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Kumari P, Agrawal P, Umarao P, Ramachandran V, Gourinath S. Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Phosphoserine Phosphatase: A Novel Target for the Development of Antiamoebic Drugs. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27906-27918. [PMID: 38973836 PMCID: PMC11223228 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Amoebiasis, a widespread disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, poses challenges due to the adverse effects of existing antiamoebic drugs and rising drug resistance. Novel targeted drugs are in need of the hour to combat the prevalence of this disease. Given the significance of cysteine for Entamoeba survival, the rate-determining step in the serine (the sole substrate of cysteine synthesis) biosynthetic pathway, i.e., the conversion of 3-phosphoserine to l-serine catalyzed by phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP), emerges as a promising drug target. Our previous study unveils the essential role of EhPSP in amoebas' survival, particularly under oxidative stress, by increasing cysteine production. The study also revealed that EhPSP differs significantly from its human counterpart, both structurally and biochemically, highlighting its potential as a viable target for developing new antiamoebic drugs. In the present study, employing in silico screening of vast natural and synthetic small chemical compound libraries, we identified 21 potential EhPSP inhibitor molecules. Out of the 21 compounds examined, only five could inhibit the catalytic activity of EhPSP. The inhibition capability of these five compounds was subsequently validated by in silico binding free energy calculations, SPR-based real-time binding studies, and molecular simulations to assess the stability of the EhPSP-inhibitor complexes. By identifying the five potential inhibitors that can target cysteine synthesis via EhPSP, our findings establish EhPSP as a drug candidate that can serve as a foundation for antiamoebic drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Kumari
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
- Structural
Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal
Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Prakhar Agrawal
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Preeti Umarao
- Structural
Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal
Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vijayan Ramachandran
- The
Centre for Innovation in Brain Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, Arizona, United States
| | - Samudrala Gourinath
- Structural
Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal
Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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Hernández-Castro C, Agudelo-López SDP, Medina-Lozano AP, López-García D, García-Tuberquia LA, Botero-Garcés JH, Orozco-Peláez MC, Bolaños-Muñoz M, Bejarano-Villafañe DA, Carmena D. The burden of intestinal parasitic infections in Antioquia, Colombia: Impact in childhood growth development and nutritional status. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107119. [PMID: 38195005 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal protist (GP) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections cause significant morbidity among children in poor-resource settings of tropical and sub-tropical countries including Colombia. Few prospective transversal studies investigating how GP and STH infections affect growth development and nutritional status during childhood have been conducted in this country, none of them in the Antioquia Department. This microscopy-based study estimated the prevalence of GP and helminth (including STH) infections in faecal samples from schoolchildren (n = 384) collected during April-May 2019 in three municipalities of the Antioquia Department. Demographic, epidemiological, and household data were elicited through face-to-face interviews. Parasite detection was carried out by direct microscopic examination of both fresh smears and concentrated faecal material. Children (aged 6-15 years) also had their haemoglobin (Hb) levels, height and weight data collected, and BMI estimated. Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, 60.7 % (233/384) of schoolchildren were infected by at least one intestinal parasitic species. Among GPs, Blastocystis sp. was the most common species found (47.7 %, 95 % CI: 42.6-52.8), followed by G. duodenalis (15.9 %, 95 % CI: 12.4-19.9). Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis were sporadically identified (0.3 %, 95 % CI: 0.1-1.4 each). Among helminths, the most prevalent species found were Trichuris trichiura (6.0 %, 95 % CI: 3.8-8.9) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.0 %, 95 % CI: 0.3-2.6). Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis were found at prevalence rates <1 %. Underweight, overweigh, or obese schoolchildren had 1.2 times greater chance of being infected with intestinal parasites than their counterparts with a healthy weight (P-value: 0.015). Variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being infected by intestinal parasites include living in a household with unfinished flouring, not wearing shoes, being in close proximity to rodents, and having improper waste disposal. Relatively simple interventional measures directed towards the improvement of household conditions, access to sanitary toilets, and promoting shoe wearing can significantly reduce childhood infections by GP and helminths in the Antioquia Department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Majadahonda 28220, Spain.
| | - Sonia Del Pilar Agudelo-López
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Angélica Patricia Medina-Lozano
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Diego López-García
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Luis Alfonso García-Tuberquia
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Jorge Humberto Botero-Garcés
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - María Cenelia Orozco-Peláez
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Manuela Bolaños-Muñoz
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Daniel Antonio Bejarano-Villafañe
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Majadahonda 28220, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid 28008, Spain
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Servián A, Lorena Zonta M, Navone GT. Differential diagnosis of human Entamoeba infections: Morphological and molecular characterization of new isolates in Argentina. Rev Argent Microbiol 2024; 56:16-24. [PMID: 37407358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba infections occur worldwide, with higher frequency in countries of low socioeconomic status and poor public health. Since Entamoeba histolytica has long been recognized as the only pathogenic species, making a differential diagnosis of other morphologically identical Entamoeba is important. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba species in two populations from Argentina, make a differential diagnosis by PCR and characterize Entamoeba isolates at the SSU rRNA gene. A total of 493 serial fecal samples were obtained from individuals in the provinces of Buenos Aires (n=210) and Misiones (n=283). Samples were examined by conventional methods (formalin-ethyl acetate and Willis flotation) and specific PCRs to differentiate Entamoeba species. Entamoeba isolates were characterized by sequencing a fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 12.4%, being more prevalent in Buenos Aires than in Misiones (14.8% vs. 10.6%). A case of E. histolytica confirmed by PCR and sequence analysis was reported for the first time in Buenos Aires. Moreover, new genetic data on Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba dispar were recorded. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a congruence between morphological characteristics and SSU rRNA gene sequences. This study increases the amount of information on the distribution of these species in Argentina and the region of the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Servián
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Lorena Zonta
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela T Navone
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Li W, Ma X, Yong YC, Liu G, Yang Z. Review of paper-based microfluidic analytical devices for in-field testing of pathogens. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1278:341614. [PMID: 37709421 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens cause various infectious diseases and high morbidity and mortality which is a global public health threat. The highly sensitive and specific detection is of significant importance for the effective treatment and intervention to minimise the impact. However, conventional detection methods including culture and molecular method gravely depend on expensive equipment and well-trained skilled personnel, limiting in the laboratory. It remains challenging to adapt in resource-limiting areas, e.g., low and middle-income countries (LMICs). To this end, low-cost, rapid, and sensitive detection tools with the capability of field testing e.g., a portable device for identification and quantification of pathogens, has attracted increasing attentions. Recently, paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) have shown a promising tool for rapid and on-site diagnosis, providing a cost-effective and sensitive analytical approach for pathogens detection. The fast turn-round data collection may also contribute to better understanding of the risks and insights on mitigation method. In this paper, critical developments of μPADs for in-field detection of pathogens both for clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance are reviewed. The future development, and challenges of μPADs for rapid and onsite detection of pathogens are discussed, including using the cross-disciplinary development with, emerging techniques such as deep learning and Internet of Things (IoT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Li
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Xuanye Ma
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Yang-Chun Yong
- Biofuels Institute, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, School of Emergency Management & School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guozhen Liu
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Zhugen Yang
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, Bedford, United Kingdom.
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Nagode A, Vanbeselaere J, Dutkiewicz Z, Kaltenbrunner S, Wilson IBH, Duchêne M. Molecular characterisation of Entamoeba histolytica UDP-glucose 4-epimerase, an enzyme able to provide building blocks for cyst wall formation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011574. [PMID: 37616327 PMCID: PMC10482301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human host, the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is adapted to a non-invasive lifestyle in the colon as well as to an invasive lifestyle in the mesenterial blood vessels and the liver. This means to cope with bacteria and human cells as well as various metabolic challenges. Galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) are sugars of great importance for the amoebae, they attach to the host mucus and enterocytes via their well-studied Gal/GalNAc specific lectin, they carry galactose residues in their surface glycans, and they cleave GalNAc from host mucins. The enzyme UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (GalE) works as a bridge between the galactose and glucose worlds, it can help to generate glucose for glycolysis from phagocytosis products containing galactose as well as providing UDP-galactose necessary for the biosynthesis of galactose-containing surface components. E. histolytica contains a single galE gene. We recombinantly expressed the enzyme in Escherichia coli and used a spectrophotometric assay to determine its temperature and pH dependency (37°C, pH 8.5), its kinetics for UDP-glucose (Km = 31.82 μM, Vmax = 4.31 U/mg) and substrate spectrum. As observed via RP-HPLC, the enzyme acts on UDP-Glc/Gal as well as UDP-GlcNAc/GalNAc. Previously, Trypanosoma brucei GalE and the bloodstream form of the parasite were shown to be susceptible to the three compounds ebselen, a selenoorganic drug with antioxidant properties, diethylstilbestrol, a mimic of oestrogen with anti-inflammatory properties, and ethacrynic acid, a loop diuretic used to treat oedema. In this study, the three compounds had cytotoxic activity against E. histolytica, but only ebselen inhibited the recombinant GalE with an IC50 of 1.79 μM (UDP-Gal) and 1.2 μM (UDP-GalNAc), suggesting that the two other compounds are active against other targets in the parasite. The importance of the ability of GalE to interconvert UDP-GalNAc and UDP-GlcNAc may be that the trophozoites can generate precursors for their own cyst wall from the sugar subunits cleaved from host mucins. This finding advances our understanding of the biochemical interactions of E. histolytica in its colonic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nagode
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Samantha Kaltenbrunner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iain B. H. Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Universität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Duchêne
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Vonaesch P, Billy V, Mann AE, Morien E, Habib A, Collard JM, Dédé M, Kapel N, Sansonetti PJ, Parfrey LW. The eukaryome of African children is influenced by geographic location, gut biogeography, and nutritional status. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad033. [PMID: 37680753 PMCID: PMC10481997 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotes have historically been studied as parasites, but recent evidence suggests they may be indicators of a healthy gut ecosystem. Here, we describe the eukaryome along the gastrointestinal tract of children aged 2-5 years and test for associations with clinical factors such as anaemia, intestinal inflammation, chronic undernutrition, and age. Children were enrolled from December 2016 to May 2018 in Bangui, Central African Republic and Antananarivo, Madagascar. We analyzed a total of 1104 samples representing 212 gastric, 187 duodenal, and 705 fecal samples using a metabarcoding approach targeting the full ITS2 region for fungi, and the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene for the overall eukaryome. Roughly, half of all fecal samples showed microeukaryotic reads. We find high intersubject variability, only a handful of taxa that are likely residents of the gastrointestinal tract, and frequent co-occurrence of eukaryotes within an individual. We also find that the eukaryome differs between the stomach, duodenum, and feces and is strongly influenced by country of origin. Our data show trends towards higher levels of Fusarium equiseti, a mycotoxin producing fungus, and lower levels of the protist Blastocystis in stunted children compared to nonstunted controls. Overall, the eukaryome is poorly correlated with clinical variables. Our study is of one of the largest cohorts analyzing the human intestinal eukaryome to date and the first to compare the eukaryome across different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract. Our results highlight the importance of studying populations across the world to uncover common features of the eukaryome in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Vonaesch
