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Profiro de Oliveira JH, Arruda IES, Izak Ribeiro de Araújo J, Chaves LL, de La Rocca Soares MF, Soares-Sobrinho JL. Why do few drug delivery systems to combat neglected tropical diseases reach the market? An analysis from the technology's stages. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 32:89-114. [PMID: 34424127 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1970746] [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 Many drugs used to combat schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis (SCL) have clinical limitations such as: high toxicity to the liver, kidneys and spleen; reproductive, gastrointestinal, and heart disorders; teratogenicity. In this sense, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been described in the literature as a viable option for overcoming the limitations of these drugs. An analysis of the level of development (TRL) of patents can help in determine the steps that must be taken for promising technologies to reach the market. AREAS COVERED This study aimed to analyze the stage of development of DDSs for the treatment of SCL described in patents. In addition, we try to understand the main reasons why many DDSs do not reach the market. In this study, we examined DDSs for drugs indicated by WHO and treatment of SCL, by performing a search for patents. EXPERT OPINION In this present work we provide arguments that support the hypothesis that there is a lack of integration between academia and industry to finance and continue research, especially the development of clinical studies. We cite the translational research consortia as the potential alternative for developing DDSs to combat NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luise Lopes Chaves
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Recife-Pernambuco
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Waniek PJ, Araújo CAC, Jansen AM, Costa J. First genotyping of Trypanosoma cruzi from naturally infected Triatoma juazeirensis, Triatoma melanica and Triatoma sherlocki from Bahia State, Brazil. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:134-140. [PMID: 32648329 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many previous studies have shown a great phylogenetic and biological variability of Trypanosoma cruzi using different molecular and biochemical methods. Populations of T. cruzi were initially clustered into two main lineages called TcI and TcII by the size of the mini-exon PCR product. In the present study, 33 isolates derived from three triatomine taxa, which belong to the Triatoma brasiliensis species complex (Triatoma juazeirensis, Triatoma melanica and Triatoma sherlocki); collected in three distinct areas of Bahia state were characterized by PCR. The isolates were identified by the size of the mini-exon gene, 18S rRNA and 24Sα rRNA amplicons. T. cruzi isolates obtained in sylvatic and intradomiciliar ecotopes, derived from T. juazeirensis and T. melanica, were identified as TcI while the parasites originated from T. sherlocki were characterized as TcI and TcII genotypes, respectively. Those species are present in sylvatic ecotopes but are able to infest intradomiciliar areas. Therefore, it would be important to maintain studies in those localities of Bahia and further investigate the possibilities of Chagas disease transmission. Human disease may occur by any T. cruzi genotype and not only by TcII as it is the case in Amazonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Waniek
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C A C Araújo
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade Entomológica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A M Jansen
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J Costa
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade Entomológica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Araújo CAC, Pacheco JPF, Waniek PJ, Geraldo RB, Sibajev A, Dos Santos AL, Evangelho VGO, Dyson PJ, Azambuja P, Ratcliffe NA, Castro HC, Mello CB. A rhamnose-binding lectin from Rhodnius prolixus and the impact of its silencing on gut bacterial microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 114:103823. [PMID: 32800901 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are ubiquitous proteins involved in the immune defenses of different organisms and mainly responsible for non-self-recognition and agglutination reactions. This work describes molecular and biological characterization of a rhamnose-binding lectin (RBL) from Rhodnius prolixus, which possesses a 21 amino acid signal peptide and a mature protein of 34.6 kDa. The in-silico analysis of the primary and secondary structures of RpLec revealed a lectin domain fully conserved among previous insects studied. The three-dimensional homology model of RpLec was similar to other RBL-lectins. Docking predictions with the monosaccharides showed rhamnose and galactose-binding sites comparable to Latrophilin-1 and N-Acetylgalactosamine-binding in a different site. The effects of RpLec gene silencing on levels of infecting Trypanosoma cruzi Dm 28c and intestinal bacterial populations in the R. prolixus midgut were studied by injecting RpLec dsRNA into the R. prolixus hemocoel. Whereas T. cruzi numbers remained unchanged compared with the controls, numbers of bacteria increased significantly. The silencing also induced the up regulation of the R. prolixus defC (defensin) expression gene. These results with RpLec reveal the potential importance of this little studied molecule in the insect vector immune response and homeostasis of the gut bacterial microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A C Araújo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - J P F Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - P J Waniek
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - R B Geraldo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - A Sibajev
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Av. Cap. Enê Garcez 2413, Boa Vista, RR, CEP 69400-000, Brazil
| | - A L Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - V G O Evangelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil
| | - P J Dyson
- Institute of Life Science, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - P Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21045-900, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - N A Ratcliffe
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA28PP, UK
| | - H C Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil.
