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Decorte B, Roose S, Sperling D, Chantziaras I, Maes D, Geldhof P. The effect of an injectable toltrazuril - gleptoferron (Forceris®) on Cystoisospora suis oocyst excretion and growth of neonatal piglets pre- and post-weaning. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110179. [PMID: 38579607 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110179] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In this study the efficacy of an intramuscular formulation of toltrazuril combined with gleptoferron for the control of porcine cystoisosporosis caused by Cystoisospora suis was investigated. The study was carried out on three Belgian farms with a confirmed history of C. suis infections. As none of the farms implemented a standardized toltrazuril treatment regimen for their piglets, the presence of resistant C. suis strains seems improbable. In total 90 litters, representing 1249 piglets, were included in the study and randomly allocated to either the treatment or control group. Piglets in the treatment group received a single intramuscular injection, containing 45 mg toltrazuril and 200 mg gleptoferron, between 1 and 3 days of age. Piglets in the control group received a single injection with only 200 mg gleptoferron. The effect of treatment on oocyst excretion, expressed in oocysts per gram of feces (OPG), average daily weight gain (ADG) and mortality was determined both pre- and post-weaning. A significant decrease in OPG as well as a decrease in the number of litters (pre-weaning) and pens (post-weaning) that tested positive for cystoisosporosis, was observed in the treated animals compared to the controls. Furthermore, treatment resulted in an increased ADG during the period from day 1 to day 21 (p-value: 0.03881). There was no significant difference in mortality observed between the treatment group to the control group (p-value: 0.2167). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of toltrazuril on oocyst excretion after weaning. This finding highlights the potential long-term benefits of the treatment beyond the initial administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bregt Decorte
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
| | - Sara Roose
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Daniel Sperling
- CEVA Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, Libourne 33500, France
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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Bouroutzika E, Ciliberti MG, Caroprese M, Kantzoura V, Theodosiadou EK, Batikas G, Michailidis ML, Stampinas EG, Mimikou Z, Pantsios G, Saratsis A, Valasi I. Melatonin Administration to Pregnant Ewes for Coccidiosis Control in Their Offspring. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2381. [PMID: 37508158 PMCID: PMC10376582 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142381] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In livestock research, there has been a growing interest in the impact of melatonin on both health and disease conditions. The hypothesis of the present study was that melatonin treatment prenatally could support the immune competence and growth of experimentally infected lambs. This is the first study that aimed to investigate the impact of melatonin administration throughout pregnancy on immunity and oocyst excretion of pre-partum ewes and their offspring after experimental infection with Eimeria species. Thirty pregnant ewes were allocated into five equal groups, ΚΜ, ΚC, CM, CC, and NC, and gave birth to 47 lambs. Ewes of the KM and KC groups were orally challenged with a cocktail of Eimeria-sporulated oocysts (mainly consisting of Eimeria ovinoidalis), on day 120 of pregnancy, as well as all the lambs at the age of 5-9 days apart from those born from the NC group (environmental control). Fecal samples were collected from all ewes before infection and at parturition and from all lambs 14 times (S0-S13), before infection and during the following 8 weeks, for counting oocysts per gram of feces (OPG). Immunoglobulin (IgG) and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ) levels were determined in ewes' plasma collected before infection and at parturition, in lambs' plasma at 24 and 72 h after their birth, and in colostrum samples at parturition and 72 h later. Body weight of lambs was recorded five times from birth until the age of 60 days. Accordingly, the leucogram was evaluated in blood samples collected six times within the same period. On average, IgG concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in the blood of KM-ewes compared to KC and CC groups and in colostrum of KM-ewes compared to other groups (p < 0.001). KM-lambs had greater IgG titer and IFN-γ level than the other groups (p < 0.05). The IL-10/ IFN-γ ratio in KM-ewes was lower than the CC group (p = 0.06). Overall, the growth rate of lambs did not differ among groups (p > 0.05). Total oocysts' excretion in KM- and CM-lambs was reduced by 94.9% (p = 0.05) and 92.6% (p = 0.025), respectively, compared to KC-lambs, following the 3-week period after challenge, when E. ovinoidalis predominated in all groups. The dominant type of leucocytes was monocytes in all experimentally infected lambs, but not in NC-lambs, while overall lymphocytes were lower in KC-lambs than in NC-lambs (p < 0.05). Considering that almost all young indoor-reared lambs are exposed to coccidia species during their early life, melatonin treatment prenatally could suggest an alternative management tool in alleviating infection pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efterpi Bouroutzika
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Maria Giovanna Ciliberti
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Caroprese
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Vaia Kantzoura
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Batikas
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | | | | | - Zafeiro Mimikou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Georgios Pantsios
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Anastasios Saratsis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Demeter, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Irene Valasi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