- Unité de Pathogénie Microbienne Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Billy
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 3200-6270 University Boulevard, V6T1Z4 Vancouver, Canada
| | - Allison E Mann
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 3200-6270 University Boulevard, V6T1Z4 Vancouver, Canada
| | - Evan Morien
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 3200-6270 University Boulevard, V6T1Z4 Vancouver, Canada
| | - Azimdine Habib
- Unité de Bactériologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, BP1274 Ambatofotsikely Avaradoha 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jean-Marc Collard
- Unité de Bactériologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, BP1274 Ambatofotsikely Avaradoha 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Michel Dédé
- Laboratoire d’Analyse médicale, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Avenue De Independence Bangui, 923 Central African Republic
| | - Nathalie Kapel
- Laboratoire de Coprologie Fonctionnelle, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 Bd de l’Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Philippe J Sansonetti
- Unité de Pathogénie Microbienne Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Laura Wegener Parfrey
- Departments of Botany and Zoology, and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 3200-6270 University Boulevard, V6T1Z4 Vancouver, Canada
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Schawaller M, Wiemer D, Hagen RM, Frickmann H. Infectious diseases in German military personnel after predominantly tropical deployments: a retrospective assessment over 13 years. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:146-151. [PMID: 33257519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Military deployments to the tropics are associated with specific infection risks. To add to the available epidemiological information, infectious disease risks in German military personnel returning from predominantly tropical deployments were assessed. METHODS Since 2006, German soldiers returning from predominantly tropical deployments have been offered the opportunity of returnee screenings at the Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases of the Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg. Case files and diagnostic results recorded between 2006 and 2018 were retrospectively assessed to identify deployment-associated infectious disease risks. RESULTS Along with high enteric colonisation rates with apathogenic protozoa and resistant Enterobacteriaceae, direct or indirect proof of infections among the 764 assessed cases comprised Plasmodium spp (n=37), Giardia duodenalis (n=21), Schistosoma spp (n=14), Yersinia enterocolitica (n=5), Strongyloides stercoralis (n=3), Campylobacter jejuni (n=1), Leishmania spp (n=1) and Salmonella enterica (n=1), as well as latent infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (n=8). The infections were mainly imported from the African region and Eastern Mediterranean region and high proportions of cases lacked typical symptoms. Reported side effect rates of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis for mefloquine (n=121), atovaquone/proguanil (n=49) and doxycycline (n=6) were 36.3%, 19.3% and 11.8%, respectively, while non-compliance rates were 12.9%, 13.0% and 5.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Considerable rates of infections with sometimes atypical or absent symptoms confirm a need for returnee screenings after tropical deployments. High reported side effect rates for mefloquine support its replacement by atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline for antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Schawaller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Wiemer
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R M Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | - H Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Fu X, Zhong Y, Chen L, Ge M, Yu M, Sun Y, Shen L. Global burden and trends of the Entamoeba infection-associated diseases from 1990 to 2019: An observational trend study. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106866. [PMID: 36801451 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Entamoeba infection-associated diseases (EIADs) in humans are a worldwide public health problem, but there is a lack of a global picture of EIADs, which is vital to prevention and control. METHODS We applied 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data collected from multiple sources at global, national and regional levels. The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (95% UIs) were extracted as the main measure of the burden of EIADs. The Joinpoint regression model was used to estimate the trends of age-standardised DALY rates by age, sex, geographical region, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Besides, a generalized linear model was conducted to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors on the DALY rate of EIADs. RESULTS In 2019, there were 2,539,799 (95% UI 850,865-6,186,972) DALY cases attributable to Entamoeba infection, and the global age-standardised DALY rate of EIADs was 36.77/100,000 (95% UI: 12.03-90.49). Although over the past 30 years, the age-standardised DALY rate of EIADs presented significantly declining trends [average annual percent change (AAPC) = -3.79%, 95% CI: -4.05% - -3.53%], it has remained a heavy burden among the age group of <5 years (257.43/100,000, 95% UI: 67.73-676.78) and the low SDI regions (100.47/100,000, 95% UI: 32.27-249.09). The age-standardized DALY rate in high-income North America and Australia had an increasing trend (AAPC = 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.47% - 0.28% and 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.46% - 0.29%, respectively). Furthermore, the DALY rates in high SDI regions showed statistically significant increasing trends among the age groups of 14-49, 50-69 years and 70+ years, with AAPCs of 1.01% (95% CI: 0.87% - 1.15%), 1.58% (95% CI: 1.43% - 1.73%), and 2.93% (95% CI: 2.58% - 3.29%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Over the past 30 years, the burden of EIADs has declined significantly. However, it has still caused a high burden in the low SDI regions and the age group of <5 years. At the same time, in adults and the elderly of the high SDI regions, the increasing trends of Entamoeba infection-associated burden should also be given more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Fu
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Zhong
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liyan Chen
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minjie Ge
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Yu
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Sun
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linfeng Shen
- Linping Campus, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Can the genetic variability of Blastocystis sp. be associated with the climatic region of its human carriers? INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 106:105383. [PMID: 36336275 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a widespread microorganism that colonizes the intestinal tract of several animals, including human beings, while its pathogenic role in humans is still under debate. The objective of the present study was to describe the frequency of Blastocystis sp. subtypes (STs) and their genetic variation within and among samples recovered from scholars inhabiting two rural villages with tropical climates and compare this information with previously documented data from arid and temperate zones in Mexico. Blastocystis sp. positive samples and ST identification were achieved by coprological analysis screening and Polymerase Chain Reaction-sequencing, respectively. Classical population genetics indexes (nucleotide diversity (π), haplotype polymorphism (θ), gene flow (Nm), genetic differentiation (ST), and Tajima's D) were calculated by comparing the sequences here obtained (n = 42) and those from previous studies from the arid (n = 80) and temperate (n = 61) climates from Mexico. Although Blastocystis sp. was the parasite most frequently found between 33% and 26% in both communities, only STs 1-3 were found. Haplotype network inference of Blastocystis sp. STs showed different haplotype profiles among STs vs. climate zones, although no specific haplotypes were identified for any particular climatic zone. Population genetics indexes showed different values within STs and climate zones (π and θ values ranged from 0.004 to 0.147; Nm > 4 and ST from 0.006 to 0.12). Our results show that Blastocystis sp. subtypes exhibit a different genetic variability profile according to the climate zone, suggesting a balancing process between the genetic variability within the Blastocystis sp. subtype and the number of haplotypes identified in each climate.
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Prevalence of Human Intestinal Entamoeba spp. in the Americas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 1990–2022. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111365. [DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the seven species of Entamoeba known to infect humans, E. histolytica is widely recognized as a pathogen. It is reported that Entamoeba infections are common in the developing world, but rare in developed countries. The best way to diagnose these protozoan parasites is to detect antigens or DNA in the stool. This study aimed to review the prevalence, distribution, and diagnosis methods of Entamoeba spp. infecting humans in the Americas between 1990 and 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, including 227 studies on Entamoeba infections from 30 out of 35 American countries. The pooled prevalence of each species of Entamoeba was calculated using the random-effects model. The assignment of Entamoeba species was mainly performed by microscopy. The most widely distributed and prevalent species was E. coli (21.0%). Of the studies, 49% could not differentiate the species of the Entamoeba complex. The pathogenic species E. Histolytica was distributed among 22 out of 30 American countries studied, with a pooled prevalence of 9%. Molecular data on Entamoeba species are still scarce. This is the first study that reviewed and summarized data on the prevalence of this protozoan genera among American countries.
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Epidemiologic Investigation of Intestinal Parasite Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Primary Schoolchildren in the Manzini and Lubombo Provinces, the Kingdom of Eswatini. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:9190333. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9190333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the deworming program has been executed since 2000, the intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) rates among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in the two provinces of the Kingdom of Eswatini investigated in 2010 remained high, reaching 32.2%. In this study, we monitored the IPI status along with the associated risk factors for PSC in two provinces—Manzini and Lubombo. After consent from their parents/guardians, a total of 316 samples collected from PSC with grades 1 to 3 from four primary schools in Manzini and Lubombo were examined by the Merthiolate-Iodine-Formaldehyde (MIF) method. In addition, demographic characteristics and risk factors acquired by questionnaire surveys were included to be statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence was 40.5% (128/316), of which the infection rate in Manzini and Lubombo was 28.8% (19/66) and 58.3% (74/140), respectively. Pathogenic protozoa had the highest infection rate of 20.6% (65/316), including Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.5%, 27/316), Giardia duodenalis (14.6%, 46/316), and Blastocystis hominis (9.8%, 31/316). In terms of helminth infection, the infection rate was quite low, 1.6% only, and these five infected cases included four cases of Hymenolepis nana and one case of Enterobius vermicularis infection. Present study showed that 27.8% (88/316) of PSC were infected by more than one pathogenic parasite. Personal hygiene like washing hands before a meal has a significant protection effect (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14–0.75,
). Rain or well water and the type of water supply from which they drank also showed a considerable risk factor (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.25–4.79,
). The IPI rate in PSC seems unlikely changed compared to that of the previous survey conducted in 2010, especially when the pathogenic protozoan infection rate remains high. Treatment of infected PSC with appropriate medication to reduce intestinal pathogenic protozoan infection should be seriously considered by Eswatini Health Authority.
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Global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among food handlers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs as Potential Virulence-Related miRNA/siRNA Sponges from Entamoeba histolytica and Encystment-Related circRNAs from Entamoeba invadens. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8050065. [PMID: 36287117 PMCID: PMC9607107 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8050065] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous eukaryotic non-coding circular RNAs regulate transcription and translation. We have reported full-length intronic circular RNAs (flicRNAs) in Entamoeba histolytica with esterified 3′ss and 5′ss. Their 5′ss GU-rich elements are essential for their biogenesis and their suggested role in transcription regulation. Here, we explored whether exonic, exonic-intronic, and intergenic circular RNAs are also part of the E. histolytica and E. invadens ncRNA RNAome and investigated their possible functions. Available RNA-Seq libraries were analyzed with the CIRI-full software in search of circular exonic RNAs (circRNAs). The robustness of the analyses was validated using synthetic decoy sequences with bona fide back splice junctions. Differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs, between the virulent HM1:IMSS and the nonvirulent Rahman E. histolytica strains, were identified, and their miRNA sponging potential was analyzed using the intaRNA software. Respectively, 188 and 605 reverse overlapped circRNAs from E. invadens and E. histolytica were identified. The sequence composition of the circRNAs was mostly exonic although different to human circRNAs in other attributes. 416 circRNAs from E. histolytica were virulent-specific and 267 were nonvirulent-specific. Out of the common circRNAs, 32 were DE between strains. Finally, we predicted that 8 of the DE circRNAs could function as sponges of the bioinformatically reported miRNAs in E. histolytica, whose functions are still unknown. Our results extend the E. histolytica RNAome and allow us to devise a hypothesis to test circRNAs/miRNAs/siRNAs interactions in determining the virulent/nonvirulent phenotypes and to explore other regulatory mechanisms during amoebic encystment.
