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Uzelac A, Klun I, Djurković-Djaković O. Early immune response to Toxoplasma gondii lineage III isolates of different virulence phenotype. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414067. [PMID: 38912206 PMCID: PMC11190176 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of importance to human and veterinary health. The structure and diversity of the genotype population of T. gondii varies considerably with respect to geography, but three lineages, type I, II and III, are distributed globally. Lineage III genotypes are the least well characterized in terms of biology, host immunity and virulence. Once a host is infected with T.gondii, innate immune mechanisms are engaged to reduce the parasite burden in tissues and create a pro-inflammatory environment in which the TH1 response develops to ensure survival. This study investigated the early cellular immune response of Swiss-Webster mice post intraperitoneal infection with 10 tachyzoites of four distinct non-clonal genotypes of lineage III and a local isolate of ToxoDB#1. The virulence phenotype, cumulative mortality (CM) and allele profiles of ROP5, ROP16, ROP18 and GRA15 were published previously. Methods Parasite dissemination in different tissues was analyzed by real-time PCR and relative expression levels of IFNγ, IL12-p40, IL-10 and TBX21 in the cervical lymph nodes (CLN), brain and spleen were calculated using the ΔΔCt method. Stage conversion was determined by detection of the BAG1 transcript in the brain. Results Tissue dissemination depends on the virulence phenotype but not CM, while the TBX21 and cytokine levels and kinetics correlate better with CM than virulence phenotype. The earliest detection of BAG1 was seven days post infection. Only infection with the genotype of high CM (69.4%) was associated with high T-bet levels in the CLN 24 h and high systemic IFNγ expression which was sustained over the first week, while infection with genotypes of lower CM (38.8%, 10.7% and 6.8%) is characterized by down-regulation and/or low systemic levels of IFNγ. The response intensity, as assessed by cytokine levels, to the genotype of high CM wanes over time, while it increases gradually to genotypes of lower CM. Discussion The results point to the conclusion that the immune response is not correlated with the virulence phenotype and/or allele profile, but an early onset, intense pro-inflammatory response is characteristic of genotypes with high CM. Additionally, high IFNγ level in the brain may hamper stage conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Uzelac
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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2
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Sousa S, Fernandes M, Correia da Costa JM. Serotyping, a challenging approach for Toxoplasma gondii typing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1111509. [PMID: 37089607 PMCID: PMC10115974 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1111509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genotype analysis has revealed a high genetic diversity in strains of Toxoplasma gondii, isolated from a wide range of intermediate hosts and different geographic origins. Diversity is notably striking for parasites from wild hosts in South America, generally referred as non-archetypal genotypes. Those genotypes are implicated in the etiology of severe clinical disease, multivisceral toxoplasmosis, associated with high rate of mortality in immunocompetent individuals. Can we accept specific antibodies produced during T. gondii infection as biomarkers to identify infecting genotypes? Scientific evidence supports a positive response to this question; however, the genetic diversity of T. gondii genotypes organized into 16 haplogroups and collectively defined in 6 major clades, provides a reminder of the complexity and difficulty for the purpose. This review discusses serological approaches to genotyping T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Sousa
- Center for the Study of Animal Science (CECA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, R&D Unit, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV) of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (REQUIMTE), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Susana Sousa,
| | - Maria Fernandes
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Correia da Costa
- Center for the Study of Animal Science (CECA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, R&D Unit, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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3
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A unique Toxoplasma gondii haplotype accompanied the global expansion of cats. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5778. [PMID: 36182919 PMCID: PMC9526699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite of virtually all warm-blooded species, with all true cats (Felidae) as definitive hosts. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease causing substantial public health burden worldwide. Few intercontinental clonal lineages represent the large majority of isolates worldwide. Little is known about the evolutionary forces driving the success of these lineages, the timing and the mechanisms of their global dispersal. In this study, we analyse a set of 156 genomes and we provide estimates of T. gondii mutation rate and generation time. We elucidate how the evolution of T. gondii populations is intimately linked to the major events that have punctuated the recent history of cats. We show that a unique haplotype, whose length represents only 0.16% of the whole T. gondii genome, is common to all intercontinental lineages and hybrid populations derived from these lineages. This haplotype has accompanied wildcats (Felis silvestris) during their emergence from the wild to domestic settlements, their dispersal in the Old World, and their expansion in the last five centuries to the Americas. The selection of this haplotype is most parsimoniously explained by its role in sexual reproduction of T. gondii in domestic cats.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Review building of programs to eliminate Toxoplasma infections. Recent Findings
Morbidity and mortality from toxoplasmosis led to programs in USA, Panama, and Colombia to facilitate understanding, treatment, prevention, and regional resources, incorporating student work. Summary Studies foundational for building recent, regional approaches/programs are reviewed. Introduction provides an overview/review of programs in Panamá, the United States, and other countries. High prevalence/risk of exposure led to laws mandating testing in gestation, reporting, and development of broad-based teaching materials about Toxoplasma. These were tested for efficacy as learning tools for high-school students, pregnant women, medical students, physicians, scientists, public health officials and general public. Digitized, free, smart phone application effectively taught pregnant women about toxoplasmosis prevention. Perinatal infection care programs, identifying true regional risk factors, and point-of-care gestational screening facilitate prevention and care. When implemented fully across all demographics, such programs present opportunities to save lives, sight, and cognition with considerable spillover benefits for individuals and societies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40124-022-00269-w.