| | - C B Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Do Gragoatá, Bloco M, São Domingos, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 24201-201, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Horta MF, Andrade LO, Martins-Duarte ÉS, Castro-Gomes T. Cell invasion by intracellular parasites - the many roads to infection. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/4/jcs232488. [PMID: 32079731 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.232488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular parasites from the genera Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania and from the phylum Microsporidia are, respectively, the causative agents of toxoplasmosis, malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and microsporidiosis, illnesses that kill millions of people around the globe. Crossing the host cell plasma membrane (PM) is an obstacle these parasites must overcome to establish themselves intracellularly and so cause diseases. The mechanisms of cell invasion are quite diverse and include (1) formation of moving junctions that drive parasites into host cells, as for the protozoans Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp., (2) subversion of endocytic pathways used by the host cell to repair PM, as for Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania, (3) induction of phagocytosis as for Leishmania or (4) endocytosis of parasites induced by specialized structures, such as the polar tubes present in microsporidian species. Understanding the early steps of cell entry is essential for the development of vaccines and drugs for the prevention or treatment of these diseases, and thus enormous research efforts have been made to unveil their underlying biological mechanisms. This Review will focus on these mechanisms and the factors involved, with an emphasis on the recent insights into the cell biology of invasion by these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fátima Horta
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luciana Oliveira Andrade
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Érica Santos Martins-Duarte
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castro-Gomes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
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Ribeiro AR, Lima L, de Almeida LA, Monteiro J, Moreno CJG, Nascimento JD, de Araújo RF, Mello F, Martins LPA, Graminha MAS, Teixeira MMG, Silva MS, Steindel M, da Rosa JA. Biological and Molecular Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi Strains from Four States of Brazil. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:453-463. [PMID: 29313485 PMCID: PMC5929169 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease affects between six and seven million people. Its etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, is classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs). The biological study of 11 T. cruzi strains presented here included four parameters: growth kinetics, parasitemia curves, rate of macrophage infection, and serology to evaluate IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3. Sequencing of small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)was performed and the T. cruzi strains were classified into three DTUs. When their growth in liver infusion tryptose medium was represented in curves, differences among the strains could be noted. The parasitemia profile varied among the strains from the TcI, TcII, and TcIII groups, and the 11 T. cruzi strains produced distinct parasitemia levels in infected BALB/c. The TcI group presented the highest rate of macrophage infection by amastigotes, followed by TcII and TcIII. Reactivity to immunoglobulins was observed in the TcI, TcII, and TcIII; all the animals infected with the different strains of T. cruzi showed anti-T. cruzi antibodies. The molecular study presented here resulted in the classification of the T. cruzi strains into the TcI (Bolivia, T lenti, Tm, SC90); TcII (Famema, SC96, SI8, Y); and TcIII (QMM3, QMM5, SI5) groups. These biological and molecular results from 11 T. cruzi strains clarified the factors involved in the biology of the parasite and its hosts. The collection of triatomine (vector) species, and the study of geographic distribution, as well as biological and molecular characterization of the parasite, will contribute to the reporting and surveillance measures in Brazilian states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciana Lima
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Aguiar de Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Joana Monteiro
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Jassica Gonçalves Moreno
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernanda Mello
- Rio Grande do Sul State Health Secretariat, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Aparecida Silva Graminha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Sousa Silva
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Mário Steindel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - João Aristeu da Rosa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, Brazil
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de Araújo CAC, Mayer C, Waniek PJ, Azambuja P, Jansen AM. Differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi I (TcI) and T. cruzi II (TcII) genotypes using genes encoding serine carboxypeptidases. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4211-4219. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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7