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Wang X, Chen J, Zheng J. The state of the art of extracellular vesicle research in protozoan infection. Front Genet 2022; 13:941561. [PMID: 36035188 PMCID: PMC9417467 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.941561] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases seriously affect the health of human beings, livestock and poultry and lead to high economic and medical costs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures formed through biological processes that play important roles in immune regulation. Studies have shown that parasites transmit information to hosts through EVs to modulate host immune responses. The major roles played by EVs released from parasites involve facilitating parasitization of the host. In this review, we discuss relevant recently obtained data on EVs secreted by different kinds of protozoa, including their molecular mechanisms, and discuss the roles played by EVs in the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Jingtong Zheng,
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Sarid L, Ankri S. Are Metabolites From the Gut Microbiota Capable of Regulating Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Human Parasite Entamoeba histolytica? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:841586. [PMID: 35300430 PMCID: PMC8921869 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.841586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The unicellular parasite Entamoeba histolytica inhabits the human gut. It has to adapt to a complex environment that consists of the host microbiota, nutritional stress, oxidative stress, and nitrosative stress. Adaptation to this complex environment is vital for the survival of this parasite. Studies have shown that the host microbiota shapes virulence and stress adaptation in E. histolytica. Increasing evidence suggests that metabolites from the microbiota mediate communication between the parasite and microbiota. In this review, we discuss the bacterial metabolites that regulate epigenetic processes in E. histolytica and the implications that this knowledge may have for the development of new anti-amebic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotem Sarid
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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Müller F, Chandra S, Bogoch II, Rashid M, Redditt V. Intestinal parasites in stool testing among refugees at a primary care clinic in Toronto, Canada. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:249. [PMID: 35282824 PMCID: PMC8918311 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07226-4] [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: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enteric parasites are endemic in many of the countries from which refugees originate. Clinical guidelines vary in approaches to screening for and treating intestinal parasites in refugee receiving countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and species of intestinal parasites identified in stool ova and parasite (O&P) specimens in a sample of newly arrived refugees in Toronto, Canada. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1042 refugee patients rostered at a specialized primary care clinic in Toronto from December 2011 to September 2016. Patients who completed recommended stool O&P analyses were included. Basic sociodemographic and clinical variables and results of stool O&P were examined. Results 419 patients (40.2%) had a stool O&P positive for any protozoan or helminth species. Sixty-nine patients (6.6%) had clinically significant parasite species (excluding B hominis, D fragilis, and E dispar, given their lower risk for causing symptoms/complications): 2.3% had clinically significant protozoans and 4.2% had helminths on stool analysis. Conclusion Given the relatively low prevalence of clinically significant parasites identified, our findings do not support universal screening for enteric parasites with stool O&P among refugee claimants/asylum seekers. However, stool analysis should be considered in certain clinical situations, as part of a more tailored approach.
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Drug repositioning: antiprotozoal activity of terfenadine against Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:303-309. [PMID: 34741218 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica is still a serious public health problem, especially in developing countries. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of terfenadine against Entamoeba histolytica. The trophozoites were exposed to 1, 2, 3, and 4 μM of terfenadine, for 24 and 48 h. Consequently, the viability of cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion test. The effect of terfenadine on adhesion of Entamoeba histolytica was evaluated in Caco-2 cells. In addition, the effect of terfenadine on the erythrophagocytic capacity of the parasite was investigated. The results show that terfenadine affects the growth and cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The higher inhibitory effects were observed with 4 µM at 48 h; 91.6% of growth inhibition and only 22.5% of trophozoites were viable. Additionally, we demonstrate that terfenadine is highly selective for the parasite and has low toxicity on Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, adhesion to Caco-2 cells and erythrophagocytic capacity were significantly inhibited. These findings demonstrate that terfenadine exerts significant effects on the virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. This is the first study demonstrating the amoebicidal activity of terfenadine and the results suggest it may be effective in the treatment of amoebiasis.
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Wahdini S, Putra VP, Sungkar S. The Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Children in Southwest Sumba Based on the Type of Water Sources. Infect Chemother 2021; 53:519-527. [PMID: 34623780 PMCID: PMC8511361 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal protozoan infection is a public health problem in Indonesia, particularly in regions lacking clean water sources such as Perokonda and Perobatang villages, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The residents of Perokonda and Perobatang villages use wells and unprotected open springs respectively. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections in these two villages. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in Perokonda and Perobatang from August 2016 to August 2017. A total of 291 children aged 6 months to 18 years were used as subjects. Furthermore, fecal examinations were carried out by preparing smears, which were stained with lugol solution and examined under the microscopes by four experienced technicians. The data were processed using SPSS version 20 and analyzed by chi-square test. Results Among the 291 samples, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 20%, with 23.4% in Perokonda and 17.2% in Perobatang. The predominant species found were Blastocystis hominis (34.5%), Giardia lamblia (19.0%), and Entamoeba coli (15.5%). Moreover, approximately 69.0% of single infections were found while 31.0% were mixed and associated with 2 to 3 protozoan species. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the children in Perokonda and Perobatang villages (confidence interval 0.83 - 2.62, P = 0.19). Conclusion The type of water sources has no relationship with the species of intestinal protozoan infecting children in Perokonda and Perobatang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Wahdini
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | | | - Saleha Sungkar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Shaulov Y, Sarid L, Trebicz-Geffen M, Ankri S. Entamoeba histolytica Adaption to Auranofin: A Phenotypic and Multi-Omics Characterization. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081240. [PMID: 34439488 PMCID: PMC8389260 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF), an antirheumatic agent, targets mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), an important enzyme controlling redox homeostasis. AF is also highly effective against a diversity of pathogenic bacteria and protozoan parasites. Here, we report on the resistance of the parasite Entamoeba histolytica to 2 µM of AF that was acquired by gradual exposure of the parasite to an increasing amount of the drug. AF-adapted E. histolytica trophozoites (AFAT) have impaired growth and cytopathic activity, and are more sensitive to oxidative stress (OS), nitrosative stress (NS), and metronidazole (MNZ) than wild type (WT) trophozoites. Integrated transcriptomics and redoxomics analyses showed that many upregulated genes in AFAT, including genes encoding for dehydrogenase and cytoskeletal proteins, have their product oxidized in wild type trophozoites exposed to AF (acute AF trophozoites) but not in AFAT. We also showed that the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized proteins (OXs) in AFAT is lower than that in acute AF trophozoites. Overexpression of E. histolytica TrxR (EhTrxR) did not protect the parasite against AF, which suggests that EhTrxR is not central to the mechanism of adaptation to AF.
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Habib A, Andrianonimiadana L, Rakotondrainipiana M, Andriantsalama P, Randriamparany R, Randremanana RV, Rakotoarison R, Vigan-Womas I, Rafalimanantsoa A, Vonaesch P, Sansonetti PJ, Collard JM. High prevalence of intestinal parasite infestations among stunted and control children aged 2 to 5 years old in two neighborhoods of Antananarivo, Madagascar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009333. [PMID: 33878113 PMCID: PMC8087024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the prevalence of intestinal parasite infestations (IPIs) in stunted children, compared to control children, in Ankasina and Andranomanalina Isotry (two disadvantaged neighborhoods of Antananarivo, Madagascar), to characterize associated risk factors and to compare IPI detection by real-time PCR and standard microscopy techniques. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Fecal samples were collected from a total of 410 children (171 stunted and 239 control) aged 2-5 years. A single stool sample per subject was examined by simple merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde (MIF), Kato-Katz smear and real-time PCR techniques. A total of 96.3% of the children were infested with at least one intestinal parasite. The most prevalent parasites were Giardia intestinalis (79.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (68.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (68.0%). For all parasites studied, real-time PCR showed higher detection rates compared to microscopy (G. intestinalis [77.6% (n = 318) versus 20.9% (n = 86)], Entamoeba histolytica [15.8% (n = 65) versus 1.9% (n = 8)] and A. lumbricoides [64.1% (n = 263) versus 50.7% (n = 208)]). Among the different variables assessed in the study, age of 4 to 5 years (AOR = 4.61; 95% CI, (1.35-15.77)) and primary and secondary educational level of the mother (AOR = 12.59; 95% CI, (2.76-57.47); AOR = 9.17; 95% CI, (2.12-39.71), respectively) were significantly associated with IPIs. Children drinking untreated water was associated with infestation with G. intestinalis (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI, (1.1-3.09)) and E. histolytica (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI, (1.07-3.38)). E. histolytica was also associated with moderately stunted children (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.2-0.71). Similarly, children aged between 4 and 5 years (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI (2.04-5.01)) and living on noncemented soil types (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI, (1.18-2.09)) were associated with T. trichiura infestation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence of IPIs is substantial in the studied areas in both stunted and control children, despite the large-scale drug administration of antiparasitic drugs in the country. This high prevalence of IPIs warrants further investigation. Improved health education, environmental sanitation and quality of water sources should be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azimdine Habib
- Unité de Bactériologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- * E-mail:
| | - Lova Andrianonimiadana
- Unité de Bactériologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Prisca Andriantsalama
- Unité d’Epidémiologie et de Recherche Clinique, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Ravaka Randriamparany
- Unité d’Epidémiologie et de Recherche Clinique, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Rado Rakotoarison
- Unité d’Immunologie des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Inès Vigan-Womas
- Unité d’Immunologie des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Pascale Vonaesch
- Unité de Pathogénie Microbienne Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-Marc Collard
- Unité de Bactériologie Expérimentale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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Dos Santos Zanetti A, Malheiros AF, de Matos TA, Dos Santos C, Battaglini PF, Moreira LM, Lemos LMS, Castrillon SKI, da Costa Boamorte Cortela D, Ignotti E, Espinosa OA. Diversity, geographical distribution, and prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:17. [PMID: 33812449 PMCID: PMC8019558 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The genus Entamoeba includes a variety of widely distributed species adapted to live in the digestive tracts of humans and a large variety of animals of different classes. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, distribution, and molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. in different classes of hosts in Brazil. Studies that analyzed hosts from several classes, including humans and domestic, wild, or captive animals, were considered. The pooled prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 166 studies on humans and 16 on animals were included. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in the Brazilian population was 22% (95% CI: 21–24). The state with the highest prevalence was Paraiba with 72%, followed by Federal District with 53%, and Rondonia with 50%. In immunocompromized patients, the prevalence was 18%, and cancer (36%) was the most prevalent cause of immunosuppression. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in animal hosts was 12% (95% CI: 7–17). Captive wild animals and domestic farm animals showed the highest prevalence, with 16% and 15%, respectively. The species found more often were E. coli (86.5%), E. dispar (7.9%), and E. histolytica (3.1%). In conclusion, a high prevalence (22%) of Entamoeba spp. was found in the Brazilian population, with a prevalence of up to 50% mainly in the northern, northeastern, and central-western regions. The pathogenic species E. histolytica is distributed in most Brazilian regions, with significant prevalence percentages. Among animals, unidentified Entamoeba species were most prevalent in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andernice Dos Santos Zanetti