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Castello A, Fazio E, Alfonzetti T, Giunta RP, Salvaggio A, Ferlazzo AM, Cravana C, Bruschetta G, Medica P, Marino AMF. Assessment of selected molecular factors and 17-β estradiol dosage in response to Toxoplasma gondii infection in swine. Vet World 2022; 15:1641-1649. [PMID: 36185508 PMCID: PMC9394144 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1641-1649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is a global zoonotic parasite infecting virtually all warm-blooded species, although a species-specific variability is evident referring to symptoms frame. Both the success of T. gondii and the outcome of infection depend on a delicate balance between host cellular pathways and the evasion or modulation strategies elicited by the parasite. The hormonal and molecular mechanisms involved in this delicate host-parasite balance are still unclear, especially when considering intermediate host species other than mouse. This study aimed to assess any correlation between T. gondii infection and selected molecular and hormonal factors involved in responses to infection in susceptible species such as swine. Moreover, blood counts and hematochemical assays (glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides dosage) were performed to evaluate the overall health condition of animals. Materials and Methods: Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies determination and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for T. gondii DNA detection. Target genes coding for key factors of cell responses to T. gondii infection were selected, and their transcription was assessed in various tissues by quantitative RT-PCR. 17-β estradiol concentrations were assessed by fluorimetric enzyme-linked immunoassay and the AIA-360 automated immunoassay analyzer. Blood count and hematochemical analyses were performed by a blood cell counter and a spectrophotometer, respectively. Results: The present research highlighted significant differences among infected and uninfected swine (control group) for both transcription profiles of some of the molecular factors considered and 17-β estradiol concentrations. Referring to the assessed hematological and biochemical parameters, no statistically significant differences were observed in infected swine compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our results contribute to the enrichment of data available about the subject and could be useful for a deeper knowledge of the interaction between this parasite and its hosts. However, more aspects are still unclear, such as the effective response of downstream molecules from the same pathways to the variation of factors observed in this study either assessing how the same factors respond to Toxoplasma gondii infection in other host speciesand further analyses should be performed on other host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Castello
- Department of Catania, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Esterina Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Alfonzetti
- Department of Catania, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Paolo Giunta
- Department of Catania, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvaggio
- Department of Catania, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Alida Maria Ferlazzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cravana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy
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de Barros RAM, Torrecilhas AC, Marciano MAM, Mazuz ML, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Fux B. Toxoplasmosis in Human and Animals Around the World. Diagnosis and Perspectives in the One Health Approach. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106432. [PMID: 35390311 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a unique health disease that significantly affects the health of humans, domestic animals, wildlife and is present in ecosystems, including water, soil and food. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the best-adapted parasites in the word. This parasite is able to persist for long periods in its hosts, in different geographic regions of the word. This review summarizes the current literature of these themes, focusing on: (1) toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic infection; (2) One health approach and toxoplasmosis; (3) human toxoplasmosis; (4) animal toxoplasmosis; (5) toxoplasmosis diagnosis, as immunological, parasitological and molecular diagnosis; (6) T. gondii outbreaks caused by infected meat, milk and dairy products, as well as, vegetables and water consume; (7) studies in experimental models; (8) genetic characterization of T. gondii strains; (9) extracellular vesicles and miRNA; and (10) future perspectives on T. gondii and toxoplasmosis. The vast prevalence of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals and the dispersion and resistence of T. gondii parasites in environment highlight the importance of the one health approach in diagnostic and control of the disease. Here the different aspects of the one health approach are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Aparecida Müller de Barros
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil..
| | | | - Monica Leszkowicz Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israeli Veterinary Service and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Beit Dagan, 5025000, Israel..
| | | | - Blima Fux
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
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7
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Seroprevalence and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii among Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Egypt. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:2343679. [PMID: 35669051 PMCID: PMC9166983 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2343679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite with a special predilection for the central nervous system. Toxoplasmosis's contribution to the triggering of many neurodevelopmental disorders was established. This study aimed to detect the seroprevalence and genotypes of T. gondii strains in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study included 180 children with neurodevelopmental disorders and 180 children in the control group. Assessment of seropositivity of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies in patients and controls was carried out. Genetic characterization of T. gondii was obtained by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique targeting dense granule gene (GRA6). Our results showed that the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the patient and controls was 35.6% and 11.7%, respectively. Nested PCR showed positivity in 11.1% of the patient group for T. gondii DNA. T. gondii seropositivity rate was significantly high in patients with hydrocephalus and also in patients with epilepsy. Positive nested PCR was significantly high in children with hydrocephalus only. Genotyping using nested PCR-RFLP showed genotype I (80%) followed by atypical strains (20%) with no association with any specific clinical presentation. In conclusion, among toxoplasmosis-positive children with neurodevelopmental disorders, analysis of T. gondii GRA6 locus revealed the predominance of type I genotype followed by atypical strains.