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Yang KM, Zhu C, Wang L, Cao ST, Yang XF, Gao KG, Jiang ZY. Early supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum in liquid diet modulates intestinal innate immunity through toll-like receptor 4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in young piglets challenged with Escherichia coli K88. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6259343. [PMID: 33928383 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of early supplementation during 4 to 18 d of age with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) in liquid diets on intestinal innate immune response in young piglets infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Seventy-two barrow piglets at 4 d old were assigned to basal or LP-supplemented liquid diet (5 × 1010 CFU·kg-1). On day 15, piglets from each group were orally challenged with either ETEC K88 (1 × 108 CFU·kg-1) or the same amount of phosphate-buffered saline. The intestinal mucosa, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and spleen samples were collected on day 18. Here, we found that LP pretreatment significantly decreased the mRNA relative expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α), porcine β-defensin 2 (pBD-2), and mucins (MUC1 and MUC4) in the jejunal mucosa in piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). Moreover, LP significantly decreased the ileal mucosa mRNA relative expression of IL-8 and MUC4 in young piglets challenged with ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the piglets of the LP + ETEC K88 group had lower protein levels of IL-8, secretory immunoglobulin A, pBD-2, and MUC4 in the jejunal mucosa than those challenged with ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). Besides, LP supplementation reduced the percentage of gamma/delta T cells receptor (γδTCR) and CD172a+ (SWC3+) cells in MLN and the percentage of γδTCR cells in the spleen of young piglets after the ETEC K88 challenge. Supplementation with LP in liquid diets prevented the upregulated protein abundance of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, phosphorylation-p38, and phosphorylation-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases in the jejunal mucosa induced by ETEC K88 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LP supplementation in liquid diet possesses anti-inflammatory activity and modulates the intestinal innate immunity during the early life of young piglets challenged with ETEC K88, which might be attributed to the suppression of TLR4-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Early supplementation with LP in liquid diets regulates the innate immune response, representing a promising immunoregulation strategy for maintaining intestinal health in weaned piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuanmin M Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong, China. Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Cui Zhu
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong, China. Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Shuting T Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong, China. Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Xuefen F Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong, China. Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Kaiguo G Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong, China. Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
| | - Zongyong Y Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong, China. Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China
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Sipos W. Shifts in porcine PBMC populations from adolescence to adulthood. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2019; 211:35-37. [PMID: 31084891 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the immune system is undergoing significant changes during development, which has many impacts on the individual's capacity to cope with infectious diseases or other pathologic conditions, where the immune system is involved. Especially in livestock, it is important to know in detail about these changes, including shifts in the composition of systemic leukocyte populations, as this knowledge may help to focus on relevant cell populations when developing novel vaccines for use in juvenile versus adult animals. In this mini-review, a synoptic comparison of published PBMC populations, which were analysed in healthy weaned piglets as well as multiparous non-gestating sows, shows remarkable shifts within leukocyte populations. γδ T cells increase by factor 1.5, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and T helper cells more than double, and cytotoxic T cells as well as regulatory T cells increase more than four fold, whereas NK cells as well as B cells in adult sows comprise only 40% and monocytes 70% of the relative population sizes in weaned piglets. In summary, these insights into age-dependent shifts of porcine leukocyte populations indicate a principal increase of acquired immunity-associated leukocyte populations, whereas primarily innate immunity-associated cell types (NK cells, monocytes) are diminished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Sipos
- Clinical Department for Farm Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Lessard M, Blais M, Beaudoin F, Deschene K, Verso LL, Bissonnette N, Lauzon K, Guay F. Piglet weight gain during the first two weeks of lactation influences the immune system development. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 206:25-34. [PMID: 30502909 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the piglet growth during the first week of life on ileal expression of genes and on development of the immune system. Eight litters adjusted to 12 piglets were used. Within each litter, the piglet that showed the lowest weight gain (LWG; n = 8) and the one that showed the highest weight gain (HWG; n = 8) in their first week of life were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated on days 8 and 16 to characterize cellular population profiles and to assess ex-vivo secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). On day 16, piglets were euthanized and ileum samples were collected to extract RNA for microarray analysis and gene expression by qPCR. As expected, growth performance of LWG piglet was impaired compared to HWG piglets (P < 0.05). From day 8 to 16, the percentage of CD21+ B cells significantly increased in blood of heavier HWG piglets while the percentage remained constant in smaller LWG piglets (P weight x day = 0.01). For the CD4+CD8α- Th cells, a marked increase was observed in LWG piglets from 8 to 16 days of age (P = 0.002) whereas no significant change occurred in HWG piglets. Percentages of CD14+ monocytes and other MHC-II+ cells were respectively higher and lower on day 8 compared to day 16 for both groups of piglets (P < 0.01). On day 8, LPS-activated PBMC from LWG piglets produced less IL-6 compared to HWG piglets (P < 0.05). Microarray analysis of gene expression in piglets' ileum tissue indicated that several genes involed in defense response and response to oxidative stress were modulated differently in LWG compared to HWG. Gene analysis by Q-PCR confirmed microarray results and revealed that IL-10, SOD1, NOS2, NOD2, TLR4, TLR9, CD40 and CD74 expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in LWG in comparison to HWG piglets, while MYD88 and NFkBiA showed a tendency to decrease (0.05 ≤ P < 0.07). These results suggest that birth weight and milk intake affect the growth performances and the development of immunity by modulating the expression of genes associated with immunity and oxidative stress in piglets' intestinal tissue, and by affecting the leukocyte populations involved in innate and cell-mediated immunity in nursing piglets. Therefore, impaired development of immune system in LWG piglets might have an impact on their resistance to infections later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lessard
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada.