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Antonio Francisco Malheiros
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Amorim de Matos
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Carolina Dos Santos
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Paula Franciene Battaglini
- Residency in Infectious Diseases, Júlio Miller University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Luis Philippe Pereira Leite St., Alvorada, Cuiabá, 78048-902 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Luciana Melhorança Moreira
- Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, 78217-042 Caceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Larissa Maria Scalon Lemos
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Solange Kimie Ikeda Castrillon
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Denise da Costa Boamorte Cortela
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, 78217-042 Caceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Eliane Ignotti
- Post-Graduation Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Tancredo Neves Ave., 1095 - Cavalhada II, Caceres, 78217-042 Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Omar Ariel Espinosa
- Faculty Estacio of Pantanal (Estacio FAPAN), São Luís, 2522 St - Cidade Nova, Caceres, 78201-000 Mato Grosso, Brazil
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Calegar DA, Monteiro KJL, Bacelar PAA, Evangelista BBC, Almeida MM, Dos Santos JP, Boia MN, Coronato-Nunes B, Jaeger LH, Carvalho-Costa FA. Epidemiology, species composition and genetic diversity of tetra- and octonucleated Entamoeba spp. in different Brazilian biomes. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:160. [PMID: 33731176 PMCID: PMC7968159 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Entamoeba species harbored by humans have different degrees of pathogenicity. The present study explores the intra- and interspecific diversity, phylogenetic relationships, prevalence and distribution of tetra- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba in different Brazilian regions. Methods Cross-sectional studies were performed to collect fecal samples (n = 1728) and sociodemographic data in communities located in four Brazilian biomes: Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Amazon. Fecal samples were subjected to molecular analysis by partial small subunit ribosomal DNA sequencing (SSU rDNA) and phylogenetic analysis. Results Light microscopy analysis revealed that tetranucleated cysts were found in all the studied biomes. The highest positivity rates were observed in the age group 6–10 years (23.21%). For octonucleated cysts, positivity rates ranged from 1 to 55.1%. Sixty SSU rDNA Entamoeba sequences were obtained, and four different species were identified: the octonucleated E. coli, and the tetranucleated E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. hartmanni. Novel haplotypes (n = 32) were characterized; however, new ribosomal lineages were not identified. The Entamoeba coli ST1 subtype predominated in Atlantic Forest and Caatinga, and the ST2 subtype was predominant in the Amazon biome. E. histolytica was detected only in the Amazon biome. In phylogenetic trees, sequences were grouped in two groups, the first containing uni- and tetranucleated and the second containing uni- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba species. Molecular diversity indexes revealed a high interspecific diversity for tetra- and octonucleated Entamoeba spp. (H ± SD = 0.9625 ± 0.0126). The intraspecific diversity varied according to species or subtype: E. dispar and E. histolytica showed lower diversity than E. coli subtypes ST1 and ST2 and E. hartmanni. Conclusions Tetra- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba are endemic in the studied communities; E. histolytica was found in a low proportion and only in the Amazon biome. With regard to E. coli, subtype ST2 was predominant in the Amazon biome. The molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. is a field to be further explored and provides information with important implications for public health. ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04672-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deiviane Aparecida Calegar
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Kerla Joeline Lima Monteiro
- Centro/Norte, Escritório Técnico Regional - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Piauí, Rua Magalhães Filho, 519, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Polyanna Araújo Alves Bacelar
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Centro/Norte, Escritório Técnico Regional - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Piauí, Rua Magalhães Filho, 519, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Brenda Bulsara Costa Evangelista
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Centro/Norte, Escritório Técnico Regional - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Piauí, Rua Magalhães Filho, 519, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Mayron Morais Almeida
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Pereira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Centro/Norte, Escritório Técnico Regional - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Piauí, Rua Magalhães Filho, 519, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Márcio Neves Boia
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Coronato-Nunes
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis (FMP)/Faculdade Arthur Sá Earp Neto (FASE), Rua Machado Fagundes, 326, Cascatinha, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lauren Hubert Jaeger
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n - Campus Universitário, Bairro São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Ankri S. Entamoeba histolytica-Gut Microbiota Interaction: More Than Meets the Eye. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030581. [PMID: 33809056 PMCID: PMC7998739 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the unicellular parasite Entamoeba histolytica. In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic but when symptomatic, the infection can cause dysentery and invasive extraintestinal complications. In the gut, E. histolytica feeds on bacteria. Increasing evidences support the role of the gut microbiota in the development of the disease. In this review we will discuss the consequences of E. histolytica infection on the gut microbiota. We will also discuss new evidences about the role of gut microbiota in regulating the resistance of the parasite to oxidative stress and its virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa 31096, Israel
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24
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Li J, Cui Z, Li X, Zhang L. Review of zoonotic amebiasis: Epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control. Res Vet Sci 2021; 136:174-181. [PMID: 33676155 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which mainly shows symptoms of acute diarrhea, dysentery, amebic colitis, and amebic liver abscesses. As the fourth leading parasitic cause of human mortality, E. histolytica mainly infect children in developing countries, transmitted by food and water contamination. In the majority of infected individuals, Entamoeba sp. asymptomatically colonizes the large intestine and self-limiting, while in others, the parasite breaches the mucosal epithelial barrier to cause amebic colitis and can disseminate to soft organs to cause abscesses. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the recommended and most widely used drug for treating the invasive amebiasis. No amebiasis vaccine has been approved for human clinical trials to date, but many recent vaccine development studies hold promise. For the prevention and control of amebiasis, improvement of water purification systems and hygiene practices could decrease disease incidence. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology, transmission, clinical signs, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of the zoonotic amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhaohui Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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25
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Intestinal parasites may be associated with later behavioral problems in internationally adopted children. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245786. [PMID: 33493225 PMCID: PMC7833226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim At arrival in new home country, internationally adopted children often have intestinal parasites. International adoptees also exhibit more behavioral problems than their biological peers. We examined whether intestinal parasite infections in international adoptees on arrival in Finland are associated with their later behavioral and emotional problems. Methods Data for this study were sourced from the Finnish Adoption Study (FinAdo) based on parental questionnaires for all internationally adopted children under 18 years (n = 1450) who arrived in Finland from 1985 to 2007. A total of 1293 families provided sufficient information on the adoptee’s background, parasitic status on arrival, and behavioral symptoms at the median time of 5 years after arrival (mean age = 7.8 years). Behavioral and emotional disorders were evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Statistical analyses were conducted using linear regression. Results Of the 1293 families, parents of 206 adoptive children reported intestinal parasites in their adopted children on arrival. Parasite-infected children had subsequently higher CBCL problem scores than the children without parasites (p < 0.001). The association between intestinal parasites and later behavioral problems was stronger than that between intestinal parasites and any other factors measured in this study, except disability. Limitations The control group was naturally provided by the adopted children without parasite infections, but we could not compare the adopted children to non-adopted children without a defined parasite infection. We were unable to specify the effects associated with a specific parasite type. It was not possible either to include multiple environmental factors that could have been associated with behavioral problems in the models, which indicated only modest explanatory values. Conclusions In this study, intestinal parasite infections in early childhood may be associated with children’s later psychological wellbeing, even in children who move to a country with a low prevalence of parasites. Our findings may support further developments pertaining to the gut-brain theory.
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26
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Escutia-Guzman Y, Martinez-Flores WA, Martinez-Ocaña J, Martinez-Pimentel R, Benitez-Ramirez M, Martinez-Hernandez F, Arroyo-Escalante S, Romero-Valdovinos M, Orozco-Mosqueda GE, Maravilla P. An Unusual Case of Extra-Enteric Blastocystosis in the Uterine Cervix. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:571-576. [PMID: 33202510 PMCID: PMC7672234 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.5.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Extra-enteric infections by Blastocystis spp. have rarely been documented. Here, we report a case of extra-enteric blastocystosis in a patient with minimal cervicitis symptoms. A 47-year-old Hispanic female patient was attended in a primary health centre in Michoacan state, Mexico, for her routine gynaecological medical examination. As only symptom, she referred to a slight vaginal itching. The presence of several vacuolar-stages of Blastocystis spp. were identified by Papanicolaou staining; molecular identification was attempted by culture-PCR sequencing of a region of 18S gene from cervical and faecal samples obtained 2 months after cytological examination, even when patient declared that she tried self-medicating with vaginal ovules. Blastocystis ST1 was identified only in the faecal sample. The presence of Blastocystis spp. in the cervix of a patient with scarce symptomatology, demonstrates the extraordinary flexibility of this microorganism to adapt to new environments and niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Escutia-Guzman
- Coordinacion de Cancer Cervicouterino, Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Publica, Morelia 58270, Michoacan, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Marisol Benitez-Ramirez
- Coordinacion de Cancer Cervicouterino, Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Publica, Morelia 58270, Michoacan, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Maravilla
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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27
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Infections with Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar as Hidden and Prevalent Conditions in Periurban Communities in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. J Trop Med 2020; 2020:3134849. [PMID: 32733575 PMCID: PMC7376428 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3134849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the prevalence, distribution, and etiological profile of intestinal parasitism in children living in periurban areas in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A community-based cross-sectional survey (n = 479) was carried out. Prevalence of infection with G. duodenalis and E. histolytica/E. dispar was 8.6% (n = 41) and 13.4% (n = 64), respectively. Infection with G. duodenalis was significantly more frequent among children living in poor families (24/187 (12.8%) vs. 16/272 (5.9%); prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19–3.99; p=0.011). This difference was also significant for infection with any pathogenic parasite (43/187 (23%) vs. 40/272 (14/7%); PR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.06–2.30; p=0.026). In addition, people residing in houses with more than four inhabitants showed significantly higher positivity for infections with G. duodenalis and with E. histolytica/E. dispar (22/138 (15.9%) vs. 16/311 (5.1%); PR = 3.09; 95% CI = 1.68–5.71; p < 0.001 for G. duodenalis and 32/138 (23.2%) vs. 30/311 (9.6%); PR = 2.40; 95% CI = 1.52–3.79; p < 0.001 for E. histolytica/E. dispar). Laboratory diagnosis of protozoan enteric infections and effective drugs for their treatment are unmet goals in the primary health care system. Therefore, giardiasis and amebiasis are neglected conditions.
