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesiosis is an emerging and potentially zoonotic disease caused by tick-borne piroplasmids of the Babesia genus. New genetic variants of piroplasmids with unknown associations to vectors and hosts are recognized. Data on the occurrence of Babesia spp. in ticks and wildlife widen the knowledge on the geographical distribution and circulation of piroplasmids in natural foci. Questing and rodent-attached ticks, rodents, and birds were screened for the presence of Babesia-specific DNA using molecular methods. Spatial and temporal differences of Babesia spp. prevalence in ticks and rodents from two contrasting habitats of Slovakia with sympatric occurrence of Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna ticks and co-infections of Candidatus N. mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were investigated. RESULTS Babesia spp. were detected in 1.5 % and 6.6 % of questing I. ricinus and H. concinna, respectively. Prevalence of Babesia-infected I. ricinus was higher in a natural than an urban/suburban habitat. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Babesia spp. from I. ricinus clustered with Babesia microti, Babesia venatorum, Babesia canis, Babesia capreoli/Babesia divergens, and Babesia odocoilei. Babesia spp. amplified from H. concinna segregated into two monophyletic clades, designated Babesia sp. 1 (Eurasia) and Babesia sp. 2 (Eurasia), each of which represents a yet undescribed novel species. The prevalence of infection in rodents (with Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus prevailing) with B. microti was 1.3 % in an urban/suburban and 4.2 % in a natural habitat. The majority of infected rodents (81.3 %) were positive for spleen and blood and the remaining for lungs and/or skin. Rodent-attached I. ricinus (accounting for 96.3 %) and H. concinna were infected with B. microti, B. venatorum, B. capreoli/B. divergens, Babesia sp. 1 (Eurasia), and Babesia sp. 2 (Eurasia). All B. microti and B. venatorum isolates were identical to known zoonotic strains from Europe. Less than 1.0 % of Babesia-positive ticks and rodents carried Candidatus N. mikurensis or A. phagocytophilum. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that I. ricinus and rodents play important roles in the epidemiology of zoonotic Babesia spp. in south-western Slovakia. Associations with vertebrate hosts and the pathogenicity of Babesia spp. infecting H. concinna ticks need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Hamšíková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Danka Haruštiaková
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Mahríková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mirko Slovák
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Berthová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Elena Kocianová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología, CICVyA, INTA-Castelar, 1686 Hurlingham, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET (National Research Council of Argentina), C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Cursino-Santos JR, Singh M, Pham P, Rodriguez M, Lobo CA. Babesia divergensbuilds a complex population structure composed of specific ratios of infected cells to ensure a prompt response to changing environmental conditions. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:859-74. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeny R. Cursino-Santos
- Department of Blood Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute; New York Blood Center; New York NY USA
| | - Manpreet Singh
- Department of Blood Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute; New York Blood Center; New York NY USA
| | - Petra Pham
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute; New York Blood Center; New York NY USA
| | - Marilis Rodriguez
- Department of Blood Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute; New York Blood Center; New York NY USA
| | - Cheryl A. Lobo
- Department of Blood Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute; New York Blood Center; New York NY USA
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Niu Q, Marchand J, Yang C, Bonsergent C, Guan G, Yin H, Malandrin L. Rhoptry-associated protein (rap-1) genes in the sheep pathogen Babesia sp. Xinjiang: Multiple transcribed copies differing by 3' end repeated sequences. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:158-69. [PMID: 26026806 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sheep babesiosis occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical areas. The sheep parasite Babesia sp. Xinjiang is widespread in China, and our goal is to characterize rap-1 (rhoptry-associated protein 1) gene diversity and expression as a first step of a long term goal aiming at developing a recombinant subunit vaccine. Seven different rap-1a genes were amplified in Babesia sp. Xinjiang, using degenerate primers designed from conserved motifs. Rap-1b and rap-1c gene types could not be identified. In all seven rap-1a genes, the 5' regions exhibited identical sequences over 936 nt, and the 3' regions differed at 28 positions over 147 nt, defining two types of genes designated α and β. The remaining 3' part varied from 72 to 360 nt in length, depending on the gene. This region consists of a succession of two to ten 36 nt repeats, which explains the size differences. Even if the nucleotide sequences varied, 6 repeats encoded the same stretch of amino acids. Transcription of at least four α and two β genes was demonstrated by standard RT-PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Niu