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8
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Uzelac A, Klun I, Ćirković V, Bauman N, Bobić B, Štajner T, Srbljanović J, Lijeskić O, Djurković-Djaković O. Toxoplasma gondii Genotypes Circulating in Serbia-Insight into the Population Structure and Diversity of the Species in Southeastern Europe, a Region of Intercontinental Strain Exchange. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122526. [PMID: 34946128 PMCID: PMC8708754 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, Toxoplasma gondii lineage II is dominant, and ToxoDB#1 the most frequently occurring genotype. The abundance of lineage III genotypes varies geographically and lineage I are rare, yet present in several regions of the continent. Data on the T. gondii population structure in southeastern Europe (SEE) are scarce, yet necessary to appreciate the diversity of the species in Europe. To help fill this gap, we genotyped 67 strains from nine species of intermediate hosts in Serbia by MnPCR-RFLP, determined the population structure, and identified the genotypes using ToxoDB. A neighbor-joining tree was also constructed from the isolates genotyped on nine loci. While 42% of the total genotype population consisted of ToxoDB#1 and ToxoDB#2, variant genotypes of both lineages comprised 46% of the population in wildlife and 28% in domestic animals and humans. One genotype of Africa 4 lineage was detected in a human sample. Interestingly, the findings include one lineage III variant and one II/III recombinant isolate with intercontinental distribution, which appear to be moderately related to South American genotypes. Based on these findings, SEE is a region of underappreciated T. gondii genetic diversity and possible strain exchange between Europe and Africa.
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9
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Shinjyo N, Kagaya W, Pekna M. Interaction Between the Complement System and Infectious Agents - A Potential Mechanistic Link to Neurodegeneration and Dementia. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:710390. [PMID: 34408631 PMCID: PMC8365172 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.710390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the innate immune system, complement plays a critical role in the elimination of pathogens and mobilization of cellular immune responses. In the central nervous system (CNS), many complement proteins are locally produced and regulate nervous system development and physiological processes such as neural plasticity. However, aberrant complement activation has been implicated in neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease. There is a growing list of pathogens that have been shown to interact with the complement system in the brain but the short- and long-term consequences of infection-induced complement activation for neuronal functioning are largely elusive. Available evidence suggests that the infection-induced complement activation could be protective or harmful, depending on the context. Here we summarize how various infectious agents, including bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus spp.), viruses (e.g., HIV and measles virus), fungi (e.g., Candida spp.), parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp.), and prion proteins activate and manipulate the complement system in the CNS. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which the interaction between the infectious agents and the complement system can play a role in neurodegeneration and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Wataru Kagaya
- Department of Parasitology and Research Center for Infectious Disease Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Marcela Pekna
- Laboratory of Regenerative Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Schumacher AC, Elbadawi LI, DeSalvo T, Straily A, Ajzenberg D, Letzer D, Moldenhauer E, Handly TL, Hill D, Dardé ML, Pomares C, Passebosc-Faure K, Bisgard K, Gomez CA, Press C, Smiley S, Montoya JG, Kazmierczak JJ. Toxoplasmosis Outbreak Associated With Toxoplasma gondii-Contaminated Venison-High Attack Rate, Unusual Clinical Presentation, and Atypical Genotype. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1557-1565. [PMID: 32412062 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During 2017, in response to a physician's report, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, began investigating an outbreak of febrile illness among attendees of a retreat where never frozen, intentionally undercooked, locally harvested venison was served. Preliminary testing tentatively identified the illness as toxoplasmosis. METHODS Confirmatory human serology panels and testing of the venison to confirm and categorize the presence and type of Toxoplasma gondii were completed by French and American national reference laboratories. All 12 retreat attendees were interviewed; medical records were reviewed. RESULTS All attendees were male; median age was 51 years (range: 22-75). After a median incubation period of 7 days, 9 (82%) of 11 exposed persons experienced illness lasting a median of 12 days. All 9 sought outpatient healthcare for symptoms including fever, chills, sweats, and headache (100%) and ocular disturbances (33%). Testing confirmed the illness as toxoplasmosis and venison as the infection source. Multiple laboratory results were atypical for toxoplasmosis, including transaminitis (86%), lymphocytopenia (88%), thrombocytopenia (38%), and leukopenia (63%). One exposed but asymptomatic person was seronegative; the other had immunity from prior infection. The T. gondii strain was identified as closely related to an atypical genotype (haplogroup 12, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism genotype 5) common in North American wildlife but with previously uncharacterized human clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS The T. gondii strain contaminating the venison might explain the unusual clinical presentations. In North America, clinicians and venison consumers should be aware of risk for severe or unusual presentations of acute toxoplasmosis after consuming undercooked game meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Schumacher
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lina I Elbadawi
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Traci DeSalvo
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anne Straily
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Ajzenberg
- INSERM, Université de Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France.,University Hospital, French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - David Letzer
- Infectious Disease Specialists of Southeast Wisconsin, Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ellen Moldenhauer
- Jackson County Health and Human Services, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tammy L Handly
- Jackson County Health and Human Services, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, Université de Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France.,University Hospital, French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Virulence microbienne et signalisation inflammatoire - Université de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Karine Passebosc-Faure
- University Hospital, French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - Kristine Bisgard
- Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carlos A Gomez
- The Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cindy Press
- The Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Smiley
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - José G Montoya
- The Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - James J Kazmierczak