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28
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Espinosa A, Paz-y-Miño-C G, Santos Y, Ma H, Nadeau M, Seeram NP, Rowley DC. Anti-amebic effects of Chinese rhubarb ( Rheum palmatum) leaves' extract, the anthraquinone rhein and related compounds. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03693. [PMID: 32258515 PMCID: PMC7118315 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica infects 50 million people worldwide and causes 55 thousand fatalities every year. Current anti-amebic drugs (e.g. paromomycin) work either at the level of the intestinal lumen (where trophozoites proliferate via cell divisions) or on the invasive trophozoites that have penetrated the gut or colonized internal organs (e.g. metronidazole). Some of these drugs are highly toxic to patients, have generated trophozoite resistance, or caused mutations and cancer in laboratory animals. Thus, alternative anti-amebic compounds need to be identified to minimize the side effects (on patients) or resistance (by amebas) to current treatments. The literature suggests that anthraquinones (chemicals found in medicinal plants) have antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here we provide experimental evidence that Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) leaves' extract (rich in the anthraquinone rhein) inhibits E. histolytica trophozoite growth in vitro. In addition, from a set of ten isolated/synthetic anthraquinones (which we suspected to have anti-amebic properties), four analogs (rhein; AHHDAC = 1-amino-4-hydroxy-9, 10-dioxo-9, 10-dihydro-anthracene-2-carboxylic acid; unisol blue AS; and sennoside B) efficiently inhibited amebic growth at EIC50 concentrations comparable to metronidazole. The mechanism of action of these compounds still needs to be determined, although anthraquinones might enhance the production of toxic oxygen metabolites as it has been suggested for various protists (e.g. Leishmania, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma). Our research is the first to explore anti-amebic effects of Chinese rhubarb leaves' extract and isolated/synthetic anthraquinones on pathogenic Entamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avelina Espinosa
- Department of Biology, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
- New England Center for the Public Understanding of Science, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
| | - Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C
- New England Center for the Public Understanding of Science, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
| | - Yoly Santos
- Department of Biology, Roger Williams University, RI 02809, United States
| | - Hang Ma
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Michael Nadeau
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Navindra P. Seeram
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - David C. Rowley
- Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
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29
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Herrick JA, Nordstrom M, Maloney P, Rodriguez M, Naceanceno K, Gallo G, Mejia R, Hershow R. Parasitic infections represent a significant health threat among recent immigrants in Chicago. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1139-1148. [PMID: 32008064 PMCID: PMC7075846 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic infections are likely under-recognized among immigrant populations in the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate if such infections have health impacts among recent immigrants in Chicago and to identify predictive factors for parasitic infections. A total of 133 recent immigrants were enrolled, filling out a standardized medical questionnaire and providing blood and stool samples. Appriximately 12% of subjects (15/125) who provided a blood or stool sample for testing were found to have evidence of current or prior infection with a pathogenic parasite, of which Toxocara spp. (8 subjects, 6.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (5 subjects, 4%) were most commonly identified. Parasitic infection was more likely among subjects who had immigrated within the previous 2 years and those with a self-reported history of worms in the stool. The most useful surrogate markers identified for parasitic infections were an elevated immunoglobulin E level (seen in 46.7% (7/15) of subjects with parasitic infections and 20% (22/110) of uninfected individuals, p = 0.04) and the presence of Blastocystis hominis cysts on Ova & Parasite exam (detected in 38.5% (5/13) of subjects with parasitic infections who provided a stool sample and 5.1% (5/98) of uninfected subjects, p = 0.002). Our study found that parasitic infections may be common in recent US immigrants, which highlights an important health disparity among a vulnerable population that merits further study. Additionally, clinical risk factors, symptoms, and laboratory findings traditionally thought to be associated with parasites were commonly found but not predictive of infection in this study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica A. Herrick
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and International Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 South Wood, M/C 735, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Monica Nordstrom
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Patrick Maloney
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Miguel Rodriguez
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kevin Naceanceno
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Gloria Gallo
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- grid.411249.b0000 0001 0514 7202Science and Technology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Ron Hershow
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and International Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 South Wood, M/C 735, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
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30
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Shaulov Y, Nagaraja S, Sarid L, Trebicz-Geffen M, Ankri S. Formation of oxidised (OX) proteins in Entamoeba histolytica exposed to auranofin and consequences on the parasite virulence. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13174. [PMID: 32017328 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Metronidazole (MNZ), the first line drug for amoebiasis and auranofin (AF), an emerging antiprotozoan drug, are both inhibiting Entamoeba histolytica thioredoxin reductase. The nature of oxidised proteins (OXs) formed in AF- or MNZ-treated E. histolytica trophozoites is unknown. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we performed a large-scale identification and quantification of the OXs formed in AF- or MNZ-treated E. histolytica trophozoites using resin-assisted capture coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). We detected 661 OXs in MNZ-treated trophozoites and 583 OXs in AF-treated trophozoites. More than 50% of these OXs were shared, and their functions include hydrolases, enzyme modulators, transferases, nucleic acid binding proteins, oxidoreductases, cytoskeletal proteins, chaperones, and ligases. Here, we report that the formation of actin filaments (F-actin) is impaired in AF-treated trophozoites. Consequently, their erythrophagocytosis, cytopathic activity, and their motility are impaired. We also observed that less than 15% of OXs present in H2 O2 -treated trophozoites are also present in AF- or MNZ-treated trophozoites. These results strongly suggest that the formation of OXs in AF- or MNZ-treated trophozoites and in H2 O2 -treated trophozoites occurred by two different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Shaulov
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lotem Sarid
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Meirav Trebicz-Geffen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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31
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Tharmaratnam T, Kumanan T, Iskandar MA, D’Urzo K, Gopee-Ramanan P, Loganathan M, Tabobondung T, Tabobondung TA, Sivagurunathan S, Patel M, Tobbia I. Entamoeba histolytica and amoebic liver abscess in northern Sri Lanka: a public health problem. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:2. [PMID: 31992948 PMCID: PMC6977265 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-0193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a facultative protozoan parasite implicated in amoebic liver abscesses (ALA), the most common extraintestinal manifestation of this infection. E. histolytica is endemic to sub-tropical and tropical countries and has been a major public health concern in northern Sri Lanka (SLK) for the last three decades. This has been attributed to a multitude of factors such as poor sanitation, hygiene, male sex, middle age, overcrowding, unsanitary practices in the production of indigenous alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption. Additionally, while rates of E. histolytica have declined substantially throughout the rest of the island, largely due to better infrastructure, it remains pervasive in the northern peninsula, which is generally less developed. Infection arises primarily from fecal-oral transmission through the consumption of contaminated drinking water containing cysts. Upon ingestion, cysts multiply into trophozoites and colonize the host colonic mucosa using lectin and cysteine proteases as virulence factors, leading to host invasion. Symptoms occur along a spectrum, from asymptomatology, to pyrexia, abdominal cramping, and amoebic dysentery. Colonization of the colon results in the formation of distinct flask-shaped ulcers along the epithelium, and eventual penetration of the lamina propria via the production of matrix metalloproteinases. ALA then develops through trophozoite migration via the mesenteric hepatic portal circulation, where microabscesses coalesce to form a single, large right-lobe abscess, commonly on the posterior aspect. The progression of infection to invasive disease is contingent on the unique interplay between host and pathogen factors, such as the strength of host-immunity to overcome infection and inherent pathogenicity of the Entamoeba species. As a preventable illness, E. histolytica complications such as ALA impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. This mini-review highlights epidemiological trends, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, treatment approaches, and opportunities for prevention of E. histolytica-induced ALA, to help address this endemic problem on the island of SLK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharmegan Tharmaratnam
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Thirunavukarasu Kumanan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
| | - Mina Amin Iskandar
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Katrina D’Urzo
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Prasaanthan Gopee-Ramanan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hamilton Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Radiology, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Mayura Loganathan
- Academic Family Health Team, Mount Sinai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Tyler Tabobondung
- Department of Family Medicine, Brantford General Hospital, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | | | - Seyon Sivagurunathan
- Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Stonechurch Family Health Clinic, Department of Family Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Mitul Patel
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Iqdam Tobbia
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
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32