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Vieira CS, Waniek PJ, Castro DP, Mattos DP, Moreira OC, Azambuja P. Impact of Trypanosoma cruzi on antimicrobial peptide gene expression and activity in the fat body and midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:119. [PMID: 26931761 PMCID: PMC4774030 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodnius prolixus is a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. In natural habitats, these insects are in contact with a variety of bacteria, fungi, virus and parasites that they acquire from both their environments and the blood of their hosts. Microorganism ingestion may trigger the synthesis of humoral immune factors, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The objective of this study was to compare the expression levels of AMPs (defensins and prolixicin) in the different midgut compartments and the fat body of R. prolixus infected with different T. cruzi strains. The T. cruzi Dm 28c clone (TcI) successfully develops whereas Y strain (TcII) does not complete its life- cycle in R. prolixus. The relative AMP gene expressions were evaluated in the insect midgut and fat body infected on different days with the T. cruzi Dm 28c clone and the Y strain. The influence of the antibacterial activity on the intestinal microbiota was taken into account. Methods The presence of T. cruzi in the midgut of R. prolixus was analysed by optical microscope. The relative expression of the antimicrobial peptides encoding genes defensin (defA, defB, defC) and prolixicin (prol) was quantified by RT-qPCR. The antimicrobial activity of the AMPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens were evaluated in vitro using turbidimetric tests with haemolymph, anterior and posterior midgut samples. Midgut bacteria were quantified using colony forming unit (CFU) assays and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results Our results showed that the infection of R. prolixus by the two different T. cruzi strains exhibited different temporal AMP induction profiles in the anterior and posterior midgut. Insects infected with T. cruzi Dm 28c exhibited an increase in defC and prol transcripts and a simultaneous reduction in the midgut cultivable bacteria population, Serratia marcescens and Rhodococcus rhodnii. In contrast, the T. cruzi Y strain neither induced AMP gene expression in the gut nor reduced the number of colony formation units in the anterior midgut. Beside the induction of a local immune response in the midgut after feeding R. prolixus with T. cruzi, a simultaneous systemic response was also detected in the fat body. Conclusions R. prolixus AMP gene expressions and the cultivable midgut bacterial microbiota were modulated in distinct patterns, which depend on the T. cruzi genotype used for infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1398-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Mattos
- Laboratório deBiologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - O C Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Jansen AM, Xavier SC, Roque ALR. The multiple and complex and changeable scenarios of the Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycle in the sylvatic environment. Acta Trop 2015. [PMID: 26200785 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report and discuss the results generated from over 20 years of studies of the Trypanosoma cruzi sylvatic transmission cycle. Our results have uncovered new aspects and reviewed old concepts on issues including reservoirs, true generalist species, association of mammalian species with distinct discrete typing units - DTUs, distribution of T. cruzi genotypes in the wild, mixed infections, and T. cruzi transmission ecology. Using parasitological and serological tests, we examined T. cruzi infection in 7,285 mammalian specimens from nine mammalian orders dispersed all over the Brazilian biomes. The obtained T. cruzi isolates were characterized by mini-exon gene sequence polymorphism and PCR RFLP to identify DTUs. Infection by T. cruzi was detected by serological methods in 20% of the examined animals and isolated from 41% of those infected, corresponding to 8% of all the examined mammals. Each mammal taxon responded uniquely to T. cruzi infection. Didelphis spp. are able to maintain high and long-lasting parasitemias (positive hemocultures) caused by TcI but maintain and rapidly control parasitemias caused by TcII to almost undetectable levels. In contrast, the tamarin species Leontopithecus rosalia and L. chrysomelas maintain long-lasting and high parasitemias caused by TcII similarly to Philander sp. The coati Nasua nasua maintains high parasitemias by both parental T. cruzi DTUs TcI or TcII and by TcII/TcIV (formerly Z3) at detectable levels. Wild and domestic canidae seem to display only a short period of reservoir competence. T. cruzi infection was demonstrated in the wild canid species Cerdocyon thous and Chrysocyon brachyurus, and positive hemoculture was obtained in one hyper carnivore species (Leopardus pardalis), demonstrating that T. cruzi transmission is deeply immersed in the trophic net. T. cruzi DTU distribution in nature did not exhibit any association with a particular biome or habitat. TcI predominates throughout (58% of the T. cruzi isolates); however, in spite of being significantly less frequent (17%), TcII is also widely distributed. Concomitant DTU infection occurred in 16% of infected mammals of all biomes and included arboreal and terrestrial species, as well as bats. TcI/TcII concomitant infection was the most common and widely dispersed, with mixed TcI/TcII infections especially common in coatis and in Didelphimorphia. The second most common pattern of concomitant infection was TcI/TcIV, observed in Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia and Primates. Taken together, our results demonstrate the complexity of T. cruzi reservoir system and its transmission strategies, indicating that there is considerably more to be learned regarding ecology of T. cruzi.