| | - Mylène Blais
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada
| | - Frédéric Beaudoin
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada
| | - Karine Deschene
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada
| | - Luca Lo Verso
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada; Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Département des sciences animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bissonnette
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada
| | - Karoline Lauzon
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C3, Canada
| | - Frédéric Guay
- Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Département des sciences animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Freudenschuss B, Ruttkowski B, Shrestha A, Abd-Elfattah A, Pagès M, Ladinig A, Joachim A. Antibody and cytokine response to Cystoisospora suis infections in immune-competent young pigs. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:390. [PMID: 29973271 PMCID: PMC6031197 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2974-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, investigations on the immune response to Cystoisospora suis infections focused on suckling piglets, the age group clinically most affected. Actively immunizing piglets is unfeasible due to their immature immune system and the typically early infection in the first days after birth. Therefore, understanding and possibly enhancing the immune response of immune-competent animals is the prerequisite to develop a passive immunization strategy for piglets which currently rely on very limited treatment options. Methods To investigate antibody and cytokine responses of immune-competent animals and the impact of the oral immunization protocol on their immune response, growers with unknown previous exposure to C. suis (10–11 weeks-old) were infected one or three times with different doses (600 and 6000 or 200 and 2000, respectively) of C. suis oocysts, and compared to uninfected controls. Oocyst excretion was evaluated, and blood and intestinal mucus antibody titers were determined by IFAT. Systemic production of Th1, Th2, inflammatory and regulatory cytokines was determined in different immune compartments at mRNA and (after stimulation with a recombinant merozoite-protein) at protein level by PCR and multiplex fluorescent immunoassay, respectively. Results Infection generated significantly increased serum IgA and IgG levels against C. suis sporozoites and merozoites, irrespective of infection mode, with IgG against merozoites showing the strongest increase. No clinical signs and only occasional excretion were observed. The systemic cytokine response to C. suis was only weak. Nonetheless, in white blood cells, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA-levels significantly increased after infection, whereas IFN-ɣ, IL-2 and TGF-β expression tended to decrease. In mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), IL-10 and TNF-α levels were elevated while splenic cytokine expression was unaltered upon infection. Stimulated MLN-derived lymphocytes from infected pigs produced slightly more IL-12 and less IFN-α than controls. Conclusions An infection and a subsequent systemic immune response can be induced in immune-competent animals by all evaluated infection models and growers can be used as models to mimic sow immunizations. The immune response to C. suis, although mild and with considerable variation in cytokine expression, was characterized by a Th2-associated and regulatory cytokine profile and antibody production. However, none of the parameters clearly stood out as a potential marker associated with protection. Antibody titers were significantly positively related with oocyst excretion and might thus serve as correlates for parasite replication or severity of infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2974-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Freudenschuss
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Shrestha A, Freudenschuss B, Jansen R, Hinney B, Ruttkowski B, Joachim A. Experimentally confirmed toltrazuril resistance in a field isolate of Cystoisospora suis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:317. [PMID: 28662668 PMCID: PMC5492287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Constant treatment regimens with toltrazuril against Cystoisospora suis infection in piglets are being applied in the intensive production systems for the last two decades, but the possibility of resistance development has not been addressed so far despite limited availability of treatment alternatives. Recently, a pig producer in The Netherlands who routinely used toltrazuril complained about diarrhea in suckling piglets in the absence of bacterial and viral pathogens, and oocysts of C. suis could be isolated from feces of affected litters. Methods Piglets from two litters were infected with a field isolate of C. suis, Holland-I, and treated with 0 (Holl-Ctrl), 20 (Holl-20) or 30 (Holl-30) mg/kg of body weight (BW) of toltrazuril (Baycox®). The efficacy of toltrazuril was measured by assessment of oocyst excretion, fecal consistency and BW gain. A separate litter was infected with a toltrazuril-susceptible strain of C. suis, Wien-I, and treated with 0 (Wien-Ctrl) or 20 (Wien-20) mg/kg BW of toltrazuril for comparison. Results Treatment with the recommended (20 mg/kg) dose of toltrazuril completely suppressed oocyst shedding and diarrhea in group Wien-20. The prevalence of oocyst excretion was 100% in the groups infected with Holland-I and 80% in the group Wien-Ctrl. Most days with diarrhea were observed in group Holl-20 with an average of 6.40%, followed by 5.71% in Wien-Ctrl, while in Holl-Ctrl and Holl-30 diarrhea was only seen in 1.79% of the samples (n = 14/piglet). Oocyst excretion, fecal consistency and BW gain did not differ significantly among groups infected with Holland-I, indicating loss of efficacy to toltrazuril. Conclusion Experimental infections and treatment confirmed toltrazuril resistance against the field isolate even at increased dosage. Such isolates are a potential threat to pig production as no other effective and economically sustainable alternative treatment is currently available. In the absence of a standardized protocol for resistance testing in C. suis, regular parasitological examination and, if possible, experimental confirmation should be considered to evaluate the extent and consequences of toltrazuril resistance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2257-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Freudenschuss
