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Nourrisson C, Moniot M, Tressol M, Lambert C, Fréalle E, Robert-Gangneux F, Costa D, Basmaciyan L, Poirier P. Multicenter comparative study of Enterocytozoon bieneusi DNA extraction methods from stool samples, and mechanical pretreatment protocols evaluation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15404. [PMID: 38965323 PMCID: PMC11224372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the use of qPCR for the diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis is increasing. There are several studies on the evaluation of qPCR performance but very few focus on the stool pretreatment step before DNA extraction, which is nevertheless a crucial step. This study focuses on the mechanical pretreatment of stools for Enterocytozoon bieneusi spores DNA extraction. Firstly, a multicenter comparative study was conducted evaluating seven extraction methods (manual or automated) including various mechanical pretreatment. Secondly, several durations and grinding speeds and types of beads were tested in order to optimize mechanical pretreatment. Extraction methods of the various centers had widely-varying performances especially for samples with low microsporidia loads. Nuclisens® easyMAG (BioMérieux) and Quick DNA Fecal/Soil Microbe Microprep kit (ZymoResearch) presented the best performances (highest frequencies of detection of low spore concentrations and lowest Ct values). Optimal performances of mechanical pretreatment were obtained by applying a speed of 30 Hz during 60 s with the TissueLyser II (Qiagen) using commercial beads of various materials and sizes (from ZymoResearch or MP Biomedicals). Overall, the optimal DNA extraction method for E. bieneusi spores contained in stool samples was obtained with a strong but short bead beating using small-sized beads from various materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nourrisson
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, M2iSH, UMR INSERM 1071, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center (NRC) for Cyptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maxime Moniot
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center (NRC) for Cyptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maxime Tressol
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Lambert
- Biostatistics Unit, DRCI, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emilie Fréalle
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, CHU Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | | | - Damien Costa
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EA7510 ESCAPE, University Hospital of Rouen, Univ Rouen Normandie, Normandy, France
- National Reference Center (NRC) for Cyptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Rouen, France
| | - Louise Basmaciyan
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- National Reference Center (NRC) for Cyptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Dijon, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte, M2iSH, UMR INSERM 1071, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
- National Reference Center (NRC) for Cyptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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Bagheri M, Dehghan S, Zahmatkesh A. Strategies for diagnosing Nosema bombycis (Microsporidia: Nosematidae); the agent of pebrine disease. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2024; 260:111645. [PMID: 38908801 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111645] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Pebrine disease, caused by Nosema bombycis (N. bombycis), is the most important pathogen known to the silk industry. Historical evidence from several countries shows that the outbreaks of pebrine disease have largely caused the decline of the sericulture industry. Prevention is the first line to combat pebrine as a deadly disease in silkworm; however, no effective treatment has yet been presented to treat the disease. Many different methods have been used for detection of pebrine disease agent. This review focuses on the explanation and comparison of these methods, and describes their advantages and/or disadvantages. Also, it highlights the ongoing advances in diagnostic methods for N. bombycis that could enable efforts to halt this microsporidia infection. The detection methods are categorized as microscopic, immunological and nucleic acid-based approaches, each with priorities over the other methods; however, the suitability of each method depends on the available equipment in the laboratory, the mass of infection, and the speed and sensitivity of detection. The accessibility and economic efficiency are compared as well as the speed and the sensitivity for each method. Although, the light microscopy is the most common method for detection of N. bombycis, qPCR is the most preferred method for large data based on speed and sensitivity as well as early detection ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Bagheri
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Shirin Dehghan
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Zahmatkesh
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Didarlu H, Mahami-Oskouei M, Varshochi M, Hatam-Nahavandi K, Shahrivar F, Bahadory S, Barac A, Ahmadpour E. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and microsporidial infection in HIV-infected individuals. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:293-298. [PMID: 38141032 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium are obligate intracellular protozoa. These medically important species are recognized as opportunistic organisms in intestinal complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. METHODS The current cross-sectional study was designed and conducted from August 2016 to August 2017 to determine intestinal Cryptosporidium and microsporidia spp. in HIV-infected individuals from the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center, Tabriz, Iran, by modified acid-fast and modified trichrome staining and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. RESULTS Of 100 HIV-infected persons, 21.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0 to 30.0) and 18.0% (95% CI 11.0 to 26.0) were identified as Cryptosporidium and microsporidia, respectively, by the microscopic method. Of these 100 HIV-infected persons, 18.0% (95% CI 11.0 to 26.0) and 14.0% (95% CI 7.0 to 22.0) were positive for Cryptosporidium and microsporidia, respectively, by the molecular method. The predominant species of microsporidia in patients was Enterocytozoon bieneusi (85.7% [95% CI 57.0 to 98.0]) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi (14.3% [95% CI 1.7 to 42.0]), which were found by quantitative real-time PCR and its high-resolution melting tool. CONCLUSIONS As far as we know, this study is the first to estimate the prevalence of infection with Cryptosporidium and microsporidia among HIV-infected persons in northwest of Iran. The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis and cryptosporidiosis in this area in HIV-infected people was higher than the global prevalence of infection among immunocompromised patients. In addition to the need for further studies to prove protozoan pathogenicity in the aforementioned group, preventive measures should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Didarlu
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahami-Oskouei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Varshochi
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Firooz Shahrivar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Moratal S, Magnet A, Izquierdo F, del Águila C, López-Ramon J, Dea-Ayuela MA. Microsporidia in Commercially Harvested Marine Fish: A Potential Health Risk for Consumers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2673. [PMID: 37627464 PMCID: PMC10451485 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are widely spread obligate intracellular fungal pathogens from vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, mainly transmitted by contaminated food and water. This study aims to detect the presence of major human-pathogenic microsporidia, i.e., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon hellem, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, in the gastrointestinal tract of commercially harvested marine fish from Mediterranean coast of the Comunidad Valenciana, Eastern Spain. A total of 251 fish, 138 farmed fish and 113 wild fish from commercial fishing were tested by SYBR Green real-time PCR, enabling the simultaneous detection of the four targeted species. E. intestinalis/hellem was found in 1.45% of farmed fish and 7.96% of wild fish, while Enterocytozoonidae was detected in 2.90% and 18.58% of farmed and wild fish, respectively. E. cuniculi was not detected in any of the analyzed specimens. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of E. intestinalis/hellem in fish, particularly in marine fish. Although the role of fish in these species' epidemiology remains unknown, this finding points out a potential public health risk linked to fish consumption. Further studies are necessary to characterize these microsporidia in fish hosts better and to elucidate their epidemiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Moratal
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain (J.L.-R.)