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Jordan Marchand
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Congshan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China
| | - Claire Bonsergent
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China
| | - Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
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Moreau E, Bonsergent C, Al Dybiat I, Gonzalez LM, Lobo CA, Montero E, Malandrin L. Babesia divergens apical membrane antigen-1 (BdAMA-1): A poorly polymorphic protein that induces a weak and late immune response. Exp Parasitol 2015; 155:40-5. [PMID: 25956948 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is an important veterinary and zoonotic tick borne disease caused by the hemoprotozoan Babesia spp. which infects red blood cell of its vertebrate host. In order to control the infection, vaccination that targets molecules involved in the invasion process of red blood cells could provide a good alternative to chemotherapy. Among these molecules, Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (AMA-1) has been described as an excellent vaccine candidate in Plasmodium spp. In this paper, we have investigated AMA-1 of Babesia divergens (BdAMA-1) as vaccine candidate by evaluating its polymorphism and by studying the humoral response against BdAMA-1 of sheep experimentally infected with B. divergens. Polymorphism of BdAMA-1 was investigated by sequencing the corresponding gene of 9 B. divergens isolates from different geographical areas in France. Two Bdama-1 haplotypes (A and B) could be defined based on 2 non-synonymous point mutations. In silico prediction of linear epitopes revealed that the antigenicity of the 2 haplotypes is very similar. Antibody production against the extracellular domain of BdAMA-1 is weak and late, between 1 and 5 months after the inoculation of parasites. Both IgG1 and IgG2 are components of the anti-BdAMA-1 response. These results indicate that while BdAMA-1 may not be an immuno-dominant antigen, it could induce a mixed type 1 and type 2 immune response. In light of these results, the potential of BdAMA-1 as vaccine candidate is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Moreau
- Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque en santé animale, LUNAM Université, CS 40706, Nantes F-44307, France; UMR 1300 BioEpAR, INRA, Nantes F-44307, France.
| | - C Bonsergent
- Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque en santé animale, LUNAM Université, CS 40706, Nantes F-44307, France; UMR 1300 BioEpAR, INRA, Nantes F-44307, France
| | - I Al Dybiat
- Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque en santé animale, LUNAM Université, CS 40706, Nantes F-44307, France; UMR 1300 BioEpAR, INRA, Nantes F-44307, France
| | - L M Gonzalez
- Parasitology Department, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - C A Lobo
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, The New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - E Montero
- Parasitology Department, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain
| | - L Malandrin
- Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque en santé animale, LUNAM Université, CS 40706, Nantes F-44307, France; UMR 1300 BioEpAR, INRA, Nantes F-44307, France
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Jouglin M, Fernández-de-Mera IG, de la Cotte N, Ruiz-Fons F, Gortázar C, Moreau E, Bastian S, de la Fuente J, Malandrin L. Isolation and characterization of Babesia pecorum sp. nov. from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Vet Res 2014; 45:78. [PMID: 25155988 PMCID: PMC4158131 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-014-0078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity of Babesia species infecting cervids in parts of central and southern Spain was analyzed by collecting blood from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Babesia sp. was isolated in vitro from two red deer herds in Cádiz and Ciudad Real. The number of Babesia sp. carriers differed between the two herds: 36/77 in Cádiz and 1/35 in Ciudad Real. Hyalomma lusitanicum was the most prevalent tick species identified on the Cádiz farm vegetation and on sampled animals, and is therefore a candidate vector. The molecular characteristics of 21 isolates were determined by complete (8 isolates) or partial (13 isolates) 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The sequences were highly similar (over 99.4% identity) and 6 sequence types were identified at the level of one herd only, demonstrating a rather high genetic diversity. They formed a monophyletic clade, and members of the three main sequence types shared a similar morphology and the same erythrocyte susceptibility pattern. This clade also included Babesia sp. Xinjiang isolated from sheep in China and Babesia sp. identified in giraffe in South Africa, with identities higher than 98.3% and statistically relevant phylogenetic support. None of the biological properties analyzed for both Babesia from red deer and Babesia sp. Xinjiang allowed their differentiation (ability to develop in vitro in erythrocytes from cattle and sheep, as well as in erythrocytes from different cervids, unsuccessful infection of calves). We propose the Babesia isolated from red deer as a new species named B. pecorum. Whether Babesia sp. Xinjiang and the Babesia characterized in South Africa belong to the same species is debated.