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Kabir M, Ahmed E, Hossain B, Alam M, Ahmed S, Taniuchi M, Gilchrist CA, Houpt ER, Faruque ASG, Petri WA, Haque R. Giardia/Cryptosporidium QUIK CHEK Assay Is More Specific Than Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for Rapid Point-of-care Diagnosis of Cryptosporidiosis in Infants in Bangladesh. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 67:1897-1903. [PMID: 29718129 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium is a major cause of childhood diarrhea. Current modes of cryptosporidiosis diagnosis involve procedures that are costly and require both a well-equipped laboratory and technical expertise. Therefore, a cost-effective, user-friendly, and rapid method for point-of-care detection of Cryptosporidium is desirable. Methods A total of 832 diarrheal stool specimens collected from 200 children aged <2 years were tested by Giardia/Cryptosporidium QUIK CHEK, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to compare the performance of the individual techniques. We also tested for the presence of other diarrheal pathogens in qPCR-positive samples with a TaqMan Array Card (TAC) to assess whether Cryptosporidium was the sole causative agent for the diarrheal episodes. Results Of 832 samples, 4.4% were found positive for Cryptosporidium by QUIK CHEK, 3.6% by ELISA, and 8.8% by qPCR. Using TAC-attributed Cryptosporidium diarrhea as the gold standard, the sensitivities of QUIK CHEK, ELISA, and qPCR were 92.3%, 71.8%, and 100%, respectively; the specificities were 97.1%, 94.3%, and 0%, respectively. Analysis of the qPCR-positive and QUIK CHEK-negative samples by TAC identified other enteropathogens as more likely than Cryptosporidium to be the causative agents of diarrhea. Conclusions QUIK CHEK was more sensitive and specific than ELISA. While qPCR detected Cryptosporidium in more samples than QUIK CHEK, most of these were instances of qPCR detecting small quantities of Cryptosporidium DNA in a diarrheal episode caused by another enteropathogen. We concluded that QUIK CHEK was comparable in sensitivity and superior in specificity to qPCR for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Emtiaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahnawaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Eric R Houpt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - A S G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Ramírez-Montiel F, Mendoza-Macías C, Andrade-Guillén S, Rangel-Serrano Á, Páramo-Pérez I, Rivera-Cuéllar PE, España-Sánchez BL, Luna-Bárcenas G, Anaya-Velázquez F, Franco B, Padilla-Vaca F. Plasma membrane damage repair is mediated by an acid sphingomyelinase in Entamoeba histolytica. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008016. [PMID: 31461501 PMCID: PMC6713333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a pathogen that during its infective process confronts the host defenses, which damages the amoebic plasma membrane (PM), resulting in the loss of viability. However, it is unknown whether amoebic trophozoites are able to repair their PM when it is damaged. Acid sphingomyelinases (aSMases) have been reported in mammalian cells to promote endocytosis and removal of PM lesions. In this work, six predicted amoebic genes encoding for aSMases were found to be transcribed in the HM1:IMSS strain, finding that the EhaSM6 gene is the most transcribed in basal growth conditions and rendered a functional protein. The secreted aSMase activity detected was stimulated by Mg+2 and inhibited by Co+2. Trophozoites that overexpress the EhaSM6 gene (HM1-SM6HA) exhibit an increase of 2-fold in the secreted aSMase activity. This transfectant trophozoites exposed to pore-forming molecules (SLO, Magainin, β-Defensin 2 and human complement) exhibited an increase from 6 to 25-fold in the secreted aSMase activity which correlated with higher amoebic viability in a Ca+2 dependent process. However, other agents that affect the PM such as hydrogen peroxide also induced an increase of secreted aSMase, but to a lesser extent. The aSMase6 enzyme is N- and C-terminal processed. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy showed that trophozoites treated with SLO presented a migration of lysosomes containing the aSMase towards the PM, inducing the formation of membrane patches and endosomes in the control strain. These cellular structures were increased in the overexpressing strain, indicating the involvement of the aSMase6 in the PM injury repair. The pore-forming molecules induced an increase in the expression of EhaSM1, 2, 5 and 6 genes, meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide induced an increase in all of them. In all the conditions evaluated, the EhaSM6 gene exhibited the highest levels of induction. Overall, these novel findings show that the aSMase6 enzyme from E. histolytica promotes the repair of the PM damaged with pore-forming molecules to prevent losing cell integrity. This novel system could act when encountered with the lytic defense systems of the host. The host-amoeba relationship is based on a series of interplays between host defense mechanisms and parasite survival strategies. While host cells elaborate diverse mechanisms for pathogen elimination, Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites have also developed complex strategies to counteract host immune response and facilitate its own survival while confronting host defenses. E. histolytica exposed to pore-forming proteins such as β-Defensin 2, human complement and Streptolysin O (SLO), increases the activity of secreted aSMase, which is related to greater amoebic viability. Other agents that affect plasma membrane (PM) may also increase secreted aSMase but to a lesser extent. SLO form pores in the PM of E. histolytica trophozoites that initiates the uncontrolled entry of Ca2+, recognized as the primary trigger for cell responses which favors the migration of the lysosomes to the periphery of the cell, fuses with the PM and release their content, including aSMase to the external side of the cell. The secreted aSMase favoring the internalization of the lesion for its degradation in phagolysosomes. During the early stages of PM damage, the pores are rapidly blocked by patch-like structures that prevent the lysis of the trophozoite and immediately begin internalizing the lesion. The aSMase6 overexpression favors the repair of the lesion and the survival of E. histolytica trophozoites. Pore-forming proteins induced an increase in the expression of EhaSM1, 2, 5 and 6 genes, meanwhile oxidative stress induced an increase in all of them. Here we report, for the first time, that E. histolytica possess a mechanism for PM damage repair mediated by aSMase similar to the system described in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Ramírez-Montiel
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Claudia Mendoza-Macías
- Departmento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Sairy Andrade-Guillén
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Rangel-Serrano
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Itzel Páramo-Pérez
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Paris E. Rivera-Cuéllar
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - B. Liliana España-Sánchez
- CONACYT_Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Electroquímica (CIDETEQ) S.C. Parque Tecnológico, San Fandila, Querétaro, México
| | - Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV) Unidad Querétaro, Fracc. Real de Juriquilla, Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Fernando Anaya-Velázquez
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Bernardo Franco
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- * E-mail: (BF); (FPV)
| | - Felipe Padilla-Vaca
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- * E-mail: (BF); (FPV)
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Mahdavi Abhari F, Pirestani M, Dalimi A. Anti-amoebic activity of a cecropin-melittin hybrid peptide (CM11) against trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2019; 131:427-434. [PMID: 31451929 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-019-01540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal parasite that is located in the lumen of the human intestine and can attack the epithelium. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effective against the wide range of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts, and protozoa. The CM11 is a chimeric peptide that is derived from bee venom and butterfly compounds. In this study, the cytotoxic effect of CM11 on Human colonic carcinoma (Caco‑2) cells and E. histolytica were assayed in various concentrations of peptide and metronidazole. The MTT results showed that the highest percentage of cytotoxicity on Caco‑2 cells was in 24 μg/ml of CM11 peptide at 24 h and 48 h, which was 49.8%, and 44.3%, respectively. In the metronidazole group, the highest cytotoxicity with 40 μg/ml concentration was observed after 24 h and 48 h, with 43.5%, and 42.1%, respectively. The highest rate of apoptosis induced by CM11 on Caco‑2 was 53.9% and 51.4% after 24 h and 48 h, respectively; however, these rates were 19.1% and 33.4% in the metronidazole group. The effect of peptide and metronidazole on E. histolytica at 24 h and 48 h showed that at the highest concentration of CM11 peptide (24 μg/ml) the cytotoxic effect was 93.7% and 94.9% and for metronidazole (40 μg/ml) was 65.5% and 74.3%, respectively. In coculture, 63.5% and 57.7% of parasites were killed in the highest concentration of CM11 and metronidazole, respectively. The results of this study revealed that CM11 peptide has a high toxicity on E. histolytica, and the use of antimicrobial peptides in the future can be considered as anti-amoebic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mahdavi Abhari
- Parasitology and Entomology Dept., Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Nasr, Jalal AleAhmad, P.O. Box: 14115-331, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Parasitology and Entomology Dept., Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Nasr, Jalal AleAhmad, P.O. Box: 14115-331, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Parasitology and Entomology Dept., Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Nasr, Jalal AleAhmad, P.O. Box: 14115-331, Tehran, Iran
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Cui Z, Li J, Chen Y, Zhang L. Molecular epidemiology, evolution, and phylogeny of Entamoeba spp. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:104018. [PMID: 31465857 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite and the causative agent of amoebiasis in humans. The estimations of the worldwide burden of amoebiasis by the WHO indicated that approximately 500 million people were infected with the parasite and 10% of these individuals had invasive amoebiasis. However, our understanding of the disease burden and epidemiology of human amebiasis has undergone dramatic changes over the last two decades based on molecular analyses. The development of Entamoeba genomics has also provided some interesting and valuable information on the evolution and population structure of this parasite. In addition, the use of a number of molecular markers has greatly expanded our understanding of Entamoeba host range and genetic diversity. In this review, we re-assessed Entamoeba prevalence and species in humans, non-human primates, other animals, and the environment in the context of molecular data. Some issues regarding the evolution and phylogeny of different Entamoeba species lineages are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China; Scientific Research Experiment Center & Laboratory Animal Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yuancai Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; National International Joint Research Center for Veterinary Immunology, Zhengzhou, China.