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Palmieri N, Shrestha A, Ruttkowski B, Beck T, Vogl C, Tomley F, Blake DP, Joachim A. The genome of the protozoan parasite Cystoisospora suis and a reverse vaccinology approach to identify vaccine candidates. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:189-202. [PMID: 28161402 PMCID: PMC5354109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine development targeting protozoan parasites remains challenging, partly due to the complex interactions between these eukaryotes and the host immune system. Reverse vaccinology is a promising approach for direct screening of genome sequence assemblies for new vaccine candidate proteins. Here, we applied this paradigm to Cystoisospora suis, an apicomplexan parasite that causes enteritis and diarrhea in suckling piglets and economic losses in pig production worldwide. Using Next Generation Sequencing we produced an ∼84Mb sequence assembly for the C. suis genome, making it the first available reference for the genus Cystoisospora. Then, we derived a manually curated annotation of more than 11,000 protein-coding genes and applied the tool Vacceed to identify 1,168 vaccine candidates by screening the predicted C. suis proteome. To refine the set of candidates, we looked at proteins that are highly expressed in merozoites and specific to apicomplexans. The stringent set of candidates included 220 proteins, among which were 152 proteins with unknown function, 17 surface antigens of the SAG and SRS gene families, 12 proteins of the apicomplexan-specific secretory organelles including AMA1, MIC6, MIC13, ROP6, ROP12, ROP27, ROP32 and three proteins related to cell adhesion. Finally, we demonstrated in vitro the immunogenic potential of a C. suis-specific 42kDa transmembrane protein, which might constitute an attractive candidate for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Palmieri
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Beck
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fiona Tomley
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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Joachim A. Vaccination against parasites - status quo and the way forward. Porcine Health Manag 2016; 2:30. [PMID: 28405456 PMCID: PMC5382507 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-016-0047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vaccination against various pathogens is integral to health management of swine, vaccines against parasites have not yet been commercialized for the use in pigs. The incentive to develop and commercialize anti-parasitic vaccines in swine are twofold; on the one hand parasitic diseases which are economically important, such as ascarosis and neonatal coccidiosis, could be controlled in a sustainable manner; on the other hand, the transmission of zoonotic parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii or Cysticercus cellulosae, could be effectively interrupted. Although experimental research indicates that vaccination against a number of porcine parasites is feasible, development and commercialization of potential vaccines so far has been very slow, as our knowledge on the host-parasite interplay in porcine parasitic infections is still very limited. In the light of growing concerns regarding consumer health and antiparasitic drug resistance, however, it is timely to re-direct R&D efforts to the development of biological control options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria
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10
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Pan H, Gazarian A, Mollet I, Mathias V, Dubois V, Sobh M, Buff S, Dubernard JM, Michallet M, Michallet MC. Lymphodepletive effects of rabbit anti-pig thymocyte globulin in neonatal swines. Transpl Immunol 2016; 39:74-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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11
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Witter K, Tonar Z, Schöpper H. How many Layers has the Adventitia? - Structure of the Arterial Tunica Externa Revisited. Anat Histol Embryol 2016; 46:110-120. [PMID: 27282337 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tunica adventitia or tunica externa is the outer layer of the blood vessel wall. It consists of connective tissue with vasa and nervi vasorum and plays a key role in vascular health. The aim of our study was to compare the wall layers beyond tunica media in arteries of different type and location. The following arteries of pig, dog and cat were processed histologically and analysed by light microscopy: aorta ascendens, arcus aortae, aorta thoracica, aorta abdominalis, arteria (a.) femoralis, a. tibialis cranialis, a. carotis communis, a. lingualis, a. basilaris, a. cerebralis media, a. testicularis and aa. jejunales. We found two layers of connective tissue outside the media: (1) a compact layer with many elastic fibres in muscular and few in elastic arteries and (2) an outer layer of loose connective tissue. The compact layer was missing in aorta ascendens, arcus aortae and intracranial vessels. Adventitial stripping removed only the loose connective tissue layer. In spite of the still present compact layer, stripped arteries were very flimsy. We suggest using the term 'tunica externa' for the compact connective tissue layer and 'tunica adventitia' for the outermost loose connective tissue layer as in other organs. The presence of the tunica externa differs between species, arteries and arterial side, as well as the removability of tunica adventitia and tunica externa by anatomical dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Witter
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Z Tonar
- Department of Histology and Embryology and Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Karlovarská 48, 30166, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - H Schöpper
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Tonar Z, Tomášek P, Loskot P, Janáček J, Králíčková M, Witter K. Vasa vasorum in the tunica media and tunica adventitia of the porcine aorta. Ann Anat 2016; 205:22-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Olifiers N, Jansen AM, Herrera HM, Bianchi RDC, D’Andrea PS, Mourão GDM, Gompper ME. Co-Infection and Wild Animal Health: Effects of Trypanosomatids and Gastrointestinal Parasites on Coatis of the Brazilian Pantanal. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143997. [PMID: 26657699 PMCID: PMC4678147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild animals are infected by diverse parasites, but how they influence host health is poorly understood. We examined the relationship of trypanosomatids and gastrointestinal parasites with health of wild brown-nosed coatis (Nasua nasua) from the Brazilian Pantanal. We used coati body condition and hematological parameters as response variables in linear models that were compared using an information theoretic approach. Predictors were high/low parasitemias by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. evansi, and indices representing the abundance of distinct groups of gastrointestinal parasites. We also analyzed how host health changed with host sex and reproductive seasonality. Hemoparasites was best related to coati body condition and hematological indices, whereas abundance of gastrointestinal parasites was relatively less associated with coati health. Additionally, some associations were best predicted by models that incorporated reproductive seasonality and host sex. Overall, we observed a lower health condition during the breeding season, when coatis are under reproductive stress and may be less able to handle infection. In addition, females seem to handle infection better than males. Body condition was lower in coatis with high parasitemias of T. evansi, especially during the reproductive season. Total red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, platelets and eosinophils were also lower in animals with high T. evansi parasitemias. Total white blood cell counts and mature neutrophils were lower in animals with high parasitemias for both Trypanosoma species, with neutrophils decreasing mainly during the reproductive season. Overall, decreases in hematological parameters of females with T. evansi high parasitemias were less evident. For T. cruzi, monocytes decreased in individuals with high parasitemias. High abundances of microfilariae in the bloodstream, and cestode eggs and coccidian oocysts in feces were also associated with coati blood parameters. This study shows the potential value of examining hematological parameters as an approach to better understand the ecological relevance of parasite-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Olifiers
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cassia Bianchi
- Departamento de Biologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sergio D’Andrea
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Miranda Mourão
- Laboratório de Vida Selvagem, Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Pantanal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Mato Grosso do Sul, Corumbá, Brazil
| | - Matthew Edzart Gompper
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, Unites States of America
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14
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Shrestha A, Abd-Elfattah A, Freudenschuss B, Hinney B, Palmieri N, Ruttkowski B, Joachim A. Cystoisospora suis - A Model of Mammalian Cystoisosporosis. Front Vet Sci 2015; 2:68. [PMID: 26664994 PMCID: PMC4672278 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystoisospora suis is a coccidian species that typically affects suckling piglets. Infections occur by oral uptake of oocysts and are characterized by non-hemorrhagic transient diarrhea, resulting in poor weight gain. Apparently, primary immune responses to C. suis cannot readily be mounted by neonates, which contributes to the establishment and rapid development of the parasite, while in older pigs age-resistance prevents disease development. However, the presence of extraintestinal stages, although not unequivocally demonstrated, is suspected to enable parasite persistence together with the induction and maintenance of immune response in older pigs, which in turn may facilitate the transfer of C. suis-specific factors from sow to offspring. It is assumed that neonates are particularly prone to clinical disease because infections with C. suis interfere with the establishment of the gut microbiome. Clostridia have been especially inferred to profit from the altered intestinal environment during parasite infection. New tools, particularly in the area of genomics, might illustrate the interactions between C. suis and its host and pave the way for the development of new control methods not only for porcine cystoisosporosis but also for other mammalian Cystoisospora infections. The first reference genome for C. suis is under way and will be a fertile ground to discover new drugs and vaccines. At the same time, the establishment and refinement of an in vivo model and an in vitro culture system, supporting the complete life cycle of C. suis, will underpin the functional characterization of the parasite and shed light on its biology and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Shrestha
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Barbara Freudenschuss
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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15
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Shekhar S, Yang X. Natural killer cells in host defense against veterinary pathogens. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015; 168:30-4. [PMID: 26553564 PMCID: PMC7112915 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells constitute a major subset of innate lymphoid cells that do not express the T- and B-cell receptors and play an important role in antimicrobial defense. NK cells not only induce early and rapid innate immune responses, but also communicate with dendritic cells to shape the adaptive immunity, thus bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Although the functional biology of NK cells is well-documented in a variety of infections in humans and mice, their role in protecting domestic animals from infectious agents is only beginning to be understood. In this article, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the contribution of NK cells in pathogen defense in domestic animals, especially cattle and pigs. Understanding the immunobiology of NK cells will translate into strategies to manipulate these cells for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Shekhar
- Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Xi Yang
- Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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16
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Zeigler BM, Cameron M, Nelson K, Bailey K, Weiner ML, Mahadevan B, Thorsrud B. The development and validation of methods for evaluating the immune system in preweaning piglets. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 84:197-207. [PMID: 26341191 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The preweaning piglet has been found to be a valuable research model for testing ingredients used in infant formula. As part of the safety assessment, the neonates' immune system is an important component that has to be evaluated. In this study three concurrent strategies were developed to assess immune system status. The methods included (1) immunophenotying to assess circulating innate immune cell populations, (2) monitoring of circulating cytokines, particularly in response to a positive control agent, and (3) monitoring of localized gastrointestinal tissue cytokines using immunohistochemistry (IHC), particularly in response to a positive control agent. All assays were validated using white papers and regulatory guidance within a GLP environment. To validate the assays precision, accuracy and sample stability were evaluated as needed using a fit for purpose approach. In addition animals were treated with proinflammtory substances to detect a positive versus negative signal. In conclusion, these three methods were confirmed to be robust assays to evaluate the immune system and GIT-specific immune responses of preweaning piglets.