| | - Angela Magnet
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Fernando Izquierdo
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Carmen del Águila
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
| | - Jordi López-Ramon
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain (J.L.-R.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departamento Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Ramón y Cajal, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
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Aydemir S, Halidi AG, Ekici A, Cengiz ZT. Investigation of the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in immunosuppressed patients with diarrhea by IFA and real time PCR methods. Indian J Med Microbiol 2023; 44:100362. [PMID: 37356849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2023.02.005] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the frequency of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in patients with diarrhea in the immunosuppressed. METHODS Patients between the ages of 18-85 who applied to different clinics of Muş Bulanık and Bitlis State Hospitals and were referred to the microbiology or parasitology laboratory were selected for this study. A total of 200 individuals, including 88 immunosuppressed with diarrhea patients, 38 immunocompetent with diarrhea patients, 38 immunosuppressed without diarrhea patients, and 36 immunocompetent without diarrhea individuals, were included. Collected stool samples were evaluated using IFA-MAbs and real-time PCR methods to determine the frequency of E.intestinalis and E.bieneusi. RESULTS E. intestinalis was detected in 59 (29.5%) of 200 samples and E. bieneusi was detected in 46 (23.0%) of them. Mixed infection was detected in 16 (8%) of the positive samples. While there was no statistically significant difference between E. intestinalis positivity and gender, age, diarrhea status and immune system status, a statistically significant relationship was determined between E. bieneusi positivity and diarrhea. When the real-time PCR method was accepted as the gold standard, the sensitivity of the IFA-MAbs method in the diagnosis of E. intestinalis was 94.54%, the specificity was 97.24, the sensitivity in the diagnosis of E. bieneusi was 95.45%, and the specificity was 98.72%. The overall accuracy of the IFA-MAbs method was 96.5% for the diagnosis of E. intestinalis and 98% for the diagnosis of E. bieneusi. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that E. intestinalis and E. bieneusi should be considered in both immunosuppressed and healthy individuals with diarrhea. IFA-MAbs method can be used in addition to the real-time PCR method to diagnose E. intestinalis and E. bieneusi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selahattin Aydemir
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, Van, Turkey.
| | | | - Abdurrahman Ekici
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, Van, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Tas Cengiz
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine Department of Parasitology, Van, Turkey.
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Chauvin P, Barba F, Guemas E, Charpentier E, Cottrel C, Fillaux J, Valentin A, Baklouti S, Cassaing S, Ménard S, Berry A, Iriart X. Evaluation of the Performance of the Novodiag ® Stool Parasites Assay for the Detection of Intestinal Protozoa and Microsporidia. Pathogens 2023; 12:889. [PMID: 37513736 PMCID: PMC10385646 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070889] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the performance of the Novodiag® Stool Parasites (NSP) assay in the diagnosis of the most common intestinal protozoan and microsporidia infections. METHODS A panel of 167 selected stool samples was retrospectively analysed with the NSP assay and compared to routine microscopy and qPCR methods for the detection of pathogenic protozoa and microsporidia. RESULTS Whereas specificity was high for all protozoa and microsporidia, NSP sensitivity was strongly dependent on the comparative method used as reference. When compared to microscopic methods, NSP sensitivity was high (96.7 to 100%) for Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis but was lower for Giardia intestinalis (85.2%) and ≤50% for Cystoisospora belli and Dientamoeba fragilis. In comparison to conventional qPCR, the NSP assay demonstrated lower sensitivity characteristics dependent on parasite loads, reaching 60 to 70% for G. intestinalis, D. fragilis, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica. Sensitivity was 100% for Enterocytozoon bieneusi, but none of the five samples containing Encephalitozoon spp. were detected. CONCLUSIONS The overall performance of the NSP assay in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia seems to be better than or equivalent to that observed with microscopic methods but inferior to that obtainable with classical targeted qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Chauvin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Florie Barba
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Emilie Guemas
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Eléna Charpentier
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Cottrel
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Judith Fillaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- RESTORE Institute, UMR 1301-Inserm 5070-CNRS EFS Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Alexis Valentin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- UMR 152 PHARMA-DEV, IRD, UPS, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Sarah Baklouti
- Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique et Toxicologie, CHU de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Cassaing
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- RESTORE Institute, UMR 1301-Inserm 5070-CNRS EFS Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Sandie Ménard
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Berry
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Xavier Iriart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
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Moniot M, Nourrisson C, Bonnin V, Damiani C, Argy N, Bonhomme J, Fréalle E, Angebault C, Debourgogne A, Sitterlé E, Flori P, Brunet J, Dalle F, Favennec L, Poirier P. Evaluation of the Bio-Evolution Microsporidia generic and typing real-time PCR assays for the diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis. Parasite 2022; 29:55. [PMID: 36426934 PMCID: PMC9879149 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of intestinal microsporidiosis infection are underestimated and affect both immunocompromized and immunocompetent patients. Real-time PCR is superseding microscopic examination for its diagnosis in medical analysis laboratories. However, few manufacturers include microsporidia in their PCR panel for the diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis. Here, we evaluated the performances of the real-time PCR assays microsporidia generic and microsporidia typing (Bio-Evolution, France) on the Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR cycler (Qiagen, France). We included 45 negative and 44 positive stool samples for Enterocytozoon bieneusi (n = 34, with various genotypes), Encephalitozoon intestinalis (n = 4), Encephalitozoon hellem (n = 4), and Encephalitozoon cuniculi (n = 2). We also studied a four-year survey of an inter-laboratory quality control program including 9 centers that used this commercial assay. Sensitivity and specificity of the microsporidia generic assay were 86.4% and 93.3%, respectively. Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected by the microsporidia generic PCR assay but not by the microsporidia typing PCR assay. These results were consistent with the results of the inter-laboratory quality control program. In conclusion, Bio-Evolution Real-time PCR assays are useful tools for intestinal microsporidiosis, but negative results for microsporidia typing assays require supplementary analyses to confirm E. hellem or E. cuniculi infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Moniot
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP 63003 Clermont-Ferrand France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP 63003 Clermont-Ferrand France,Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
| | - Virginie Bonnin
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
| | - Céline Damiani
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, CBH, CHU Amiens Picardie; Equipe Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie (AGIR) UR4294, Université de Picardie Jules Verne 80480 Amiens France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU Bichat-Claude-Bernard, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP); IRD UMR MERIT 261, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité 75018 Paris France
| | - Julie Bonhomme
- Service de Microbiologie, CHU Caen, ToxEMAC-ABTE, Normandie Univ, Unicaen & Unirouen 14033 Caen France
| | - Emilie Fréalle
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, CHU Lille 59037 Lille France
| | - Cécile Angebault
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Département de Prévention, Diagnostic et Traitement des Infections, CHU Henri Mondor, AP-HP; EA DYNAMiC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Univ Paris-Est Créteil 94000 Créteil France
| | | | - Emilie Sitterlé
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie clinique, GHU Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP) 75743 Paris France
| | - Pierre Flori
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU Saint-Etienne 42055 Saint-Etienne France
| | - Julie Brunet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale, Plateau Technique de Microbiologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg 67091 Strasbourg France
| | - Frédéric Dalle
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Plateforme de Biologie Hospitalo-universitaire CHU Dijon; UMR PAM Univ Bourgogne Franche-Comté – AgroSup Dijon – Equipe Vin, Aliment, Microbiologie, Stress 21079 Dijon France,CNR LE Cryptosporidioses, Santé Publique France 76031 Rouen France
| | - Loïc Favennec
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU Rouen; EA ESCAPE 7510, Université de Rouen Normandie 76031 Rouen France,CNR LE Cryptosporidioses, Santé Publique France 76031 Rouen France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP 63003 Clermont-Ferrand France,Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France,Corresponding author:
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Latent Microsporidia Infection Prevalence as a Risk Factor in Colon Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215342. [PMID: 36358760 PMCID: PMC9658866 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215342] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular parasites, generating serious pathology in individuals with a compromised immune system. Infection by microsporidia inhibits p53 and Caspase 3, proteins involved in apoptosis and the cell cycle, which are vital in the malignant process of epithelial cells. The presence of microsporidia in the intestinal tissues of 87 colon cancer (CC) patients and 25 healthy controls was analyzed by real-time PCR and an immunofluorescence antibody test. Anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies were analyzed in serum samples by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). In 36 (41.3%) CC cases, microsporidia infections were identified in their tissues vs. no cases among control subjects (p < 0.0001). An increase in IgG and IgE anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies was found in patients with CC, which would demonstrate continuous and previous contact with the parasite. The high prevalence of microsporidia in tissues and the seroprevalence in patients with CC suggest a relationship between microsporidia and the etiopathogenesis of CC.