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Westling K. Deer Hunters: Beware of Toxoplasmosis! Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1566-1567. [PMID: 32412061 PMCID: PMC8096274 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Westling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH. Recent epidemiologic and clinical Toxoplasma gondii infections in wild canids and other carnivores: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 290:109337. [PMID: 33476902 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in wild canids and other carnivores for the past decade. Seroprevalence estimates of T. gondii worldwide were tabulated for each host. Seroprevalence in wild foxes was very high compared with farmed Arctic foxes. Economic and public health aspects of some of the carnivore species raised for fur and meat (raccoon dogs, mink) are discussed. Diagnostic efficacies of different serological methods and PCR methods are discussed. Clinical toxoplasmosis was observed mainly in carnivores concurrently infected with immunosuppressive Canine Distemper Virus infection. Abortion and blindness were noted in mink. Genetic diversity of isolates using DNA derived from 162 (89 viable T. gondii isolates and 73 DNA extracted from tissues) of wild carnivores from several countries is discussed. However, 69 of the 162 T. gondii isolates were strains from USA and these were genetically diverse with predominance of ToxoDB genotypes #4 and #5 (haplogroup 12). Only limited information is available concerning genotyping of T. gondii isolates from other countries; none of the 93 T. gondii isolates from other countries (Brazil, China, France, Grenada) were haplogroup 12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
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13
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Cortés JA, Roncancio Á, Uribe LG, Cortés-Luna CF, Montoya JG. Approach to ocular toxoplasmosis including pregnant women. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2020; 32:426-434. [PMID: 31313714 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss available information on the effectiveness of anti-toxoplasma therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis and to provide clinicians with a practical approach to the disease. RECENT FINDINGS Only eleven randomized studies were identified. In the three studies for acute retinitis, there was a clear trend in favor of treatment. In the two studies for the prevention of recurrences, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was superior to placebo. In the six studies comparing different regimens, there was no statistically significant difference between the regimens. In the setting of acute posterior uveitis suspected to be caused by toxoplasma, serological testing should always be obtained, and anti-toxoplasma drug treatment, and corticosteroids should be instituted for at least 6 weeks. Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis during pregnancy represents a particular challenge. SUMMARY Treatment with at least two drugs and corticosteroids should be offered to patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Pregnant women with confirmed acute infection and concomitant acute retinitis should be treated for the ocular lesion(s) and to prevent vertical transmission. Pregnant women with chronic Toxoplasma infection acquired prior to gestation and concomitant retinitis by reactivation should be treated for the retinitis and monitored for vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Guillermo Uribe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | - José G Montoya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Arruda SL, Cordeiro CA, Lie S, Rochet E, Belfort R, Furtado JM. Pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100882. [PMID: 32717377 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a retinitis -almost always accompanied by vitritis and choroiditis- caused by intraocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Depending on retinal location, this condition may cause substantial vision impairment. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, with both sexual and asexual life cycles, and infection is typically contracted orally by consuming encysted bradyzoites in undercooked meat, or oocysts on unwashed garden produce or in contaminated water. Presently available anti-parasitic drugs cannot eliminate T. gondii from the body. In vitro studies using T. gondii tachyzoites, and human retinal cells and tissue have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. T. gondii may cross the vascular endothelium to access human retina by at least three routes: in leukocyte taxis; as a transmigrating tachyzoite; and after infecting endothelial cells. The parasite is capable of navigating the human neuroretina, gaining access to a range of cell populations. Retinal Müller glial cells are preferred initial host cells. T. gondii infection of the retinal pigment epithelial cells alters the secretion of growth factors and induces proliferation of adjacent uninfected epithelial cells. This increases susceptibility of the cells to parasite infection, and may be the basis of the characteristic hyperpigmented toxoplasmic retinal lesion. Infected epithelial cells also generate a vigorous immunologic response, and influence the activity of leukocytes that infiltrate the retina. A range of T. gondii genotypes are associated with human ocular toxoplasmosis, and individual immunogenetics -including polymorphisms in genes encoding innate immune receptors, human leukocyte antigens and cytokines- impacts the clinical manifestations. Research into basic pathogenic mechanisms of ocular toxoplasmosis highlights the importance of prevention and suggests new biological drug targets for established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Sigrid L Arruda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cynthia A Cordeiro
- Cordeiro et Costa Ophtalmologie, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil; Formerly of Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Shervi Lie
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M Furtado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109195. [PMID: 32979682 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, control, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in sheep in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty concerning repeat congenital infection as evidenced by finding T. gondii DNA in progeny of chronically infected sheep. However, there is no concrete evidence that T. gondii is the cause of repeated abortions in sheep. Recent data concerning pathogenesis of abortion in acutely infected sheep are reviewed. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates or tissues of infected sheep revealed low genetic diversity in sheep in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America but high diversity in South America. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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Motoi S, Navolan DB, Malita D, Ciohat I, Nemescu D, Manciuc C, Gorun F, Vilibic-Cavlek T, Boda D, Craina M, Dobrescu A. A decreasing trend in toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Romania - results of a large scale study. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3536-3540. [PMID: 32905270 PMCID: PMC7465070 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). T. gondii infection is a cause of congenital infection worldwide. Primary infection or the reactivation of latent infection during pregnancy may lead to fetal infection and to congenital toxoplasmosis syndrome. Seropositive pregnant women are generally protected from maternal-fetal transmission of T. gondii, although exceptions exist. The aim of our study was to analyze the dynamics of T. gondii seroprevalence during a 10-year period and to correlate it with age and demographic features of pregnant women. We tested 6,889 pregnant women in Timisoara, Romania, for IgG-anti-T. gondii antibodies, in two successive periods: i) 2008-2010 (group 1: 1,457 participants); and ii) 2015-2018 (group 2: 5,432 participants). For each participant, data on age and area of residence were collected. Our results showed that in the Western Region of Romania T. gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women declined from 43.79 to 38.81% in the last ten years. This trend was observed in both urban (40.53 vs. 34.85%) and rural areas (52.22 vs. 46.22%). A higher seroprevalence rate was found in rural than in urban areas. In addition, we found an increasing tendency of seroprevalence related to the age of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Motoi
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dan Bogdan Navolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Malita
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Ciohat
- Department of Antenatal Laboratory, Emergency Clinical City Hospital, 300202 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dragos Nemescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carmen Manciuc
