1
|
Smith-Ávila S, Ibarra-Cerdeña CN, Barranco-Florido JE, Vidal-Martínez VM. Heterorhabditis indica (Nematoda: Rhabditida) a possible new biological control agent against the vector of Chagas disease. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107262. [PMID: 38801912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107262] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted through the feces of triatomines, mainly in Latin America. Since the 1950s, chemical insecticides have been the primary method for controlling these triatomines, yet resistance has emerged, prompting the exploration of alternative approaches. The objective of this research was to test the capacity of the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis indica and its symbiotic bacteria Photorhabdus luminescens, to produce mortality of Triatoma dimidiata a key vector of T. cruzi in Mexico under laboratory conditions. Two bioassays were conducted. In the first bioassay, the experimental unit was a 250 ml plastic jar with 100 g of sterile soil and three adult T. dimidiata. Three nematode quantities were tested: 2250, 4500, and 9000 nematodes per 100 g of sterile soil (n/100 g) per jar, with 3 replicates for each concentration and 1 control per concentration (1 jar with 100 g of sterile soil and 3 T. dimidiata without nematodes). The experimental unit of the second bioassay was a 500 ml plastic jar with 100 g of sterile soil and 4 adult T. dimidiata. This bioassay included 5, 50, 500, and 5000 n/100 g of sterile soil per jar, with 3 replicates of each quantity and 1 control per quantity. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis. Electron microscopy was used to assess the presence of nematodes and tissue damage in T. dimidiata. The results of the first bioassay demonstrated that the nematode induced an accumulated average mortality ranging from 55.5 % (2250 n/100 g) to 100 % (4500 and 9000 n/100 g) within 144 h. In the second bioassay, the 5000 n/100 g concentration yielded 87.5 % mortality at 86 h, but a concentration as small as 500 n/100 g caused 75 % mortality from 84 h onwards. Survival analysis indicated higher T. dimidiata mortality with increased nematode quantities, with significant differences between the 4500, 5000, and 9000 n/100 g and controls. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of nematodes and its presumably symbiotic bacteria in the digestive system of T. dimidiata. Based on these analyses, we assert that the H. indica and P. luminescens complex causes mortality in adult T. dimidiata under laboratory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selene Smith-Ávila
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos N Ibarra-Cerdeña
- Departamento de Ecología Humana Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav), Carretera Mérida - Progreso, Loma Bonita, Mérida, Yucatán 97205, México
| | - Juan Esteban Barranco-Florido
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Coapa, Villa Quietud, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México (CDMX) 04960, México
| | - Víctor Manuel Vidal-Martínez
- Departamento Recursos del Mar Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav), Carretera Mérida - Progreso, Loma Bonita, Mérida, Yucatán 97205, México.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Davila E, Fernandez-Santos NA, Estrada-Franco JG, Wei L, Velázquez-Ramírez DD, García-Miranda R, Irecta Nájera C, Cruz-Cadena R, Guichard-Romero C, Rodriguez C, Tarleton R, Rodríguez-Pérez MA, Ochoa-Díaz-López H, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Domestic Dog Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi from Northern and Southern Regions of Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:510-519. [PMID: 38949980 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0110] [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] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and vectored by triatomines, affects millions of people worldwide. In endemic countries including Mexico, infections in domestic animals, such as dogs, may affect the risk of human disease when they serve as a source of infection to vectors that subsequently infect humans. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 296 dogs from two cities near the northern and southern borders of Mexico: Reynosa, Tamaulipas, and Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Infection was measured based on testing of blood using T. cruzi quantitative PCR (qPCR) and up to three antibody detection assays. The StatPak immunochromatographic assay was used to screen samples and the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and multiplex microsphere immunoassay (MIA) tests were used as secondary tests on all samples that screened positive and a subset of negatives. Serologic positivity was defined based on reactivity on at least two independent tests. Results: Of the 280 samples tested for parasite DNA, two (0.7%) were positive, one of which (0.4%) was confirmed as T. cruzi discrete typing unit TcIV. Overall, 72 (24.3%) samples were reactive for T. cruzi antibodies via StatPak of which 8 were also positive using MIA and 2 were also positive using IFA (including one of the PCR-positive dogs). Overall, nine dogs (3.4%) met study criteria of positivity based on either/both serology or PCR tests. Positive dogs were found in both regions of Mexico; five (2.7%) from Reynosa and four (3.6%) from Tuxtla Gutierrez. We found no association between infection status and state of origin, sex, age group, breed group, neighborhood, and whether other pets lived in the home. Conclusion: Our results re-emphasize dogs' utility as sentinels for T. cruzi in Mexico and underscore the need for improved veterinary diagnostic tests and parasite surveillance at the household level in endemic countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Davila
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nadia A Fernandez-Santos
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - José Guillermo Estrada-Franco
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Lihua Wei
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | | | - Rosario García-Miranda
- Departamento de Salud, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
- Escuela de Lenguas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH), San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
| | - Cesar Irecta Nájera
- Departamento de Salud, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Villahermosa, México
| | - Raúl Cruz-Cadena
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH), Ocozocoautla de Espinosa, México
| | | | - Carlos Rodriguez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rick Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Mario A Rodríguez-Pérez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Héctor Ochoa-Díaz-López
- Departamento de Salud, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Torchelsen FKVDS, Fernandes TCP, de Sousa SMR, Sales-Junior PA, Branquinho RT, Murta SMF, Teixeira RR, Mosqueira VCF, de Lana M. Screening of synthetic 1,2,3-triazolic compounds inspired by SRPIN340 as anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agents. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2024; 57:e00411. [PMID: 39082521 PMCID: PMC11290850 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0585-2023] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current treatments for Chagas disease (CD) include benznidazole and nifurtimox, which have limited efficacy and cause numerous side effects. Triazoles are candidates for new CD treatments due to their ability to eliminate T. cruzi parasites by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis, thereby damaging the cell membranes of the parasite. METHODS Eleven synthetic analogs of the kinase inhibitor SRPIN340 containing a triazole core (compounds 6A-6K) were screened in vitro against the Tulahuen strain transfected with β-galactosidase, and their IC50, CC50, and selectivity indexes (SI) were calculated. Compounds with an SI > 50 were further evaluated in mice infected with the T. cruzi Y strain by rapid testing. RESULTS Eight compounds were active in vitro with IC50 values ranging from 0.5-10.5 µg/mL. The most active compounds, 6E and 6H, had SI values of 125.2 and 69.6, respectively. These compounds also showed in vivo activity, leading to a reduction in parasitemia at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg/day. At doses of 50 and 250 mg/kg/day, parasitemia was significantly reduced compared to infected untreated animals, with no significant differences between the effects of 6E and 6H. CONCLUSIONS This study identified two new promising compounds for CD chemotherapy and confirmed their activity against T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamiles Caroline Pedrosa Fernandes
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Programa de Pós-Graduação em
Ciências Biológicas, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Ouro Preto, MG,
Brasil
| | | | | | - Renata Tupinambá Branquinho
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Programa de Pós-Graduação em
Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Marta de Lana
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Programa de Pós-Graduação em
Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Programa de Pós-Graduação em
Ciências Biológicas, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Ouro Preto, MG,
Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Llovera A, Abras A, Fernández-Arévalo A, Ballart C, Heras S, Muñoz C, Gállego M. Genetic Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in the United States of America: The Least Endemic Country for Chagas Disease. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:901. [PMID: 39063654 PMCID: PMC11278504 DOI: 10.3390/life14070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and endemic in Latin America, has become an emergent health problem in non-endemic countries due to human migration. The United States (US) is the non-Latin American country with the highest CD burden and cannot be considered as non-endemic, since triatomine vectors and reservoir animals have been found. Populations of T. cruzi are divided into genetic subdivisions, which are known as discrete typing units (DTUs): TcI to TcVI and TcBat. Autochthonous human T. cruzi infection in the US is sporadic, but it may change due to environmental factors affecting the geographic distribution of triatomines. We aimed to perform a literature review of the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in triatomine vectors and mammalian hosts, including human cases, in the US. The 34 analyzed studies revealed the presence of T. cruzi in 18 states, which was mainly concentrated in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. TcI and TcIV were the principal DTUs identified, being TcI the most genotyped (42.4%; 917/2164). This study represents a first attempt to compile the molecular epidemiology of T. cruzi in the US, which is fundamental for predicting the progression of the infection in the country and could be of great help in its future management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alba Abras
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Anna Fernández-Arévalo
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Cristina Ballart
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Heras
- Laboratori d’Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Carmen Muñoz
- Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gállego
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-A.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
- Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Silva TA, Thomas D, Siqueira-Neto JL, Calvet CM. Pirfenidone Prevents Heart Fibrosis during Chronic Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7302. [PMID: 39000409 PMCID: PMC11242150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a severe outcome of Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Clinical evidence revealed a correlation between fibrosis levels with impaired cardiac performance in CD patients. Therefore, we sought to analyze the effect of inhibitors of TGF-β (pirfenidone), p38-MAPK (losmapimod) and c-Jun (SP600125) on the modulation of collagen deposition in cardiac fibroblasts (CF) and in vivo models of T. cruzi chronic infection. Sirius Red/Fast Green dye was used to quantify both collagen expression and total protein amount, assessing cytotoxicity. The compounds were also used to treat C57/Bl6 mice chronically infected with T. cruzi, Brazil strain. We identified an anti-fibrotic effect in vitro for pirfenidone (TGF-β inhibitor, IC50 114.3 μM), losmapimod (p38 inhibitor, IC50 17.6 μM) and SP600125 (c-Jun inhibitor, IC50 3.9 μM). This effect was independent of CF proliferation since these compounds do not affect T. cruzi-induced host cell multiplication as measured by BrdU incorporation. Assays of chronic infection of mice with T. cruzi have shown a reduction in heart collagen by pirfenidone. These results propose a novel approach to fibrosis therapy in CD, with the prospect of repurposing pirfenidone to prevent the onset of ECM accumulation in the hearts of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Araújo Silva
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Diane Thomas
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (J.L.S.-N.)
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (D.T.); (J.L.S.-N.)
| | - Claudia Magalhaes Calvet
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kilgore RJ, Guerra T, Beck H, Villamizar Gomez A, Forstner MRJ, Hahn D. Prevalence and Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatomine Vectors and Their Blood Meal Sources from South Central Texas, USA. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:489. [PMID: 39056684 PMCID: PMC11274183 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi was assessed in 117 triatomine insects from central Texas. The qPCR-based results revealed T. cruzi in 59% of the insects (62 adults and eight nymphs), with overall prevalences of T. cruzi of 0% (0/9), 64% (11/17), 58% (10/17), 73% (30/41), and 57% (19/33) for the Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales, Guadalupe, and Hays counties, respectively. Analyses of 18S rRNA fragments confirmed T. cuzi in 81% of these samples. Vectors were identified as Triatoma gerstaeckeri (35% of which 65% were positive for T. cruzi), T. sanguisuga (21%, 43% positive), and Paratriatoma leticularia (0.3%, 100% positive). Food sources were recovered from 29% of the insects. Raccoons were 53% of the blood meals (83% positive for T. cruzi), while the remainder came from a variety of sources, including humans (33% positive), house geckos, Eastern woodrats, plain-bellied water snakes (50% positive), hispid cotton rats (0% positive), chickens (100% positive); Asian forest turtles, bison, and pigs (0% positive). The serendipitous detection of blood meal sources at known minimum distances from the collection of the vector insect enabled us to provide several instances where the insect foraging distance was greater than 400 m. These vector foraging distances are novel information that can assist in our understanding of the landscape dynamics for the spread of the pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Kilgore
- The Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA;
| | - Trina Guerra
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA; (T.G.); (H.B.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Heather Beck
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA; (T.G.); (H.B.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Andrea Villamizar Gomez
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA; (T.G.); (H.B.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Michael R. J. Forstner
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA; (T.G.); (H.B.); (A.V.G.)
| | - Dittmar Hahn
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA; (T.G.); (H.B.); (A.V.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Albaqami FF, Altharawi A, Althurwi HN, Alharthy KM. From proteome to candidate vaccines: target discovery and molecular dynamics-guided multi-epitope vaccine engineering against kissing bug. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1413893. [PMID: 38915396 PMCID: PMC11194308 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1413893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes the tropical ailment known as Chagas disease, which has its origins in South America. Globally, it has a major impact on health and is transported by insect vector that serves as a parasite. Given the scarcity of vaccines and the limited treatment choices, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of core proteomics to explore a potential reverse vaccine candidate with high antigenicity. Methods To identify the immunodominant epitopes, T. cruzi core proteomics was initially explored. Consequently, the vaccine sequence was engineered to possess characteristics of non-allergenicity, antigenicity, immunogenicity, and enhanced solubility. After modeling the tertiary structure of the human TLR4 receptor, the binding affinities were assessed employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). Results Docking of the final vaccine design with TLR4 receptors revealed substantial hydrogen bond interactions. A server-based methodology for immunological simulation was developed to forecast the effectiveness against antibodies (IgM + IgG) and interferons (IFN-g). The MDS analysis revealed notable levels of structural compactness and binding stability with average RMSD of 5.03 Aring;, beta-factor 1.09e+5 Å, Rg is 44.7 Aring; and RMSF of 49.50 Aring;. This is followed by binding free energies calculation. The system stability was compromised by the complexes, as evidenced by their corresponding Gibbs free energies of -54.6 kcal/mol. Discussion Subtractive proteomics approach was applied to determine the antigenic regions of the T cruzi. Our study utilized computational techniques to identify B- and T-cell epitopes in the T. cruzi core proteome. In current study the developed vaccine candidate exhibits immunodominant features. Our findings suggest that formulating a vaccine targeting the causative agent of Chagas disease should be the initial step in its development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faisal F. Albaqami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Altharawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan N. Althurwi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Alharthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peterson JK, Hoyos J, Bartlett CR, Gottdenker NL, Kunkel B, Murphy C, Alvarado A. First Report of Chagas Disease Vector Species Triatoma sanguisuga (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in Delaware. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:925-929. [PMID: 38531096 PMCID: PMC11066352 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In July and October 2023, two live triatomine bugs were found inside a home in New Castle County, Delaware. The bugs were identified as Triatoma sanguisuga, the most widespread triatomine bug species in the United States. Triatoma sanguisuga is a competent vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The two specimens were tested via real-time PCR (qPCR) for infection with T. cruzi, and one of the specimens was positive. Despite T. sanguisuga being endemic to the area, attainment of accurate species identification and T. cruzi testing of the bugs required multiple calls to federal, state, private, and academic institutions over several months. This constitutes the first report of T. sanguisuga infected with T. cruzi in Delaware. In addition, this is the first published report of T. sanguisuga in New Castle County, the northernmost and most densely populated county in Delaware. New Castle County still conforms to the described geographic range of T. sanguisuga, which spans from Texas to the East Coast of the United States. The T. cruzi infection prevalence of the species has not been studied in the northeastern United States, but collections in southern states have found prevalences as high as 60%. The Delaware homeowner's lengthy pursuit of accurate information about the vector highlights the need for more research on this important disease vector in Delaware.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Peterson
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Juliana Hoyos
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Charles R. Bartlett
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Nicole L. Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Brian Kunkel
- University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Service, Newark, Delaware
| | - Carrie Murphy
- University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Service, Newark, Delaware
| | - Antonio Alvarado
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Dover, Delaware
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carey SM, O’Neill DM, Conner GB, Sherman J, Rodriguez A, D’Antonio EL. Discovery of Strong 3-Nitro-2-Phenyl- 2H-Chromene Analogues as Antitrypanosomal Agents and Inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi Glucokinase. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4319. [PMID: 38673904 PMCID: PMC11050443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is one of the world's neglected tropical diseases, caused by the human pathogenic protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. There is currently a lack of effective and tolerable clinically available therapeutics to treat this life-threatening illness and the discovery of modern alternative options is an urgent matter. T. cruzi glucokinase (TcGlcK) is a potential drug target because its product, d-glucose-6-phosphate, serves as a key metabolite in the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis. In 2019, we identified a novel cluster of TcGlcK inhibitors that also exhibited anti-T. cruzi efficacy called the 3-nitro-2-phenyl-2H-chromene analogues. This was achieved by performing a target-based high-throughput screening (HTS) campaign of 13,040 compounds. The selection criteria were based on first determining which compounds strongly inhibited TcGlcK in a primary screen, followed by establishing on-target confirmed hits from a confirmatory assay. Compounds that exhibited notable in vitro trypanocidal activity over the T. cruzi infective form (trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes) co-cultured in NIH-3T3 mammalian host cells, as well as having revealed low NIH-3T3 cytotoxicity, were further considered. Compounds GLK2-003 and GLK2-004 were determined to inhibit TcGlcK quite well with IC50 values of 6.1 µM and 4.8 µM, respectively. Illuminated by these findings, we herein screened a small compound library consisting of thirteen commercially available 3-nitro-2-phenyl-2H-chromene analogues, two of which were GLK2-003 and GLK2-004 (compounds 1 and 9, respectively). Twelve of these compounds had a one-point change from the chemical structure of GLK2-003. The analogues were run through a similar primary screening and confirmatory assay protocol to our previous HTS campaign. Subsequently, three in vitro biological assays were performed where compounds were screened against (a) T. cruzi (Tulahuen strain) infective form co-cultured within NIH-3T3 cells, (b) T. brucei brucei (427 strain) bloodstream form, and (c) NIH-3T3 host cells alone. We report on the TcGlcK inhibitor constant determinations, mode of enzyme inhibition, in vitro antitrypanosomal IC50 determinations, and an assessment of structure-activity relationships. Our results reveal that the 3-nitro-2-phenyl-2H-chromene scaffold holds promise and can be further optimized for both Chagas disease and human African trypanosomiasis early-stage drug discovery research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shane M. Carey
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Destiny M. O’Neill
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Garrett B. Conner
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Julian Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA (A.R.)
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA (A.R.)
| | - Edward L. D’Antonio
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Costa TFR, Catta-Preta CMC, Goundry A, Carvalho DB, Rodrigues NS, Vivarini AC, de Abreu MF, Reis FCG, Lima APCA. The ecotin-like peptidase inhibitor of Trypanosoma cruzi prevents TMPRSS2-PAR2-TLR4 crosstalk downmodulating infection and inflammation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23566. [PMID: 38526868 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302091rr] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a chronic pathology that affects the heart and/or digestive system. This parasite invades and multiplies in virtually all nucleated cells, using a variety of host cell receptors for infection. T. cruzi has a gene that encodes an ecotin-like inhibitor of serine peptidases, ISP2. We generated ISP2-null mutants (Δisp2) in T. cruzi Dm28c using CRISPR/Cas9. Epimastigotes of Δisp2 grew normally in vitro but were more susceptible to lysis by human serum compared to parental and ISP2 add-back lines. Tissue culture trypomastigotes of Δisp2 were more infective to human muscle cells in vitro, which was reverted by the serine peptidase inhibitors aprotinin and camostat, suggesting that host cell epitheliasin/TMPRSS2 is the target of ISP2. Pretreatment of host cells with an antagonist to the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) or an inhibitor of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) selectively counteracted the increased cell invasion by Δisp2, but did not affect invasion by parental and add-back lines. The same was observed following targeted gene silencing of PAR2, TLR4 or TMPRSS2 in host cells by siRNA. Furthermore, Δisp2 caused increased tissue edema in a BALB/c mouse footpad infection model after 3 h differently to that observed following infection with parental and add-back lines. We propose that ISP2 contributes to protect T. cruzi from the anti-microbial effects of human serum and to prevent triggering of PAR2 and TLR4 in host cells, resulting in the modulation of host cell invasion and contributing to decrease inflammation during acute infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana F R Costa
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina M C Catta-Preta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amy Goundry
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danielle B Carvalho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathalia S Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aislan C Vivarini
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Insituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Mayra Fonseca de Abreu
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia C G Reis
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula C A Lima
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Proteases, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morilla MJ, Ghosal K, Romero EL. Nanomedicines against Chagas disease: a critical review. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 15:333-349. [PMID: 38590427 PMCID: PMC11000002 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.15.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is the most important endemic parasitosis in South America and represents a great socioeconomic burden for the chronically ill and their families. The only currently available treatment against CD is based on the oral administration of benznidazole, an agent, developed in 1971, of controversial effectiveness on chronically ill patients and toxic to adults. So far, conventional pharmacological approaches have failed to offer more effective and less toxic alternatives to benznidazole. Nanomedicines reduce toxicity and increase the effectiveness of current oncological therapies. Could nanomedicines improve the treatment of the neglected CD? This question will be addressed in this review, first by critically discussing selected reports on the performance of benznidazole and other molecules formulated as nanomedicines in in vitro and in vivo CD models. Taking into consideration the developmental barriers for nanomedicines and the degree of current technical preclinical efforts, a prospect of developing nanomedicines against CD will be provided. Not surprisingly, we conclude that structurally simpler formulations with minimal production cost, such as oral nanocrystals and/or parenteral nano-immunostimulants, have the highest chances of making it to the market to treat CD. Nonetheless, substantive political and economic decisions, key to facing technological challenges, are still required regarding a realistic use of nanomedicines effective against CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Morilla
- Nanomedicine Research and Development Centre (NARD), Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kajal Ghosal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, 188, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Rd., Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Eder Lilia Romero
- Nanomedicine Research and Development Centre (NARD), Science and Technology Department, National University of Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Diaz AP, Canal CAM, Valdés AJ, Delgado JEG, Varela-M RE. GSK-3 kinase a putative therapeutic target in trypanosomatid parasites. Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103736. [PMID: 38467387 PMCID: PMC10955101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2024.103736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are an important group of parasites that predominate in tropical and subtropical areas of the planet, which cause diseases that are classified as forgotten and neglected by the world health organization. In this group of parasites, we find Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania spp, for which there is no vaccine available, and its control has focused mainly on pharmacological treatment. Due to the poverty situation where these diseases are found and the biological complexity of these parasites, there are multiple variables to control, including the diversity of species, the complexity of their life cycles, drug resistance, cytotoxicity, the limited use in pregnant women, the high costs of treatment and the little-known pharmacological mechanisms of action, among others. It is therefore necessary to find new strategies and approaches for the treatment of these parasitic diseases. Among these new approaches is the rational search for new targets based on the allosteric inhibition of protein kinases, which have been little studied in trypanosomatids. Among these kinases, we find Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3), a kinase of great pharmacological interest, which is under intense basic and clinical research by pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of cancer. This kinase, highly studied in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway signaling in humans, has an orthologous gene in these parasites (GSK-3 s), which has proven to be essential for them in response to different challenges; Therefore, it is notable to increase research in this kinase in order to achieve a broad structural and functional characterization in the different species of trypanosomatids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - R E Varela-M
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carey SM, Kearns SP, Millington ME, Buechner GS, Alvarez BE, Daneshian L, Abiskaroon B, Chruszcz M, D'Antonio EL. At the outer part of the active site in Trypanosoma cruzi glucokinase: The role of phenylalanine 337. Biochimie 2024; 218:8-19. [PMID: 37741546 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.09.014] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The hole mutagenesis approach was used to interrogate the importance of F337 in Trypanosoma cruzi glucokinase (TcGlcK) in order to understand the complete set of binding interactions that are made by d-glucosamine analogue inhibitors containing aromatic tail groups that can extend to the outer part of the active site. An interesting inhibitor of this analogue class includes 2-N-carboxybenzyl-2-deoxy-d-glucosamine (CBZ-GlcN), which exhibits strong TcGlcK binding with a Ki of 710 nM. The residue F337 is found at the outer part of the active site that stems from the second protein subunit of the homodimeric assembly. In this study, F337 was changed to leucine and alanine so as to diminish phenylalanine's side chain size and attenuate intermolecular interactions in this region of the binding cavity. Results from enzyme - inhibitor assays revealed that the phenyl group of F337 made dominant hydrophobic interactions with the phenyl group of CBZ-GlcN as opposed to π - π stacking interactions. Moreover, enzymatic activity assays and X-ray crystallographic experiments indicated that each of these site-directed mutants primarily retained their activity and had high structural similarity of their protein fold. A computed structure model of T. cruzi hexokinase (TcHxK), which was produced by the artificial intelligence system AlphaFold, was compared to an X-ray crystal structure of TcGlcK. Our structural analysis revealed that TcHxK lacked an F337 counterpart residue and probably exists in the monomeric form. We proposed that the d-glucosamine analogue inhibitors that are structurally similar to CBZ-GlcN may not bind as strongly in TcHxK as they do in TcGlcK because of absent van der Waals contact from residue side chains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Carey
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Sean P Kearns
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Matthew E Millington
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Gregory S Buechner
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Beda E Alvarez
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
| | - Leily Daneshian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Brendan Abiskaroon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Maksymilian Chruszcz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Edward L D'Antonio
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Orchard I, Leyria J, Al-Dailami AN, Nachman RJ, Lange AB. Functional characterization of the kinin receptor in the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus; activity of native kinins and potent biostable Aib-containing insect kinin analogs. Peptides 2024; 172:171135. [PMID: 38103839 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The causative agent for Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted to a human host in the urine/feces of the kissing bug, Rhodnius prolixus, following blood feeding. Kinins are important chemical messengers in the overall control of blood feeding physiology in R. prolixus, including hindgut contractions and excretion. Thus, disruption in kinin signaling would have damaging consequences to the insect but also interfere with the transmission of Chagas Disease. Here, a heterologous functional receptor assay was used to confirm the validity of the previously cloned putative kinin G-protein-coupled receptor, RhoprKR, in Rhodnius prolixus. Three native R. prolixus kinins were chosen for analysis; two possessing the typical kinin WGamide C-terminal motif and one that possesses an atypical C-terminal WAamide. All three are potent (EC50 values in the nM range), with high efficacy, on CHO-K1-aeq cells expressing the RhoprKR, thereby confirming ligand binding. Members of three other R. prolixus peptide families, which are also myotropins (tachykinins, pyrokinins and sulfakinins) elicited little or no response. In addition, this heterologous receptor assay was used to test characteristics of kinin mimetics previously tested on tick and mosquito kinin receptors. Five α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) containing analogs were tested, and four found to have considerably higher potencies than the native kinins, with EC50 values in the pM range. Interestingly, adding Aib to the atypical WAamide kinin improves its EC50 value from 2 nM to 39 pM. Biostable kinin analogs may prove useful leads for novel pest control strategies. Since T. cruzi is transmitted to a human host in the urine/feces after blood feeding, disruption in kinin signaling would also interfere with the transmission of Chagas Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Areej N Al-Dailami
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Christopher D, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107087. [PMID: 38061614 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107087] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine insects are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi- the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is endemic to Latin America and the southern United States and can cause severe cardiac damage in infected mammals, ranging from chronic disease to sudden death. Identifying interactions among triatomines, T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), and blood feeding hosts is necessary to understand parasite transmission dynamics and effectively protect animal and human health. Through manual insect trapping efforts, kennel staff collections, and with the help of a trained scent detection dog, we collected triatomines from 10 multi-dog kennels across central and south Texas over a one-year period (2018-2019) and tested a subset to determine their T. cruzi infection status and identify the primary bloodmeal hosts. We collected 550 triatomines, including Triatoma gerstaeckeri (n = 515), Triatoma lecticularia (n = 15), Triatoma sanguisuga (n = 6), and Triatoma indictiva (n = 2), with an additional 10 nymphs and 2 adults unable to be identified to species. The trained dog collected 42 triatomines, including nymphs, from areas not previously considered vector habitat by the kennel owners. Using qPCR, we found a T. cruzi infection prevalence of 47 % (74/157), with T. lecticularia individuals more likely to be infected with T. cruzi than other species. Infected insects harbored two T. cruzi discrete typing units: TcI (64 %), TcIV (23 %), and mixed TcI/TcIV infections (13 %). Bloodmeal host identification was successful in 50/149 triatomines, revealing the majority (74 %) fed on a dog (Canis lupus), with other host species including humans (Homo sapiens), raccoons (Procyon lotor), chickens (Gallus gallus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), black vulture (Coragyps atratus), cat (Felis catus), and curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curviostre). Given the frequency of interactions between dogs and infected triatomines in these kennel environments, dogs may be an apt target for future vector control and T. cruzi intervention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - A C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - I B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - L D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - C L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States; Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, United States
| | | | - A B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Saha A, Pushpa, Moitra S, Basak D, Brahma S, Mondal D, Molla SH, Samadder A, Nandi S. Targeting Cysteine Proteases and their Inhibitors to Combat Trypanosomiasis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2135-2169. [PMID: 37340748 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230619160509] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the Trypanosoma genus, remains a significant health burden in several regions of the world. Cysteine proteases play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Trypanosoma parasites and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. INTRODUCTION This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of cysteine proteases in trypanosomiasis and their potential as therapeutic targets. We discuss the biological significance of cysteine proteases in Trypanosoma parasites and their involvement in essential processes, such as host immune evasion, cell invasion, and nutrient acquisition. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies and research articles on the role of cysteine proteases and their inhibitors in trypanosomiasis. The selected studies were critically analyzed to extract key findings and provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. RESULTS Cysteine proteases, such as cruzipain, TbCatB and TbCatL, have been identified as promising therapeutic targets due to their essential roles in Trypanosoma pathogenesis. Several small molecule inhibitors and peptidomimetics have been developed to target these proteases and have shown promising activity in preclinical studies. CONCLUSION Targeting cysteine proteases and their inhibitors holds great potential for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs against trypanosomiasis. The identification of potent and selective cysteine protease inhibitors could significantly contribute to the combat against trypanosomiasis and improve the prospects for the treatment of this neglected tropical disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aloke Saha
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Pushpa
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Susmita Moitra
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Deblina Basak
- Endocrinology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Sayandeep Brahma
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Dipu Mondal
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Sabir Hossen Molla
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Asmita Samadder
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Lab., Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Sisir Nandi
- Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Affiliated to Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University), Kashipur, 244713, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zingales B, Macedo AM. Fifteen Years after the Definition of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs: What Have We Learned? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2339. [PMID: 38137940 PMCID: PMC10744745 DOI: 10.3390/life13122339] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causative of Chagas disease (ChD), exhibits striking genetic and phenotypic intraspecific diversity, along with ecoepidemiological complexity. Human-pathogen interactions lead to distinct clinical presentations of ChD. In 2009, an international consensus classified T. cruzi strains into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI to TcVI, later including TcBat, and proposed reproducible genotyping schemes for DTU identification. This article aims to review the impact of classifying T. cruzi strains into DTUs on our understanding of biological, ecoepidemiological, and pathogenic aspects of T. cruzi. We will explore the likely origin of DTUs and the intrinsic characteristics of each group of strains concerning genome organization, genomics, and susceptibility to drugs used in ChD treatment. We will also provide an overview of the association of DTUs with mammalian reservoirs, and summarize the geographic distribution, and the clinical implications, of prevalent specific DTUs in ChD patients. Throughout this review, we will emphasize the crucial roles of both parasite and human genetics in defining ChD pathogenesis and chemotherapy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa M. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
de Almeida EA, Mendes FDSNS, Ramos AN, de Sousa AS, Pavan TBS, Mediano MFF, Ostermayer AL, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Britto CFDPDC, Novaes CG, Correia D, Santos FLN, da Silva GMS, Fernandez ML, Lima MM, de Carvalho NB, Moreira ODC, Albajar-Viñas P, Leite RM, Palmeira SL, da Costa VM, Yasuda MAS. Guidelines for Trypanosoma cruzi-HIV Co-infection and other Immunosuppressive Conditions: Diagnosis, Treatment, Monitoring, and Implementation from the International Network of Care and Studies - 2023. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:0549. [PMID: 38088667 PMCID: PMC10706049 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0549-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eros Antonio de Almeida
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Grupo de Estudos em doença de Chagas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Alberto Novaes Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Andréa Silvestre de Sousa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Tycha Bianca Sabaini Pavan
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Laboratório Avançado de Saúde Pública, Bahia, BA, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Christina Gallafrio Novaes
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Dalmo Correia
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Laboratório Avançado de Saúde Pública, Bahia, BA, Brasil
| | | | - Marisa Liliana Fernandez
- Hospital de Infecciosas FJ Muñiz, Instituto Nacional de Parasitología “Dr. Mario Fatala Chabén”, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mayara Maia Lima
- Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Noêmia Barbosa de Carvalho
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Otacílio da Cruz Moreira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Virologia e Parasitologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Pedro Albajar-Viñas
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Moreira Leite
- Centro de Vigilância Epidemiológica Professor Alexandre Vranjac. Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Swamy Lima Palmeira
- Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Herrera C, Bernabé KJ, Dumonteil E, DeCuir J, Thompson JM, Avendano M, Tu W, Leonhardt MM, Northland BA, Frederick J, Prieto B, Paternina-Caicedo A, Ortega E, Fonseca M, Hincapie M, Echeverri M. Assessment of Community Awareness and Screening of Chagas Disease in the Latin American Community of Greater New Orleans. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:515. [PMID: 38133447 PMCID: PMC10747578 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120515] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a public health problem in the Americas, from the southern United States (USA) to Argentina. In the USA, less than 1% of domestic cases have been identified and less than 0.3% of total cases have received treatment. Little is known about affected immigrant Latin American communities. A prospective study was conducted to assess knowledge about Chagas disease among the Latin American community living in the Greater New Orleans area. Participants answered a baseline questionnaire, viewed a short educational video presentation, completed a post-presentation questionnaire, and were screened with an FDA-approved blood rapid diagnostic test (RDT). A total of 154 participants from 18 Latin American countries (n = 138) and the USA (n = 16) were enrolled and screened for Trypanosoma cruzi infection. At baseline, 57% of the participants knew that Chagas disease is transmitted through an insect vector, and 26% recognized images of the vector. Following the administration of an educational intervention, the participants' knowledge regarding vector transmission increased to 91% and 35% of participants were able to successfully identify images of the vector. Five participants screened positive for T. cruzi infection, indicating a 3.24% [95%CI: 1.1-7.5%] prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection within the Latin American community of the New Orleans area. Results highlight the urgent need for improving access to education and diagnostics of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Kerlly J. Bernabé
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - James DeCuir
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Julie M. Thompson
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Mariana Avendano
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Maxwell M. Leonhardt
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (M.M.L.); (B.A.N.)
| | - Bianka A. Northland
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (M.M.L.); (B.A.N.)
| | - Jynx Frederick
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (K.J.B.); (E.D.); (J.D.); (J.M.T.); (M.A.); (W.T.); (J.F.)
| | - Bryn Prieto
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Angel Paternina-Caicedo
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Emma Ortega
- Office of Public Health-Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans, LA 70802, USA;
| | - Maria Fonseca
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (M.F.); (M.H.); (M.E.)
| | - Marcela Hincapie
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (M.F.); (M.H.); (M.E.)
| | - Margarita Echeverri
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA; (M.F.); (M.H.); (M.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Milagre MM, Torchelsen FKVDS, Pedrosa TCF, Teixeira GM, Sampaio LS, Saúde-Guimarães DA, Branquinho RT, Mosqueira VCF, Lana MD. Lychnopholide loaded in surface modified polylactide nanocapsules (LYC-PLA-PEG-NC) cure mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi strain a prototype of resistance to benznidazole and nifurtimox: First insights of its mechanism of action. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108647. [PMID: 37914151 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) remains neglected and causes high morbidity and mortality. The great difficulty is the lack of effective treatment. The current drugs cause side effects and have limited therapeutic efficacy in the chronic phase. This study aims to fulfil some gaps in studies of the natural substance lychnopholide nanoencapsulated LYC-PLA-PEG-NC (LYC-NC) and free (Free-LYC): the activity in epimastigotes and amastigotes to determine its selectivity index (SI), the therapeutic efficacy in mice infected with Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi strain and insight of the mechanism of LYC-NC action on T. cruzi. The SI was obtained by calculation of the ratio between the IC50 value toward H9c2 cells divided by the IC50 value in the anti-T. cruzi test. Infected Swiss mice were treated with 2 and 12 mg/kg/day via intravenous and oral, respectively, and the therapeutic efficacy was determined. The IC50 of LYC-NC and Free-LYC for epimastigotes of T. cruzi were similar. Both were active against amastigotes in cell culture, particularly Free-LYC. The SI of LYC-NC and Free-LYC were 45.38 and 32.11, respectively. LYC-NC 2 and 12 mg/kg/day cured parasitologically, 62.5% and 80% of the animals, respectively, infected with a strain resistant to treatment. The fluorescent NC was distributed in the cardiomyocyte cytoplasm, infected or not, and interacted with the trypomastigotes. Together, these results represent advances in demonstrating LYC as a potent new therapeutic option for treating CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Marques Milagre
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gabriel Marques Teixeira
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa Silva Sampaio
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Dênia Antunes Saúde-Guimarães
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Tupinambá Branquinho
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Marta de Lana
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Farmácia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dhivahar J, Parthasarathy A, Krishnan K, Kovi BS, Pandian GN. Bat-associated microbes: Opportunities and perils, an overview. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22351. [PMID: 38125540 PMCID: PMC10730444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential biotechnological uses of bat-associated bacteria are discussed briefly, indicating avenues for biotechnological applications of bat-associated microbes. The uniqueness of bats in terms of their lifestyle, genomes and molecular immunology may predispose bats to act as disease reservoirs. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has shown several instances of bats harbouring the ancestral lineages of bacterial (Bartonella), protozoal (Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi) and viral (SARS-CoV2) pathogens infecting humans. Along with the transmission of viruses from bats, we also discuss the potential roles of bat-associated bacteria, fungi, and protozoan parasites in emerging diseases. Current evidence suggests that environmental changes and interactions between wildlife, livestock, and humans contribute to the spill-over of infectious agents from bats to other hosts. Domestic animals including livestock may act as intermediate amplifying hosts for bat-origin pathogens to transmit to humans. An increasing number of studies investigating bat pathogen diversity and infection dynamics have been published. However, whether or how these infectious agents are transmitted both within bat populations and to other hosts, including humans, often remains unknown. Metagenomic approaches are uncovering the dynamics and distribution of potential pathogens in bat microbiomes, which might improve the understanding of disease emergence and transmission. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on bat zoonoses of public health concern and flag the gaps in the knowledge to enable further research and allocation of resources for tackling future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Dhivahar
- Research Department of Zoology, St. Johns College, Palayamkottai, 627002, India
- Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Loyola College, Chennai, 600034, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Madras, Chennai, 600025, India
| | - Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Department of Chemistry and Biosciences, Richmond Building, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Kathiravan Krishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Madras, Chennai, 600025, India
| | - Basavaraj S. Kovi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Yoshida Ushinomiyacho, 69, Sakyo Ward, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ganesh N. Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Yoshida Ushinomiyacho, 69, Sakyo Ward, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Olivo-Freites C, Sy H, Cardenas-Alvarez J, Vega-Batista F, Henao-Martínez AF. Trypanosoma cruzi Central Nervous System Infection-Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 10:186-198. [PMID: 38983718 PMCID: PMC11233130 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-023-00300-0] [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] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease from the American continent that commonly causes cardiovascular disease. Some patients develop neurological manifestations. We discuss and summarize the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of the central nervous system manifestations of CD. Recent Findings Cerebrospinal fluid quantitative polymerase chain reaction tests and next-generation sequencing in tissue samples have facilitated disease diagnosis and follow-up. Novel presentations, including retinitis, are now reported. A new MRI sign called "Bunch of açai berries appearance"-multiple hypointense nodular lesions-has been described recently. Treatment with benznidazole at higher doses and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring need to be further studied in this setting. Summary A high suspicion index is paramount to diagnosing Chagas' central nervous system involvement. Standardized molecular diagnostics can aid in the initial workup. Future development of new therapeutic drugs is crucial because of the toxicity profile of the currently available medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hendrik Sy
- Division of Infectious Disease, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Cardenas-Alvarez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Mail Stop B168, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jayawardhana S, Ward AI, Francisco AF, Lewis MD, Taylor MC, Kelly JM, Olmo F. Benznidazole treatment leads to DNA damage in Trypanosoma cruzi and the persistence of rare widely dispersed non-replicative amastigotes in mice. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011627. [PMID: 37956215 PMCID: PMC10681306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011627] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Benznidazole is the front-line drug used to treat infections with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. However, for reasons that are unknown, treatment failures are common. When we examined parasites that survived benznidazole treatment in mice using highly sensitive in vivo and ex vivo bioluminescence imaging, we found that recrudescence is not due to persistence of parasites in a specific organ or tissue that preferentially protects them from drug activity. Surviving parasites are widely distributed and located in host cells where the vast majority contained only one or two amastigotes. Therefore, infection relapse does not arise from a small number of intact large nests. Rather, persisters are either survivors of intracellular populations where co-located parasites have been killed, or amastigotes in single/low-level infected cells exist in a state where they are less susceptible to benznidazole. To better assess the nature of parasite persisters, we exposed infected mammalian cell monolayers to a benznidazole regimen that reduces the intracellular amastigote population to <1% of the pre-treatment level. Of host cells that remained infected, as with the situation in vivo, the vast majority contained only one or two surviving intracellular amastigotes. Analysis, based on non-incorporation of the thymidine analogue EdU, revealed these surviving parasites to be in a transient non-replicative state. Furthermore, treatment with benznidazole led to widespread parasite DNA damage. When the small number of parasites which survive in mice after non-curative treatment were assessed using EdU labelling, this revealed that these persisters were also initially non-replicative. A possible explanation could be that triggering of the T. cruzi DNA damage response pathway by the activity of benznidazole metabolites results in exit from the cell cycle as parasites attempt DNA repair, and that metabolic changes associated with non-proliferation act to reduce drug susceptibility. Alternatively, a small percentage of the parasite population may pre-exist in this non-replicative state prior to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiromani Jayawardhana
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander I. Ward
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda F. Francisco
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Lewis
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin C. Taylor
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - John M. Kelly
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco Olmo
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bernasconi DA, Miller ML, Hill JE, Gupta P, Chipman R, Gilbert AT, Rhodes OE, Dharmarajan G. RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) SHOW HIGHER TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI DETECTION RATES THAN VIRGINIA OPOSSUMS (DIDELPHIS VIRGINIANA) IN SOUTH CAROLINA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:673-683. [PMID: 37846907 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00174] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a significant public health concern in the Americas, is caused by a protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The life cycle of T. cruzi involves kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.) functioning as vectors and mammalian species serving as hosts. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) have been identified as important reservoir species in the life cycle of T. cruzi, but prevalence in both species in the southeastern US is currently understudied. We quantified T. cruzi prevalence in these two key reservoir species across our study area in South Carolina, US, and identified factors that may influence parasite detection. We collected whole blood from 183 raccoons and 126 opossums and used PCR to detect the presence of T. cruzi. We then used generalized linear models with parasite detection status as a binary response variable and predictor variables of land cover, distance to water, sex, season, and species. Our analysis indicated that raccoons experienced significantly higher parasite detection rates than Virginia opossums, with T. cruzi prevalence found to be 26.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0-33.8) in raccoons and 10.5% (95% CI, 5.51-17.5) in opossums. Overall, our results concur with previous studies, in that T. cruzi is established in reservoir host populations in natural areas of the southeastern US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Bernasconi
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 15950 North Gate Boulevard, Nampa, Idaho 83687, USA
| | - Madison L Miller
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, 5655 Central Expressway, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh 517646, India
| | - Jacob E Hill
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Building 737-A Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Utah Public Health Laboratory, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 4431 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Salt Lake City, Utah 84129, USA
| | - Richard Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 59 Chenell Drive, Suite 2, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, USA
| | - Amy T Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Building 737-A Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, 5655 Central Expressway, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh 517646, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rapp E, Gold M. Knowledge Production on Congenital Chagas Disease across Time, Borders and Disciplines: A Comprehensive Scoping Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:422. [PMID: 37755884 PMCID: PMC10536740 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090422] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital transmission is a key route of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Latin America and globally, contributing significantly to the burden of Chagas disease. The interruption of transmission from mother to child has recently become a focus issue. However, the research landscape on congenital Chagas disease remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this scoping review is to assess the production of knowledge on congenital Chagas disease (CCD), aiming to identify research trends and potential gaps. Our initial hypothesis was that the CCD literature overly represents the medical sciences and that there is a need for socio-cultural research on the subject. We conducted a systematic search of publications focusing on congenital Chagas disease in six languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and Italian). This comprehensive literature search identified 876 studies that met the inclusion criteria, out of a total of 8893 sources. The relevant literature was analyzed by language, year of publication, discipline, source type and research location. The main outcome of this study has been to prove our hypothesis that there is a scarcity of knowledge produced within the non-biomedical sciences on CCD. This underscores the need for further exploration into the social and structural issues surrounding this disease. Visually clear data concerning congenital Chagas disease produced by this study can contribute to hone in future research efforts and support funding applications. Additionally, this article provides a reference list that other researchers can consult for their own studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Rapp
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, CH-2800 Delémont, Switzerland;
- Institute of Humanities in Medecine, Faculty of Biology and Medecine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marina Gold
- Fundación Mundo Sano, Buenos Aires C1061ABC, Argentina
- Institut für Sozialanthropologie und Empirische Kulturwissenschaft (ISEK), University of Zürich, CH-8005 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Torhorst CW, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Milleson MP, Corral CC, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mammals in Florida: New insight into the transmission of T. cruzi in the southeastern United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:237-245. [PMID: 37575667 PMCID: PMC10422094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, where they facilitate the transmission of the parasite to humans and other reservoir hosts in peridomestic settings. In the United States, raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are known synanthropic T. cruzi reservoir hosts; however, the role these species have in the peridomestic transmission cycle in the US is not well understood. This study aimed to identify the suite of mammalian reservoirs of T. cruzi in Florida. We also compared infection prevalence in raccoon populations sampled from within and outside of the estimated distribution of the common T. cruzi vector in Florida to gain insight into how the arthropod vector distribution impacts the distribution of infected reservoirs in the state. Finally, to investigate the impact of peridomestic landscapes on parasite prevalence, we compared the prevalence of T. cruzi-infected raccoons and opossums across five paired peridomestic and sylvatic sites. We live-trapped and collected peripheral blood samples from 135 raccoons, 112 opossums, 18 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), and nine species of rodents in north central Florida. Using quantitative PCR methods, we found that raccoons (42.2%, 95% CI [34.2-50.7%]) and opossums (50.9%, 95% CI [41.8-60.0%]) were infected with T. cruzi and the prevalence across habitats was similar for both raccoons (peridomestic: n = 77, 44.2%, 95% CI [33.6-55.3%], sylvatic: n = 58, 39.7%, 95% CI [28.1-52.5%]) and opossums (peridomestic: n = 66, 48.5%, 95% CI [36.8-60.3%], sylvatic: n = 46, 54.3%, 95% CI [40.2-67.8%]). Raccoons sampled outside the estimated distribution of Triatoma sanguisuga were not infected with T. cruzi (n = 73, 0.0%, 95% CI [0.0-5.0%]). Our study did not indicate that peridomestic habitats in Florida maintained a higher infection prevalence than their sylvatic counterparts; however, we did find a difference in prevalence within vs. outside the estimated vector distribution in Florida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael P. Milleson
- United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Program, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catalina C. Corral
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Vattikonda K, Peterson CJ, Mulkey B, Allen B. A Case of Chagas Cardiomyopathy in Western Virginia: Worlds Away? Cureus 2023; 15:e42158. [PMID: 37602121 PMCID: PMC10438999 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas cardiomyopathy, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant cause of cardiac pathology worldwide. Though most frequently observed in Latin America, Chagas disease is present in the United States and should be considered in patients with heart block or other cardiac abnormalities and previous travel to or residence in endemic areas. Here we describe a new diagnosis of Chagas cardiomyopathy in a patient residing in Virginia with a previous residence in Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiriti Vattikonda
- Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Mulkey
- Cardiology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, USA
| | - Bradley Allen
- Cardiology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McCain S, Sim RR, Weidner B, Rivas AE, White B, Auckland LD, Tarleton RL, Hamer S. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF A NATURAL INFECTION WITH TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI (CHAGAS DISEASE) IN A SYMPTOMATIC DE BRAZZA'S MONKEY ( CERCOPITHECUS NEGLECTUS) IN ALABAMA. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:412-416. [PMID: 37428708 PMCID: PMC10874614 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0095] [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] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is a zoonotic, vector-borne, protozoan hemoflagellate with a wide host range. An 11-yr-old, captive-bred male De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglecus) presented with weight loss despite normal appetite. Examination revealed hypoglycemia, nonregenerative anemia, and many trypanosomes on a blood smear. A whole blood sample was PCR-positive for T. cruzi discrete typing unit TcIV and the monkey seroconverted using two different methods. The monkey was treated with the standard human dose of benznidazole twice daily for 60 d; however, blood obtained over the next 1.5 yr posttreatment remained PCR-positive for T. cruzi. A second course of benznidazole at a higher dose but lower frequency for 26 wk was required for the monkey to convert to sustained PCR-negative status. The monkey recovered with no apparent lasting effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Brooke White
- University of Georgia Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rick L Tarleton
- University of Georgia Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sarah Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hill JE, Helton JL, Chipman RB, Gilbert AT, Beasley JC, Dharmarajan G, Rhodes OE. Spatial ecology of translocated raccoons. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10447. [PMID: 37369730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37323-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are routinely translocated both legally and illegally to mitigate conflicts with humans, which has contributed to the spread of rabies virus across eastern North America. The movement behavior of translocated raccoons has important ramifications for disease transmission yet remains understudied and poorly quantified. To examine the spatial ecology of raccoons following experimental translocation, we performed reciprocal 16 km-distance translocations of 30 raccoons between habitats of high and low raccoon density (bottomland hardwood and upland pine, respectively) across the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina, USA (2018-2019). Translocation influenced patterns of raccoon space use, with translocated animals exhibiting a 13-fold increase in 95% utilization distributions (UDs) post- compared to pre-translocation (mean 95% UD 35.8 ± 36.1 km2 vs 1.96 ± 1.17 km2). Raccoons originating from upland pine habitats consistently had greater space use and larger nightly movement distances post-translocation compared to raccoons moved from bottomland hardwood habitats, whereas these differences were generally not observed prior to translocation. Estimated home ranges of male raccoons were twice the area as estimated for female raccoons, on average, and this pattern was not affected by translocation. After a transient period lasting on average 36.5 days (SD = 30.0, range = 3.25-92.8), raccoons often resumed pre-experiment movement behavior, with 95% UD sizes not different from those prior to translocation (mean = 2.27 ± 1.63km2). Most animals established new home ranges after translocation, whereas three raccoons moved > 16 km from their release point back to the original capture location. Four animals crossed a 100-m wide river within the SRS post-translocation, but this behavior was not documented among collared raccoons prior to translocation. Large increases in space use combined with the crossing of geographic barriers such as rivers may lead to elevated contact rates with conspecifics, which can heighten disease transmission risks following translocation. These results provide additional insights regarding the potential impacts of raccoon translocation towards population level risks of rabies outbreaks and underscore the need to discourage mesocarnivore translocations to prevent further spread of wildlife rabies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Hill
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - James L Helton
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Richard B Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Concord, NH, 03301, USA
| | - Amy T Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, 4101 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kiehl WM, Hodo CL, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Wilkerson GK. Exclusion of Horizontal and Vertical Transmission as Major Sources of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infections in a Breeding Colony of Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca Mulatta). Comp Med 2023; 73:229-241. [PMID: 37268411 PMCID: PMC10290485 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000005] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The vector-borne protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease in humans and animals. This parasite is endemic to the southern United States where outdoor-housed NHP at biomedical facilities are at risk of infection. In addi- tion to the direct morbidity caused by T. cruzi, infected animals are of limited biomedical research use because infections can produce confounding pathophysiologic changes even in animals with no clinical disease. In part due to concerns for direct T. cruzi transmission between animals, infected NHP at some institutions have been culled, removed, or otherwise isolated from uninfected animal populations. However, data that document horizontal or vertical transmission in captive NHP in the United States are not available. To evaluate the potential for inter-animal transmission and to identify environmental factors that affect the distribution of new infections in NHPs, we conducted a retrospective epidemiologic study of a rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) breeding colony in south Texas. We used archived biologic samples and husbandry records to identify the time and location of macaque seroconversion. These data were used to perform a spatial analysis of how geographic location and animal associations affected the spread of disease and to infer the importance of horizontal or vertical routes of transmission. The majority of T. cruzi infections were spatially clustered, suggesting that environmental factors promoted vector exposure in various areas of the facility. Although we cannot not rule out horizontal transmission, our data suggest that horizontal transmission was not a critical route for spread for the disease. Vertical transmission was not a contributing factor in this colony. In conclusion, our findings suggest that local triatome vectors were the major source of T. cruzi infections in captive macaques in our colony. Therefore, limiting contact with vectors, rather than segregation of infected macaques, is a key strategy for disease prevention at institutions that house macaques outdoors in the southern United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney M Kiehl
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
| | | | | | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Department of Clinal Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina;,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jha BK, Varikuti S, Verma C, Shivahare R, Bishop N, Dos Santos GP, McDonald J, Sur A, Myler PJ, Schenkman S, Satoskar AR, McGwire BS. Immunization with a Trypanosoma cruzi cyclophilin-19 deletion mutant protects against acute Chagas disease in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:63. [PMID: 37185599 PMCID: PMC10130101 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease for which there are no prophylactic vaccines. Cyclophilin 19 is a secreted cis-trans peptidyl isomerase expressed in all life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. This protein in the insect stage leads to the inactivation of insect anti-parasitic peptides and parasite transformation whereas in the intracellular amastigotes it participates in generating ROS promoting the growth of parasites. We have generated a parasite mutant with depleted expression of Cyp19 by removal of 2 of 3 genes encoding this protein using double allelic homologous recombination. The mutant parasite line failed to replicate when inoculated into host cells in vitro or in mice indicating that Cyp19 is critical for infectivity. The mutant parasite line also fails to replicate in or cause clinical disease in immuno-deficient mice further validating their lack of virulence. Repeated inoculation of mutant parasites into immuno-competent mice elicits parasite-specific trypanolytic antibodies and a Th-1 biased immune response and challenge of mutant immunized mice with virulent wild-type parasites is 100% effective at preventing death from acute disease. These results suggest that parasite Cyp19 may be candidate for small molecule drug targeting and that the mutant parasite line may warrant further immunization studies for prevention of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bijay Kumar Jha
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sanjay Varikuti
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rahul Shivahare
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Bishop
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gregory P Dos Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jacquelyn McDonald
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aakash Sur
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter J Myler
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Bradford S McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Castelli G, Oliveri E, Valenza V, Giardina S, Facciponte F, La Russa F, Vitale F, Bruno F. Cultivation of Protozoa Parasites In Vitro: Growth Potential in Conventional Culture Media versus RPMI-PY Medium. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10040252. [PMID: 37104407 PMCID: PMC10143000 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10040252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The in vitro cultivation of Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diseases. Although Evans’s modified Tobie and Novy–MacNeal–Nicolle media, for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, respectively, are the two commonly used media for both isolation and maintenance of strains in vitro, their preparation is expensive and laborious and requires fresh rabbit blood from housed animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro growth of both parasites with an alternative monophasic, blood-free, easy, and affordable medium called RPMI-PY, which was previously demonstrated suitable for the in vitro growth of Leishmania infantum. The potential growth of different Leishmania species and Trypanosoma cruzi was evaluated in traditional culture media versus RPMI-PY medium, and we recorded the protozoa parasites’ morphology via orange acridine–ethidium bromide staining. The results of our study show that RPMI-PY medium can be used for Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania major, and Leishmania tropica species since in all the species except Leishmania braziliensis, the exponential growth of the parasite was observed, in many cases higher than conventional media. The staining confirmed not only their growth during the 72 h investigation but also the optimal morphology and viability of the protozoa in the RPMI-PY medium.
Collapse
|
33
|
Anisuzzaman, Hossain MS, Hatta T, Labony SS, Kwofie KD, Kawada H, Tsuji N, Alim MA. Food- and vector-borne parasitic zoonoses: Global burden and impacts. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:87-136. [PMID: 36948728 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Around 25% of the global population suffer from one or more parasitic infections, of which food- and vector-borne parasitic zoonotic diseases are a major concern. Additionally, zoonoses and communicable diseases, common to man and animals, are drawing increased attention worldwide. Significant changes in climatic conditions, cropping pattern, demography, food habits, increasing international travel, marketing and trade, deforestation, and urbanization play vital roles in the emergence and re-emergence of parasitic zoonoses. Although it is likely to be underestimated, the collective burden of food- and vector-borne parasitic diseases accounts for ∼60 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Out of 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 diseases are of parasitic origin. There are about 200 zoonotic diseases of which the WHO listed eight as neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) in the year 2013. Out of these eight NZDs, four diseases, namely cysticercosis, hydatidosis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, are caused by parasites. In this review, we discuss the global burden and impacts of food- and vector-borne zoonotic parasitic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anisuzzaman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Shahadat Hossain
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Takeshi Hatta
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sharmin Shahid Labony
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Kofi Dadzie Kwofie
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Hayato Kawada
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naotoshi Tsuji
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Md Abdul Alim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Christopher DM, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Bejcek J, Saunders AB, Roachell WD, Cropper TL, Hamer SA. Collection of triatomines from sylvatic habitats by a Trypanosoma cruzi-infected scent detection dog in Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010813. [PMID: 36940217 PMCID: PMC10063167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatomine insects, vectors of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), are challenging to locate in sylvatic habitats. Collection techniques used in the United States often rely on methods to intercept seasonally dispersing adults or on community scientists' encounters. Neither method is suited for detecting nest habitats likely to harbor triatomines, which is important for vector surveillance and control. Furthermore, manual inspection of suspected harborages is difficult and unlikely to reveal novel locations and host associations. Similar to a team that used a trained dog to detect sylvatic triatomines in Paraguay, we worked with a trained scent detection dog to detect triatomines in sylvatic locations across Texas. PRINCIPLE METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Ziza, a 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer previously naturally infected with T. cruzi, was trained to detect triatomines. Over the course of 6 weeks in the fall of 2017, the dog and her handler searched at 17 sites across Texas. The dog detected 60 triatomines at 6 sites; an additional 50 triatomines were contemporaneously collected at 1 of these sites and 2 additional sites without the assistance of the dog. Approximately 0.98 triatomines per hour were found when only humans were conducting searches; when working with the dog, approximately 1.71 triatomines per hour were found. In total, 3 adults and 107 nymphs of four species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri, Triatoma protracta, Triatoma sanguisuga, and Triatoma indictiva) were collected. PCR testing of a subset revealed T. cruzi infection, including DTUs TcI and TcIV, in 27% of nymphs (n = 103) and 66% of adults (n = 3). Bloodmeal analysis of a subset of triatomines (n = 5) revealed feeding on Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE A trained scent detection dog enhanced triatomine detections in sylvatic habitats. This approach is effective at detecting nidicolous triatomines. Control of sylvatic sources of triatomines is challenging, but this new knowledge of specific sylvatic habitats and key hosts may reveal opportunities for novel vector control methods to block the transmission of T. cruzi to humans and domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Justin Bejcek
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Walter D. Roachell
- Public Health Command Central, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thomas Leo Cropper
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio Texas
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Fiatsonu E, Busselman RE, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Ndeffo-Mbah ML. Effectiveness of fluralaner treatment regimens for the control of canine Chagas disease: A mathematical modeling study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011084. [PMID: 36693084 PMCID: PMC9897538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by insect triatomine vectors known as kissing bugs. The agent can cause cardiac damage and long-term heart disease and death in humans, dogs, and other mammals. In laboratory settings, treatment of dogs with systemic insecticides has been shown to be highly efficacious at killing triatomines that feed on treated dogs. METHOD We developed compartmental vector-host models of T. cruzi transmission between the triatomine and dog population accounting for the impact of seasonality and triatomine migration on disease transmission dynamics. We considered a single vector-host model without seasonality, and model with seasonality, and a spatially coupled model. We used the models to evaluate the effectiveness of the insecticide fluralaner with different durations of treatment regimens for reducing T. cruzi infection in different transmission settings. RESULTS In low and medium transmission settings, our model showed a marginal difference between the 3-month and 6-month regimens for reducing T. cruzi infection among dogs. The difference increases in the presence of seasonality and triatomine migration from a sylvatic transmission setting. In high transmission settings, the 3-month regimen was substantially more effective in reducing T. cruzi infections in dogs than the other regimens. Our model showed that increased migration rate reduces fluralaner effectiveness in all treatment regimens, but the relative reduction in effectiveness is minimal during the first years of treatment. However, if an additional 10% or more of triatomines killed by dog treatment were eaten by dogs, treatment could increase T. cruzi infections in the dog population at least during the first year of treatment. CONCLUSION Our analysis shows that treating all peridomestic dogs every three to six months for at least five years could be an effective measure to reduce T. cruzi infections in dogs and triatomines in peridomestic transmission settings. However, further studies at the local scale are needed to better understand the potential impact of routine use of fluralaner treatment on increasing dogs' consumption of dead triatomines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edem Fiatsonu
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Majeau A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Dumonteil E, Herrera C. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi infecting raccoons ( Procyon lotor) in 2 metropolitan areas of southern Louisiana: implications for parasite transmission networks. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36788672 PMCID: PMC10090583 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000070] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, exists as an anthropozoonosis in Louisiana. Raccoons are an important reservoir, as they demonstrate high prevalence and maintain high parasitaemia longer than other mammals. Given the complex nature of parasite transmission networks and importance of raccoons as reservoirs that move between sylvatic and domestic environments, detailing the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in raccoons is crucial to assess risk to human health. Using a next-generation sequencing approach targeting the mini-exon, parasite diversity was assessed in 2 metropolitan areas of Louisiana. Sequences were analysed along with those previously identified in other mammals and vectors to determine if any association exists between ecoregion and parasite diversity. Parasites were identified from discrete typing units (DTUs) TcI, TcII, TcIV, TcV and TcVI. DTUs TcII, TcV and TcVI are previously unreported in raccoons in the United States (US). TcI was the most abundant DTU, comprising nearly 80% of all sequences. All but 1 raccoon harboured multiple haplotypes, some demonstrating mixed infections of different DTUs. Furthermore, there is significant association between DTU distribution and level III ecoregion in Louisiana. Finally, while certain sequences were distributed across multiple tissues, others appeared to have tissue-specific tropism. Taken together, these findings indicate that ongoing surveillance of T. cruzi in the US should be undertaken across ecoregions to fully assess risk to human health. Given potential connections between parasite diversity and clinical outcomes, deep sequencing technologies are crucial and interventions targeting raccoons may prove useful in mitigating human health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - A. Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Gulas-Wroblewski BE, Gorchakov R, Kairis RB, Dowler RC, Murray KO. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the Etiologic Agent of Chagas Disease, Infection in Texas Skunks (Mammalia: Mephitidae). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:18-28. [PMID: 36633561 PMCID: PMC10024073 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0056] [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: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chagas disease is one of the world's most neglected tropical diseases, infecting over six million people across the Americas. The hemoparasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent for the disease, circulating in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic transmission cycles that are maintained by triatomine vectors and a diversity of wild and synanthropic hosts. Public health and wildlife management interventions targeting the interruption of T. cruzi transmission rely on an understanding of the dynamics driving the ecology of this zoonotic pathogen. One wildlife host that purportedly plays a role in the transmission of Chagas disease within the southern United States is the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), although infection prevalence in this species is poorly understood. Materials and Methods: To this end, we conducted a PCR-based surveillance of T. cruzi in 235 wild skunks, representing 4 species, across 76 counties and 10 ecoregions in Texas, United States, along with an evaluation of risk factors associated with the infection. Results: We recovered an overall T. cruzi prevalence of 17.9% for all mephitid taxa aggregated, ranging between 6.7% for plains spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius interrupta) and 42.9% for western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis). We report the first cases of T. cruzi infection in plains spotted and American hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus), of important note for conservation medicine since populations of both species are declining within Texas. Although not statistically significant, we also detected trends for juveniles to exhibit greater infection risk than adults and for differential sex biases in T. cruzi prevalence between taxa, which align with variations in species-specific seasonal activity patterns. No geographic or taxonomic risk factors were identified. Conclusion: Our study contributed key data for population viability analyses and epidemiologic models in addition to providing a baseline for future T. cruzi surveillance among skunks and other wildlife species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie E. Gulas-Wroblewski
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rodion Gorchakov
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca B. Kairis
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert C. Dowler
- Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, USA
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Torhorst CW, White ZS, Bhosale CR, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Identification of the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, in multiple tissues of epidemiological significance in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Implications for environmental and vertical transmission routes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010974. [PMID: 36534706 PMCID: PMC9810149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, is endemic to the Americas and the causative agent of Chagas disease in humans. In South America, opossums facilitate transmission via infected anal gland secretions in addition to transmission via triatomine vectors. In North America, the Virginia opossum is a reservoir host for the parasite with transmission routes that are not clearly defined. The unique biology of this marsupial provides the opportunity to investigate vertical transmission in this wildlife species in situ. Our objectives were to investigate alternative routes of transmission that may facilitate spillover into other species and to determine if vertical transmission was evident. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Virginia opossums were sampled at 10 trapping locations over a 10-month period in a 5-county region of north central Florida. Peripheral blood, fecal swabs, and anal gland secretions were collected from each adult individual, and peripheral blood was collected from joey opossums. Total DNA was extracted from each collected sample type, and T. cruzi infected individuals and the infecting Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) were identified using real time PCR methods. Adult Virginia opossums (n = 112) were infected with T. cruzi (51.8%, 95% CI [42.6-60.8%]) throughout the sampled period and at each location. T. cruzi DNA was found in each of the three biological sample types. Vertical transmission of T. cruzi was inferred in one litter of mother-dependent (n = 20, 5.0%, 95% CI [0.9-23.6%]) joey opossums where 2 joeys from this same litter were rtPCR positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We inferred vertical transmission from mother to neonate which may serve to amplify the prevalence of T. cruzi in adult Virginia opossums. T. cruzi DNA was detected in the anal gland secretions of Virginia opossums. Infected anal gland secretions suggest a possible environmental route of transmission for T. cruzi via the deposition of contaminated feces and spraint at wildlife latrines. Only DTU1 was identified in the sampled population which is consistent with human autochthonous cases in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chanakya R. Bhosale
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Agudelo Higuita NI, Bronze MS, Smith JW, Montgomery SP. Chagas disease in Oklahoma. Am J Med Sci 2022; 364:521-528. [PMID: 35623395 PMCID: PMC10421564 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2022.03.018] [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: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is one of the leading public health problems in the Western Hemisphere. The parasite is mainly transmitted by contact with infected insect vectors but other forms of transmission are important in endemic areas. In the United States, while the disease is largely restricted to immigrants from endemic countries in Latin America, there is some risk of local acquisition. T. cruzi circulates in a sylvatic cycle between mammals and local triatomine insects in the southern half of the country, where human residents may be at risk for incidental infection. There are several reported cases of locally-acquired Chagas disease in the United States, but there is a paucity of information in Oklahoma. We present a brief summary of the available data of Chagas disease in Oklahoma to raise awareness and serve as a foundation for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Iván Agudelo Higuita
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Michael S Bronze
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Susan P Montgomery
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hamer SA, Saunders AB. Veterinary Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) in the United States. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1267-1281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
41
|
Islam SI, Sanjida S, Ahmed SS, Almehmadi M, Allahyani M, Aljuaid A, Alsaiari AA, Halawi M. Core Proteomics and Immunoinformatic Approaches to Design a Multiepitope Reverse Vaccine Candidate against Chagas Disease. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101669. [PMID: 36298534 PMCID: PMC9607777 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101669] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a tropical ailment indigenous to South America and caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which has serious health consequences globally. Insect vectors transmit the parasite and, due to the lack of vaccine availability and limited treatment options, we implemented an integrated core proteomics analysis to design a reverse vaccine candidate based on immune epitopes for disease control. Firstly, T. cruzi core proteomics was used to identify immunodominant epitopes. Therefore, we designed the vaccine sequence to be non-allergic, antigenic, immunogenic, and to have better solubility. After predicting the tertiary structure, docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) were performed with TLR4, MHC-I, and MHC-II receptors to discover the binding affinities. The final vaccine design demonstrated significant hydrogen bond interactions upon docking with TLR4, MHC-I, and MHC-II receptors. This indicated the efficacy of the vaccine candidate. A server-based immune simulation approach was generated to predict the efficacy. Significant structural compactness and binding stability were found based on MDS. Finally, by optimizing codons on Escherichia coli K12, a high GC content and CAI value were obtained, which were then incorporated into the cloning vector pET2+ (a). Thus, the developed vaccine sequence may be a viable therapy option for Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sk Injamamul Islam
- The International Graduate Program of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Technology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
| | - Saloa Sanjida
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Sunzid Ahmed
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mazen Almehmadi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdouh Allahyani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Aljuaid
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahad Amer Alsaiari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa Halawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 54943, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Choudhuri S, Garg NJ. Platelets, Macrophages, and Thromboinflammation in Chagas Disease. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:5689-5706. [PMID: 36217453 PMCID: PMC9547606 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s380896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a major health problem in the Americas and an emerging health problem in Europe and other nonendemic countries. Several studies have documented persistence of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and oxidative and inflammatory stress are major pathogenic factor. Mural and cardiac thrombi, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy are major clinical features of CD. During T. cruzi infection, parasite-released factors induce endothelial dysfunction along with platelet (PLT) and immune-cell activation. PLTs have a fundamental role in maintaining hemostasis and preventing bleeding after vascular injury. Excessive activation of PLTs and coagulation cascade can result in thrombosis and thromboembolic events, which are recognized to occur in seropositive individuals in early stages of CD when clinically symptomatic heart disease is not apparent. Several host and parasite factors have been identified to signal hypercoagulability and increase the risk of ischemic stroke in early phases of CD. Further, PLT interaction with immune cells and their role in host defense against pathogens and inflammatory processes have only recently been recognized and evolving. In the context of parasitic diseases, PLTs function in directly responding to T. cruzi infection, and PLT interactions with immune cells in shaping the proinflammatory or immunoregulatory function of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils remains elusive. How T. cruzi infection alters systemic microenvironment conditions to influence PLT and immune-cell interactions is not understood. In this review, we discuss the current literature, and extrapolate the mechanistic situations to explain how PLT and innate immune cell (especially monocytes and macrophages) interactions might be sustaining hypercoagulability and thromboinflammation in chronic CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhadip Choudhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW This review examines the most recent literature on the epidemiology and treatment of Chagas Disease and the risk of Chagas Disease Reactivation and donor-derived disease in solid organ transplant recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Chagas disease is caused by infection with the parasite Trypansoma cruzi . In nonendemic countries the disease is seen primarily in immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America where the disease is endemic. Benznidazole or nifurtimox can be used for treatment. Posaconazole and fosravuconazole did not provide any additional benefit compared to benznidazole alone or in combination. A phase 2 randomized controlled trial suggests that shorter or reduced dosed regimes of benznidazole could be used. Based on a large randomized controlled trial, benznidazole is unlikely to have a significant preventive effect for established Chagas cardiomyopathy. Transplantation has become the treatment of choice for individuals with refractory Chagas cardiomyopathy. Cohort studies show similar posttransplant outcomes for these patients compared to other indications. Transplant candidates and donors with chronic T. cruzi infection are at risk for Chagas disease reactivation and transmitting infection. Screening them via serology is the first line of prevention. Recipients with chronic infection and those receiving organs from infected donors should undergo sequential monitoring with polymerase chain reaction for early detection of reactivation and preemptive treatment with antitrypanosomal therapy. SUMMARY Patients with chronic T. cruzi infection can be safely transplanted and be noncardiac organ donors.
Collapse
|
44
|
Bustamante JM, Padilla AM, White B, Auckland LD, Busselman RE, Collins S, Malcolm EL, Wilson BF, Saunders AB, Hamer SA, Tarleton RL. Prophylactic low-dose, bi-weekly benznidazole treatment fails to prevent Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs under intense transmission pressure. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010688. [PMID: 36315597 PMCID: PMC9648846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010688] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi naturally infects a wide variety of wild and domesticated mammals, in addition to humans. Depending on the infection dose and other factors, the acute infection can be life-threatening, and in all cases, the risk of chagasic heart disease is high in persistently infected hosts. Domestic, working, and semi-feral dogs in the Americas are at significant risk of T. cruzi infection and in certain settings in the southern United States, the risk of new infections can exceed 30% per year, even with the use of vector control protocols. In this study, we explored whether intermittent low-dose treatment with the trypanocidal compound benznidazole (BNZ) during the transmission season, could alter the number of new infections in dogs in an area of known, intense transmission pressure. Preliminary studies in mice suggested that twice-weekly administration of BNZ could prevent or truncate infections when parasites were delivered at the mid-point between BNZ doses. Pre-transmission season screening of 126 dogs identified 53 dogs (42.1%) as T. cruzi infection positive, based upon blood PCR and Luminex-based serology. Serial monitoring of the 67 uninfected dogs during the high transmission season (May to October) revealed 15 (22.4%) new infections, 6 in the untreated control group and 9 in the group receiving BNZ prophylaxis, indicating no impact of this prophylaxis regimen on the incidence of new infections. Although these studies suggest that rigorously timed and more potent dosing regimen may be needed to achieve an immediate benefit of prophylaxis, additional studies would be needed to determine if drug prophylaxis reduced disease severity despite this failure to prevent new infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Bustamante
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Angel M. Padilla
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brooke White
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Collins
- Chaparral Veterinary Center, Jourdanton, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth L. Malcolm
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Briana F. Wilson
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rick L. Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Dantas ES, Gurgel-Gonçalves R, Maciel-de-Freitas R, Monteiro FA. Simultaneous external and internal marking of Triatoma sordida nymphs: trace element efficacy and microgeographic dispersal in a peridomestic Brazilian Cerrado rural household. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:325. [PMID: 36104804 PMCID: PMC9476309 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) is an important neglected tropical illness, which has the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi as etiological agent and blood-feeding insects of the Triatominae subfamily as vectors. Despite its importance for disease epidemiology, field studies targeting microgeographic dispersal of triatomines in endemic areas are rare. The ability wingless nymphs have to move (crawl) within peridomestic settings is a key component regarding the design and development of rational control strategies. Methods We double-marked Triatoma sordida fourth-instar nymphs (N4) with a reliable fluorescent dye and a trace element. This new methodology allowed us to simultaneously evaluate (i) nymph dispersal and (ii) the effectiveness of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) trace elements as potential new markers. In the mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiment, 390 T. sordida N4 were released in the peridomicile of a single rural household, 130 individuals at each of three release points, at distances of 2, 5, and 10 m from the chicken coop (CC) and 27, 32, and 35 m away from the horse corral (HC). All specimens were double marked (Cu/blue, Cr/orange, Cd/green). Recaptures occurred in two intervals: 1–3 days and 15–17 days after release. Results Specimens were successfully recaptured at all distances up to 10 m. A total of 19, 23, and 10 specimens were able to disperse 2, 5, and 10 m, respectively, to reach the CC. No insects were recaptured at the HC. Of the three analyte/paint combinations tested, Cr/orange gave the most promising results; Cu/blue marker and Cd/green marker performed very poorly with only 4/19 and 0/10 analyte/paint ratios, respectively. Conclusions Triatoma sordida N4 could cover a distance of 10 m in 17 days. This indicates that nymphs seem to have a reduced dispersal capability compared to adults. Ninety-one percent of the 22 recaptured orange-marked nymphs were still Cr positive after the 17-day period evaluated. This makes this analyte a good candidate for future investigations that will apply this marking method in MRR studies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Collapse
|
46
|
Jameson SB, Cloherty E, Londono-Renteria B, Wesson DM. Chagas Disease in the Southeastern USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
47
|
Montoya AL, Carvajal EG, Ortega-Rodriguez U, Estevao IL, Ashmus RA, Jankuru SR, Portillo S, Ellis CC, Knight CD, Alonso-Padilla J, Izquierdo L, Pinazo MJ, Gascon J, Suarez V, Watts DM, Malo IR, Ramsey JM, Alarcón De Noya B, Noya O, Almeida IC, Michael K. A Branched and Double Alpha-Gal-Bearing Synthetic Neoglycoprotein as a Biomarker for Chagas Disease. Molecules 2022; 27:5714. [PMID: 36080480 PMCID: PMC9457857 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects 6-7 million people worldwide. The diagnosis is still challenging, due to extensive parasite diversity encompassing seven genotypes (TcI-VI and Tcbat) with diverse ecoepidemiological, biological, and pathological traits. Chemotherapeutic intervention is usually effective but associated with severe adverse events. The development of safer, more effective therapies is hampered by the lack of biomarker(s) (BMKs) for the early assessment of therapeutic outcomes. The mammal-dwelling trypomastigote parasite stage expresses glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucins (tGPI-MUC), whose O-glycans are mostly branched with terminal, nonreducing α-galactopyranosyl (α-Gal) glycotopes. These are absent in humans, and thus highly immunogenic and inducers of specific CD anti-α-Gal antibodies. In search for α-Gal-based BMKs, here we describe the synthesis of neoglycoprotein NGP11b, comprised of a carrier protein decorated with the branched trisaccharide Galα(1,2)[Galα(1,6)]Galβ. By chemiluminescent immunoassay using sera/plasma from chronic CD (CCD) patients from Venezuela and Mexico and healthy controls, NGP11b exhibited sensitivity and specificity similar to that of tGPI-MUC from genotype TcI, predominant in those countries. Preliminary evaluation of CCD patients subjected to chemotherapy showed a significant reduction in anti-α-Gal antibody reactivity to NGP11b. Our data indicated that NGP11b is a potential BMK for diagnosis and treatment assessment in CCD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba L. Montoya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Elisa G. Carvajal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Uriel Ortega-Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Igor L. Estevao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Roger A. Ashmus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sohan R. Jankuru
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Susana Portillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Cameron C. Ellis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Colin D. Knight
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Veronica Suarez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Douglas M. Watts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Iliana R. Malo
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula 30700, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Janine M. Ramsey
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula 30700, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Belkisyolé Alarcón De Noya
- Sección de Inmunología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1041, Venezuela
| | - Oscar Noya
- Seccion de Biohelmintiasis, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1041, Venezuela
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Katja Michael
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Border Biochemical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bernasconi DA, Dixon WC, Hamilton MT, Helton JL, Chipman RB, Gilbert AT, Beasley JC, Rhodes OE, Dharmarajan G. Influence of landscape attributes on Virginia opossum density. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Bernasconi
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Wesley C. Dixon
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Matthew T. Hamilton
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - James L. Helton
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Richard B. Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services Concord NH 03301 USA
| | - Amy T. Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services Fort Collins CO 80521 USA
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Drawer E Aiken SC 29802 USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, Sri City Andhra Pradesh India
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Alvarado A, Mader EM, Buttke D, Harrington LC. Southwestern national park service employee risk, knowledge, and concern for triatomine exposure: A qualitative analysis using a novel knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010744. [PMID: 36048871 PMCID: PMC9473629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected parasitic infection in the United States (US). In the Southwestern US, National Park Service (NPS) employees are a unique population with potential exposure to CD. This population lives in close contact with several species of sylvatic triatomine bugs, the vectors of T. cruzi, that may enter residential buildings at night. Despite the higher potential risk of CD transmission for southwestern NPS employees, the socio-cultural factors that impact autochthonous CD transmission in the US remain unknown. To address this gap, we investigated how NPS employee knowledge and attitudes impact their triatomine preventive behaviors. We distributed a 42-item online questionnaire to NPS employees at four national parks in Arizona and Texas. We detected high self-reported bite exposure in NPS housing, despite moderate- to high-frequency of prevention behaviors. Specific behaviors, such as often or always repairing window screens, were associated with a decreased risk of putative triatomine bug exposure. Additionally, NPS employees had low knowledge of CD. For those with greater knowledge of CD, it was not associated with increased frequency of prevention behavior. We found that increased CD anxiety was associated with increased personal agency to reduce the risk of CD. These results demonstrate the influence of knowledge and attitudes regarding CD on triatomine prevention behavior within a potential high-risk population in the US, and the importance of utilizing strategies beyond provision of education to influence behaviors. Chagas disease (CD), a neglected vector-borne disease, negatively impacts 300,000 United States citizens in present time. The parasite that causes CD, Trypanosoma cruzi, is spread through the infected feces of triatomine bugs. Vector-borne transmission risk is considered highest in the southwestern United States, where there is greater triatomine diversity. Southwestern National Park Service (NPS) employees are a unique population regarding human-CD risk because they live in close contact with several species of triatomines. However, CD transmission does not solely result from biological factors; sociocultural factors, including what human populations understand and what they do in response to a disease, are integral for vector-borne agent spread. Therefore, we investigated how NPS employee knowledge and attitudes impact their triatomine preventive behaviors. We detected high self-reported triatomine bug bite exposure in southwestern national parks. Additionally, NPS employees overall had low knowledge of CD, but greater knowledge of CD was not associated with better practices. Human emotions, behavior, and environmental factors are deeply rooted within the CD transmission cycle. This research adds to the growing body of literature on the CD knowledge, attitudes, and practices of a high-risk population in the US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Alvarado
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily M. Mader
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Danielle Buttke
- Office of Public Health and Wildlife Health Branch, National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Harrington
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Paula AT, