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Pomari E, Orza P, Bernardi M, Fracchetti F, Campedelli I, De Marta P, Recchia A, Paradies P, Buonfrate D. A Pilot Study for the Characterization of Bacillus spp. and Analysis of Possible B. thuringiensis/ Strongyloides stercoralis Correlation. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1603. [PMID: 39203445 PMCID: PMC11356623 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating between Bacillus species is relevant in human medicine. Bacillus thuringiensis toxins might be effective against Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode causing relevant human morbidity. Our first objective was to evaluate genomic and MALDI-TOF identification methods for B. thuringiensis. Our secondary objective was to evaluate a possible negative selection pressure of B. thuringiensis against S. stercoralis. PCR and Sanger were compared to MALDI-TOF on a collection of 44 B. cereus group strains. B. thuringiensis toxin genes were searched on 17 stool samples from S. stercoralis-infected and uninfected dogs. Metagenomic 16S rRNA was used for microbiome composition. The inter-rate agreement between PCR, Sanger, and MALDI-TOF was 0.631 k (p-value = 6.4 × 10-10). B. thuringiensis toxins were not found in dogs' stool. Bacteroidota and Bacillota were the major phyla in the dogs' microbiome (both represented >20% of the total bacterial community). Prevotella was underrepresented in all Strongyloides-positive dogs. However, the general composition of bacterial communities was not significantly linked with S. stercoralis infection. The genomic methods allowed accurate differentiation between B. thuringiensis and B. cereus. There was no association between B. thuringiensis and S. stercoralis infection, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding. We provide the first descriptive results about bacterial fecal composition in dogs with S. stercoralis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Pierantonio Orza
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Milena Bernardi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Fabio Fracchetti
- Microbion srl, San Giovanni Lupatoto, 37057 Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (I.C.); (P.D.M.)
| | - Ilenia Campedelli
- Microbion srl, San Giovanni Lupatoto, 37057 Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (I.C.); (P.D.M.)
| | - Patrick De Marta
- Microbion srl, San Giovanni Lupatoto, 37057 Verona, Italy; (F.F.); (I.C.); (P.D.M.)
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Veterinary Section, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Paradies
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), Veterinary Section, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (P.O.); (M.B.); (D.B.)
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Petermann J, Grisez C, Lavigne S, Jacquiet P. Lack of Efficacy of Albendazole against Dicrocoelium dendriticum Infection in a Sheep Farm in France. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1992. [PMID: 38998103 PMCID: PMC11240678 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131992] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Dicrocoeliosis is a common parasitic disease in European sheep farming. The prevalence of infection by this parasite can reach almost 70% in areas where the environment is favorable to intermediate hosts. In France, only one drug is currently available for the treatment of dicrocoeliosis: albendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg in a single administration. However, a control coproscopy following a routine treatment led us to suspect that the efficacy of albendazole against Dicrocoelium dendriticum had diminished. Therefore, we carried out an efficacy test on 15 animals by treating them with albendazole at a dose of 15 mg/kg and performing a coproscopy on D0 and a control coproscopy 14 days later. We obtained a 39% reduction in the excretion of D. dendriticum eggs. This shows a reduction in the expected efficacy of albendazole, which is normally more than 90% in other studies involving this molecule at a dosage of 15 mg/kg. These results are of major concern as albendazole is currently the only drug available in France to treat dicrocoeliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Petermann
- IHAP 1225, Université de Toulouse, INRAE ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - Christelle Grisez
- IHAP 1225, Université de Toulouse, INRAE ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Lavigne
- CIIRPO, Ferme du Mourier, 87800 Saint-Priest-Ligoure, France
| | - Philippe Jacquiet
- IHAP 1225, Université de Toulouse, INRAE ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
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Encalada-Mena LA, Torres-Acosta JF, Sandoval-Castro CA, Reyes-Guerrero DE, Mancilla-Montelongo MG, López-Arellano R, Olmedo-Juárez A, López-Arellano ME. Comparison of P-glycoprotein gene expression of two Haemonchus contortus isolates from Yucatan, Mexico, with resistant or susceptible phenotype to ivermectin in relation to a susceptible reference strain. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 52:101047. [PMID: 38880566 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101047] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The variability in the expression of different P-glycoprotein (P-gp) genes in parasitic nematodes of ruminants such as Haemonchus contortus (Hco-pgp) may be caused by different factors including nematode biology, geographical region and anthelmintic pressure. This study analysed the relative expression level of 10 P-gp genes in two H. contortus (Hco-pgp) field isolates from Yucatan, Mexico: 1) PARAISO (IVM-resistant) and 2) FMVZ-UADY (IVM-susceptible). These isolates were compared with a susceptible reference isolate from Puebla, Mexico, namely "CENID-SAI". In all cases H. contortus adult males were used. The Hco-pgp genes (1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16) were analysed for each isolate using the RT-qPCR technique. The Hco-pgp expressions were pairwise compared using the 2-ΔΔCt method and a t-test. The PARAISO isolate showed upregulation compared to the CENID-SAI isolate for Hco-pgp 1, 3, 9, 10 and 16 (P < 0.05), and the PARAISO isolate showed upregulation vs. FMVZ-UADY isolate for Hco-pgp 2 and 9 (P < 0.05), displaying 6.58- and 5.93-fold differences (P < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, similar Hco-pgp gene expression levels were recorded for FMVZ-UADY and CENID-SAI isolates except for Hco-pgp1 (P <0.1), which presented a significant upregulation (6.08-fold). The relative expression of Hco-pgp allowed confirming the IVM-resistant status of the PARAISO isolate and the IVM-susceptible status of the FMVZ-UADY isolate when compared to the CENID-SAI reference isolate. Therefore, understanding the association between the Hco-pgp genes expression of H. contortus and its IVM resistance status could help identifying the genes that could be used as molecular markers in the diagnosis of IVM resistance. However, it is important to consider the geographic origin of the nematode isolate and the deworming history at the farm of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisandro Alberto Encalada-Mena
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Calle 53 S/N, Col. Unidad, Esfuerzo y Trabajo #2, C.P. 24350 Campeche, Mexico
| | - Juan Felipe Torres-Acosta
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carr. Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alfredo Sandoval-Castro
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carr. Mérida-Xmatkuil, C.P. 97100 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - David E Reyes-Guerrero
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla # 8534, C.P. 62550 Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - María Gabriela Mancilla-Montelongo
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carr. Mérida-Xmatkuil, CP97100 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Raquel López-Arellano
- Laboratorio de Ensayos de Desarrollo Farmacéutico, Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria, FES-Cuautitlán, Campo 4, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carr. México-Teoloyucan Km 2.5 Sn Sebastián Xhala, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Agustín Olmedo-Juárez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla # 8534, C.P. 62550 Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ma Eugenia López-Arellano
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla # 8534, C.P. 62550 Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico.
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Stryiński R, Polak I, Gawryluk A, Rosa P, Łopieńska-Biernat E. The response of Anisakis simplex (s. s.) to anthelmintics - Specific changes in xenobiotic metabolic processes. Exp Parasitol 2024; 261:108751. [PMID: 38604302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108751] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish and cephalopods that are infected with larvae of Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto) or Anisakis pegreffii. The purpose of this study was to investigate how A. simplex (s. s.) responds to the influence of anthelmintics such as ivermectin (IVM) and pyrantel (PYR). In vitro experiments were conducted using larvae at two developmental stages of A. simplex (s. s.) (L3 and L4) obtained from Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras). Larvae were cultured with different concentrations of IVM or PYR (1.56, 3.125, and 6.25 μg/mL) for various durations (3, 6, 9, and 12 h) under anaerobic conditions (37 °C, 5% CO2). The gene expression of actin, ABC transporter, antioxidant enzymes, γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, as well as the oxidative status were analyzed. The results showed that A. simplex (s. s.) L3 stage had lower mobility when cultured with PYR compared to IVM. The analysis of relative gene expression revealed significant differences in the mRNA level of ABC transporters after treatment with IVM and PYR, compared to the control group. Similar patterns were observed in the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to both drugs. Furthermore, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were higher in the treatment groups than in the control group. These findings suggest a relationship between the expression of the studied genes, including those related to oxidative metabolism, and the effectiveness of the tested drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stryiński
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Iwona Polak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Anna Gawryluk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Paweł Rosa
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Research Station in Świnoujście, Plac Słowiański 11 Str., 72-600, Świnoujście, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
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5
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Gandasegui J, Muñoz J, Fleitas P, Mazzi C, Bisoffi Z. Moxidectin versus ivermectin for strongyloidiasis control. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e152. [PMID: 38237614 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00823-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08036, Spain.
| | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Pedro Fleitas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Cristina Mazzi
- IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
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6
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Dube F, Delhomme N, Martin F, Hinas A, Åbrink M, Svärd S, Tydén E. Gene co-expression network analysis reveal core responsive genes in Parascaris univalens tissues following ivermectin exposure. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298039. [PMID: 38359071 PMCID: PMC10868809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasite Parascaris univalens, compromises ivermectin (IVM) effectiveness and necessitates an in-depth understanding of its resistance mechanisms. Most research, primarily focused on holistic gene expression analyses, may overlook vital tissue-specific responses and often limit the scope of novel genes. This study leveraged gene co-expression network analysis to elucidate tissue-specific transcriptional responses and to identify core genes implicated in the IVM response in P. univalens. Adult worms (n = 28) were exposed to 10-11 M and 10-9 M IVM in vitro for 24 hours. RNA-sequencing examined transcriptional changes in the anterior end and intestine. Differential expression analysis revealed pronounced tissue differences, with the intestine exhibiting substantially more IVM-induced transcriptional activity. Gene co-expression network analysis identified seven modules significantly associated with the response to IVM. Within these, 219 core genes were detected, largely expressed in the intestinal tissue and spanning diverse biological processes with unspecific patterns. After 10-11 M IVM, intestinal tissue core genes showed transcriptional suppression, cell cycle inhibition, and ribosomal alterations. Interestingly, genes PgR028_g047 (sorb-1), PgB01_g200 (gmap-1) and PgR046_g017 (col-37 & col-102) switched from downregulation at 10-11 M to upregulation at 10-9 M IVM. The 10-9 M concentration induced expression of cuticle and membrane integrity core genes in the intestinal tissue. No clear core gene patterns were visible in the anterior end after 10-11 M IVM. However, after 10-9 M IVM, the anterior end mostly displayed downregulation, indicating disrupted transcriptional regulation. One interesting finding was the non-modular calcium-signaling gene, PgR047_g066 (gegf-1), which uniquely connected 71 genes across four modules. These genes were enriched for transmembrane signaling activity, suggesting that PgR047_g066 (gegf-1) could have a key signaling role. By unveiling tissue-specific expression patterns and highlighting biological processes through unbiased core gene detection, this study reveals intricate IVM responses in P. univalens. These findings suggest alternative drug uptake of IVM and can guide functional validations to further IVM resistance mechanism understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Dube
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Delhomme
- Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Frida Martin
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrea Hinas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden
| | - Magnus Åbrink
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Reyes-Guerrero DE, Higuera-Piedrahita RI, Maza-Lopez J, Mendoza-de-Gives P, Camas-Pereyra R, López-Arellano ME. Analysis of P-gp genes relative expression associated to ivermectin resistance in Haemonchus contortus larval stages from in vitro cultures (L 3 and xL 3) and from gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus) (L 4) as models of study. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e19. [PMID: 38356358 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x24000087] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the relative gene expression of Haemonchus contortus P-glycoprotein genes (Hco-pgp) between fourth (L4), infective (L3), and transitory infective (xL3) larval stages as laboratory models to study ivermectin (IVM) resistance. The H. contortus resistant to IVM (IVMr) and susceptible to IVM (IVMs) strains were used to develop xL3in vitro culture and to infect Meriones unguiculatus (gerbils) to collect L4 stages. Morphometric differences were evaluated from 25 individuals of H. contortus from each strain. Relative gene expression from xL3 and L4 was determined between comparison of IVMr stages and from IVMr vs IVMs stages. Seven Hco-pgp genes (1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 16) were analysed by RT-qPCR using L3 stage as control group, per strain, and GAPDH and β-tubulin as constitutive genes. Morphological changes were confirmed between xL3 and L4 developing oral shape, oesophagus, and intestinal tube. In addition, the body length and width showed statistical differences (p < 0.05). The Hco-pgp1, 2, 3, and 4 genes (p < 0.05) were upregulated from 7.1- to 463.82-fold changes between IVMr stages, and Hco-pgp9 (13.12-fold) and Hco-pgp10 (13.56-fold) genes showed differences between L4 and xL3, respectively. The comparative study between IVMr vs IVMs strains associated to xL3 and L4 displayed significant upregulation for most of the Hco-pgp genes among 4.89-188.71 fold-change. In conclusion, these results suggest the use of H. contortus xL3 and L4 as suitable laboratory models to study IVMr associated with Hco-pgp genes to contribute to the understanding of anthelmintic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Reyes-Guerrero
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Mor., México
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, México
| | - R I Higuera-Piedrahita
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan Km 2.5, Col. San Sebastián Xhala. Cuautitlán, Estado de México, México
| | - J Maza-Lopez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Mor., México
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, México
| | - P Mendoza-de-Gives
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Mor., México
| | - R Camas-Pereyra
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Mor., México
| | - M E López-Arellano
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, C.P. 62574 Jiutepec, Mor., México
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8
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Ferguson AA, Inclan-Rico JM, Lu D, Bobardt SD, Hung L, Gouil Q, Baker L, Ritchie ME, Jex AR, Schwarz EM, Rossi HL, Nair MG, Dillman AR, Herbert DR. Hookworms dynamically respond to loss of Type 2 immune pressure. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011797. [PMID: 38079450 PMCID: PMC10735188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the host immune environment on parasite transcription and fitness is currently unknown. It is widely held that hookworm infections have an immunomodulatory impact on the host, but whether the converse is true remains unclear. Immunity against adult-stage hookworms is largely mediated by Type 2 immune responses driven by the transcription factor Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 (STAT6). This study investigated whether serial passage of the rodent hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in STAT6-deficient mice (STAT6 KO) caused changes in parasites over time. After adaptation to STAT6 KO hosts, N. brasiliensis increased their reproductive output, feeding capacity, energy content, and body size. Using an improved N. brasiliensis genome, we found that these physiological changes corresponded with a dramatic shift in the transcriptional landscape, including increased expression of gene pathways associated with egg production, but a decrease in genes encoding neuropeptides, proteases, SCP/TAPS proteins, and transthyretin-like proteins; the latter three categories have been repeatedly observed in hookworm excreted/secreted proteins (ESPs) implicated in immunosuppression. Although transcriptional changes started to appear in the first generation of passage in STAT6 KO hosts for both immature and mature adult stages, downregulation of the genes putatively involved in immunosuppression was only observed after multiple generations in this immunodeficient environment. When STAT6 KO-adapted N. brasiliensis were reintroduced to a naive WT host after up to 26 generations, this progressive change in host-adaptation corresponded to increased production of inflammatory cytokines by the WT host. Surprisingly, however, this single exposure of STAT6 KO-adapted N. brasiliensis to WT hosts resulted in worms that were morphologically and transcriptionally indistinguishable from WT-adapted parasites. This work uncovers remarkable plasticity in the ability of hookworms to adapt to their hosts, which may present a general feature of parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel A. Ferguson
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Juan M. Inclan-Rico
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dihong Lu
- University of California Riverside, Department of Nematology, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah D. Bobardt
- University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - LiYin Hung
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Quentin Gouil
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Baker
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew E. Ritchie
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erich M. Schwarz
- University of Melbourne, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cornell University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Heather L. Rossi
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Meera G. Nair
- University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Adler R. Dillman
- University of California Riverside, Department of Nematology, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - De’Broski R. Herbert
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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9
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Lynch MJ, Mercado AS, Li C. Indirect Modulation by FLP-1 Peptides on Chemotaxis and Dispersal Behavior in C. elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000930. [PMID: 37746060 PMCID: PMC10514699 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect and cause morbidity in over one billion people worldwide, with current anthelmintic drugs decreasing in efficacy. To date, nematodes produce more types of neuropeptides than any other animal. We are interested in the role of neuropeptide signaling systems as a possible target for new anthelmintic drugs. Although FMRFamide-related peptides are found throughout the animal kingdom, the number of these peptides in nematodes greatly exceeds that of any other phylum. We are using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for examining FMRFamide-like peptides, all of which share a C-terminal Arg-Phe-amide and which are known as FLPs in nematodes. Our previous work indicated interactions between the daf-10 , tax-4 , and flp-1 signaling pathways. In this paper, we further explore these interactions with chemotaxis and dispersal assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris Li
- Biology, City College of New York, CUNY
- Biology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, New York, United States
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10
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You J, Chen J, Hu Y, Wang S, Wang J, Sun T, Shen Z. Identification of cytochrome P450 gene family and functional analysis of HgCYP33E1 from Heterodera glycines. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1219702. [PMID: 37692428 PMCID: PMC10485556 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1219702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes of nematode play a crucial role in the metabolic detoxification of xenobiotics including pesticides. Heterodera glycines, also known as the soybean cyst nematode, is a sedentary endoparasite that infests plant roots, causing high annual economic losses in soybean production regions globally. In this study, we identified 36 CYP genes at a genome-wide level of the H. glycines isolate TN10 using all CYPs from Caenorhabditis elegans as queries. Subsequently, a full-length cDNA of HgCYP33E1 which was significantly up-regulated by the conventional nematicide abamectin was initially cloned from H. glycines. It presented significantly higher expressions in the second-stage juvenile (J2) compared to other parasitic stages of H. glycines. qRT-PCR analysis suggested that the expression of HgCYP33E1 was also xenobiotically induced by soybean root exudate and the metabolites of biocontrol agents. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we investigated the function of HgCYP33E1 in H. glycines parasitism and nematicide selectivity. Compared to the control and dsGFP-treated group, silencing of HgCYP33E1 did not affect the J2 behaviors and the early invasion ability, while it decreased the number of J4s in soybean roots after 18-d inoculation with the dsHgCYP33E1-treated nematodes. In addition, knockdown of HgCYP33E1 in H. glycines resulted in an increase in J2 mortality after 24-h incubation with abamectin compared to the GFP dsRNA-soaked and the control group. These findings revealed the potential role of HgCYP33E1 in the xenobiotic detoxification pathway of H. glycines. Moreover, our data also provided valuable gene information for studying the functions of the CYP family in H. glycines host adaption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia You
- Institute of Pratacultural Science, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingsheng Chen
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Wanzhou, China
| | - Yanfeng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Siru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jianli Wang
- Institute of Pratacultural Science, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Chongqing Customs Technology Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongbao Shen
- Institute of Pratacultural Science, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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11
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Airs PM, Ventura-Cordero J, Mvula W, Takahashi T, Van Wyk J, Nalivata P, Safalaoh A, Morgan ER. Low-cost molecular methods to characterise gastrointestinal nematode co-infections of goats in Africa. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:216. [PMID: 37386642 PMCID: PMC10311829 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05816-y] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinary diagnostics aid intervention strategies, track zoonoses, and direct selective breeding programs in livestock. In ruminants, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites are a major cause of production losses, but morphologically similar species limit our understanding of how specific GIN co-infections impact health in resource-limited settings. To estimate the presence and relative abundance of GINs and other helminths at the species level, we sought to develop a low-cost and low-resource molecular toolkit applied to goats from rural Malawi smallholdings. METHODS Goats were subjected to health scoring and faecal sampling on smallholdings in Lilongwe district, Malawi. Infection intensities were estimated by faecal nematode egg counts with a faecal subsample desiccated for DNA analysis. Two DNA extraction methods were tested (low-resource magbead kit vs high-resource spin-column kit), with resulting DNA screened by endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR), semi-quantitative PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), high-resolution melt curve analysis (HRMC), and 'nemabiome' internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Both DNA isolation methods yielded comparable results despite poorer DNA purity and faecal contaminant carryover from the low-resource magbead method. GINs were detected in 100% of samples regardless of infection intensity. Co-infections with GINs and coccidia (Eimeria spp.) were present in most goats, with GIN populations dominated by Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichostrongylus axei, and Oesophagostomum columbianum. Both multiplex PCR and qPCR were highly predictive of GIN species proportions obtained using nemabiome amplicon sequencing; however, HRMC was less reliable than PCR in predicting the presence of particular species. CONCLUSIONS These data represent the first 'nemabiome' sequencing of GINs from naturally infected smallholder goats in Africa and show the variable nature of GIN co-infections between individual animals. A similar level of granularity was detected by semi-quantitative PCR methods, which provided an accurate summary of species composition. Assessing GIN co-infections is therefore possible using cost-efficient low-resource DNA extraction and PCR approaches that can increase the capacity of molecular resources in areas where sequencing platforms are not available; and also open the door to affordable molecular GIN diagnostics. Given the diverse nature of infections in livestock and wildlife, these approaches have potential for disease surveillance in other areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Airs
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Antrim, UK
| | | | - Winchester Mvula
- Animal Science Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Taro Takahashi
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming Directorate, Rothamsted Research, Okehampton, Devon, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Somerset, UK
| | - Jan Van Wyk
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Patson Nalivata
- Animal Science Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Andrews Safalaoh
- Animal Science Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eric R Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Antrim, UK.
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Luo X, Wang S, Feng Y, Wang P, Gong G, Guo T, Feng X, Yang X, Li J. Effect of Ivermectin on the Expression of P-Glycoprotein in Third-Stage Larvae of Haemonchus contortus Isolated from China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1841. [PMID: 37889791 PMCID: PMC10251826 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus poses a severe hazard to the healthy development of the sheep industry and threatens the welfare of sheep. Ivermectin is the primary anthelmintic used for the prevention and treatment of H. contortus parasitism. However, the widespread and uncontrolled application of ivermectin has resulted in the development and spread of resistant strains of H. contortus. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays important roles in the pharmacology and toxicology of ivermectin, and changes in P-gp expression levels can be used to analyze the resistance of H. contortus to ivermectin. This study aimed to analyze the effects of ivermectin on P-gp expression in H. contortus L3 larvae isolated from China and to evaluate whether changes in P-gp expression levels can be used to analyze resistant H. contortus strains. In the absence of drug treatment, the ivermectin-resistant strains isolated in China showed increased expression of P-gp11 (p < 0.01) compared with sensitive strains from elsewhere, whereas the expressions of P-gp2 and P-gp9.1 were downregulated (p < 0.01). When the same strain was compared before and after drug treatment, obvious differences in expression were observed between the different strains. Ivermectin-induced P-gp expression was found to be very complex among the L3 larvae of different strains. In addition, it was confirmed that using P-gp to determine ivermectin resistance in H. contortus strains from different geographic environments can yield different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Grass-Feeding Livestock Healthy Breeding and Livestock Product Quality Control, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010030, China; (X.L.); (Y.F.); (P.W.); (G.G.); (T.G.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China;
| | - Shuyi Wang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot 010031, China;
| | - Ying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Grass-Feeding Livestock Healthy Breeding and Livestock Product Quality Control, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010030, China; (X.L.); (Y.F.); (P.W.); (G.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Penglong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Grass-Feeding Livestock Healthy Breeding and Livestock Product Quality Control, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010030, China; (X.L.); (Y.F.); (P.W.); (G.G.); (T.G.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Gaowa Gong
- Key Laboratory of Grass-Feeding Livestock Healthy Breeding and Livestock Product Quality Control, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010030, China; (X.L.); (Y.F.); (P.W.); (G.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Tianlong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Grass-Feeding Livestock Healthy Breeding and Livestock Product Quality Control, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010030, China; (X.L.); (Y.F.); (P.W.); (G.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Xingang Feng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China;
| | - Xiaoye Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Junyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Grass-Feeding Livestock Healthy Breeding and Livestock Product Quality Control, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010030, China; (X.L.); (Y.F.); (P.W.); (G.G.); (T.G.)
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13
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Reyes-Guerrero DE, Jiménez-Jacinto V, Alonso-Morales RA, Alonso-Díaz MÁ, Maza-Lopez J, Camas-Pereyra R, Olmedo-Juárez A, Higuera-Piedrahita RI, López-Arellano ME. Assembly and Analysis of Haemonchus contortus Transcriptome as a Tool for the Knowledge of Ivermectin Resistance Mechanisms. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030499. [PMID: 36986421 PMCID: PMC10059914 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus (Hc) is an important parasitic nematode of small ruminants. In this study we assembled the transcriptome of Hc as a model to contribute to the knowledge about the profile of the differential gene expression between two Mexican Hc strains under different anthelmintic resistance statuses, one susceptible and the other resistant to ivermectin (IVMs and IVMr, respectively), in order to improve and/or to have new strategies of control and diagnosis. The transcript sequence reads were assembled and annotated. Overall, ~127 Mbp were assembled and distributed into 77,422 transcript sequences, and 4394 transcripts of the de novo transcriptome were matched base on at least one of the following criteria: (1) Phylum Nemathelminthes and Platyhelminthes, important for animal health care, and (2) ≥55% of sequence identity with other organisms. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis (GOEA) was performed to study the level of gene regulation to IVMr and IVMs strains using Log Fold Change (LFC) filtering values ≥ 1 and ≥ 2. The upregulated-displayed genes obtained via GOEA were: 1993 (for LFC ≥ 1) and 1241 (for LFC ≥ 2) in IVMr and 1929 (for LFC ≥ 1) and 835 (for LFC ≥ 2) in IVMs. The enriched GO terms upregulated per category identified the intracellular structure, intracellular membrane-bounded organelle and integral component of the cell membrane as some principal cellular components. Meanwhile, efflux transmembrane transporter activity, ABC-type xenobiotic transporter activity and ATPase-coupled transmembrane transporter activity were associated with molecular function. Responses to nematicide activity, pharyngeal pumping and positive regulation of synaptic assembly were classified as biological processes that might be involved in events related to the anthelmintic resistance (AR) and nematode biology. The filtering analysis of both LFC values showed similar genes related to AR. This study deepens our knowledge about the mechanisms behind the processes of H. contortus in order to help in tool production and to facilitate the reduction of AR and promote the development of other control strategies, such as anthelmintic drug targets and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Emanuel Reyes-Guerrero
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Jiutepec C.P. 62574, Morelos, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Jiménez-Jacinto
- Unidad Universitaria de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca C.P. 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Alejandro Alonso-Morales
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Alonso-Díaz
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Ganadería Tropical, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 5. Carr. Fed. Tlapacoyan-Martínez de la Torre, Martínez de la Torre C.P. 93600, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Jocelyn Maza-Lopez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Jiutepec C.P. 62574, Morelos, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - René Camas-Pereyra
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Jiutepec C.P. 62574, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Agustín Olmedo-Juárez
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Jiutepec C.P. 62574, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Rosa Isabel Higuera-Piedrahita
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan Km 2.5, Col. San Sebastián Xhala. Cuautitlán, C.P. 54714, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - María Eugenia López-Arellano
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Carr. Fed. Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Jiutepec C.P. 62574, Morelos, Mexico
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14
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Dube F, Hinas A, Delhomme N, Åbrink M, Svärd S, Tydén E. Transcriptomics of ivermectin response in Caenorhabditis elegans: Integrating abamectin quantitative trait loci and comparison to the Ivermectin-exposed DA1316 strain. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285262. [PMID: 37141255 PMCID: PMC10159168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes pose a significant threat to human and animal health, as well as cause economic losses in the agricultural sector. The use of anthelmintic drugs, such as Ivermectin (IVM), to control these parasites has led to widespread drug resistance. Identifying genetic markers of resistance in parasitic nematodes can be challenging, but the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides a suitable model. In this study, we aimed to analyze the transcriptomes of adult C. elegans worms of the N2 strain exposed to the anthelmintic drug Ivermectin (IVM), and compare them to those of the resistant strain DA1316 and the recently identified Abamectin Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) on chromosome V. We exposed pools of 300 adult N2 worms to IVM (10-7 and 10-8 M) for 4 hours at 20°C, extracted total RNA and sequenced it on the Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using an in-house pipeline. The DEGs were compared to genes from a previous microarray study on IVM-resistant C. elegans and Abamectin-QTL. Our results revealed 615 DEGs (183 up-regulated and 432 down-regulated genes) from diverse gene families in the N2 C. elegans strain. Of these DEGs, 31 overlapped with genes from IVM-exposed adult worms of the DA1316 strain. We identified 19 genes, including the folate transporter (folt-2) and the transmembrane transporter (T22F3.11), which exhibited an opposite expression in N2 and the DA1316 strain and were deemed potential candidates. Additionally, we compiled a list of potential candidates for further research including T-type calcium channel (cca-1), potassium chloride cotransporter (kcc-2), as well as other genes such as glutamate-gated channel (glc-1) that mapped to the Abamectin-QTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Dube
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Division of Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrea Hinas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Delhomme
- Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Magnus Åbrink
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section of Immunology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Division of Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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The equine ascarids: resuscitating historic model organisms for modern purposes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2775-2791. [PMID: 35986167 PMCID: PMC9391215 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The equine ascarids, Parascaris spp., are important nematode parasites of juvenile horses and were historically model organisms in the field of cell biology, leading to many important discoveries, and are used for the study of chromatin diminution. In veterinary parasitology, Parascaris spp. are important not only because they can cause clinical disease in young horses but also because they are the only ascarid parasites to have developed widespread anthelmintic resistance. Despite this, much of the general biology and mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance are poorly understood. This review condenses known basic biological information and knowledge on the mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp., highlighting the importance of foundational research programs. Although two variants of this parasite were recognized based on the number of chromosomes in the 1870s and suggested to be two species in 1890, one of these, P. univalens, appears to have been largely forgotten in the veterinary scientific literature over the past 100 years. We describe how this omission has had a century-long effect on nomenclature and data analysis in the field, highlighting the importance of proper specimen identification in public repositories. A summary of important basic biology, including life cycle, in vitro maintenance, and immunology, is given, and areas of future research for the improvement of knowledge and development of new systems are given. Finally, the limited knowledge regarding anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp. is summarized, along with caution regarding assumptions that resistance mechanisms can be applied across clades.
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Jones BP, van Vliet AHM, LaCourse EJ, Betson M. In Silico Docking of Nematode β-Tubulins With Benzimidazoles Points to Gene Expression and Orthologue Variation as Factors in Anthelmintic Resistance. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.898814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics can vary depending on the target parasite, with Ascaris nematodes being highly responsive, and whipworms being less responsive. Anthelmintic resistance has become widespread, particularly in strongyle nematodes such as Haemonchus contortus in ruminants, and resistance has recently been detected in hookworms of humans and dogs. Past work has shown that there are multiple β-tubulin isotypes in helminths, yet only a few of these contribute to benzimidazole interactions and resistance. The β-tubulin isotypes of ascarids and soil-transmitted helminths were identified by mining available genome data, and phylogenetic analysis showed that the ascarids share a similar repertoire of seven β-tubulin isotypes. Strongyles also have a consistent pattern of four β-tubulin isotypes. In contrast, the whipworms only have two isotypes, with one of these clustering more basally and distinct from any other group. Key β-tubulin isotypes selected based on previous studies were the focus of in silico molecular docking simulations to look at the interactions with benzimidazoles. These showed that all β-tubulins had similar interactions with benzimidazoles and maintained the key bond with residue E198 in all species, indicating similar mechanisms of action. However, the interaction was stronger and more consistent in the strongyles and whipworms than it was in the ascarids. Alteration of β-tubulin isotypes with the common resistance-associated mutations originally identified in H. contortus resulted in similar interaction modeling for all species. In conclusion, ascarids, strongyles, and whipworms all have their own unique repertoire of β-tubulins, which could explain why benzimidazole resistance and susceptibility varies between these groups of parasites. These data complement recent work that has highlighted the roles of essential residues in benzimidazole drug binding and shows that there is a separation between strongyle parasites that frequently develop resistance and ascarid parasites, which have been much less prone to developing resistance.
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Dube F, Hinas A, Roy S, Martin F, Åbrink M, Svärd S, Tydén E. Ivermectin-induced gene expression changes in adult Parascaris univalens and Caenorhabditis elegans: a comparative approach to study anthelminthic metabolism and resistance in vitro. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:158. [PMID: 35513885 PMCID: PMC9074254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05260-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nematode Parascaris univalens is one of the most prevalent parasitic pathogens infecting horses but anthelmintic resistance undermines treatment approaches. The molecular mechanisms underlying drug activity and resistance remain poorly understood in this parasite since experimental in vitro models are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for P. univalens drug metabolism/resistance studies by a comparative gene expression approach after in vitro exposure to the anthelmintic drug ivermectin (IVM). Methods Twelve adult P. univalens worms in groups of three were exposed to ivermectin (IVM, 10–13 M, 10–11 M, 10–9 M) or left unexposed for 24 h at 37 °C, and total RNA, extracted from the anterior end of the worms, was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in metabolism, transportation, or gene expression with annotated Caernorhabditis elegans orthologues were identified as candidate genes to be involved in IVM metabolism/resistance. Similarly, groups of 300 adult C. elegans worms were exposed to IVM (10–9 M, 10–8 M and 10–7 M) or left unexposed for 4 h at 20 °C. Quantitative RT-PCR of RNA extracted from the C. elegans worm pools was used to compare against the expression of selected P. univalens candidate genes after drug treatment. Results After IVM exposure, 1085 DEGs were found in adult P. univalens worms but the relative gene expression changes were small and large variabilities were found between different worms. Fifteen of the DEGs were chosen for further characterization in C. elegans after comparative bioinformatics analyses. Candidate genes, including the putative drug target lgc-37, responded to IVM in P. univalens, but marginal to no responses were observed in C. elegans despite dose-dependent behavioral effects observed in C. elegans after IVM exposure. Thus, the overlap in IVM-induced gene expression in this small set of genes was minor in adult worms of the two nematode species. Conclusion This is the first time to our knowledge that a comparative gene expression approach has evaluated C. elegans as a model to understand IVM metabolism/resistance in P. univalens. Genes in P. univalens adults that responded to IVM treatment were identified. However, identifying conserved genes in P. univalens and C. elegans involved in IVM metabolism/resistance by comparing gene expression of candidate genes proved challenging. The approach appears promising but was limited by the number of genes studied (n = 15). Future studies comparing a larger number of genes between the two species may result in identification of additional candidate genes involved in drug metabolism and/or resistance. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05260-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Dube
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Andrea Hinas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shweta Roy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frida Martin
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Åbrink
- Section of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Svärd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Drug efficacy on zoonotic nematodes of the Anisakidae family - new metabolic data. Parasitology 2022; 149:1065-1077. [PMID: 35443901 PMCID: PMC10090616 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the Anisakidae family, there are nematodes, most of which are parasitic for important commercial fish species. Both public health risks and socio-economic problems are attributed to these parasites. Despite these concerns, knowledge of the metabolism of these parasites remains unknown. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the receptors of drugs and oxidative metabolic status of two Anisakidae species, Pseudoterranova decipiens (s. s.) and Contracaecum osculatum (s. s.), under the influence of anthelminthic drugs, ivermectin (IVM) and pyrantel (PYR), at different concentrations: 1.56, 3.125 and 6.25 μg mL−1 of culture medium for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 72 h. The mRNA expressions of the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor, acetylcholine receptor subunits, adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters and antioxidative enzymes were determined. The total antioxidant capacity and glutathione S-transferase activity were also examined. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that IVM and PYR have been tested against these parasitic nematodes.
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Positivity Rate Investigation and Anthelmintic Resistance Analysis of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep and Cattle in Ordos, China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070891. [PMID: 35405881 PMCID: PMC8997026 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to understand the positivity rates of gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle and sheep in Ordos, and the effects of different pasture types on the distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes, we conducted an epidemiological investigation and analysis in four banner districts of Ordos. The results showed that the positive rates of sheep and cattle were 38.84% and 4.48%, respectively. The anthelmintic resistance analysis revealed that the nematode population in the area was severely resistant to ivermectin and albendazole, and resistance to levamisole, nitroxynil and closantel was suspected. Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), such as Trichostrongylidae, are important pathogens in small ruminants, causing significant losses in these livestock species. Despite their veterinary importance, GINs have not been studied in certain regions of the world. Therefore, much of their epidemiology and economic impact on production remain unknown. In the present study, a systematic epidemiological survey based on the modified McMaster technique was conducted to investigate the type and infection of GINs in sheep and cattle. In 9622 fecal samples from 491 sampling sites in the four main banner districts of Ordos, the prevalence of GIN infection was found to be 38.84% and 4.48% in sheep and cattle, respectively. At the same time, the effects of four pasture types on the distribution of GINs were analyzed. This study also found severe resistance to ivermectin and albendazole in GINs and suspected anthelmintic resistance in nitroxynil, levamisole and closantel. We report the type and infection of GINs in Ordos, with the aim to help the prevention and control of GINs. Based on the results of the questionnaire survey and GIN resistance test, we found several reasons for the anthelmintic resistance of GINs, consequently providing new ideas for controlling the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance.
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Charlier J, Bartley DJ, Sotiraki S, Martinez-Valladares M, Claerebout E, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Thamsborg SM, Hoste H, Morgan ER, Rinaldi L. Anthelmintic resistance in ruminants: challenges and solutions. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 115:171-227. [PMID: 35249662 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a growing concern for effective parasite control in farmed ruminants globally. Combatting AR will require intensified and integrated research efforts in the development of innovative diagnostic tests to detect helminth infections and AR, sustainable anthelmintic treatment strategies and the development of complementary control approaches such as vaccination and plant-based control. It will also require a better understanding of socio-economic drivers of anthelmintic treatment decisions, in order to support a behavioural shift and develop targeted communication strategies that promote the uptake of evidence-based sustainable solutions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in these different fields of research activity related to AR in helminths of livestock ruminants in Europe and beyond. We conclude that in the advent of new challenges and solutions emerging from continuing spread of AR and intensified research efforts, respectively, there is a strong need for transnational multi-actor initiatives. These should involve all key stakeholders to develop indicators of infection and sustainable control, set targets and promote good practices to achieve them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D J Bartley
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | - S Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation ELGO-DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, León, Spain
| | - E Claerebout
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Parasitology, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - G von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S M Thamsborg
- Veterinary Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - H Hoste
- INRAE, UMR 1225 IHAP INRAE/ENVT, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - E R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - L Rinaldi
- University of Naples Federico II, Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy.
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21
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Low-Molecular-Weight Secondary Metabolites from Fungi: Cerrena unicolor as a New Proposal of an Effective Preparation against Rhabditis Nematodes. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27051660. [PMID: 35268762 PMCID: PMC8911859 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants and fungi are known as a valuable source of natural medicines used in the treatment of various diseases. Many of them are used to treat human and animal gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the antinematode properties of extracellular low-molecular subfractions (ex-LMS) obtained from the liquid growth medium of idiophasic Cerrena unicolor cultures. The fungal fractions were isolated according to a procedure previously described by Jaszek et al. The in vitro tests were performed using nematodes of the Rhabditis genus. As demonstrated by the results, the total fraction with a molecular weight < 10 kDa (CU-A) and the 0.02−1.5 kDa fraction (CU-B) had nematicidal activity. It was found that the analyzed substances induced movement disturbances caused by the paralysis of the back part of the nematode’s body. The degree of body paralysis was proportional to the increase in the concentration of the tested fractions. Summarizing the obtained results in the context of the available literature data, it seems that C. unicolor may be a good new candidate for research on nematode infections.
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22
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Zirintunda G, Biryomumaisho S, Kasozi KI, Batiha GES, Kateregga J, Vudriko P, Nalule S, Olila D, Kajoba M, Matama K, Kwizera MR, Ghoneim MM, Abdelhamid M, Zaghlool SS, Alshehri S, Abdelgawad MA, Acai-Okwee J. Emerging Anthelmintic Resistance in Poultry: Can Ethnopharmacological Approaches Offer a Solution? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:774896. [PMID: 35237147 PMCID: PMC8883056 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.774896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited pharmacological studies have been conducted on plant species used against poultry helminths. The objective of this study was to provide a basis for plant based anthelmintics as possible alternatives against poultry anthelmintic resistance. The study justified the need for alternative anthelmintics. The study places emphasis on the increasing anthelmintic resistance, mechanism of resistance, and preparational protocols for plant anthelmintics and their associated mechanism of action. Pharmaceutical studies on plants as alternative therapies for the control of helminth parasites have not been fully explored especially in several developing countries. Plants from a broad range of species produce a wide variety of compounds that are potential anthelmintics candidates. Important phenolic acids have been found in Brassica rapa L. and Terminalia avicenniodes Guill. and Perri that affect the cell signaling pathways and gene expression. Benzo (c) phenanthridine and isoquinoline alkaloids are neurotoxic to helminths. Steroidal saponins (polyphyllin D and dioscin) interact with helminthic mitochondrial activity, alter cell membrane permeability, vacuolation and membrane damage. Benzyl isothiocyanate glucosinolates interfere with DNA replication and protein expression, while isoflavones from Acacia oxyphylla cause helminth flaccid paralysis, inhibit energy generation, and affect calcium utilization. Condensed tannins have been shown to cause the death of nematodes and paralysis leading to expulsion from the gastro-intestinal tract. Flavonoids from Chenopodium album L and Mangifera indica L act through the action of phosphodiesterase and Ca2+-ATPase, and flavonoids and tannins have been shown to act synergistically and are complementary to praziquantel. Artemisinins from Artemisia cina O. Berg are known to disrupt mitochondrial ATP production. Terpenoids from Cucurbita moschata L disrupt neurotransmission leading to paralysis as well as disruption of egg hatching. Yeast particle encapsulated terpenes are effective for the control of albendazole-resistant helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Zirintunda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Savino Biryomumaisho
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Albeheira, Egypt
| | - John Kateregga
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Nalule
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deogracious Olila
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Mariam Kajoba
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Kevin Matama
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Mercy Rukundo Kwizera
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Abdelhamid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Sameh S. Zaghlool
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - James Acai-Okwee
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Jesudoss Chelladurai JRJ, Jones DE, Brewer MT. Characterization of a P-glycoprotein drug transporter from Toxocara canis with a novel pharmacological profile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 17:191-203. [PMID: 34753107 PMCID: PMC8586496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
P-glycoproteins from the ATP-binding cassette transporter family are responsible for drug evasion by bacterial pathogens and neoplastic cells. More recently, these multidrug resistance transporters have been investigated for contributions to drug resistance in nematode parasites. In this study, we cloned and characterized the P-glycoprotein Tca-Pgp-11.1 from Toxocara canis, the canine intestinal ascarid. Large numbers of Tca-Pgp-11 transcripts were observed in the intestine of adult male and female worms. Heterologous expression studies confirmed sensitivity to known P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Interestingly, the competitive inhibitor verapamil had lower IC50 values than newer generation inhibitors that are designed to allosterically modulate mammalian P-glycoprotein. Consistent with other nematode P-glycoproteins, Tca-Pgp-11.1 was sensitive to ivermectin and selamectin but not moxidectin. Taken together, our data suggests that T. canis P-glycoproteins represent nematode-specific drug targets that could be exploited to enhance efficacy of existing anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeba R J Jesudoss Chelladurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA; Department of Diagnostic Medicine/ Pathobiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Douglas E Jones
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA.
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Constitutive and differential expression of transport protein genes in Parascaris univalens larvae and adult tissues after in vitro exposure to anthelmintic drugs. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109535. [PMID: 34340009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The equine roundworm Parascaris univalens has developed resistance to the three anthelmintic substances most commonly used in horses. The mechanisms responsible for resistance are believed to be multi-genic, and transport proteins such as the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) family have been suggested to be involved in resistance in several parasites including P. univlaens. To facilitate further research into the mechanisms behind drug metabolism and resistance development in P. univalens we aimed to develop an in vitro model based on larvae. We developed a fast and easy protocol for hatching P. univalens larvae for in vitro studies, resulting in a hatching rate of 92 %. The expression of transport protein genes pgp-2, pgp-9, pgp-11.1, pgp-16.1 and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) genes PgR006_g137 and PgR015_g078 were studied in hatched larvae exposed to the anthelmintic drugs ivermecin (IVM) 10-9 M, pyrantel citrate (PYR) 10-6 M and thiabendazole (TBZ) 10-5 M for 24 h. In comparison, the expression of these transport protein genes was studied in the anterior end and intestinal tissues of adult worms in vitro exposed to IVM, TBZ and PYR, at the same concentrations as larvae, for 3 h, 10 h and 24 h. Larval exposure to sub-lethal doses of IVM for 24 h did not affect the expression levels of any of the investigated genes, however larvae exposed to PYR and TBZ for 24 h showed significantly increased expression of pgp-9. In vitro drug exposure of adult worms did not result in any significant increases in expression of transport protein genes. Comparisons of constitutive expression between larvae and adult worm tissues showed that pgp-9, pgp-11.1, pgp-16.1 and MFS gene PgR015_g078 were expressed at lower levels in larvae than in adult tissues, while pgp-2 and MFS gene PgR006_g137 had similar expression levels in larvae and adult worms. All investigated transport protein genes were expressed at higher rates in the intestine than in the anterior end of adult worms, except pgp-11.1 where the expression was similar between the two tissues. This high constitutive expression in the intestine suggests that this is an important site for xenobiotic efflux in P. univalens. Despite the fact that the results of this study show differences in expression of transport protein genes between larvae and adult tissues, we believe that the larval assay system described here will be an important tool for further research into the molecular mechanisms behind anthelmintic resistance development and for other in vitro studies.
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25
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Evans KS, Wit J, Stevens L, Hahnel SR, Rodriguez B, Park G, Zamanian M, Brady SC, Chao E, Introcaso K, Tanny RE, Andersen EC. Two novel loci underlie natural differences in Caenorhabditis elegans abamectin responses. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009297. [PMID: 33720993 PMCID: PMC7993787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes cause a massive worldwide burden on human health along with a loss of livestock and agriculture productivity. Anthelmintics have been widely successful in treating parasitic nematodes. However, resistance is increasing, and little is known about the molecular and genetic causes of resistance for most of these drugs. The free-living roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans provides a tractable model to identify genes that underlie resistance. Unlike parasitic nematodes, C. elegans is easy to maintain in the laboratory, has a complete and well annotated genome, and has many genetic tools. Using a combination of wild isolates and a panel of recombinant inbred lines constructed from crosses of two genetically and phenotypically divergent strains, we identified three genomic regions on chromosome V that underlie natural differences in response to the macrocyclic lactone (ML) abamectin. One locus was identified previously and encodes an alpha subunit of a glutamate-gated chloride channel (glc-1). Here, we validate and narrow two novel loci using near-isogenic lines. Additionally, we generate a list of prioritized candidate genes identified in C. elegans and in the parasite Haemonchus contortus by comparison of ML resistance loci. These genes could represent previously unidentified resistance genes shared across nematode species and should be evaluated in the future. Our work highlights the advantages of using C. elegans as a model to better understand ML resistance in parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S. Evans
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Janneke Wit
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lewis Stevens
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Steffen R. Hahnel
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Briana Rodriguez
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Grace Park
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Shannon C. Brady
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ellen Chao
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katherine Introcaso
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Robyn E. Tanny
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Erik C. Andersen
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mohammedsalih KM, Krücken J, Bashar A, Juma FR, Abdalmalaik AAH, Khalafalla A, Abakar A, Coles G, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Susceptible trichostrongyloid species mask presence of benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus in cattle. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:101. [PMID: 33557939 PMCID: PMC7869217 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04593-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics are widely used to control infections with parasitic nematodes, but BZ resistance is an emerging threat among several nematode species infecting humans and animals. In Sudan, BZ-resistant Haemonchus contortus populations were recently reported in goats in South Darfur State. The objective of this study was to collect data regarding the situation of BZ resistance in cattle parasitic nematodes in South Darfur using phenotypic and molecular approaches, besides providing some epidemiological data on nematodes in cattle. Methods The faecal egg count reduction test and the egg hatch test (EHT) were used to evaluate benzimidazole efficacy in cattle nematodes in five South Darfur study areas: Beleil, Kass, Nyala, Rehed Al-Birdi and Tulus. Genomic DNA was extracted from pools of third-stage larvae (L3) (n = 40) during trials, before and after treatment, and pools of adult male Haemonchus spp. (n = 18) from abattoirs. The polymorphisms F167Y, E198A and F200Y in isotype 1 β-tubulin genes of H. contortus and H. placei were analysed using Sanger and pyrosequencing. Results Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in cattle was 71% (313/443). Reduced albendazole faecal egg count reduction efficacy was detected in three study areas: Nyala (93.7%), Rehed Al-Birdi (89.7%) and Tulus (88.2%). In the EHT, EC50 values of these study areas ranged between 0.032 and 0.037 µg/ml thiabendazole. Genus-specific PCRs detected the genera Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Cooperia in L3 samples collected after albendazole treatment. Sanger sequencing followed by pyrosequencing assays did not detect elevated frequencies of known BZ resistance-associated alleles in codon F167Y, E198A and F200Y in isotype 1 β-tubulin gene of H. placei (≤ 11.38%). However, polymorphisms were detected in H. contortus and in samples with mixed infections with H. contortus and H. placei at codon 198, including E198L (16/58), E198V (2/58) and potentially E198Stop (1/58). All pooled L3 samples post-albendazole treatment (n = 13) were identified as H. contortus with an E198L substitution at codon 198. Conclusions To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of reduced albendazole efficacy in cattle in Sudan and is the first study describing an E198L substitution in phenotypically BZ-resistant nematodes collected from cattle.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Street 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ahmed Bashar
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Nyala, P.O. Box 155, Nyala, Sudan
| | - Fathel-Rahman Juma
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Nyala, P.O. Box 155, Nyala, Sudan
| | | | - Amna Khalafalla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 32, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Adam Abakar
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, P.O. Box 20, Wadmedani, Sudan
| | - Gerald Coles
- Ubley Biologics, Ubley, P.O. Box 170, Bristol, BS40 6JA, UK
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Street 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
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27
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Hellman S, Tydén E, Hjertner B, Nilsfors F, Hu K, Morein B, Fossum C. Cytokine responses to various larval stages of equine strongyles and modulatory effects of the adjuvant G3 in vitro. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12794. [PMID: 32969532 PMCID: PMC7757165 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To generate different larval stages of Strongylus vulgaris and to study cytokine responses in cultures of eqPBMC exposed to defined larval stages of S. vulgaris and cyathostomins with the aim to understand the early immune reaction to these parasites. METHODS AND RESULTS EqPBMC were exposed to S. vulgaris larvae (L3, exsheated L3 and L4) and cyathostomin L3 and analysed for cytokine gene expression. Procedures for decontamination, culturing and attenuation of larvae were established. Transcription of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 was induced by both S. vulgaris and cyathostomin L3. Moulting of S. vulgaris from L3 to L4 stage was accompanied by a shift to high expression of IL-5 and IL-9 (exsheated L3 and L4) and IFN-γ (L4 only). In parallel, the adjuvant G3 modified the cytokine profile induced by both parasites by reducing the expression of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 while concomitantly enhancing the expression of IFN-γ. CONCLUSION The L4 stage of S. vulgaris generated a cytokine profile different from that induced by the earlier L3 stage of S. vulgaris and cyathostomins. This diversity depending on the life cycle stage will have implications for the choice of antigen and adjuvant in future vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Hellman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tydén
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bernt Hjertner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frida Nilsfors
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kefei Hu
- Kefei Hu; R&D Unit, CRODA Denmark A/S, Frederikssund, Denmark
| | - Bror Morein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Caroline Fossum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, Uppsala, Sweden
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Hahnel SR, Dilks CM, Heisler I, Andersen EC, Kulke D. Caenorhabditis elegans in anthelmintic research - Old model, new perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 14:237-248. [PMID: 33249235 PMCID: PMC7704361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For more than four decades, the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively used in anthelmintic research. Classic genetic screens and heterologous expression in the C. elegans model enormously contributed to the identification and characterization of molecular targets of all major anthelmintic drug classes. Although these findings provided substantial insights into common anthelmintic mechanisms, a breakthrough in the treatment and control of parasitic nematodes is still not in sight. Instead, we are facing increasing evidence that the enormous diversity within the phylum Nematoda cannot be recapitulated by any single free-living or parasitic species and the development of novel broad-spectrum anthelmintics is not be a simple goal. In the present review, we summarize certain milestones and challenges of the C. elegans model with focus on drug target identification, anthelmintic drug discovery and identification of resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, we present new perspectives and strategies on how current progress in C. elegans research will support future anthelmintic research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clayton M Dilks
- Northwestern University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | | | - Erik C Andersen
- Northwestern University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Evanston, IL, USA.