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17
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Tonar Z, Kubíková T, Prior C, Demjén E, Liška V, Králíčková M, Witter K. Segmental and age differences in the elastin network, collagen, and smooth muscle phenotype in the tunica media of the porcine aorta. Ann Anat 2015; 201:79-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Mair KH, Sedlak C, Käser T, Pasternak A, Levast B, Gerner W, Saalmüller A, Summerfield A, Gerdts V, Wilson HL, Meurens F. The porcine innate immune system: an update. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 45:321-43. [PMID: 24709051 PMCID: PMC7103209 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, we have seen an increasing interest and demand for pigs in biomedical research. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) are closely related to humans in terms of their anatomy, genetics, and physiology, and often are the model of choice for the assessment of novel vaccines and therapeutics in a preclinical stage. However, the pig as a model has much more to offer, and can serve as a model for many biomedical applications including aging research, medical imaging, and pharmaceutical studies to name a few. In this review, we will provide an overview of the innate immune system in pigs, describe its anatomical and physiological key features, and discuss the key players involved. In particular, we compare the porcine innate immune system to that of humans, and emphasize on the importance of the pig as model for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Mair
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - C Sedlak
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - T Käser
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, S7N 5E3 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - A Pasternak
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, S7N 5E3 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - B Levast
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, S7N 5E3 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - W Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Saalmüller
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Summerfield
- Institute of Virology and Immunoprophylaxis (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - V Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, S7N 5E3 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - H L Wilson
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, S7N 5E3 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - F Meurens
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, S7N 5E3 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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19
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Tonar Z, Kochova P, Cimrman R, Perktold J, Witter K. Segmental differences in the orientation of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media of porcine aortae. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2014; 14:315-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-014-0605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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20
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Gabner S, Worliczek HL, Witter K, Meyer FRL, Gerner W, Joachim A. Immune response toCystoisospora suisin piglets: local and systemic changes in T-cell subsets and selected mRNA transcripts in the small intestine. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:277-91. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Gabner
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - H. L. Worliczek
- Institute of Parasitology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - K. Witter
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - F. R. L. Meyer
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - W. Gerner
- Institute of Immunology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - A. Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
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21
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Schwarz L, Worliczek HL, Winkler M, Joachim A. Superinfection of sows with Cystoisospora suis ante partum leads to a milder course of cystoisosporosis in suckling piglets. Vet Parasitol 2014; 204:158-68. [PMID: 24877784 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cystoisospora (syn. Isospora) suis is a leading cause of diarrheal disease in neonatal piglets. To address the possibility of maternal immunization against C. suis infection six non-naïve pregnant sows were superinfected with 100,000 oocysts 2 weeks ante partum and compared to non-superinfected animals. Their piglets were infected with 1000 oocysts on the third day of life. Clinical and parasitological parameters as well as antibody titers in colostrum/milk and blood of sows and in the blood of piglets were evaluated by IFAT against sporozoites and merozoites from 2 weeks ante partum until the 35th day after birth. For IFAT two different invasive stages of C. suis were used to find possible differences between the immune response against the initially infectious stages (sporozoites) and later occurring asexual developmental stages (merozoites), which might be responsible for persisting/extraintestinal infections. IFN-γ production of PBMC and piglet splenocytes was determined by ELISPOT. Maternal superinfection resulted in increased titers of IgA, IgM and IgG in colostrum and milk as well as in the blood of sows and their piglets. Oocyst shedding and diarrhea were observed in the offspring of both groups, but piglets of superinfected sows showed significantly reduced oocyst shedding and less diarrhea. This protective effect was correlated with increased titers of antibodies, especially IgA, in colostrum, milk and blood serum of sows and piglets, and with the reactivity of splenocytes to parasite antigen. Superinfection of sows ante partum could partially protect piglets against the clinical outcome of experimental infection. Both colostrum and milk contain maternal protective substances as the effect of protection was highly correlated with antibody titers during the first 2 weeks of life. IgA in different substrates may serve as a marker for the level of protection against clinical cystoisosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schwarz
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanna Lucia Worliczek
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Max Winkler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Which factors influence the outcome of experimental infection with Cystoisospora suis? Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1863-73. [PMID: 24643624 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
For reliable predictions of clinical and parasitological outcome of experimental infections with parasites, different models must be evaluated for possible influences of infection time point, infection dose and host-specific parameters such as breed or litter size. To address these issues for Cystoisospora (syn. Isospora) suis, the causative agent of porcine neonatal coccidiosis, 181 piglets from 90 litters (hybrid crosses of different breeds) were included in a retrospective study to evaluate differences in time point and dose of infection in four different experimental models ((1) 1,500 oocysts on the 4th day of life, d.o.l.; (2) 1,000 oocysts, 4th d.o.l.; (3) 1,000 oocysts, 1st d.o.l.; (4) 5,000 oocysts, 4th d.o.l.). The target variables body weight gain, faecal consistency and oocyst excretion were evaluated during the acute phase of infection (5-10 days post infection), and the influences of the dependent variables breed or litter size were estimated. Despite differences in the time course of excretion and faecal consistency, neither the average amount of excretion nor the average faecal consistency differed among models, breeds or litters of different size. High individual variability was seen in all four models as described earlier for higher infection doses. When infections on the 1st vs. 4th day of life were compared, no differences in averages could be found, in contrast to previous observations on the influence of age. Other, not yet defined, variables appear to have a greater impact on the outcome of infection than doses and time points in the tested range, despite the reliable outcome of infection with high excretion rates and signs of clinical disease.
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23
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Schwarz L, Joachim A, Worliczek HL. Transfer of Cystoisospora suis-specific colostral antibodies and their correlation with the course of neonatal porcine cystoisosporosis. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:487-97. [PMID: 23932639 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cystoisospora suis is the most pathogenic species of coccidia in suckling piglets, affecting them predominantly within their first three weeks of life. The clinical signs of neonatal cystoisosporosis include watery diarrhea and wasting, leading to significant economic losses for the farmer. Since neonatal piglets have an immature immune system, colostral transfer of maternal factors such as immune cells or antibodies is essential for controlling infections at that age. However, the role of C. suis-specific antibodies transferred from the sow to the piglets and possible correlations between antibody levels in the piglets acquired from colostrum with the clinical outcome of disease are currently not understood. To address this issue, 12 non-infected piglets and 14 piglets experimentally infected with C. suis on the third day of life were examined during their first four weeks of life. IgG, IgA, and IgM titers in the blood serum specific for sporozoites and merozoites of C. suis were evaluated, along with oocyst excretion and fecal consistency. Additionally, the antibody content in the colostrum and milk of three mother sows was determined. A transfer of naturally acquired C. suis-specific antibodies from sows to piglets with the colostrum could be demonstrated. Maternal antibodies in piglets' blood sera did not persist for longer than 14-21 days except for IgG which was present in high titers until the end of the study. Within 2-3 weeks after birth the onset of endogenous antibody production was noticed. Titers in blood serum showed a correlation with the severity of diarrhea which was positive for IgG and IgM (possibly due to increased consumption or loss of these antibodies) and negative for IgA. C. suis-specific mucus antibodies isolated from infected and non-infected piglets (n=6/group) on the 28th day of life were present in both groups, showing significantly higher titers of IgA and IgM in infected piglets. Maternally transferred antibodies acquired by natural infections of sows as observed in this study did not provide protection against the clinical manifestation of disease. The level and effect of transferrable maternal factors necessary for protection still need to be elucidated. However, correlations between antibody titers and fecal consistency in the piglets indicate that C. suis-specific antibodies might be useful markers for the expectable clinical severity of cystoisosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schwarz
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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24
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Worliczek HL, Ruttkowski B, Schwarz L, Witter K, Tschulenk W, Joachim A. Isospora suis in an epithelial cell culture system - an in vitro model for sexual development in coccidia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69797. [PMID: 23861983 PMCID: PMC3702598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidian parasites are of major importance in animal production, public health and food safety. The most frequently used representative in basic research on this group is Toxoplasma gondii. Although this parasite is well investigated there is no adequate in vitro model for its sexual development available and knowledge on this important life cycle phase is therefore scarce. The use of Isosporasuis, a sister taxon to T. gondii and the causative agent of piglet coccidiosis, could provide a solution for this. In the present study an in vitro model for neonatal porcine coccidiosis in cells representative for the in vivo situation in the piglet gut was developed and evaluated. The parasite development was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy and optimum culture conditions were evaluated. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) adequately representing the natural host cells supported the development of all endogenous life cycle stages of I. suis, including gametocytes and oocysts. A concentration of 5% fetal calf serum in the culture medium led to highest gametocyte densities on day 12 post infection. Low infection doses (≤1 sporozoite for 100 host cells) were best for oocyst and gametocyte development. The presented system can also be used for immunostaining with established antibodies developed against T. gondii (in our case, anti-TgIMC3 antibodies directed against the inner membrane complex 3). The complete life cycle of I. suis in a cell line representing the natural host cell type and species provides a unique model among coccidian parasites and can be used to address a wide range of topics, especially with regard to the sexual development of coccidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Lucia Worliczek
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Mair KH, Müllebner A, Essler SE, Duvigneau JC, Storset AK, Saalmüller A, Gerner W. Porcine CD8αdim/-NKp46high NK cells are in a highly activated state. Vet Res 2013; 44:13. [PMID: 23452562 PMCID: PMC3599810 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the early phase of immune responses against various pathogens. In swine so far only little information about this lymphocyte population exists. Phenotypical analyses with newly developed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against porcine NKp46 recently revealed that in blood NKp46- and NKp46+ cells with NK phenotype exist with comparable cytotoxic properties. In spleen a third NKp46-defined population with NK phenotype was observed that was characterised by a low to negative CD8α and increased NKp46 expression. In the current study it is shown that this NKp46high phenotype was correlated with an increased expression of CD16 and CD27 compared to the CD8α+NKp46- and NKp46+ NK-cell subsets in spleen and blood. Additionally NKp46high NK cells expressed elevated levels of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 on mRNA level. Functional analyses revealed that splenic NKp46high NK cells produced much higher levels of Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α upon stimulation with cytokines or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate/Ionomycin compared to the other two subsets. Furthermore, cross-linking of NKp46 by NKp46-specific mAbs led to a superior CD107a expression in the NKp46high NK cells, thus indicating a higher cytolytic capacity of this subset. Therefore porcine splenic NKp46high NK cells represent a highly activated subset of NK cells and may play a profound role in the immune surveillance of this organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin H Mair
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Müllebner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine E Essler
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - J Catharina Duvigneau
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne K Storset
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146, Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Armin Saalmüller
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Käser T, Gerner W, Mair K, Hammer SE, Patzl M, Saalmüller A. Current knowledge on porcine regulatory T cells. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2012; 148:136-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Mair KH, Essler SE, Patzl M, Storset AK, Saalmüller A, Gerner W. NKp46 expression discriminates porcine NK cells with different functional properties. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:1261-71. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin H. Mair
- Department for Pathobiology; Institute of Immunology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Sabine E. Essler
- Department for Pathobiology; Institute of Immunology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Martina Patzl
- Department for Pathobiology; Institute of Immunology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Anne K. Storset
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology; Norwegian School of Veterinary Science; Oslo Norway
| | - Armin Saalmüller
- Department for Pathobiology; Institute of Immunology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Department for Pathobiology; Institute of Immunology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
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Gabner S, Tonar Z, Tichy A, Saalmüller A, Worliczek HL, Joachim A, Witter K. Immunohistochemical detection and quantification of T cells in the small intestine of Isospora suis-infected piglets-influence of fixation technique and intestinal segment. Microsc Res Tech 2011; 75:408-15. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.21071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Wen K, Li G, Zhang W, Azevedo MSP, Saif LJ, Liu F, Bui T, Yousef A, Yuan L. Development of γδ T cell subset responses in gnotobiotic pigs infected with human rotaviruses and colonized with probiotic lactobacilli. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 141:267-75. [PMID: 21489639 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Revised: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cell responses are induced by various viral and bacterial infections. Different γδ T cells contribute to activation and regulation of the inflammatory response and to epithelial repair. How γδ T cells respond to rotavirus infection and how the colonization of probiotics influences the γδ T cell response were unknown. In this study, we evaluated by multicolor flow cytometry the frequencies and distribution of total γδ T cells and three major subsets (CD2-CD8-, CD2+CD8- and CD2+CD8+) in ileum, spleen and blood of gnotobiotic (Gn) pigs at early (3-5 days) and late phases (28 days) after rotavirus infection. The Gn pigs were inoculated with the virulent human rotavirus Wa strain and colonized with a mixture of two strains of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri. In naïve pigs, the highest frequency of total γδ T cells was found in blood, followed by spleen and ileum at the early age (8-10 days old) whereas in older pigs (32 days of age) the highest frequency of total γδ T cells was found in ileum and spleen followed by blood. Rotavirus infection significantly increased frequencies of intestinal total γδ T cells and the putatively regulatory CD2+CD8+ γδ T cell subset and decreased frequencies of the putatively proinflammatory CD8- subsets in ileum, spleen and blood at post-infection days (PID) 3 or 5. The three γδ T cell subsets distributed and responded differently after rotavirus infection and/or lactobacilli colonization. The CD2+CD8+ subset contributed the most to the expansion of total γδ T cells after rotavirus infection in ileum because more than 77% of the total γδ T cells there were CD2+CD8+ cells. There was an additive effect between lactobacilli and rotavirus in inducing total γδ T cell expansion in ileum at PID 5. The overall effect of lactobacilli colonization versus rotavirus infection on frequencies of the CD2+CD8+ γδ T cell subset in ileum was similar; however, rotavirus-infected pigs maintained significantly higher frequencies of CD8- subsets in ileum than lactobacilli-colonized pigs. The dynamic γδ T cell responses suggest that γδ T cell subsets may play important roles in different stages of immune responses after rotavirus infection and probiotic colonization. The knowledge on the kinetics and distribution patterns of γδ T cell subsets in naïve pigs and after rotavirus infection or lactobacilli colonization provides the foundation for further mechanistic studies of their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Integrated Life Science Building (0913), 1981 Kraft Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Faeces, FACS, and functional assays – preparation of Isospora suis oocyst antigen and representative controls for immunoassays. Parasitology 2010; 137:1637-43. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYHighly purified antigen and appropriate controls are essential for antigen-specific immunoassays. In the case of Isospora suis, the causative agent of neonatal porcine coccidiosis, the only current source of antigen is oocysts isolated from faeces. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure for high-grade purification of I. suis oocysts from piglet faeces to obtain both antigen and representative controls suitable for in vitro re-stimulation of lymphocytes. This was achieved by use of filtration, density-gradient centrifugation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The feasibility for immunological studies was demonstrated with IFN-γ ELISPOT assays after in vitro re-stimulation of lymphocytes from previously infected swine using the obtained antigen. The developed method allowed the production of highly purified antigen and representative controls from faeces with an oocyst recovery rate of 14%. Regarding the application of the obtained material it could be shown that lymphocytes from I. suis-infected pigs react in an antigen-specific manner in terms of an in vitro recall response by the production of IFN-γ. This demonstrates the suitability of the developed method for the production of antigen and controls for sensitive immunological readout systems. Moreover, the detected specific IFN-γ response encourages further functional studies on the cellular immune response to I. suis.
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Porcine Coccidiosis – Investigations on the Cellular Immune Response against Isospora suis. Parasitol Res 2009; 105 Suppl 1:S151-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1506-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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