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Genes encoding defensins of important Chagas disease vectors used for phylogenetic studies. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4503-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Costa J, Araújo CAC, Freitas CAV, Borges-Pereira J. Are Members of the Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) Species Complex Able to Alter the Biology and Virulence of a Trypanosoma cruzi Strain? NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 44:186-193. [PMID: 26013138 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, transmitted to humans and mammals by blood-sucking hemipteran insects belonging to the Triatominae subfamily. The two main genotypes of T. cruzi (TcI and TcII) differ in many characteristics concerning their genetic profile. Despite the extensive literature on vectors and the etiologic agent, several interactive aspects between these two elements of Chagas disease are still waiting to be further clarified. Here, biological and histological features resulting from the interaction between Albino Swiss mice and T. cruzi isolate PB913 after passages through vectors of the Triatoma brasiliensis species complex were evaluated. Comparing the four members of the T. brasiliensis species complex-Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis Neiva, Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma Galvão, Triatoma melanica Neiva & Lent, and Triatoma juazeirensis Costa & Felix-no significant differences in parasitemia of the infected mice were observed. At 20 days post-infection, the highest number of parasites was observed in the group of mice that were infected with parasites obtained from T. b. macromelasoma. Tropism of the parasites to different organs such as heart, bladder, and skeletal muscles followed by inflammatory cell infiltrates was observed with quantitative and qualitative differences. Even though the four members of the T. brasiliensis species complex differ in their geographical distribution, morphology, biology, ecology, and genetics, no significant influence on the parasitemia of the T. cruzi PB913 isolate was detected. After evaluation of the tissue samples, a higher pathogenicity of parasites obtained from T. b. brasiliensis was noticeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Costa
- Lab de Biodiversidade Entomológica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-IOC/FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Ribeiro AR, Mendonça VJ, Alves RT, Martinez I, Araújo RFD, Mello F, da Rosa JA. Trypanosoma cruzi strains from triatomine collected in Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2015; 48:295-302. [PMID: 24897051 PMCID: PMC4206147 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-8910.2014048004719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Collection of triatomines in domestic, peridomestic and sylvatic environments
in states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Northeastern and Southern Brazil
respectively, and isolation of Trypanosoma cruzi
strains. METHODS First, the captured triatomines were identified using insect identification
keys, then their intestinal content was examined by abdominal compression,
and the samples containing trypanosomatid forms were inoculated in LIT
medium and Swiss mice. RESULTS Six triatomine species were collected in cities in Bahia, namely
Panstrongylus geniculatus (01), Triatoma
melanocephala (11), T. lenti (94), T.
pseudomaculata (02), T. sherlocki (26) and
T. sordida (460), and two in cities in Rio Grande do
Sul, namely T. circummaculata (11) and T.
rubrovaria (115). Out of the specimens examined, T.
cruzi was isolated from 28 triatomine divided into four
different species: T. melanocephala (one), T.