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36
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Drinić M, Raninger A, Zraunig A, Astelbauer F, Leitsch D, Obwaller A, Walochnik J, Greger H, Duchene M. Activity of methylgerambullin from Glycosmis species (Rutaceae) against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis in vitro. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 10:109-117. [PMID: 31472356 PMCID: PMC6722286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis are widespread intestinal protozoan parasites which both spread via cysts that have to be ingested to infect a new host. Their environment, the small intestine for G. duodenalis and the colon for E. histolytica, contains only very limited amounts of oxygen, so both parasites generate energy by fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation rather than by oxidative phosphorylation. They both contain reducing agents able to reduce and activate nitroimidazole drugs such as metronidazole which is the gold standard drug to treat Entamoeba or Giardia infections. Although metronidazole works well in the majority of cases, it has a number of drawbacks. In animal models, the drug has carcinogenic activity, and concerns about a possible teratogenic activity remain. In addition, the treatment of G. duodenalis infections is hampered by emerging metronidazole resistance. Plant-derived drugs play a dominant role in human medicine, therefore we tested the activity of 14 isolated plant compounds belonging to seven different classes in vitro against both parasites. The tests were performed in a new setting in microtiter plates under anaerobic conditions. The compound with the highest activity was methylgerambullin, a sulphur-containing amide found in Glycosmis species of the family Rutaceae with an EC50 of 14.5 μM (6.08 μg/ml) after 24 h treatment for E. histolytica and 14.6 μM (6.14 μg/ml) for G. duodenalis. The compound was successfully synthesised in the laboratory which opens the door for the generation of new derivatives with higher activity. Fourteen plant compounds of seven classes were isolated. The activity against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis was tested. Methylgerambullin had the highest activity against both parasites. Methylgerambullin is a sulphur-containing amide from Glycosmis spp. (Citrus plants). High cysteine concentrations interfered with methylgerambullin activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Drinić
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adriane Raninger
- Chemodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Zraunig
- Chemodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Astelbauer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Leitsch
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Obwaller
- Orphanidis Pharma Research GmbH, A-1160, Vienna, Austria; CDMS Clinical Data Management and Statistics GmbH, A-1020, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Greger
- Chemodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Duchene
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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37
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Guo F, Zhang H, McNair NN, Mead JR, Zhu G. The Existing Drug Vorinostat as a New Lead Against Cryptosporidiosis by Targeting the Parasite Histone Deacetylases. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:1110-1117. [PMID: 29300993 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis affects all human populations, but can be much more severe or life-threatening in children and individuals with weak or weakened immune systems. However, current options to treat cryptosporidiosis are limited. Methods An in vitro phenotypic screening assay was employed to screen 1200 existing drugs for their anticryptosporidial activity and to determine the inhibitory kinetics of top hits. Selected top hits were further evaluated in mice. The action of the lead compound vorinostat on the parasite histone deacetylase (HDAC) was biochemically validated. Results Fifteen compounds exhibited anticryptosporidial activity at nanomolar level in vitro. Among them, the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor vorinostat retained outstanding efficacy in vitro (half maximal effective concentration, EC50 = 203 nM) and in an interleukin 12 knockout mouse model (50% inhibition dose = 7.5 mg/kg). Vorinostat was effective on various parasite developmental stages and could irreversibly kill the parasite. Vorinostat was highly effective against the parasite native HDAC enzymes (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 90.0 nM) and a recombinant Cryptosporidium parvum HDAC (the inhibitor constant, Ki = 123.0 nM). Conclusions These findings suggest the potential for repurposing of vorinostat to treat cryptosporidiosis, and imply that the parasite HDAC can be explored for developing more selective anticryptosporidial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengguang Guo
- Key Laboratory for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Haili Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Nina N McNair
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jan R Mead
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Guan Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station
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38
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Debnath A, Rodriguez MA, Ankri S. Editorial: Recent Progresses in Amebiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:247. [PMID: 31338336 PMCID: PMC6629773 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mario Alberto Rodriguez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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39
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Nagaraja S, Ankri S. Target identification and intervention strategies against amebiasis. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 44:1-14. [PMID: 31112766 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the etiological agent of amebiasis, which is an endemic parasitic disease in developing countries and is the cause of approximately 70,000 deaths annually. E. histolytica trophozoites usually reside in the colon as a non-pathogenic commensal in most infected individuals (90% of infected individuals are asymptomatic). For unknown reasons, these trophozoites can become virulent and invasive, cause amebic dysentery, and migrate to the liver where they cause hepatocellular damage. Amebiasis is usually treated either by amebicides which are classified as (a) luminal and are active against the luminal forms of the parasite, (b) tissue and are effective against those parasites that have invaded tissues, and (c) mixed and are effective against the luminal forms of the parasite and those forms which invaded the host's tissues. Of the amebicides, the luminal amebicide, metronidazole (MTZ), is the most widely used drug to treat amebiasis. Although well tolerated, concerns about its adverse effects and the possible emergence of MTZ-resistant strains of E. histolytica have led to the development of new therapeutic strategies against amebiasis. These strategies include improving the potency of existing amebicides, discovering new uses for approved drugs (repurposing of existing drugs), drug rediscovery, vaccination, drug targeting of essential E. histolytica components, and the use of probiotics and bioactive natural products. This review examines each of these strategies in the light of the current knowledge on the gut microbiota of patients with amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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40
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Li FJ, Tsaousis AD, Purton T, Chow VTK, He CY, Tan KSW. Successful Genetic Transfection of the Colonic Protistan Parasite Blastocystis for Reliable Expression of Ectopic Genes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3159. [PMID: 30816225 PMCID: PMC6395660 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbial parasite Blastocystis colonizes the large intestines of numerous animal species and increasing evidence has linked Blastocystis infection to enteric diseases with signs and symptoms including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence. It has also recently been reported to be an important member of the host intestinal microbiota. Despite significant advances in our understanding of Blastocystis cell biology and host-parasite interactions, a genetic modification tool is absent. In this study, we successfully established a robust gene delivery protocol for Blastocystis subtype 7 (ST7) and ectopic protein expression was further tested using a high sensitivity nano-luciferase (Nluc) reporter system, with promoter regions from several genes. Among them, a strong promoter encompassing a region upstream of the legumain 5' UTR was identified. Using this promoter combined with the legumain 3' UTR, which contains a conserved, precise polyadenylation signal, a robust transient transfection technique was established for the first time in Blastocystis. This system was validated by ectopic expression of proteins harbouring specific localization signals. The establishment of a robust, reproducible gene modification system for Blastocystis is a significant advance for Blastocystis research both in vitro and in vivo. This technique will spearhead further research to understand the parasite's biology, its role in health and disease, along with novel ways to combat the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jun Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Anastasios D Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Purton
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent T K Chow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
| | - Kevin S W Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
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41
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:121. [PMID: 30526666 PMCID: PMC6287361 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays (villages) endemic for S. japonicum in Northern Samar, the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections. Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples. The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S. japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis. Results Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years (95% CI: 38.8–41.8) with 53% (n = 218) being males. Prevalence of S. japonicum (74.5%) and Blastocystis spp. (58.7%) was significantly higher compared to other infections, with E. histolytica having the lowest prevalence (12.1%). A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common (n = 175, 42.5%). The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9% (n = 115) subjects harbouring a single parasite species. Of individuals with two infections, S. japonicum and Blastocystis spp. were the most common combination (n = 110, 62.9%). Examining age within the population, 58.5% (n = 38) of school-aged children and 60.1% (n = 14) of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species. Conclusions The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population. More generally, the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala Gayan Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, 1781, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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Alarcon-Valdes P, Villalobos G, Martinez-Flores WA, Lopez-Escamilla E, Gonzalez-Arenas NR, Romero-Valdovinos M, Martinez-Hernandez F, Santillan-Benitez JG, Maravilla P. Can the pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) gene be used as an additional marker to discriminate among Blastocystis strains or subtypes? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:564. [PMID: 30373630 PMCID: PMC6205798 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3141-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastocystis spp. are the most prevalent intestinal eukaryotes identified in humans, with at least 17 genetic subtypes (ST) based on genes coding for the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (18S). It has been argued that the 18S gene should not be the marker of choice to discriminate between STs of these strains because this marker exhibits high intra-genomic polymorphism. By contrast, pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) is a relevant enzyme involved in the core energy metabolism of many anaerobic microorganisms such as Blastocystis, which, in other protozoa, shows more polymorphisms than the 18S gene and thus may offer finer discrimination when trying to identify Blastocystis ST. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the suitability of the PFOR gene as an additional marker to discriminate among Blastocystis strains or subtypes from symptomatic carrier children. METHODS Faecal samples from 192 children with gastrointestinal symptoms from the State of Mexico were submitted for coprological study. Twenty-one of these samples were positive only for Blastocystis spp.; these samples were analysed by PCR sequencing of regions of the 18S and PFOR genes. The amplicons were purified and sequenced; afterwards, both markers were assessed for genetic diversity. RESULTS The 18S analysis showed the following frequencies of Blastocystis subtypes: ST3 = 43%; ST1 = 38%; ST2 = 14%; and ST7 = 5%. Additionally, using subtype-specific primer sets, two samples showed mixed Blastocystis ST1 and ST2 infection. For PFOR, Bayesian inference revealed the presence of three clades (I-III); two of them grouped different ST samples, and one grouped six samples of ST3 (III). Nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype polymorphism (θ) for the 18S analysis were similar for ST1 and ST2 (π = ~0.025 and θ = ~0.036); remarkably, ST3 showed almost 10-fold lower values. For PFOR, a similar trend was found: clade I and II had π = ~0.05 and θ = ~0.05, whereas for clade III, the values were almost 6-fold lower. CONCLUSIONS Although the fragment of the PFOR gene analysed in the present study did not allow discrimination between Blastocystis STs, this marker grouped the samples in three clades with strengthened support, suggesting that PFOR may be under different selective pressures and evolutionary histories than the 18S gene. Interestingly, the ST3 sequences showed lower variability with probable purifying selection in both markers, meaning that evolutionary forces drive differential processes among Blastocystis STs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Alarcon-Valdes
- Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico (UAEMex), Paseo Colon esq. Paseo Tollocan, Toluca, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Guiehdani Villalobos
- Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | | | - Eduardo Lopez-Escamilla
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Ciudad de Mexico, 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Nelly Raquel Gonzalez-Arenas
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Ciudad de Mexico, 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mirza Romero-Valdovinos
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Ciudad de Mexico, 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Fernando Martinez-Hernandez
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Ciudad de Mexico, 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | | | - Pablo Maravilla
- Hospital General "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez", Calzada de Tlalpan 4800, Ciudad de Mexico, 14080, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
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Shaulov Y, Shimokawa C, Trebicz-Geffen M, Nagaraja S, Methling K, Lalk M, Weiss-Cerem L, Lamm AT, Hisaeda H, Ankri S. Escherichia coli mediated resistance of Entamoeba histolytica to oxidative stress is triggered by oxaloacetate. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007295. [PMID: 30308066 PMCID: PMC6181410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis, a global intestinal parasitic disease, is due to Entamoeba histolytica. This parasite, which feeds on bacteria in the large intestine of its human host, can trigger a strong inflammatory response upon invasion of the colonic mucosa. Whereas information about the mechanisms which are used by the parasite to cope with oxidative and nitrosative stresses during infection is available, knowledge about the contribution of bacteria to these mechanisms is lacking. In a recent study, we demonstrated that enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O55 protects E. histolytica against oxidative stress. Resin-assisted capture (RAC) of oxidized (OX) proteins coupled to mass spectrometry (OX-RAC) was used to investigate the oxidation status of cysteine residues in proteins present in E. histolytica trophozoites incubated with live or heat-killed E. coli O55 and then exposed to H2O2-mediated oxidative stress. We found that the redox proteome of E. histolytica exposed to heat-killed E. coli O55 is enriched with proteins involved in redox homeostasis, lipid metabolism, small molecule metabolism, carbohydrate derivative metabolism, and organonitrogen compound biosynthesis. In contrast, we found that proteins associated with redox homeostasis were the only OX-proteins that were enriched in E. histolytica trophozoites which were incubated with live E. coli O55. These data indicate that E. coli has a profound impact on the redox proteome of E. histolytica. Unexpectedly, some E. coli proteins were also co-identified with E. histolytica proteins by OX-RAC. We demonstrated that one of these proteins, E. coli malate dehydrogenase (EcMDH) and its product, oxaloacetate, are key elements of E. coli-mediated resistance of E. histolytica to oxidative stress and that oxaloacetate helps the parasite survive in the large intestine. We also provide evidence that the protective effect of oxaloacetate against oxidative stress extends to Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Shaulov
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa Israel
| | - Chikako Shimokawa
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Meirav Trebicz-Geffen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa Israel
| | - Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa Israel
| | - Karen Methling
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Biochemistry, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael Lalk
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Biochemistry, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lea Weiss-Cerem
- Faculty of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayelet T. Lamm
- Faculty of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hajime Hisaeda
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa Israel
- * E-mail:
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Is the genetic variability of Cathepsin B important in the pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp.? Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3935-3943. [PMID: 30298236 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The potential role of Blastocystis as a pathogen is controversial because it is found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. Since Cathepsin B has been identified as a main virulence factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of this parasite, the purpose of this study was to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of cathepsin B from Blastocystis from patients with irritable bowel syndrome and from asymptomatic carriers. DNA from fecal samples of both groups, which were previously genotyped by 18S sequencing, was used to amplify a fragment of the cathepsin B gene. Phylogenetic reconstructions were performed and some genetic population indexes were obtained. Amplicons of 27 samples (15 cases, 10 controls, and two commercial ATCC strains) were obtained and analyzed. Phylogenetic reconstructions using nucleotides or inferred amino acid sequences did not separate between cases or controls or among subtypes. Regarding the values of genetic variability, we found that the haplotype and nucleotide diversity indexes of cathepsin B from cases and controls were similar to the values of 18S from controls. By contrast, 18S from cases showed low variability, suggesting that the genetic variability of cathepsin B was not related to the symptomatology of Blastocystis carriers. However, since no polymorphisms related to cases or controls were found, it is logical to assume that the potential damage caused by Blastocystis in situ may be due to unclear mechanisms of Cathepsin B regulation and expression that should be studied in future studies.