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Gorun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian National Institute of Public Health and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daniel Boda
- Dermatology Research Laboratory, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Dermatology, 'Prof. N. Paulescu' National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 79811 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Craina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Amadeus Dobrescu
- Department of Surgery, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Dubey J, Murata F, Cerqueira-Cézar C, Kwok O, Su C. WITHDRAWN: Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: the last decade. Vet Parasitol X 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH. Public health and economic importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in goats: The last decade. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:292-307. [PMID: 32711218 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis in goats continues to be of public health and economic concern. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in goats in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty regarding excretion of T. gondii in milk and the ingestion of raw milk as sources of T. gondii infection for humans. Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion and deaths even in adult goats. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates has revealed genetic diversity in goats in North and South America. The significance of T. gondii isolates in domestic goats usually associated with wildlife in USA is discussed. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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Marques CS, Sousa S, Castro A, da Costa JMC. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in fresh vegetables and berry fruits. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:180. [PMID: 32268915 PMCID: PMC7140358 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is the third most important contributor to health burden caused by food-borne illness. Ingestion of tissue cysts from undercooked meat is an important source of horizontal transmission to humans. However, there is an increasing awareness of the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, as a possible source for oocyst transmission, since this stage of the parasite can persist and remain infective in soil and water for long time. Herein, we outline findings related with detection of T. gondii oocysts in vegetables and berry fruits, which are usually raw consumed. The procedure includes the estimation of the number of oocysts. METHODS Food samples were collected from local producers and supermarket suppliers. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were concentrated after washing the samples by applying high resolution water filtration and immunomagnetic separation (method 1623.1: EPA 816-R-12-001-Jan 2012), in order to (i) remove potential Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts present in the samples; and (ii) select T. gondii oocysts. Toxoplasma gondii oocyst detection and an estimation of their numbers was performed by conventional PCR and real time qPCR, using specific primers for a 183-bp sequence of the T. gondii repetitive DNA region. All PCR-positive DNA samples were purified and sequenced. Restriction enzyme digestion with EcoRV endonuclease confirmed the presence of the T. gondii DNA fragment. In addition, the presence of the parasite was observed by fluorescent microscopy, taking advantage of the oocysts autofluorescence under UV light. RESULTS Forty percent of the analysed samples (95% CI: 25.5-56.5%) presented the expected PCR and digested DNA fragments. These fragments were confirmed by sequencing. Microscopic autofluorescence supported the presence of T. gondii-like oocysts. The estimated mean (± SE) oocyst concentration was 23.5 ± 12.1 oocysts/g, with a range of 0.6-179.9 oocysts/g. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide relevant evidence of contamination of fresh vegetables and berry fruits with T. gondii oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia S. Marques
- Centre for the Study in Animal Science (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSARJ), Rua de Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Sousa
- Centre for the Study in Animal Science (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSARJ), Rua de Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - António Castro
- Centre for the Study in Animal Science (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSARJ), Rua de Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Correia da Costa
- Centre for the Study in Animal Science (ICETA), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSARJ), Rua de Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
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20
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Pena HFJ, Ferrari VM, Aires LPN, Soares HS, Oliveira S, Alves BF, Gennari SM, Dubey JP, de Mattos LC, de Mattos CCB, Castiglioni L. First isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in a free-living giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) revealed a unique non-archetypal genotype. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105335. [PMID: 31926913 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals worldwide but little is known of its infection in the endangered giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The present study found antibodies to T. gondii in 13 of 23 free-living M. tridactyla from the northwest region of São Paulo state, Brazil, by the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT, cut-off titer 1:25). Unfrozen tissues of seven M. tridactyla were bioassayed in mice and viable T. gondii (strain designated TgMytrBrSP1) isolated from one seropositive giant anteater. To our knowledge, this is a new host record for T. gondii. Genotyping using PCR-RFLP revealed the Brazilian clonal Type BrIII genotype, and a unique non-archetypal genotype was revealed by microsatellite analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias - Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS) - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Vinícius Matheus Ferrari
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita" Filho (UNESP) - Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE) - Campus de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil; FAMERP Toxoplasma Research Group - Departamento de Biologia Molecular - Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Luiz Paulo Nogueira Aires
- FAMERP Toxoplasma Research Group - Departamento de Biologia Molecular - Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brasil; Centro Universitário de Rio Preto - UNIRP, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Herbert Sousa Soares
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias - Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS) - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Solange Oliveira
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias - Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS) - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Bruna Farias Alves
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias - Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS) - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias - Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS) - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP: 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Luiz Carlos de Mattos
- FAMERP Toxoplasma Research Group - Departamento de Biologia Molecular - Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Cinara Cássia Brandão de Mattos
- FAMERP Toxoplasma Research Group - Departamento de Biologia Molecular - Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Lilian Castiglioni
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita" Filho (UNESP) - Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE) - Campus de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil; Centro Universitário de Rio Preto - UNIRP, São Paulo, Brasil; Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Coletiva - Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São Paulo, Brasil.