lenti (one), T. rubrovaria (16) and T.
sordida (10). Their index of natural infection by T.
cruzi was 6.4%. CONCLUSIONS The isolation of T. cruzi strains from triatomines found in
domestic and peridomestic areas shows the potential risk of transmission of
Chagas disease in the studied cities. The maintenance of those T.
cruzi strains in laboratory is intended to promote studies that
facilitate the understanding of the parasite-vector-host relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Rimoldi Ribeiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Vagner José Mendonça
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | - Renata Tomé Alves
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Isabel Martinez
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Fernanda Mello
- Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - João Aristeu da Rosa
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
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12
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Martins LPA, Castanho REP, Therezo ALS, Ribeiro AR, Lima L, Teixeira MMG, Sperança MA, Rodrigues VLC, da Rosa JA. Biological and molecular characterization of a Trypanosoma cruzi isolate obtained from Panstrongylus megistus captured in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2014. [PMID: 26204022 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2015-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
An isolate of Trypanosoma cruzi obtained from P. megistus captured in the peridomicile area of a home in Santo Antonio do Jardim city in the State of Sao Paulo, denominated T. cruzi Mogi, was characterized biologically and molecularly. The RFLP analysis of the D7 divergent domain in the 24Sα rDNA and of the mini-exon positioned the T. cruzi isolate within the TcI group. Phylogenetic analysis performed with the trypanosomatid barcode confirmed that the isolate belongs to the TcI group, with high homology to the 3014 c1 T.cruzi strain. The biological characterization of the isolate in rats showed a prepatent period of about 8 days, low parasitemia and tropism for cardiac, skeletal and colonic muscles. In Swiss mice the T. cruzi Mogi isolate showed a prepatent period of about 22 days, intermittent parasitemia in some animals, and tropism for cardiac and colonic muscles. Despite the inherent difficulty of identifying correlations amongst the molecular and biological characteristics of different T. cruzi groups, the tropism for colonic muscle demonstrated by T. cruzi Mogi represented a peculiarity of this isolate within the TcI group.
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13
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Evaluation of the in vivo therapeutic properties of (-)-cubebin and (-)-hinokinin against Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2012; 133:442-6. [PMID: 23274812 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Even though the Chagas' disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, was described 100years ago by Carlos Chagas, it still represents a major public health concern and is found in 18 developing countries in South and Central America. In Brazil, Benznidazole (Rochagan) is the only drug with trypanocidal activity available in the market, despite its several side effects and limited efficacy in the chronic phase of the infection. In view of the need for new substances displaying biological activity against T. cruzi, there has been growing interest in research toward the attainment of compounds capable of acting on the parasite while being devoid of serious side effects. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic activity of dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans (-)-cubebin and (-)-hinokinin during the acute phase of infection by T. cruzi. As a study criterion, animals with acute parasitemia were investigated by tissue morphometric analysis. There was significant parasitemia reduction in the groups of animals treated with (-)-cubebin or (-)-hinokin oral administration, compared to the negative control. Values close to those of the uninfected control were found in the groups treated with (-)-cubebin and (-)-hinokinin via kariometry, showing that there was positive cellular response compared to the infected control.