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Machine learning to improve the interpretation of intercalating dye-based quantitative PCR results. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16445. [PMID: 36180590 PMCID: PMC9525288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21010-z] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of Machine Learning (ML) approach in the interpretation of intercalating dye-based quantitative PCR (IDqPCR) signals applied to the diagnosis of mucormycosis. The ML-based classification approach was applied to 734 results of IDqPCR categorized as positive (n = 74) or negative (n = 660) for mucormycosis after combining “visual reading” of the amplification and denaturation curves with clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria. Fourteen features were calculated to characterize the curves and injected in several pipelines including four ML-algorithms. An initial subset (n = 345) was used for the conception of classifiers. The classifier predictions were combined with majority voting to estimate performances of 48 meta-classifiers on an external dataset (n = 389). The visual reading returned 57 (7.7%), 568 (77.4%) and 109 (14.8%) positive, negative and doubtful results respectively. The Kappa coefficients of all the meta-classifiers were greater than 0.83 for the classification of IDqPCR results on the external dataset. Among these meta-classifiers, 6 exhibited Kappa coefficients at 1. The proposed ML-based approach allows a rigorous interpretation of IDqPCR curves, making the diagnosis of mucormycosis available for non-specialists in molecular diagnosis. A free online application was developed to classify IDqPCR from the raw data of the thermal cycler output (http://gepamy-sat.asso.st/).
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Microsporidia as a Potential Threat to the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192507. [PMID: 36230249 PMCID: PMC9559491 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192507] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Iberian lynx, which inhabits the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the most endangered felines in the world. Wild Iberian lynx populations have suffered a constant regression over the past century, with a rapid decline of 90% in the last 20 years. Infectious diseases are one of the most critical threats that cause the population decline of these animals, either in the wild or captivity. Different studies have revealed positive seroprevalence against various pathogens, confirming contact and exposure to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In this sense, searching for pathogens related to the depopulation of the Iberian lynx is vital for conserving and maintaining this threatened species. The present work confirmed the presence of microsporidia, opportunistic intracellular parasites recently related to fungi, in the lynx environment. Also, different species of microsporidia were determined for the first time in the urine, feces, and tissue samples of Lynx pardinus. Further studies are needed to establish the impact of microsporidia infection on the survival of the Iberian lynx. These studies would contribute to the endurance and conservation of this feline by implementing new prevention strategies. Abstract Lynx pardinus is one of the world’s most endangered felines inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. The present study was performed to identify the presence of microsporidia due to the mortality increase in lynxes. Samples of urine (n = 124), feces (n = 52), and tissues [spleen (n = 13), brain (n = 9), liver (n = 11), and kidney (n = 10)] from 140 lynxes were studied. The determination of microsporidia was evaluated using Weber’s chromotrope stain and Real Time-PCR. Of the lynxes analyzed, stains showed 10.48% and 50% positivity in urine and feces samples, respectively. PCR confirmed that 7.69% and 65.38% belonged to microsporidia species. The imprints of the tissues showed positive results in the spleen (38.46%), brain (22.22%), and liver (27.27%), but negative results in the kidneys. PCR confirmed positive microsporidia results in 61.53%, 55.55%, 45.45%, and 50%, respectively. Seroprevalence against Encephalitozoon cuniculi was also studied in 138 serum samples with a positivity of 55.8%. For the first time, the results presented different species of microsporidia in the urine, feces, and tissue samples of Lynx pardinus. The high titers of anti-E. cuniculi antibodies in lynx sera confirmed the presence of microsporidia in the lynx environment. New studies are needed to establish the impact of microsporidia infection on the survival of the Iberian lynx.
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He P, Chen H, Sun J, Wang Q, Tang X, Zhang Y, Zhu F, Shen Z. Use of DNA nanosensors based on upconverting nanoparticles for detection of Nosema bombycis by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2022; 67:419-425. [PMID: 35040074 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-021-00938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, NaYF4:20%Yb, 2%Er upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) were synthesized by solvothermal method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and upconversion fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the UCNP particles present good dispersion and uniform spherical shape with a size of 29 ~ 42 nm. Hydroxyl UCNPs were converted to hydrophilic carboxylic acid-functionalized ones by ligand exchange, and the streptavidin was attached on the surface of carboxylic acid-functionalized UCNPs via amide bond. The DNA nanosensors based on UCNPs with DNA probes have been successfully developed. Only the genomic DNA of Nosema bombycis can be specifically detected by the DNA nanosensors when the DNA of Bombyx mori and its pathogens was used as target DNA. When the DNA nanosensors were used to detect the DNA of N. bombycis, a broad emission peak signal appeared at 580 nm. There is linear relationship between the signal intensity and DNA concentration of N. bombycis, I580/I545 (R2 = 0.820) and I545/I654 (R2 = 0.901). The detectable minimum concentration of genomic DNA of N. bombycis was 100 ng/μL while the tested concentrations of N. bombycis genomic DNA were 3000 ng/μL, 1500 ng/μL, 1000 ng/μL, 500 ng/μL, 250 ng/μL, and 100 ng/μL, respectively. The whole detection process for target DNA takes less than 60 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping He
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongli Chen
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiancheng Sun
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xudong Tang
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong Province, 277160, China
| | - Zhongyuan Shen
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens identified ∼150 years ago as the cause of pébrine, an economically important infection in silkworms. There are about 220 genera and 1,700 species of microsporidia, which are classified based on their ultrastructural features, developmental cycle, host-parasite relationship, and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that microsporidia are related to the fungi, being grouped with the Cryptomycota as a basal branch or sister group to the fungi. Microsporidia can be transmitted by food and water and are likely zoonotic, as they parasitize a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Infection in humans occurs in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, e.g., in patients with organ transplantation, patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and patients receiving immune modulatory therapy such as anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody. Clusters of infections due to latent infection in transplanted organs have also been demonstrated. Gastrointestinal infection is the most common manifestation; however, microsporidia can infect virtually any organ system, and infection has resulted in keratitis, myositis, cholecystitis, sinusitis, and encephalitis. Both albendazole and fumagillin have efficacy for the treatment of various species of microsporidia; however, albendazole has limited efficacy for the treatment of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. In addition, immune restoration can lead to resolution of infection. While the prevalence rate of microsporidiosis in patients with AIDS has fallen in the United States, due to the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), infection continues to occur throughout the world and is still seen in the United States in the setting of cART if a low CD4 count persists.
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Gaafar MR, Gomaa MM, Khedr SI, Achy SXANXAE. Encephalitozoon intestinalis: A new target for auranofin in a mice model. Med Mycol 2021; 58:810-819. [PMID: 31868212 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that many approaches have been developed over years to find efficient and well-tolerated therapeutic regimens for microsporidiosis, the effectiveness of current drugs remains doubtful, and effective drugs against specific targets are still scarce. The present study is the first that was designed to evaluate the potency of auranofin, an anti-rheumatoid FDA approved drug, against intestinal Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Evaluation of the drug was achieved through counting of fecal and intestinal spores, studying the intestinal histopathological changes, measuring of intestinal hydrogen peroxide level, and post therapy follow-up of mice for 2 weeks for detection of relapse. Results showed that auranofin has promising anti-microsporidia potential. It showed a promising efficacy in mice experimentally infected with E. intestinalis. It has revealed an obvious reduction in fecal spore shedding and intestinal tissue spore load, amelioration of intestinal tissue pathological changes, and improvement of the local inflammatory infiltration without significant changes in hydrogen peroxide level. Interestingly, auranofin prevented the relapse of infection. Thus, considering the results of the present work, auranofin could be considered a therapeutic alternative for the gold standard drug 'albendazole' against the intestinal E. intestinalis infection especially in relapsing cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Abou-El-Naga
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - M R Gaafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - M M Gomaa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - S I Khedr
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Hosseini Parsa M, Bahadory S, Heidari A, Khatami A, Bairami A. Molecular and microscopic prevalence of intestinal microsporidia among HIV+/AIDS patients in the Alborz province, Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:1445-1449. [PMID: 34062558 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsporidia are a large family of obligate intracellular protozoa; these medically important species are recognized as opportunistic agents in intestinal complications in HIV+/AIDS patients. METHODS The current cross-sectional study was designed and conducted from October 2018 to June 2019 to determine intestinal microsporidia in HIV+/AIDS patients by trichrome/Zeihl-Neelsen staining and SYBR Green-based real-time PCR. RESULTS Out of 80 HIV+/AIDS patients, 23.75% (n=19) and 12.5% (n=10) were identified by molecular and microscopic methods, respectively. The predominant species in patients was Encephalitozoon (94%), which was found by quantitative real-time PCR and its high resolution melting tool. CONCLUSION As far as we know, this is the first report from the Alborz region. The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis in this area in HIV+/AIDS patients was higher than both the global and national average. In addition to the need for further studies to prove protozoan pathogenicity in the aforementioned group, preventive measures should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini Parsa
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran, 3149779453
| | - Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 141713116
| | - Aliehsan Heidari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran, 3149779453
| | - Alireza Khatami
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, 1449614535.,Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, 1449614535
| | - Amir Bairami
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran, 3149779453
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Shehab AY, Moneer EA, Allam AF, Khalil SS, Tolba MM. Intestinal Microsporidia Infection in Leukemic Children: Microscopic and Molecular Detection. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:346-353. [PMID: 32996015 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsporidia infection was originally described as an immunocompromised associated pathogen. Limitations to correct microscopic diagnosis of microsporidia include size of the organism presenting a challenge even to a highly competent laboratory expert. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to detect microsporidia infection among leukemic children. The performance of modified trichrome stain and PCR in the diagnosis of microsporidia was evaluated with further speciation. METHODS Stool samples of 100 leukemic children on chemotherapy were examined microscopically for microsporidia. DNA was extracted from all samples. Amplification was performed by conventional and nested PCR. Sequencing of amplified products was performed on unspeciated samples. RESULTS Microsporidia were detected in 23% of the children by MTS and 29% by PCR. The 29 positive samples were subjected to PCR for speciation. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found to predominate in 20 cases, Encephalitozoon intestinalis in three cases, two cases had co-infection, and the remaining four samples were not amplified with either E. bieneusi or E. intestinalis specific primers. By DNA sequencing of the unspeciated samples, three samples shared high homology with Encephalitozoon hellem and one sample with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Referring to PCR as a gold standard, MTS exhibited 72.4% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity with 90% accuracy. Among a number of studied variables, diarrhea and colic were significantly associated with microsporidia infection when diagnosed by either technique. CONCLUSION The use of sensitive and discriminative molecular tools will contribute to determining the true prevalence of microsporidiosis and possibly their potential transmission source depending on species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Youssef Shehab
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Esraa Abdelhamid Moneer
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Pharos University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amal Farahat Allam
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safia Saleh Khalil
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona Mohamed Tolba
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
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Tanida K, Hahn A, Eberhardt KA, Tannich E, Landt O, Kann S, Feldt T, Sarfo FS, Di Cristanziano V, Frickmann H, Loderstädt U. Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060656. [PMID: 34073403 PMCID: PMC8229491 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is an infection predominantly occurring in immunosuppressed patients and infrequently also in travelers. This study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR assays targeting microsporidia with etiological relevance in the stool of human patients in a latent class analysis-based test comparison without a reference standard with perfect accuracy. Thereby, two one-tube real-time PCR assays and two two-tube real-time PCR assays targeting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalocytozoon spp. were included in the assessment with reference stool material (20), stool samples from Ghanaian HIV-positive patients (903), and from travelers, migrants and Colombian indigenous people (416). Sensitivity of the assays ranged from 60.4% to 97.4% and specificity from 99.1% to 100% with substantial agreement according to Cohen’s kappa of 79.6%. Microsporidia DNA was detected in the reference material and the stool of the HIV patients but not in the stool of the travelers, migrants, and the Colombian indigenous people. Accuracy-adjusted prevalence was 5.8% (n = 78) for the study population as a whole. In conclusion, reliable detection of enteric disease-associated microsporidia in stool samples by real-time PCR could be demonstrated, but sensitivity between the compared microsporidia-specific real-time PCR assays varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Tanida
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana;
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Loderstädt
- Department of Hospital Hygiene & Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3965709
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Zhang Y, Koehler AV, Wang T, Gasser RB. Enterocytozoon bieneusi of animals-With an 'Australian twist'. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 111:1-73. [PMID: 33482973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian microorganism that causes intestinal disease in animals including humans. E. bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen, typically causing severe or chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption and/or wasting. Currently, E. bieneusi is recognised as a fungus, although its exact classification remains contentious. The transmission of E. bieneusi can occur from person to person and/or animals to people. Transmission is usually via the faecal-oral route through E. bieneusi spore-contaminated water, environment or food, or direct contact with infected individuals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes are usually identified and classified by PCR-based sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. To date, ~600 distinct genotypes of E. bieneusi have been recorded in ~170 species of animals, including various orders of mammals and reptiles as well as insects in >40 countries. Moreover, E. bieneusi has also been found in recreational water, irrigation water, and treated raw- and waste-waters. Although many studies have been conducted on the epidemiology of E. bieneusi, prevalence surveys of animals and humans are scant in some countries, such as Australia, and transmission routes of individual genotypes and related risk factors are poorly understood. This article/chapter reviews aspects of the taxonomy, biology and epidemiology of E. bieneusi; the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of microsporidiosis; critically appraises the naming system for E. bieneusi genotypes as well as the phylogenetic relationships of these genotypes; provides new insights into the prevalence and genetic composition of E. bieneusi populations in animals in parts of Australia using molecular epidemiological tools; and proposes some areas for future research in the E. bieneusi/microsporidiosis field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Li W, Feng Y, Xiao L. Diagnosis and molecular typing of Enterocytozoon bieneusi: the significant role of domestic animals in transmission of human microsporidiosis. Res Vet Sci 2020; 133:251-261. [PMID: 33035931 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular fungus-like parasite with high genetic diversity among mammalian and avian hosts. Based on polymorphism analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nearly 500 genotypes were identified within E. bieneusi. Those genotypes form several genetic groups that exhibit phenotypic differences in host specificity and zoonotic potential and probably have varying public health implications. Some of the genotypes in Group 1 (e.g., D, EbpC, and Type IV) and Group 2 (e.g., BEB4, BEB6, I, and J) are the most common ones that infect a variety of hosts including humans and thus are of public health importance. By contrast, those genotypes in other genetic groups (Groups 3-11) are mostly restricted to the hosts from which they were originally isolated, which would have unknown or limited impacts on public health. Advances on diagnosis and molecular typing of E. bieneusi are introduced in this review. Genotype distribution pattern of E. bieneusi in major domestic animal groups (pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, cats, and dogs), the role of those animals in zoonotic transmission of microsporidiosis, and food and water as potential vehicles for transmission are interpreted here as well. This review highlights the importance of including more genetic or epidemiological data obtained in the same geographical areas and using more reliable genetic markers to analyze the actual extent of host specificity in E. bieneusi, for the purpose of fully appreciating zoonotic risks of those domestic animals in close contacts with men and enhancing our understanding of the modes of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Köller T, Hahn A, Altangerel E, Verweij JJ, Landt O, Kann S, Dekker D, May J, Loderstädt U, Podbielski A, Frickmann H. Comparison of commercial and in-house real-time PCR platforms for 15 parasites and microsporidia in human stool samples without a gold standard. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105516. [PMID: 32371221 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A test comparison of in-house and commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) kits for the detection of human parasites and microsporidia in stool samples was conducted without a gold standard. Three different commercial kits were included in the comparison, with a range of 3-15 different PCR targets, while 14 targets were covered by in-house testing, so not all 16 target pathogens were covered by all assays. METHODS Residual materials from nucleic acid extractions of stool samples with very high likelihood of being colonized or infected by at least one enteric parasite species or microsporidia were tested. In all, 500 DNA samples were analyzed, but due to limited sample volume, only 250 of the 500 samples were tested per assay. Each sample was assessed with the qPCR platforms being compared and cycle threshold (Ct) values were included in a descriptive comparison. RESULTS Depending on the assay applied, qPCR detected per 250 tested samples Giardia duodenalis (184-205), Blastocystis spp. (174-183), Trichuris trichiura (118-120), Ascaris lumbricoides (79-96), Necator americanus (78-106), Hymenolepis nana (40-42), Cryptosporidium spp. (27-36), Dientamoeba fragilis (26-28), Schistosoma spp. (13-23), Enterobius vermicularis (8-14), Entamoeba histolytica (7-16), Strongyloides stercoralis (6-38), Cyclospora spp. (6-13), Taenia spp. (1-4), microsporidia (1-5), and Ancylostoma spp. (1-2). Inter-assay agreement kappa was almost perfect (0.81-1) for Dientamoeba fragilis, Hymenolepis nana, Cryptosporidium spp., and Ascaris lumbricoides, substantial (0.61-0.8) for Necator americanus, Blastocystis spp., Ancylostoma spp., Giardia duodenalis, Schistosoma spp., Trichuris trichiura, and Enterobius vermicularis, moderate (0.41-0.6) for Entamoeba histolytica, fair (0.21-0.4) for microsporidia, slight (0-0.2) for Cyclospora spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis, and poor (<0) for Taenia spp. CONCLUSIONS Varying inter-assay agreement makes interpretation of microsporidia and parasite PCR in stool samples challenging. Intra-assay agreement had been controlled during the developing of the assays. Future studies, e.g., with optimized nucleic acid procedures and including microscopically characterized samples, are advisable.
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Abstract
Microsporidia are a rare and commonly misdiagnosed cause of corneal infection, accounting for approximately 0.4% of cases of microbial keratitis in some populations. Ocular microsporidiosis most often presents as either microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) or microsporidial stromal keratitis (MSK). Though these two clinical entities exhibit similar symptomology, they are distinguished from one another by the time course for disease progression, findings on slit-lamp examination, and response to medical therapy. This review summarizes the current literature on the etiology and clinical presentation of microsporidial infections of the cornea and highlights ongoing developments in available diagnostic modalities and treatment regimens.
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Fernández-Rivas G, Diaz-Aljaro P, Ávila M, Ruiz-Bilbao S. An unusual presentation of uveitis in a HIV-infected late presenter patient. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2019; 38:135-137. [PMID: 31500878 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gema Fernández-Rivas
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, "Department of Genetics and Microbiology", Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain.
| | - Pablo Diaz-Aljaro
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Marta Ávila
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - Susana Ruiz-Bilbao
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Said DE, Gaafar MR, Ahmed SM, El-Deeb SA. A new scope for orlistat: Effect of approved anti-obesity drug against experimental microsporidiosis. Med Mycol 2019. [PMID: 29529254 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As the current therapies for intestinal microsporidiosis are either inconsistent in their efficacies or hampered by several adverse effects, alternative antimicrosporidial agents are being sought. The present study is the first that was designed to evaluate the potency of orlistat, an approved anti-obesity drug, against intestinal microsporidiosis caused by both Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Results were assessed through studying fecal and intestinal spore load, intestinal histopathological changes, viability, and infectivity of spores from treated animals. Results showed that orlistat has promising antimicrosporidia potential, with better results in E. intestinalis than E. bieneusi. The animals that received orlistat showed statistically significant decrease in the fecal and intestinal spore load, when compared to the corresponding control infected nontreated mice. The results were insignificant compared to fumagillin and albendazole. Light microscopic examination of stained intestinal sections revealed amelioration of the pathological changes and decreased inflammatory cells detected in the control infected nontreated mice. Spores encountered from stool of orlistat-treated E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis mice showed low viability and significant reduction of infectivity versus their control. Thus, considering the results of the present work, orlistat proved its effectiveness against the intestinal microsporidial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D E Said
- Department of Medical Parasitology
| | | | - S M Ahmed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Li P, Mi R, Zhao R, Li X, Zhang B, Yue D, Ye B, Zhao Z, Wang L, Zhu Y, Bao C, Fan Q, Jiang X, Zhang Y. Quantitative real-time PCR with high-throughput automatable DNA preparation for molecular screening of Nosema spp. in Antheraea pernyi. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 164:16-22. [PMID: 30981712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of pathogenic Nosema spp. in Antheraea pernyi samples is considered especially useful for reducing economic losses in sericulture and improving food safety by maintaining pathogen-free pupae. However, microscopy and immunologic methods have poor diagnostic sensitivity, while the more sensitive PCR methods remain costly and time-consuming for template preparation. To address this issue, we introduce a sensitive ALMS-qPCR method that combines fast, simple DNA extraction using Alkali Lysis followed by Magnetic bead Separation (ALMS) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). This approach is especially fit for large-scale pathogen molecular screening, because the DNA preparation procedure is fast (<0.94 min per sample) and is high-throughput (performs on a 96-well plate). It is cost-effective, since the most expensive materials can be made in the lab and can be recycled, while the automated procedure can help to minimize labor cost. Though the DNA preparation procedure was substantially simplified, common PCR inhibitory factors were not observed. The sensitivity of ALMS-qPCR is high and the limit of detection is 0.045 parasites/μL. Large-scale screening of Nosema spp. in 3000 Antheraea pernyi samples confirmed the efficacy of the ALMS-qPCR method. Sensitivity is much higher than clinical microscopy, especially for host groups with low infection prevalence and levels. High-throughput ALMS-qPCR, combining automated DNA preparation and sensitive qPCR, provides an enhanced approach for pébrine screening and epidemiological studies. The application of ALMS-qPCR in the sericulture industry will help to strengthen pébrine control and breed pathogen-free species, which means much safer food provision and better genetic resource conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Rui Mi
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Rui Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116024, PR China
| | - Xiangcun Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116024, PR China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Dongmei Yue
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Bo Ye
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Zhenjun Zhao
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Linmei Wang
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China
| | - Youmin Zhu
- The Sericultural Research Institute of Liaoning Province, Dandong 118100, PR China
| | - Chen Bao
- Horticulture and Native Product Station, Rural Work Committee of Jilin Province, Changchun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116085, PR China.
| | - Xiaobin Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116024, PR China.
| | - Yaozhou Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Microsporidia have been increasingly reported to infect humans. The most common presentation of microsporidiosis is chronic diarrhea, a significant mortality risk in immune-compromised patients. Albendazole, which inhibits tubulin, and fumagillin, which inhibits methionine aminopeptidase type 2 (MetAP2), are the two main therapeutic agents used for treatment of microsporidiosis. In addition, to their role as emerging pathogens in humans, microsporidia are important pathogens in insects, aquaculture, and veterinary medicine. New therapeutic targets and therapies have become a recent focus of attention for medicine, veterinary, and agricultural use. Areas covered: Herein, we discuss the detection and symptoms of microsporidiosis in humans and the therapeutic targets that have been utilized for the design of new drugs for the treatment of this infection, including triosephosphate isomerase, tubulin, MetAP2, topoisomerase IV, chitin synthases, and polyamines. Expert opinion: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidia in human infection. Fumagillin has a broader anti-microsporidian activity than albendazole and is active against both Ent. bieneusi and Encephaliozoonidae. Microsporidia lack methionine aminopeptidase type 1 and are, therefore, dependent on MetAP2, while mammalian cells have both enzymes. Thus, MetAP2 is an essential enzyme in microsporidia and new inhibitors of this pathway have significant promise as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Pathology, Division of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Division of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
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Çetinkaya Ü, Charyyeva A, Sivcan E, Gürbüz E. Evaluation of four commercial DNA extraction kits for the detection of Microsporidia and the importance of pretreatments in DNA isolation. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:386-392. [PMID: 29654668 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0044] [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: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa infecting the wide variety of hosts and are commonly known as a cause of chronic diarrhea particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Molecular-based tests have high sensitivity and specificity in disease diagnosis. However, these tests' performance relies on the isolation of DNA in a good concentration. The standard procedures of commercial DNA extraction kits are usually insufficient for this purpose due to the tough walls of spores. This study aimed to test the significance of pretreatments by glass beads and freeze-thawing processes in DNA isolation from microsporidia spores. The parasite was cultured in growing Vero cells and seven serial dilutions were prepared from the collected spores. DNA purification was performed according to different tissue kits and stool kit procedures with and without any pretreatment. Concentration of isolated DNA samples were evaluated by real-time PCR. As a result of this study, the detectable amount of spores is minimum 10 spores in each 100 μ! sample according to the different tissue kits' standard protocols. However, according to the DNA stool mini kit, the detectable amount of spores was found to be 1,000 spores/100 μl of stool sample when pretreated with both the freeze-thawing and glass beads methods.In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that further pretreatments are an essential process for DNA extraction from the stool specimens in order to avoid possible false negativity in the diagnosis of microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ülfet Çetinkaya
- Halil Bayraktar Health Vocational College, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Arzuv Charyyeva
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Eda Sivcan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Esra Gürbüz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Evaluation of Two DNA Extraction Methods for Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.01941-17. [PMID: 29367294 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01941-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is present worldwide, but its prevalence is still uncertain, mainly due to the lack of sensitivity of diagnostic methods. Molecular techniques are under development, but a standardized protocol is still unavailable. We compared the sensitivity of real-time PCR, using two extraction protocols, with that of the Baermann technique. Samples were collected in the framework of the baseline screening of a randomized clinical trial evaluating moxidectin against S. stercoralis in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Two stool samples from each participant were processed by the Baermann method, and one subsample was processed by PCR. DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA stool minikit based on the standard protocol for the QIAamp DNA minikit (QIA) and using a modification of the QIA procedure (POL). Subsequently, all extracted samples were analyzed by real-time PCR. Overall, 95 samples were analyzed by the three diagnostic methods. Sixty-nine (72.6%) samples were positive according to the Baermann method, 25 (26.3%) by the QIA method, and 62 (65.3%) by the POL method. The sensitivities were 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.7 to 92.9), 31.0% (95% CI, 21.3 to 42.6), and 78.0% (95% CI, 66.8 to 86.1) for the Baermann, QIA, and POL methods, respectively. The sensitivities calculated for each day of the Baermann method separately were 60% (48.4 to 70.8%) and 64% (52.2 to 74.2%) for days 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, the POL method revealed a good performance and was comparable to the Baermann test performed on two stool samples and superior to the Baermann method performed on one stool sample. Additional studies are needed to standardize a PCR protocol for S. stercoralis diagnosis.
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27
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Kotková M, Sak B, Hlásková L, Kváč M. The course of infection caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Exp Parasitol 2017; 182:16-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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28
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Dieng T, Massaly A, Sow D, Vellaissamy S, Sylla K, Tine RC, Dieng Y, Hennequin C. Amplification of blood smear DNA to confirm disseminated histoplasmosis. Infection 2017; 45:687-690. [PMID: 28214953 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-017-0989-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of the Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum (Hcc) histoplasmosis may be underestimated West Africa, both because the diagnosis is not mentioned in the early stages of the disease and due to limited biological resources available. CASE REPORT We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis due to Hcc in a Senegalese HIV patient. The diagnosis was suspected following the demonstration of small encapsulated yeasts within neutrophils on a thin blood smear. It was further confirmed using a specific real-time PCR applied on a DNA specimen extracted from the thin blood smear. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Hcc infection diagnosed in Senegal. Blood smear may be a valuable screening tool in the case of bloodstream dissemination and can be used for further molecular approaches to confirm the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Dieng
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, 5005, Dakar, Sénégal.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - A Massaly
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - D Sow
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, 5005, Dakar, Sénégal.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - S Vellaissamy
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital St Antoine, 34 rue Crozatier, 75012, Paris, France
| | - K Sylla
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, 5005, Dakar, Sénégal.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - R C Tine
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, 5005, Dakar, Sénégal.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Y Dieng
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, 5005, Dakar, Sénégal.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - C Hennequin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital St Antoine, 34 rue Crozatier, 75012, Paris, France. .,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM UMR S 1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 91 Bd de l'hôpital, 75013, Paris, France.
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29
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Molecular testing for clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigations of intestinal parasitic infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2016; 27:371-418. [PMID: 24696439 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00122-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, nucleic acid-based methods have been developed for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. Advantages of nucleic acid-based methods are numerous; typically, these include increased sensitivity and specificity and simpler standardization of diagnostic procedures. DNA samples can also be stored and used for genetic characterization and molecular typing, providing a valuable tool for surveys and surveillance studies. A variety of technologies have been applied, and some specific and general pitfalls and limitations have been identified. This review provides an overview of the multitude of methods that have been reported for the detection of intestinal parasites and offers some guidance in applying these methods in the clinical laboratory and in epidemiological studies.
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Fu Z, He X, Cai S, Liu H, He X, Li M, Lu X. Quantitative PCR for detection of Nosema bombycis in single silkworm eggs and newly hatched larvae. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 120:72-8. [PMID: 26658327 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pebrine disease is the only mandatory quarantine item in sericultural production due to its destructive consequences. So far, the mother moth microscopic examination method established by Pasteur (1870) remains the only detection method for screening for the causative agent Nosema bombycis (N. bombycis). Because pebrine is a horizontal and vertical transmission disease, it is better to inspect silkworm eggs and newly hatched larvae to investigate the infection rate, vertical transmission rate and spore load of the progenies. There is a rising demand for a more direct, effective and accurate detection approach in the sericultural industry. Here, we developed a molecular detection approach based on real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for pebrine inspection in single silkworm eggs and newly hatched larvae. Targeting the small-subunit rRNA gene of N. bombycis, this assay showed high sensitivity and reproducibility. Ten spores in a whole sample or 0.1 spore DNA (1 spore DNA represents the DNA content of one N. bombycis spore) in a reaction system was estimated as the detection limit of the isolation and real-time qPCR procedure. Silkworm egg tissues impact the detection sensitivity but are not significant in single silkworm egg detection. Of 400 samples produced by infected moths, 167 and 195 were scored positive by light microscopy and real-time qPCR analysis, respectively. With higher accuracy and the potential capability of high-throughput screening, this method is anticipated to be adaptable for pebrine inspection and surveillance in the sericultural industry. In addition, this method can be applied to ecology studies of N. bombycis-silkworm interactions due to its quantitative function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangwuke Fu
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiangkang He
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shunfeng Cai
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Han Liu
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyi He
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingqian Li
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xingmeng Lu
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Pathology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Yang HC, Haudenshield JS, Hartman GL. Multiplex Real-time PCR Detection and Differentiation of Colletotrichum Species Infecting Soybean. PLANT DISEASE 2015; 99:1559-1568. [PMID: 30695948 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-11-14-1189-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Colletotrichum species are fungal plant pathogens of worldwide significance. Colletotrichum species were isolated from soybean with anthracnose symptoms in five states in the United States from 2009 to 2013. Among 240 isolates collected, four Colletotrichum species were initially identified by morphological and sequence analysis, including C. chlorophyti, C. incanum, C. truncatum, and Colletotrichum sp. (henceforth Glomerella glycines, the name of its sexual state). To increase diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, real-time multiplex PCR assays based on a double-stranded DNA-binding dye coupled with dissociation curve analysis were designed, using a region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene to discern these four Colletotrichum species. Two sets of duplex, real-time PCR assays were established and species differentiation was based upon amplicon melting point temperatures (Tm) in the dissociation curve analysis. The Set 1 duplex assay distinguished C. chlorophyti and G. glycines, and the Set 2 duplex assay distinguished C. incanum and C. truncatum. Successful detection was achieved with as little as 1 pg DNA. The assays were especially useful for differentiating C. chlorophyti, C. incanum, and C. truncatum, which have similar morphological features. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, another pathogen associated with soybean anthracnose, was not resolved from G. glycines by the melting curve analysis. The two duplex real-time PCR assays were used to screen more than 200 purified Colletotrichum isolates, showing that they were rapid and effective methods to detect and differentiate Colletotrichum species infecting soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ching Yang
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
| | | | - Glen L Hartman
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Department of Crop Sciences, and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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A novel nested multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:664-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Boadi S, Polley SD, Kilburn S, Mills GA, Chiodini PL. A critical assessment of two real-time PCR assays targeting the (SSU) rRNA and gdh genes for the molecular identification of Giardia intestinalis in a clinical laboratory. J Clin Pathol 2014; 67:811-6. [DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionGiardiasis is an intestinal diarrhoeal illness caused by the flagellate protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis. Molecular techniques for the identification of G. intestinalis have generally been shown to offer a better detection rate of the parasite than the traditional faecal concentration and microscopy techniques.AimThe aim of this study was to critically assess the performance of a commercial and a published real-time PCR assay for their potential use as frontline tests for the diagnosis of giardiasis.MethodsA composite reference standard of enzyme immunoassay and rapid membrane test was used in a diagnostic accuracy study to assess the performance of Primerdesign's, and Verweij et alG. intestinalis real-time PCR assays, comparing them with the traditional ova, cysts and parasite microscopy test (OCP-M).ResultsThe Verweij real-time PCR used primers for the (SSU) rRNA gene, and produced a diagnostic sensitivity of 93.4% (95% CI 88.30% to 98.50%) and an efficiency of 100%. Primerdesign's real-time PCR used primers for the glutamate dehydrogenase gene and produced a diagnostic sensitivity of 61.5% (95% CI 51.50% to 71.50%) and an efficiency of 203%. The OCP-M sensitivity was 83.5% (95% CI 75.87% to 91.13%).ConclusionsThe Verweij real-time PCR was robust and the most sensitive assay suited for use as a first-line diagnostic test for giardiasis.
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Application of PCR-based methods for diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections in the clinical laboratory. Parasitology 2014; 141:1863-72. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYFor many years PCR- and other DNA-based methods of pathogen detection have been available in most clinical microbiology laboratories; however, until recently these tools were not routinely exploited for the diagnosis of parasitic infections. Laboratories were initially reluctant to implement PCR as incorporation of such assays within the algorithm of tools available for the most accurate diagnosis of a large variety of parasites was unclear. With regard to diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections, the diversity of parasites that one can expect in most settings is far less than the parasitological textbooks would have you believe, hence developing a simplified diagnostic triage is feasible. Therefore the classical algorithm based on population, patient groups, use of immuno-suppressive drugs, travel history etc. is also applicable to decide when to perform and which additional techniques are to be used, if a multiplex PCR panel is used as a first-line screening diagnostic.
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Andreu-Ballester JC, Garcia-Ballesteros C, Amigo V, Ballester F, Gil-Borrás R, Catalán-Serra I, Magnet A, Fenoy S, del Aguila C, Ferrando-Marco J, Cuéllar C. Microsporidia and its relation to Crohn's disease. A retrospective study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62107. [PMID: 23637975 PMCID: PMC3630148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cause of Crohn's Disease (CD) remains unknown. Recently a decrease in the global lymphocyte population in the peripheral blood of CD patients has been reported. This decrease was more evident in γδ T lymphocytes, especially γδ CD8+T subsets. Furthermore, a decrease of IL-7 was also observed in these patients. We propose the hypothesis that microsporidia, an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite recently related to fungi, in CD patients can take advantage of the lymphocytes and IL-7 deficits to proliferate and to contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease. METHODS AND FINDINGS In this case-control study, serum samples were collected from 36 CD patients and from 36 healthy individuals (controls), IgE and IgG anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies were determined by ELISA; and forty-four intestinal tissue samples were analyzed through real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), twenty CD patients, nine with others diseases and 15 healthy subjects. We observed that IgE anti-Encephalitozoon levels were significantly higher in patients with CD: 0.386(±0.256) vs control group, 0.201(±0.147), P<0.001. However, IgG anti-Encephalitozoon values were significantly lower in CD patients: 0.361(±0.256) vs control group, 0.876(±0.380), P<0.001. In the group of CD patients, 6/20 (30%) were positive by real time PCR for microsporidia and, all the patients of the control group were negative by real time PCR. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that CD patients are a group at risk for microsporidiasis and, moreover that microsporidia may be involved as a possible etiologic factor of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Garcia-Ballesteros
- Research Department, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Hematology Department, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victoria Amigo
- Hematology Department, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Center of Research in Public Health, Valencia, Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, Barcelona, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Angela Magnet
- Laboratory of Parasitology, San Pablo Centro de Estudios Universitarios University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Fenoy
- Laboratory of Parasitology, San Pablo Centro de Estudios Universitarios University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen del Aguila
- Laboratory of Parasitology, San Pablo Centro de Estudios Universitarios University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Ferrando-Marco
- Anatomical Pathology Department, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Cuéllar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Jayahar Bharathi M, Murugan N, Ramesh Kumar G, Ramakrishnan R, Anitha V, Ramesh S. Vittaforma corneae keratitis in southern India: role of a novel duplex PCR. J Med Microbiol 2013; 62:553-559. [PMID: 23319308 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.051722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic cells and have emerged as major opportunistic human pathogens. Due to the difficulties in definitive laboratory diagnosis and insufficient knowledge, ocular microsporidiosis is infrequently reported in India. To improve diagnostic facilities, we have developed a novel duplex PCR (dPCR) for the simultaneous identification of both genera and species of isolates with microsporidian aetiology that cause keratitis. The material scraped from the corneas of 12 clinically diagnosed microsporidial keratitis patients was subjected to routine microbiological examinations and molecular diagnosis using a novel dPCR that targeted the small-subunit rRNA gene (SSU-rRNA) of microsporidia and Vittaforma corneae using genus- and species-specific primers. Of the 12 corneal scrapes, 6 showed positive results in smears, while dPCR provided positive amplification with both pan-microsporidial and V. corneae species-specific primers for 9 corneal scrapes. The results were validated by sequencing and blast analysis. The sensitivity of this novel dPCR method was higher than that of conventional microscopy in the diagnosis of corneal microsporidial infection. dPCR with specific primers is potentially more sensitive, specific and depends less on more complicated methods for exact identification of the aetiology of microsporidial keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jayahar Bharathi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - N Murugan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - G Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - R Ramakrishnan
- Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - V Anitha
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Diseases, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627 001, India
| | - S Ramesh
- Postgraduate Department of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Alwarkuruchi, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627412, India
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Zeiss C, Neaderland M, Yang FC, Terwilliger G, Compton S. Fungal polymerase chain reaction testing in equine ulcerative keratitis. Vet Ophthalmol 2012; 16:341-51. [PMID: 23227970 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic utility of fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in forty-three horses with naturally acquired corneal ulcers presenting to a private practice. METHODS Routine evaluation of cytologic, histologic, and microbiologic samples was performed. Two PCR approaches were compared - generic and specific fungal nested PCR followed by sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR). PCRs were applied to pure control fungal cultures, corneal tissue from ulcerated eyes and in a subset of 9 horses, to swabs from contralateral normal eyes. RESULTS The expected fungus was identified by nested PCR and qPCR in all control fungal cultures. In all fungal culture-positive affected eyes (10/43), one or more fungi were identified by nested PCR and 4/10 were positive by qPCR. In 6/10 animals, the same fungus was identified by nested PCR and culture. Of these 6, only three were positive by qPCR. Fungal agents were identified by morphology in 8/10 horses. Diagnosis of fungal keratitis was reserved for only those cases in which the same fungus could be identified by PCR, culture, and morphology (5 horses). In 33/43 culture-negative affected eyes and in 6/9 unaffected eyes, one or more fungi were identified by nested PCR in 26 samples and by qPCR in 2 samples. Apart from Aspergillus spp, similar fungi were identified in affected and control eyes. Most eyes harbored mixed bacterial and fungal agents. CONCLUSIONS Nested PCR results confirmed all cytologically positive cases of fungal keratitis. Nested PCR identified a greater spectrum of agents than either culture or qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Zeiss
- Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Epidemiology of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection in Humans. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:981424. [PMID: 23091702 PMCID: PMC3469256 DOI: 10.1155/2012/981424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A review was conducted to examine published works that focus on the complex epidemiology of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in humans. Studies on the prevalence of these emerging microsporidian pathogens in humans, in developed and developing countries, the different clinical spectra of E. bieneusi intestinal infection in children, in different settings, and the risk factors associated with E. bieneusi infection have been reviewed. This paper also analyses the impact of the recent application of PCR-based molecular methods for species-specific identification and genotype differentiation has had in increasing the knowledge of the molecular epidemiology of E. bieneusi in humans. The advances in the epidemiology of E. bieneusi, in the last two decades, emphasize the importance of epidemiological control and prevention of E. bieneusi infections, from both the veterinary and human medical perspectives.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2012; 23:330-5. [PMID: 22673820 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0b013e32835584e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sibley CD, Peirano G, Church DL. Molecular methods for pathogen and microbial community detection and characterization: current and potential application in diagnostic microbiology. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:505-21. [PMID: 22342514 PMCID: PMC7106020 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Clinical microbiology laboratories worldwide have historically relied on phenotypic methods (i.e., culture and biochemical tests) for detection, identification and characterization of virulence traits (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes, toxins) of human pathogens. However, limitations to implementation of molecular methods for human infectious diseases testing are being rapidly overcome allowing for the clinical evaluation and implementation of diverse technologies with expanding diagnostic capabilities. The advantages and limitation of molecular techniques including real-time polymerase chain reaction, partial or whole genome sequencing, molecular typing, microarrays, broad-range PCR and multiplexing will be discussed. Finally, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and deep sequencing are introduced as technologies at the clinical interface with the potential to dramatically enhance our ability to diagnose infectious diseases and better define the epidemiology and microbial ecology of a wide range of complex infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Sibley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta, Canada
| | - Gisele Peirano
- Division of Microbiology, Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alta, Canada
| | - Deirdre L. Church
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta, Canada
- Division of Microbiology, Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alta, Canada
- Corresponding author. Address: c/o Calgary Laboratory Services, 9-3535 Research Rd. N.W., Calgary, Alta, Canada T2L 2K8. Tel.: +1 403 770 3281; fax: +1 403 770 3347.
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