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Sonnleitner ST, Fritz J, Bednarska M, Baumgartner R, Simeoni J, Zelger R, Schennach H, Lass-Flörl C, Edelhofer R, Pfister K, Milhakov A, Walder G. Risk assessment of transfusion-associated babesiosis in Tyrol: appraisal by seroepidemiology and polymerase chain reaction. Transfusion 2014; 54:1725-32. [PMID: 24673158 DOI: 10.1111/trf.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After malaria, babesiosis is the second most common transfusion-transmitted parasitic disease in the United States. In Europe, one reported transfusion case, concerning Babesia microti, occurred in Germany. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Due to the fact that Babesia spp. are present in Tyrolean ticks, the aim of this study is to assess the occurrence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against the Babesia divergens complex, including B. divergens and Babesia venatorum (EU1), as well as B. microti by screening a representative collective of 988 blood donors from North and East Tyrol (Austria) with indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Additionally, we investigated 206 local ixodid ticks for the presence of babesial DNA by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Seroprevalence data resulted in rates of 2.1% for IgG antibodies against the B. divergens complex and 0.6% against B. microti in Tyrolean blood donors. All sera could be confirmed by independent retesting. Our data indicate that cross-reactivity is high between B. divergens and B. venatorum and lower than 19.8% between B. divergens and B. microti. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that Babesia spp. are present in the Tyrols, which blood donors come into serologic contact with, and that we have to consider how to sustain blood product safety concerning this new challenge. Additionally, it is the first description of B. venatorum in the Tyrols, found in one Ixodes ricinus at the Italian border.
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Koldkjær P, McDonald MD, Prior I, Berenbrink M. Pronounced in vivo hemoglobin polymerization in red blood cells of Gulf toadfish: a general role for hemoglobin aggregation in vertebrate hemoparasite defense? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 305:R1190-9. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00246.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Two human hemoglobin (Hb) variants, Hb C and Hb S, are known to protect against Plasmodium falciparum malaria and have evolved repeatedly in malaria endemic areas. Both aggregate to insoluble crystals (Hb C) or polymers (Hb S) under certain physiological conditions, impair parasite growth, and may facilitate retention of infected red blood cells (RBCs) in the spleen. Given the profound effects of parasites on host evolution in general, and that RBC Hb concentration is often close to its solubility limit throughout vertebrates, similar mechanisms may operate in nonhuman vertebrates. Here we show exercise-induced, profound in vivo Hb polymerization in RBCs of the Gulf toadfish. Hb aggregation was closely associated with the extent of plasma acidosis, fully reversible, and without any signs of hemolysis or anemia. Our literature analysis suggests that aggregation prone Hbs may be relatively old, evolved multiple times in nonhuman vertebrates, show enhanced aggregation during hemoparasite infections, and can be uncovered in vivo by splenectomy. We discuss the working hypothesis that widespread Hb aggregation within several vertebrate groups may be the result of ongoing or past selection pressure against RBC parasites. Further comparative studies of these evolutionary old systems may provide valuable insights into hemoparasite susceptibility and reservoir potential of livestock and companion animals but also into human malaria and sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Danielle McDonald
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Ian Prior
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; and
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14
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Guan G, Ma M, Liu A, Du P, Ren Q, Li Y, Wang J, Liu Z, Yin H, Luo J. Continuous in vitro cultivation of a recently identified Babesia that infects small ruminants in China. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:371-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 02/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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15