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14
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Waniek PJ, Pacheco Costa JE, Jansen AM, Costa J, Araújo CAC. Cathepsin L of Triatoma brasiliensis (Reduviidae, Triatominae): sequence characterization, expression pattern and zymography. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:178-187. [PMID: 22100382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2011] [Revised: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Triatoma brasiliensis is considered one of the main vectors of Chagas disease commonly found in semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil. These insects use proteases, such as carboxypeptidase B, aminopeptidases and different cathepsins for blood digestion. In the present study, two genes encoding cathepsin L from the midgut of T. brasiliensis were identified and characterized. Mature T. brasiliensis cathepsin L-like proteinases (TBCATL-1, TBCATL-2) showed a high level of identity to the cathepsin L-like proteinases of other insects, with highest similarity to Rhodnius prolixus. Both cathepsin L transcripts were highly abundant in the posterior midgut region, the main region of the blood digestion. Determination of the pH in the whole intestine of unfed T. brasiliensis revealed alkaline conditions in the anterior midgut region (stomach) and acidic conditions in the posterior midgut region (small intestine). Gelatine in-gel zymography showed the activity of at least four distinct proteinases in the small intestine and the cysteine proteinase inhibitors transepoxysuccinyl-l-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane (E-64) and cathepsin B inhibitor and N-(l-3-trans-propylcarbamoyl-oxirane-2-carbonyl)-l-isoleucyl-l-proline (CA-074) were employed to characterize enzymatic activity. E-64 fully inhibited cysteine proteinase activity, whereas in the samples treated with CA-074 residual proteinase activity was detectable. Thus, proteolytic activity could at least partially be ascribed to cathepsin L. Western blot analysis using specific anti cathepsin L antibodies confirmed the presence of cathepsin L in the lumen of the small intestine of the insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Waniek
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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15
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Rocha LF, Silva IG, Luz C. Activity of some hypocrealean fungi collected in a Cerrado ecosystem against Rhodnius spp. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) under laboratory conditions. Acta Trop 2011; 118:63-6. [PMID: 21251907 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Revised: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The hypocrealean invertebrate-pathogenic fungi Lecanicillium psalliotae, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pochonia chlamydosporia isolated from soils in Central Brazil were tested against palm-dwelling Rhodnius neglectus, R. nasutus, R. prolixus, and R. robustus; all of these insects are vectors of Chagas disease. Particularly R. neglectus and R. nasutus, which are both important secondary intruders of human habitations were susceptible to all three of the fungi tested, and fungi sporulated successfully on the cadavers. This is the first report of activity of L. psalliotae, P. lilacinus and P. chlamydosporia against Rhodnius spp., and these fungi have interest for integrated control of triatomine vectors.
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16
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Andrade LO, Galvão LMC, Meirelles MDNSL, Chiari E, Pena SDJ, Macedo AM. Differential tissue tropism of Trypanosoma cruzi strains: an in vitro study. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 105:834-7. [PMID: 20945002 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000600018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated selection favoring the JG strain of Trypanosoma cruzi in hearts of BALB/c mice that were chronically infected with an equal mixture of the monoclonal JG strain and a clone of the Colombian strain, Col1.7G2. To evaluate whether cell invasion efficiency drives this selection, we infected primary cultures of BALB/c cardiomyocytes using these same T. cruzi populations. Contrary to expectation, Col1.7G2 parasites invaded heart cell cultures in higher numbers than JG parasites; however, intracellular multiplication of JG parasites was more efficient than that of Col1.7G2 parasites. This phenomenon was only observed for cardiomyocytes and not for cultured Vero cells. Double infections (Col1.7G2 + JG) showed similar results. Even though invasion might influence tissue selection, our data strongly suggest that intracellular development is important to determine parasite tissue tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana O Andrade
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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17
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Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is a protozoan parasite that is enzootic and endemic in much of the Americas, where it infects a wide variety of wild and domestic mammals as well as many species of triatomine vectors, in addition to humans. Historically, vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi has been the most important mechanism through which humans have become infected with the parasite, but transmission by blood transfusion and congenital transmission also have been important. In many of the endemic countries transmission of T. cruzi has improved markedly in recent years as vector control and donor screening programs have been implemented on a widespread basis. In the United States autochthonous transmission of T. cruzi appears to be extremely rare. Five persons are known to have become infected with T. cruzi through organ transplants here, and prior to the implementation of blood donor screening in 2007 five instances of transmission by transfusion had been reported. Current estimates put the total number of T. cruzi-infected persons living in the United States at 300,000, essentially all of whom are immigrants from the endemic countries. The obstacles that stand in the way of the total elimination of T. cruzi transmission throughout the endemic range are economic and political, and no major technological advances are needed to accomplish this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis V Kirchhoff
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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18
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Genotype variation of Trypanosoma cruzi isolates from different Brazilian biomes. Exp Parasitol 2011; 127:308-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 07/11/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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