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Urquieta-Ramírez L, Ramírez-Montiel F, Andrade-Guillén S, Páramo-Pérez I, Rangel-Serrano Á, Reyes-Cortes R, Franco B, Mendoza-Macías CL, Anaya-Velázquez F, Padilla-Vaca F. Contribution of neutral sphingomyelinases to in vitro virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. Exp Parasitol 2018; 194:38-44. [PMID: 30253133 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amoebiasis is a worldwide health problem caused by the pathogen Entamoeba histolytica. Several virulence factors have been implicated in host invasion, immune evasion, and tissue damage. There are still new factors that remain to be elucidated and characterized. In this work, we obtained amoebic transfectants overexpressing three of the neutral sphingomyelinase enzymes encoded in the E. histolytica genome. The EhnSM3 overexpression induced an increase in hemolytic and cytotoxic activities, besides an increase in gene expression of amoebapore A, B, and C. Meanwhile the EhnSM1 and EhnSM2 overexpression caused an increase in cytopathic activity. In all the neutral sphingomyelinases overexpressing strains, the gene expression levels for cysteine proteinase 5, adhesin 112 and, heavy and light Gal/GalNAc lectin subunits were not affected. We propose that the increase of cytotoxic and lytic effect of EhnSM3 overexpressed strain can be related to the sum of the effect of EhnSM3 plus amoebapores, in a process cell contact-dependent or as mediator by inducing the gene expression of amoebapores enabling a link between EhnSM3 with the virulence phenotype in E. histolytica. Our results suggest a differential role for neutral sphingomyelinases in E. histolytica virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Urquieta-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Fátima Ramírez-Montiel
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Sairy Andrade-Guillén
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Itzel Páramo-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Rangel-Serrano
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Ruth Reyes-Cortes
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Bernardo Franco
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Claudia Leticia Mendoza-Macías
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico
| | - Fernando Anaya-Velázquez
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico.
| | - Felipe Padilla-Vaca
- Departamento de Biología y Departamento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato, Gto, 36050, Mexico.
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Assessing the Influence of Water Management and Rainfall Seasonality on Water Quality and Intestinal Parasitism in Rural Northeastern Brazil. J Trop Med 2018; 2018:8159354. [PMID: 30105057 PMCID: PMC6076909 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8159354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The drought in the Brazilian semiarid region has affected the quality of water. This study assessed the relationships between enteric parasitoses, water management, and water quality, correlating them with pluviometric seasonality. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were carried out in four rural communities at the beginning of the dry season (n=151), at the end of the dry season (n=184), and in the rainy season (n=199), in order to collect sociodemographic data, human fecal samples, and samples of the water used for human consumption for physicochemical and microbiological analyses. In 2015, water filters were provided to 30 households under study. Results There was an increasing trend in detection rates of commensal protozoa and the Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar complex at the beginning of the rainy season, with detection rates of 6% in 2014 and 21.6% in 2016. Giardia intestinalis and Ascaris lumbricoides presented distinct temporal distributions, which peaked in 2015: 20.1% and 30%, respectively. The proportion of inhabitants drinking inadequate water was 55% at the beginning of the dry season and 28.8% at the end of the dry season, reaching 70.9% at the beginning of the rainy season. The presence of filters reduced this proportion among those who received the hollow ceramic candle filter. Conclusions Data suggest that the strategies to increase water supply in the Brazilian semiarid region can be ameliorated in order to improve the quality of drinking water.
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van Hattem JM, Arcilla MS, Schultsz C, Bootsma MC, Verhaar N, Rebers SP, Goorhuis A, Grobusch MP, Penders J, de Jong MD, van Gool T, Bart A. Carriage of Blastocystis spp. in travellers - A prospective longitudinal study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 27:87-91. [PMID: 29929001 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A lack of prospective and longitudinal data on pre- and post-travel carriage of Blastocystis spp. complicates interpretation of a positive test post-travel. Therefore we studied dynamics of Blastocystis carriage in a cohort of Dutch travellers. METHODS From the prospective, multicentre COMBAT study among 2001 Dutch travellers, a subset of 491 travellers was selected based on travel destination to 7 subregions (70 or 71 travellers each). Faecal samples taken directly before and after travel were screened for Blastocystis with qPCR, followed, when positive, by sequence analysis to determine subtypes. RESULTS After exclusion of 12 samples with missing samples or inhibited qPCR-reactions, stool samples of 479 travellers were analysed. Before travel, 174 of them (36.3%) carried Blastocystis and in most of these, the same subtype was persistently carried. However, in 48/174 of those travellers (27.6%; CI95 20.8-36.6%) no Blastocystis or a different subtype was detected in the post-travel sample, indicating loss of Blastocystis during travel. Only 26 (5.4%; CI95 3.7%-8.0%) of all travellers acquired Blastocystis, including two individuals that were already positive for Blastocystis before travel but acquired a different subtype during travel. DISCUSSION This study shows that Blastocystis carriage in travellers is highly dynamic. The observed acquisition and loss of Blastocystis could either be travel-related or reflect the natural course of Blastocystis carriage. We demonstrate that the majority of Blastocystis detected in post-travel samples were already carried before travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarne M van Hattem
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Maris S Arcilla
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Constance Schultsz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Global Health - Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin C Bootsma
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nienke Verhaar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd P Rebers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abraham Goorhuis
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Penders
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (Caphri), Department of Medical Microbiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Menno D de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert Bart
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Wilson A, Fearon D. Paediatric Strongyloidiasis in Central Australia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E64. [PMID: 30274460 PMCID: PMC6073483 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Few published studies are available describing the prevalence of paediatric strongyloidiasis in endemic areas within Australia. This literature review and exploratory clinical audit presents the first seroprevalence data for paediatric patients in Central Australia. A total of 16.1% (30/186) of paediatric inpatients tested for Strongyloides stercoralis in 2016 were seropositive (95% CI: 11.5% to 22.1%). Eosinophilia of unknown aetiology was the most common indication for testing (91.9%). Seropositive patients were significantly more likely to reside in communities outside of Alice Springs (p = 0.02). Seropositive patients were noted to have higher mean eosinophil counts with a mean difference of 0.86 × 10⁸/L (95% CI: 0.56 to 1.16, p < 0.0001), although the limited utility of eosinophilia as a surrogate marker of strongyloidiasis has been described previously. All seropositive patients were Indigenous. There was no significant difference in ages between groups. There was a male predominance in the seropositive group, although this was not significant (p = 0.12). Twelve patients had known human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) status and all were seronegative. Further research describing the epidemiology of strongyloidiasis in Central Australia is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Wilson
- BBioMedSci MBBS Hons, Paediatric Senior Registrar, Department of Paediatrics, Alice Springs Hospital, P.O. Box 2234, Alice Springs NT 0871, Australia.
| | - Deborah Fearon
- FRACP, Head of Department, Department of Paediatrics, Alice Springs Hospital, P.O. Box 2234, Alice Springs NT 0871, Australia.
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Barbosa CV, Barreto MM, Andrade RDJ, Sodré F, d’Avila-Levy CM, Peralta JM, Igreja RP, de Macedo HW, Santos HLC. Intestinal parasite infections in a rural community of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): Prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis subtypes. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29522552 PMCID: PMC5844535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections are considered a serious public health problem and widely distributed worldwide, mainly in urban and rural environments of tropical and subtropical countries. Globally, soil-transmitted helminths and protozoa are the most common intestinal parasites. Blastocystis sp. is a highly prevalent suspected pathogenic protozoan, and considered an unusual protist due to its significant genetic diversity and host plasticity. Methodology/main findings A total of 294 stool samples were collected from inhabitants of three rural valleys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stool samples were evaluated by parasitological methods, fecal culture, nested PCR and PCR/Sequencing. Overall prevalence by parasitological analyses was 64.3% (189 out of 294 cases). Blastocystis sp. (55.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by Endolimax nana (18.7%), Entamoeba histolytica complex (7.1%), hookworm infection (7.1%), Entomoeba coli (5.8%), Giardia intestinalis (4.1%), Iodamoeba butchilii (1.0%), Trichuris trichiura (1.0%), Pentatrichomonas hominis (0.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%). Prevalence of IPIs was significantly different by gender. Phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis sp. and BLAST search revealed five different subtypes: ST3 (34.0%), ST1 (27.0%), ST2 (27.0%), ST4 (3.5%), ST8 (7.0%) and a non-identified subtype. Conclusions/significance Our findings demonstrate that intestinal parasite infection rates in rural areas of the Sumidouro municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are still high and remain a challenge to public health. Moreover, our data reveals significant genetic heterogeneity of Blastocystis sp. subtypes and a possible novel subtype, whose confirmation will require additional data. Our study contributes to the understanding of potential routes of transmission, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in rural areas both at a regional and global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Valença Barbosa
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Magali Muniz Barreto
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosemary de Jesus Andrade
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Instituto Fernandes Figueira/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Sodré
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Masini d’Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Pereira Igreja
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Werneck de Macedo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena Lucia Carneiro Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Montecchini S, Rossi S, Piccolo G, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. MALDI-TOF MS as a new tool for the identification of Dientamoeba fragilis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:11. [PMID: 29301570 PMCID: PMC5755284 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study for the first time, a Dientamoeba fragilis protein profile by MALDI-TOF MS was created in order to identify specific markers for the application of this technology in the laboratory diagnosis of dientamoebiasis. In particular, one D. fragilis reference strain was used to create a reference spectrum and 14 clinical isolates to verify the reliability of the obtained results. RESULTS While 15 peaks were found to be discriminating between the reference strain and the culture medium used, six peaks, observed in all the 14 strains tested, were considered as markers able to identify D. fragilis. CONCLUSIONS In our hands, MALDI-TOF MS technology was demonstrated as a useful tool to be used in association with or in replacement of the real-time PCR assay for the identification of D. fragilis used in our laboratory on xenic cultures, due to its accuracy, rapidity and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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