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Sun Y, Moreau E, Chauvin A, Malandrin L. The invasion process of bovine erythrocyte by Babesia divergens: knowledge from an in vitro assay. Vet Res 2011; 42:62. [PMID: 21569363 PMCID: PMC3117698 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia divergens is a tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasite for which asexual multiplication in its vertebrate hosts is restricted to erythrocytes. Current knowledge of invasion of these target cells is limited. An efficient in vitro invasion assay was set up to gain access to this information. Parasites prepared from infected RBC, lysed by electroporation, and mixed with bovine RBC in a selected synthetic medium (RPMI 1640 supplemented with calcium) were able to establish subsequent cultures with parasitemia ranging from 6 to 14%. Free parasites remaining in the invasion medium could be eliminated by Percoll gradient and culture could be pursued with the freshly invaded erythrocytes. In this way, the invasion time window could be shortened to obtain a synchronised start of the culture or to study the kinetics of invasion. With this assay we demonstrate that 1) erythrocyte invasion by B. divergens is a rapid process since 70% of the invasion-competent parasites invaded the RBC in less than 45 s; 2) all invasion-competent parasites achieved invasion within 10 min of contact; 3) one erythrocyte could be invaded concomitantly by two merozoites; 4) despite a synchronous start, the parasite population evolved heterogeneously resulting in a progressive loss of synchronisation. Western blot analysis of proteins collected from invasion medium were performed with sera from animals experimentally infected with B. divergens and highlighted several proteins. The dose-dependent, inhibitory effects of these sera on B. divergens invasion suggest that these proteins might be involved in the invasion process. Further investigations are required for their characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- ONIRIS, UMR1300, Biologie, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque en Santé Animale, Route de Gachet, La Chantrerie, BP 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France.
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16
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Guan G, Moreau E, Brisseau N, Luo J, Yin H, Chauvin A. Determination of erythrocyte susceptibility of Chinese sheep (Tan mutton breed) and French sheep (Vendéen breed) to Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) by in vitro culture. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:37-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Guan G, Chauvin A, Yin H, Luo J, Moreau E. Course of infection by Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) and B. divergens in sheep depends on the production of IFNgamma and IL10. Parasite Immunol 2010; 32:143-52. [PMID: 20070828 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2009.01169.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ovine babesiosis is an important disease in China and responsible for economic losses. Several Babesia strains are involved, but Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) and Babesia sp. BQ1 (Ningxian) are particularly prevalent in the Guansu region. Babesia divergens, in contrast, can experimentally infect spleen-intact sheep, but does not induce clinical signs. The immune response of spleen-intact sheep to Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) and to B. divergens was therefore compared to identify the immune mechanisms involved in pathogenicity. The greater pathogenicity of Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) than that of B. divergens was confirmed: sheep infected with Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan), but not with B. divergens, developed hyperthermia and showed patent parasitaemia in Giemsa-stained blood smears from the ear vein. Furthermore, more parasites were also detected in the blood from the jugular vein of Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan)-infected sheep. Pathogenicity of Babesia spp. involved cellular responses, but not humoral responses. Interferon-gamma was produced only by specifically activated PBMC from B. divergens-infected sheep and interleukin-10 only by specifically activated PBMC from Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan)-infected sheep. The role of these cytokines in the course of infection by Babesia spp. is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Guan
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Grazing Animal Diseases MOA, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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18