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Gerhard AP, Krücken J, Heitlinger E, Janssen IJI, Basiaga M, Kornaś S, Beier C, Nielsen MK, Davis RE, Wang J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. The P-glycoprotein repertoire of the equine parasitic nematode Parascaris univalens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13586. [PMID: 32788636 PMCID: PMC7423980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
P-glycoproteins (Pgp) have been proposed as contributors to the widespread macrocyclic lactone (ML) resistance in several nematode species including a major pathogen of foals, Parascaris univalens. Using new and available RNA-seq data, ten different genomic loci encoding Pgps were identified and characterized by transcriptome-guided RT-PCRs and Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an ascarid-specific Pgp lineage, Pgp-18, as well as two paralogues of Pgp-11 and Pgp-16. Comparative gene expression analyses in P. univalens and Caenorhabditis elegans show that the intestine is the major site of expression but individual gene expression patterns were not conserved between the two nematodes. In P. univalens, PunPgp-9, PunPgp-11.1 and PunPgp-16.2 consistently exhibited the highest expression level in two independent transcriptome data sets. Using RNA-Seq, no significant upregulation of any Pgp was detected following in vitro incubation of adult P. univalens with ivermectin suggesting that drug-induced upregulation is not the mechanism of Pgp-mediated ML resistance. Expression and functional analyses of PunPgp-2 and PunPgp-9 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae provide evidence for an interaction with ketoconazole and ivermectin, but not thiabendazole. Overall, this study established reliable reference gene models with significantly improved annotation for the P. univalens Pgp repertoire and provides a foundation for a better understanding of Pgp-mediated anthelmintic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Gerhard
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuel Heitlinger
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Parasitology, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Research Group Ecology and Evolution of Parasite Host Interactions, Berlin, Germany
| | - I Jana I Janssen
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Basiaga
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
| | - Sławomir Kornaś
- Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
| | - Céline Beier
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin K Nielsen
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| | - Richard E Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Jesudoss Chelladurai JRJ, Martin KA, Chinchilla-Vargas K, Jimenez Castro PD, Kaplan RM, Brewer MT. Laboratory assays reveal diverse phenotypes among microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis isolates with known macrocyclic lactone susceptibility status. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237150. [PMID: 32760111 PMCID: PMC7410292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of canine heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis relies on chemoprophylaxis with macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics. Alarmingly, there are increased reports of D. immitis isolates with resistance to macrocyclic lactones and the ability to break through prophylaxis. Yet, there is not a well-established laboratory assay that can utilize biochemical phenotypes of microfilariae to predict drug resistance status. In this study we evaluated laboratory assays measuring cell permeability, metabolism, and P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux. Our assays revealed that trypan blue, propidium iodide staining, and resazurin metabolism could detect differences among D. immitis isolates but none of these approaches could accurately predict drug susceptibility status for all resistant isolates tested. P-glycoprotein assays suggested that the repertoire of P-gp expression is likely to vary among isolates, and investigation of pharmacological differences among different P-gp genes is warranted. Further research is needed to investigate and optimize laboratory assays for D. immitis microfilariae, and caution should be applied when adapting cell death assays to drug screening studies for nematode parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Katy A. Martin
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Krystal Chinchilla-Vargas
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Pablo D. Jimenez Castro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States of America
- Grupo de Parasitologia Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ray M. Kaplan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Helminth parasitology is an important discipline, which poses often unique technical challenges. One challenge is that helminth parasites, particularly those in humans, are often difficult to obtain alive and in sufficient quantities for study; another is the challenge of studying these organisms in vitro – no helminth parasite life cycle has been fully recapitulated outside of a host. Arguably, the key issue retarding progress in helminth parasitology has been a lack of experimental tools and resources, certainly relative to the riches that have driven many parasitologists to adopt free-living model organisms as surrogate systems. In response to these needs, the past 10–12 years have seen the beginnings of helminth parasitology's journey into the ‘omics’ era, with the release of abundant sequencing resources, and the functional genomics tools with which to test biological hypotheses. To reflect this progress, the 2019 Autumn Symposium of the British Society for Parasitology was held in Queen's University Belfast on the topic of ‘post-genomic progress in helminth parasitology’. This issue presents examples of the current state of play in the field, while this editorial summarizes how genomic datasets and functional genomic tools have stimulated impressive recent progress in our understanding of parasite biology.
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Reguera RM, Rojo-Vázquez F, Balaña-Fouce R, Martínez-Valladares M. Drug discovery technologies: Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for anthelmintic therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1715-1753. [PMID: 32166776 DOI: 10.1002/med.21668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiasis is one of the gravest problems worldwide. There is a growing concern on less available anthelmintics and the emergence of resistance creating a major threat to human and livestock health resources. Novel and broad-spectrum anthelmintics are urgently needed. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans could address this issue through automated high-throughput technologies for the screening of large chemical libraries. This review discusses the strong advantages and limitations for using C elegans as a screening method for anthelmintic drug discovery. C elegans is the best model available for the validation of novel effective drugs in treating most, if not all, helminth infections, and for the elucidation the mode of action of anthelmintic candidates. This review also focuses on available technologies in the discovery of anthelmintics published over the last 15 years with particular attention to high-throughput technologies over conventional screens. On the other hand, this review highlights how combinatorial and nanomedicine strategies could prolong the use of anthelmintics and control resistance problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rosa M Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
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Elucidating the molecular and developmental biology of parasitic nematodes: Moving to a multiomics paradigm. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 108:175-229. [PMID: 32291085 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, significant progress has been made in the sequencing, assembly, annotation and analyses of genomes and transcriptomes of parasitic worms of socioeconomic importance. This progress has somewhat improved our knowledge and understanding of these pathogens at the molecular level. However, compared with the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the areas of functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics of parasitic nematodes are still in their infancy, and there are major gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the molecular biology of parasitic nematodes. The information on signalling molecules, molecular pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs) that are known to be involved in developmental processes in C. elegans and the availability of some molecular resources (draft genomes, transcriptomes and some proteomes) for selected parasitic nematodes provide a basis to start exploring the developmental biology of parasitic nematodes. Indeed, some studies have identified molecules and pathways that might associate with developmental processes in related, parasitic nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm). However, detailed information is often scant and 'omics resources are limited, preventing a proper integration of 'omic data sets and comprehensive analyses. Moreover, little is known about the functional roles of pheromones, hormones, signalling pathways and post-transcriptional/post-translational regulations in the development of key parasitic nematodes throughout their entire life cycles. Although C. elegans is an excellent model to assist molecular studies of parasitic nematodes, its use is limited when it comes to explorations of processes that are specific to parasitism within host animals. A deep understanding of parasitic nematodes, such as H. contortus, requires substantially enhanced resources and the use of integrative 'omics approaches for analyses. The improved genome and well-established in vitro larval culture system for H. contortus provide unprecedented opportunities for comprehensive studies of the transcriptomes (mRNA and miRNA), proteomes (somatic, excretory/secretory and phosphorylated proteins) and lipidomes (e.g., polar and neutral lipids) of this nematode. Such resources should enable in-depth explorations of its developmental biology at a level, not previously possible. The main aims of this review are (i) to provide a background on the development of nematodes, with a particular emphasis on the molecular aspects involved in the dauer formation and exit in C. elegans; (ii) to critically appraise the current state of knowledge of the developmental biology of parasitic nematodes and identify key knowledge gaps; (iii) to cover salient aspects of H. contortus, with a focus on the recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and lipidomics as well as in vitro culturing systems; (iv) to review recent advances in our knowledge and understanding of the molecular and developmental biology of H. contortus using an integrative multiomics approach, and discuss the implications of this approach for detailed explorations of signalling molecules, molecular processes and pathways likely associated with nematode development, adaptation and parasitism, and for the identification of novel intervention targets against these pathogens. Clearly, the multiomics approach established recently is readily applicable to exploring a wide range of interesting and socioeconomically significant parasitic worms (including also trematodes and cestodes) at the molecular level, and to elucidate host-parasite interactions and disease processes.
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In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Saponins from Medicago spp. Against Sheep Gastrointestinal Nematodes. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25020242. [PMID: 31936073 PMCID: PMC7024229 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal strongyle nematodes (GIS) are included among the most important parasites of small ruminants. The widespread drug resistance and drug residues in products of animal origin have increased the interest in the search for natural compounds with anthelmintic activity as a valid alternative to current synthetic drugs. The aim of the present investigation was to test the ‘in vitro’ anthelmintic activity of saponins and prosapogenins from different Medicago species, selected for their importance as a forage crop worldwide for animal feeding. From these plants, saponin mixtures were extracted, purified and used at scalar concentrations to evaluate their anthelmintic activities against sheep gastrointestinal strongyles (GISs), by the egg hatch test. Treated and untreated controls were used as the comparison. Data were statistically analyzed, and EC50 and EC90 were also calculated. All saponins and prosapogenins showed inhibiting effects on GIS eggs in a concentration-dependent manner. At higher concentrations, most of them showed an efficacy comparable to the reference drug (Thiabendazole 3 µg/mL) (P < 0.001). With 1.72 mg/mL EC50 and 3.84 mg/mL EC90, saponin from M. polymorpha cultivars Anglona was the most active. Obtained results encourage further studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy ‘in vivo’ of saponins which resulted as most effective ‘in vitro’ in this study.
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Cedillo-Borda M, López-Arellano M, Reyes-Guerrero DE. In vitro assessment of ivermectin resistance and gene expression profiles of P-glycoprotein genes from Haemonchus contortus (L3). Bio Protoc 2020. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in ruminant livestock in the Coastal Savannah zone of Ghana. Acta Trop 2019; 199:105126. [PMID: 31394078 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasite infections result in significant economic losses to ruminant livestock production. To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with GIT parasite infections in livestock from Ghana, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in cattle and small ruminants kept under different management systems in the Coastal Savannah zone from October 2014 to February 2015. Faecal samples were collected from 328 cattle and 502 small ruminants (sheep and goats) and examined by formal ether concentration microscopy. The management systems and environmental conditions of the farm or household were observed, and a questionnaire administered to the livestock owners. Overall, 90.8% (754/830) of livestock were infected with at least one of ten different parasites (Eimeria, Strongylid nematodes, Toxocara, Trichuris, Schistosoma, Dicrocoelium, Paramphistomum, Fasciola, Moniezia and Thysaniezia), with Eimeria the most prevalent (78.4%). Most (64.5%) livestock had coinfections with two to five parasites with parasite intensity mostly light and at least one parasite was found in 98.6% (140/142) of the herds. Binary logistic regression models were generated to assess the risk factors associated with infection. Earthen floor was positively associated with strongylid infection, multiple ruminant species with Paramphistomum infection and flock size (>25 animal) with Thysaniezia, Dicrocoelium and Fasciola infections. Separating young animals from older animals was negatively associated with Strongylid infection, feed supplementation with Thysaniezia infection and small ruminant species with Paramphistomum and Toxocara infections. The findings from this study suggests that good sanitation, proper husbandry practices and improved nutrition can improve livestock health and production in Ghana.
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Jesudoss Chelladurai J, Kifleyohannes T, Scott J, Brewer MT. Praziquantel Resistance in the Zoonotic Cestode Dipylidium caninum. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 99:1201-1205. [PMID: 30226153 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dipylidium caninum is a cosmopolitan cestode infecting dogs, cats, and humans. Praziquantel is a highly effective cestocidal drug and resistance in adult cestodes has not been reported. From 2016 to 2018, a population of dogs with cestode infections that could not be eliminated despite multiple treatments with praziquantel or epsiprantel was identified. Cases of D. caninum were clinically resistant to praziquantel and could not be resolved despite increasing the dose, frequency, and duration of treatment. Resistant isolates were identified and characterized by sequencing the 28S, 12S, and voltage-gated calcium channel beta subunit genes. Cases were only resolved following treatment with nitroscanate or a compounded pyrantel/praziquantel/oxantel product. Clinicians should be aware of this alarming development as treatment options for cestodes are limited in both human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa
| | | | - Janelle Scott
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa
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An appraisal of natural products active against parasitic nematodes of animals. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:306. [PMID: 31208455 PMCID: PMC6580475 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3537-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, the scientific and patent literature on the activities of purified natural compounds has been reviewed, with the aim of assessing their suitability as anthelmintic drug discovery starting points. Only compounds described as active against parasitic nematodes of animals or against the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have been analysed. Scientific articles published since 2010 and patents granted from 2000, both inclusive, have been included in this analysis. The results show a scarcity of novel chemical structures, a limited follow-up of compounds disclosed before 2010 and a bias towards the screening of plant products, almost to the exclusion of other sources, when microbial extracts have, historically, provided most starting points for anti-infective drugs. All plant products published in this period were previously known, alerting to the high re-discovery rates of a limited number of chemical classes from this source. The most promising compounds described in the literature reviewed here, namely the linear nemadectin-derivatives, are novel and of bacterial origin. Patented but otherwise unpublished spiroketal structures also appear as interesting scaffolds for future development. The patent literature confirmed that it is possible to patent derivatives of previously known products, making them valid starting points for translational research.
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Prichard RK, Geary TG. Perspectives on the utility of moxidectin for the control of parasitic nematodes in the face of developing anthelmintic resistance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 10:69-83. [PMID: 31229910 PMCID: PMC6593148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics are the most important class of anthelmintics because of our high dependence on them for the control of nematode parasites and some ectoparasites in livestock, companion animals and in humans. However, resistance to MLs is of increasing concern. Resistance is commonplace throughout the world in nematode parasites of small ruminants and is of increasing concern in horses, cattle, dogs and other animals. It is suspected in Onchocerca volvulus in humans. In most animals, resistance first arose to the avermectins, such as ivermectin (IVM), and subsequently to moxidectin (MOX). Usually when parasite populations are ML-resistant, MOX is more effective than avermectins. MOX may have higher intrinsic potency against some parasites, especially filarial nematodes, than the avermectins. However, it clearly has a significantly different pharmacokinetic profile. It is highly distributed to lipid tissues, less likely to be removed by ABC efflux transporters, is poorly metabolized and has a long half-life. This results in effective concentrations persisting for longer in target hosts. It also has a high safety index. Limited data suggest that anthelmintic resistance may be overcome, at least temporarily, if a high concentration can be maintained at the site of the parasites for a prolonged period of time. Because of the properties of MOX, there are reasonable prospects that strains of parasites that are resistant to avermectins at currently recommended doses will be controlled by MOX if it can be administered at sufficiently high doses and in formulations that enhance its persistence in the host. This review examines the properties of MOX that support this contention and compares them with the properties of other MLs. The case for using MOX to better control ML-resistant parasites is summarised and some outstanding research questions are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger K Prichard
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, H9X3V9.
| | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, H9X3V9.
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Detection and quantification of Parascaris P-glycoprotein drug transporter expression with a novel mRNA hybridization technique. Vet Parasitol 2019; 267:75-83. [PMID: 30878090 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Macrocyclic lactone-resistant Parascaris have been reported throughout the world. In part, the drug resistant phenotype is hypothesized to be associated with ATP-binding cassette transporters known as P-glycoproteins. In many systems, P-glycoproteins efflux drugs out of cells thereby precluding drug binding to target receptors. Parascaris may evade macrocyclic lactone-mediated death by effluxing drugs away from target receptors in the nervous system. Alternatively, P-glycoprotein expression in the gut or body wall could prevent penetration of drugs into the body of the parasite altogether. In the present study, we evaluate expression of Peq-pgp-11 and Peq-pgp-16 using a novel multiple nucleic acid hybridization method. This method allowed for visualization of individual mRNA transcripts within fixed tissue sections of Parascaris adults. Our investigation revealed expression of Peq-pgp-11 and Peq-pgp-16 in the intestine, body wall, nerves, lateral cords, and reproductive tissues of male and female parasites. These results suggest that Pgp could efflux drugs locally at the level of parasite neuronal tissue as well as at sites of entry for drugs such as the hypodermis and intestine. The multiple nucleic acid hybridization method could be useful for providing tissue context for gene expression in a variety of nematode parasites.
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Molena RA, Peachey LE, Di Cesare A, Traversa D, Cantacessi C. Cyathostomine egg reappearance period following ivermectin treatment in a cohort of UK Thoroughbreds. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:61. [PMID: 29370872 PMCID: PMC5785887 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of the emergence of populations of drug-resistant cyathostomines worldwide, little is known of parasite species responsible for 'early egg shedding' in cohorts of horses subjected to treatment with widely used anthelmintics, e.g. ivermectin (IVM). In this study, we determined the cyathostomine egg reappearance period (ERP) after IVM treatment in a cohort of yearlings from a large Thoroughbred (TB) stud farm in the United Kingdom, and identified species of cyathostomines with reduced ERP using a combination of fundamental parasitology techniques coupled with advanced molecular tools. METHODS Individual faecal samples were collected from TB yearlings with cyathostomine infection prior to IVM treatment, as well as at 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days post-treatment. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were performed for each individual sample for determination of ERPs. In addition, individual larval cultures were performed and representative numbers of third-stage larvae (L3s) harvested from each culture were subjected to molecular species identification via PCR-Reverse Line Blot (RLB). RESULTS Prior to IVM treatment, 11 cyathostomine species were detected in faecal samples from TB horses enrolled in this study, i.e. Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, Cylicostephanus goldi, Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cylicostephanus calicatus, Cyathostomum pateratum, Cylicocyclus radiatus, Paraposteriostomum mettami, Coronocyclus labratus, Cylicocyclus insigne and Cylicocyclus radiatus variant A. Of these, eggs of Cya. catinatum, Cys. longibursatus, Cyc. nassatus and Cyc. radiatus could be detected at 28 days post-treatment, while from day 42 onwards, cyathostomine species composition reflected data obtained pre-IVM treatment, with the exception of eggs of Cor. labratus and Cyc. insigne which could no longer be detected post-IVM administration. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable data on the occurrence of IVM-resistance in cyathostomines in the UK. Nevertheless, further investigations are needed to shed light on the prevalence and incidence of drug-resistance in this country, as well as other areas of the world where equine trade is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Molena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura E Peachey
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Krücken J, Fraundorfer K, Mugisha JC, Ramünke S, Sifft KC, Geus D, Habarugira F, Ndoli J, Sendegeya A, Mukampunga C, Bayingana C, Aebischer T, Demeler J, Gahutu JB, Mockenhaupt FP, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Reduced efficacy of albendazole against Ascaris lumbricoides in Rwandan schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 7:262-271. [PMID: 28697451 PMCID: PMC5503839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Control of human soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) relies on preventive chemotherapy of schoolchildren applying the benzimidazoles (BZ) albendazole or mebendazole. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a common problem in nematodes of veterinary importance but for human STHs, information on drug efficacy is limited and routine monitoring is rarely implemented. Herein, the efficacy of single dose albendazole (400 mg) was evaluated in 12 schools in the Huye district of Rwanda where Ascaris is the predominant STH. Ascaris eggs were detected by wet mount microscopy and the Mini-FLOTAC method to assess cure rate (CR) and faecal egg count reduction (FECR). Blood and faecal samples were analysed for co-infections with Plasmodium sp. and Giardia duodenalis, respectively. Ascaris positive samples collected before and after treatment were analysed for putatively BZ-resistance associated β-tubulin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms. The overall CR was 69.9% by Mini-FLOTAC and 88.6% by wet mount microscopy. The FECR was 75.4% and the 95% calculated confidence intervals were 50.4–87.8% using sample variance, 55.4–88.8% by bootstrapping, and 75.0–75.7% applying a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian approach. FECR varied widely between 0 and 96.8% for individual schools. No putative BZ-resistance associated polymorphisms were found in the four Ascaris β-tubulin isotype genes examined. Since FECRs <95% indicate reduced efficacy, these findings raise the suspicion of BZ resistance. In the absence of respective molecular evidence, heritable AR in the local Ascaris populations cannot be formally proven. However, since FECRs <95% indicate reduced efficacy, BZ resistance may be suspected which would be alarming and calls for further analyses and routine monitoring in preventive chemotherapy programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kira Fraundorfer
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean Claude Mugisha
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kevin C Sifft
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Geus
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Habarugira
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Jules Ndoli
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Augustin Sendegeya
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Caritas Mukampunga
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Claude Bayingana
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Toni Aebischer
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janina Demeler
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean Bosco Gahutu
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Frank P Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
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