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White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) are a reservoir of a diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains in the USA and pose a risk to consumers of undercooked venison. Parasitology 2020; 147:775-781. [PMID: 32178743 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To assess the role of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus, WTD) in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis, we conducted a national survey of WTD across the USA for Toxoplasma gondii infection. To do this, we combined serology with parasite isolation to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii in this game species. From October 2012 to March 2019, serum and tissues were collected from 914 WTD across the USA. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T. gondii, and then the tissues of seropositive WTD were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 329 (36%) of 914 WTD tested by the modified agglutination test (positive reaction at 1:25 or higher). Viable T. gondii was isolated from the heart of 36 WTD from 11 states. Three of the 36 isolates were pathogenic but not highly virulent to outbred Swiss Webster mice and all 36 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, DNA extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed seven ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotypes, including 24 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), four isolates for #2 (type III, haplogroup 3), three isolates for genotypes #1 (type II, haplogroup 2), two isolates for genotypes #3 (type II, haplogroup 2) and one isolate each for #39, #221 and #224. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounting for 66.6% (24 of 36) of the isolates. Combining the 36 isolates from this study with previously reported 69 isolates from WTD, 15 genotypes have been identified. Among these, 50.4% (53/105) isolates belong to genotype #5. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in WTD. The results also indicate that undercooked venison should not be consumed by humans or fed to cats.
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Is Real-Time PCR Targeting Rep 529 Suitable for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Patients Infected with Non-Type II Strains in North America? J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01223-19. [PMID: 31694976 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01223-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii DNA detection is essential to antenatally diagnose a congenital infection and reactivation of a past infection in an immunocompromised patient. Initially, PCR methods targeted the 35-fold repetitive B1 gene, and more recently, coding sequence Rep 529 has been preferred, as it was reported to be repeated 200- to 300-fold and yielded far better sensitivity than amplification of the B1 sequence. To date, few data are available in regard to the efficacy of Rep 529 for non-type II genotypes. In this study, we compared the results of B1 quantitative PCR (qPCR) with those of two different Rep 529 qPCRs performed on 111 samples in two different laboratories (Rep 529-1 and Rep 529-2). The performances of the 3 qPCRs were also compared according to the genotypes of the isolates for 13 type II and 21 non-type II samples. The performance of the Rep 529 target was superior to that of the B1 target regardless of the genotype (threshold cycle [CT ] values for the Rep 529-1 and Rep 529-2 qPCRs were lower than those for the B1 qPCR [P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively]). The same results were observed when a comparison was made according to the genotype of the strain (type II and non-type II genotypes). To our knowledge, these results provide the first relative quantitative data revealing that the efficiency of Rep 529 qPCR does not depend on the genotype of T. gondii isolates and that, in fact, it is superior to B1 qPCR.
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Genotyping of viable Toxoplasma gondii from the first national survey of feral swine revealed evidence for sylvatic transmission cycle, and presence of highly virulent parasite genotypes. Parasitology 2019; 147:295-302. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFeral swine are known reservoirs of various pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we report the first national survey of viable T. gondii in feral swine in the USA. We paired serological surveys with parasite isolation and bioassay to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of these parasites. From 2012–2017, sera and tissues from 1517 feral swine across the USA were collected for the isolation of viable T. gondii. Serum samples were initially screened for antibodies to T. gondii, and then the tissues of seropositive feral swine were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 27.7% of feral swine tested by the modified agglutination test (1:25 or higher). Antibody positive rates increased significantly with age, with 10.1% of juveniles, 16.0% of sub-adults and 38.4% of adults testing seropositive. Myocardium (50 g) from 232 seropositive feral swine was digested in pepsin and bioassayed in mice. Viable T. gondii was isolated from 78 feral swine from 21 states. Twelve of the 78 isolates were pathogenic to outbred Swiss Webster mice and 76 of the 78 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed 15 ToxoDB genotypes, including 43 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), 11 isolates for #24, four isolates for #2 (haplogroup 3), two isolates for each of genotypes #3 (haplogroup 2), #4 (haplogroup 12), #216, #221, #289 and #297 and one isolate for each of genotypes #1 (haplogroup 2), #39, #66, #260, #261 and #299. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounted for 57% (43/76) of the isolates, followed by #24, accounted for 14% (11/76). Genotypes #260, #289, #297 and #299 are new types. Genotype #289 was highly virulent to mice and originated from feral swine collected in Louisiana on the same day at the same location. Genotype #216 was previously demonstrated to be highly virulent to mice. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in feral swine in the USA, with the genotype #5 (haplogroup 12) dominant in the continental USA, whereas genotype #24 (10/14) was dominant in Hawaii, suggesting different population structures of the parasites among the two distinct geographical locations.
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Kolören Z, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Banfield JE, Brown JD, Su C, Dubey JP. High Seroprevalence But Low Rate of Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii from Wild Elk (Cervus canadensis) in Pennsylvania. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/19-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Kolören
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C. K. Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - F. H. A. Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - O. C. H. Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - J. E. Banfield
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-9797
| | - J. D. Brown
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-9797
| | - C. Su
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - J. P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
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25
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Wit LA, Kilpatrick AM, VanWormer E, Croll DA, Tershy BR, Kim M, Shapiro K. Seasonal and spatial variation in
Toxoplasma gondii
contamination in soil in urban public spaces in California, United States. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:70-78. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luz A. Wit
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California
| | - A. Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences School of Natural Resources University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln Nebraska
| | - Donald A. Croll
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California
| | - Bernie R. Tershy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz California
| | - Minji Kim
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis Davis California
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis Davis California
- One Health Institute School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis Davis California
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26
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Robertson LJ, Clark CG, Debenham JJ, Dubey J, Kváč M, Li J, Ponce-Gordo F, Ryan U, Schares G, Su C, Tsaousis AD. Are molecular tools clarifying or confusing our understanding of the public health threat from zoonotic enteric protozoa in wildlife? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:323-341. [PMID: 31338293 PMCID: PMC6626983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are frequently zoonotic, often originating in wildlife, but enteric protozoa are considered relatively minor contributors. Opinions regarding whether pathogenic enteric protozoa may be transmitted between wildlife and humans have been shaped by our investigation tools, and have led to oscillations regarding whether particular species are zoonotic or have host-adapted life cycles. When the only approach for identifying enteric protozoa was morphology, it was assumed that many enteric protozoa colonized multiple hosts and were probably zoonotic. When molecular tools revealed genetic differences in morphologically identical species colonizing humans and other animals, host specificity seemed more likely. Parasites from animals found to be genetically identical - at the few genes investigated - to morphologically indistinguishable parasites from human hosts, were described as having zoonotic potential. More discriminatory molecular tools have now sub-divided some protozoa again. Meanwhile, some infection events indicate that, circumstances permitting, some "host-specific" protozoa, can actually infect various hosts. These repeated changes in our understanding are linked intrinsically to the investigative tools available. Here we review how molecular tools have assisted, or sometimes confused, our understanding of the public health threat from nine enteric protozoa and example wildlife hosts (Balantoides coli - wild boar; Blastocystis sp. - wild rodents; Cryptosporidium spp. - wild fish; Encephalitozoon spp. - wild birds; Entamoeba spp. - non-human primates; Enterocytozoon bieneusi - wild cervids; Giardia duodenalis - red foxes; Sarcocystis nesbitti - snakes; Toxoplasma gondii - bobcats). Molecular tools have provided evidence that some enteric protozoa in wildlife may infect humans, but due to limited discriminatory power, often only the zoonotic potential of the parasite is indicated. Molecular analyses, which should be as discriminatory as possible, are one, but not the only, component of the toolbox for investigating potential public health impacts from pathogenic enteric protozoa in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J. Robertson
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - C. Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - John J. Debenham
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - J.P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Una Ryan
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1937, USA
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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27
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Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Silva AFD, Murata FHA, Sadler M, Abbas IE, Kwok OCH, Brown JD, Casalena MJ, Blake MR, Su C, Dubey JP. Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Tissues of Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Pennsylvania. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/18-197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Camila K. Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - Andressa F. da Silva
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - Fernando H. A. Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - Meghan Sadler
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - Ibrahim E. Abbas
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - Oliver C. H. Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - Justin D. Brown
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-9797
| | - Mary Jo Casalena
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-9797
| | - Mitchell R. Blake
- National Wild Turkey Federation, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, South Carolina 29824
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - J. P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
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28
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Liu MT, Jiang WX, Gui BZ, Jin YC, Yi JN, Li F, Zheng WB, Liu GH. Molecular Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Birds in Hunan Province, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:378-383. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Xing Jiang
- Hunan Wild Animal Rescue and Reproduction Center, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin-Ze Gui
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Chun Jin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Ning Yi
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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29
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Lie S, Rochet E, Segerdell E, Ma Y, Ashander LM, Shadforth AMA, Blenkinsop TA, Michael MZ, Appukuttan B, Wilmot B, Smith JR. Immunological Molecular Responses of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells to Infection With Toxoplasma gondii. Front Immunol 2019; 10:708. [PMID: 31118929 PMCID: PMC6506780 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is the commonest clinical manifestation of infection with obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Active ocular toxoplasmosis is characterized by replication of T. gondii tachyzoites in the retina, with reactive inflammation. The multifunctional retinal pigment epithelium is a key target cell population for T. gondii. Since the global gene expression profile is germane to understanding molecular involvements of retinal pigment epithelial cells in ocular toxoplasmosis, we performed RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) of human cells following infection with T. gondii tachyzoites. Primary cell isolates from eyes of cadaveric donors (n = 3), and the ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, were infected for 24 h with GT-1 strain T. gondii tachyzoites (multiplicity of infection = 5) or incubated uninfected as control. Total and small RNA were extracted from cells and sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq 500 platform; results were aligned to the human hg19 reference sequence. Multidimensional scaling showed good separation between transcriptomes of infected and uninfected primary cell isolates, which were compared in edgeR software. This differential expression analysis revealed a sizeable response in the total RNA transcriptome-with significantly differentially expressed genes totaling 7,234 (28.9% of assigned transcripts)-but very limited changes in the small RNA transcriptome-totaling 30 (0.35% of assigned transcripts) and including 8 microRNA. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed total RNA in CAMERA software, identified a strong immunologic transcriptomic signature. We conducted RT-qPCR for 26 immune response-related protein-coding and long non-coding transcripts in epithelial cell isolates from different cadaveric donors (n = 3), extracted by a different isolation protocol but similarly infected with T. gondii, to confirm immunological activity of infected cells. For microRNA, increases in miR-146b and miR-212 were detected by RT-qPCR in 2 and 3 of these independent cell isolates. Biological network analysis in the InnateDB platform, including 735 annotated differentially expressed genes plus 2,046 first-order interactors, identified 10 contextural hubs and 5 subnetworks in the transcriptomic immune response of cells to T. gondii. Our observations provide a solid base for future studies of molecular and cellular interactions between T. gondii and the human retinal pigment epithelium to illuminate mechanisms of ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervi Lie
- Eye and Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- Eye and Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Erik Segerdell
- Department of Biostatistics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Yuefang Ma
- Eye and Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Liam M. Ashander
- Eye and Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Audra M. A. Shadforth
- Queensland Eye Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy A. Blenkinsop
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, and Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael Z. Michael
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- Eye and Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Beth Wilmot
- Department of Biostatistics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Justine R. Smith
- Eye and Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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30
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Galal L, Hamidović A, Dardé ML, Mercier M. Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains at the global level and its determinants. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00052. [PMID: 32095622 PMCID: PMC7033991 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The population structure of Toxoplasma gondii is characterized by contrasting geographic patterns of strain diversity at different spatial scales: global, regional and even local scales in some regions. The determinants of this diversity pattern and its possible evolutionary mechanisms are still largely unexplored. This review will focus on three main dichotomies observed in the population structure of the parasite: (1) domestic versus wild, (2) South America versus the rest of the world and (3) intercontinental clonal lineages versus regional or local clonal lineages. Here, the impact in terms of public health of this remarkably contrasting geographic diversity of T. gondii populations is discussed, with emphasis on the role of globalization of exchanges that could lead to rapid evolution of T. gondii population spatial structure and new challenges in a One Health context. Recombination events drive the evolution of population structure of Toxoplasma gondii. The population structure of Toxoplasma is different in wild and domestic environments. Virulence of Toxoplasma strains in reservoir hosts influences selection of local strains. Globalization of exchanges will impact the population structure of the parasite. Clinicians should be aware of more pathogenic strains imported from the wild environment or from South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Galal
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - A Hamidović
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - M L Dardé
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - M Mercier
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000 Limoges, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
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31
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Ben-Harari RR, Connolly MP. High burden and low awareness of toxoplasmosis in the United States. Postgrad Med 2019; 131:103-108. [PMID: 30638425 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1568792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease with diverse clinical manifestations, caused by infection with the Apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Although toxoplasmosis prevalence and mortality have declined over the past two decades, the CDC considers this disease a neglected parasitic infection requiring public health action. Here, we overview the literature to bring attention to the prevalence of the disease in the United States, and high economic burden associated with the disease. The conclusions to be drawn are clear: there is low awareness and underestimation of the disease burden amongst healthcare professionals; a high economic burden associated with the disease; relapse rates to treatment represent additional mortality and morbidity and further costs for the healthcare system; and better treatments are necessary to combat this public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben R Ben-Harari
- a Department of Medical Affairs , Vyera Pharmaceuticals , New York , NY , USA
| | - Mark P Connolly
- b Unit of PharmacoEpidemiology & PharmacoEconomics, Department of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands.,c Global Market Access Solutions , Mooresville , NC , USA
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32
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Gomez CA, Sahoo MK, Kahn GY, Zhong L, Montoya JG, Pinsky BA, Doan T. Dual-target, real-time PCR for the diagnosis of intraocular Toxoplasma gondii infections. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:569-572. [PMID: 30636207 PMCID: PMC6691874 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is the most common infectious cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. Two multicopy targets (B1 and Rep529) are commonly used in T. gondii PCR assays, but studies evaluating these targets in ocular fluid samples are limited. Herein, we determine the analytical characteristics of a single-reaction, internally controlled, dual-target, real-time T. gondii PCR and evaluate the clinical performance of this assay in intraocular fluid samples obtained at a reference ophthalmologic centre in the USA. METHODS Lower limits of detection for the B1 and Rep529 components of the dual-target assay were determined using serial dilutions of cultured T. gondii strain Z185. The dual-target assay was then used to test 148 archived intraocular samples (132 vitreous,16 aqueous humour) collected at the Francis I. Proctor Foundation between January 2010 and December 2015 for testing by a nested, conventional PCR targeting the B1 gene. RESULTS The 95% lower limits of detection for the dual-target assay was determined to be 1.05 tachyzoites/mL for B1 and 0.83 tachyzoites/mL for Rep529. Using archived clinical intraocular specimens, the dual-target assay demonstrated 97.2% positive per cent agreement (n=35/36; 95% CI 83.7% to 99.9%) and 99.1% negative per cent agreement (n=111/112; 95% CI 94.4% to 100%) compared with the nested, conventional B1 PCR. CONCLUSION This single-reaction, internally controlled, dual-target (B1, Rep529) real-time PCR for the detection of T. gondii DNA in intraocular specimens demonstrated excellent agreement with nested, conventional, B1 PCR. The dual-target design may ensure T. gondii detection when variation is present in one of two target regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Gomez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Malaya K Sahoo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ghazala Yasmeen Kahn
- Clinical Virology Laboratory, Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lina Zhong
- F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - José G Montoya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Benjamin A Pinsky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA .,Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Clinical Virology Laboratory, Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Thuy Doan
- F.I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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