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Malandrin L, Jouglin M, Sun Y, Brisseau N, Chauvin A. Redescription of Babesia capreoli (Enigk and Friedhoff, 1962) from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): isolation, cultivation, host specificity, molecular characterisation and differentiation from Babesia divergens. Int J Parasitol 2009; 40:277-84. [PMID: 19733572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The recent use of the sole molecular identification of Babesia infecting European cervids has led to confusion between the closely related Babesia divergens and Babesia capreoli, and to their grouping together as "B. divergens-like". In order to clarify this taxonomic confusion, Babesia from roe deer, cattle and human blood were isolated, cultured and their biological as well as molecular characteristics compared. On this basis, we conclude that: (i) the parasites isolated from roe deer blood are B. capreoli; (ii) there are no intraspecific variations in the 18S rDNA within B. capreoli and B. divergens spp.; (iii) these two species are closely related as demonstrated by their morphology, serological cross-reactions and 99.83% identity in their 18S rDNA; (iv) these two species are distinct as demonstrated by their different abilities to grow in vitro in cattle, human and sheep erythrocytes, by their infectivity for gerbils, and by a conserved three bases difference at positions 631, 663 and 1637 of their 18S rDNA; (v) B. capreoli does not pose a threat to either humans or livestock. An integrated description is given of the host range, geographical distribution, biological and molecular characterisation of B. capreoli, and reference materials have been deposited at the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Bio-agression, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, F-44307 Nantes, France.
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19
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Moreau E, Jouglin M, Chauvin A, Malandrin L. Babesia divergens experimental infection of spleen-intact sheep results in long-lasting parasitemia despite a strong humoral response: preliminary results. Vet Parasitol 2009; 166:205-11. [PMID: 19765903 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Revised: 08/08/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Babesia divergens is an intraerythrocytic Apicomplexa and the main agent of bovine babesiosis in Europe. The infection in cattle develops in 2 phases: an acute phase with hemolytic anemia and a chronic phase with asymptomatic persistence of the parasite for several years. The acute phase of B. divergens infection can be studied using the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) as a laboratory model but unlike cattle, this animal rapidly eliminates the parasite. An experimental model to study the chronic phase of infection was therefore developed by our laboratory. Spleen-intact sheep, with a potential full immune response, were inoculated with infected red blood cells (iRBC) or with free merozoites, by several routes (intraperitoneal, intravenous or subcutaneously). No clinical signs were ever observed but the installation of a persistent low level infection was shown in sheep with susceptible erythrocytes (able to sustain B. divergens growth in vitro). Neither feature was observed in sheep with non-susceptible erythrocytes. IgG production, involving both IgG1 and IgG2, was mainly directed against the major merozoite surface antigen Bd37, similar to the humoral immune response described in naturally infected cattle. The use of spleen-intact sheep to study the immune response to B. divergens is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Moreau
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, UMR 1300 BioEpAR, ENVN, Atlanpole - La Chantrerie, BP 40706, F-44307 Nantes cedex 03, France.
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20
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Chauvin A, Moreau E, Bonnet S, Plantard O, Malandrin L. Babesia and its hosts: adaptation to long-lasting interactions as a way to achieve efficient transmission. Vet Res 2009; 40:37. [PMID: 19379662 PMCID: PMC2695028 DOI: 10.1051/vetres/2009020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia, the causal agent of babesiosis, are tick-borne apicomplexan protozoa. True babesiae (Babesia genus sensu stricto) are biologically characterized by direct development in erythrocytes and by transovarial transmission in the tick. A large number of true Babesia species have been described in various vertebrate and tick hosts. This review presents the genus then discusses specific adaptations of Babesia spp. to their hosts to achieve efficient transmission. The main adaptations lead to long-lasting interactions which result in the induction of two reservoirs: in the vertebrate host during low long-term parasitemia and throughout the life cycle of the tick host as a result of transovarial and transstadial transmission. The molecular bases of these adaptations in vertebrate hosts are partially known but few of the tick-host interaction mechanisms have been elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Chauvin
- Ecole nationale vétérinaire, UMR 1300 BIOEPAR, ENVN, Atlanpôle - La Chantrerie, BP 40706, F-44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France.
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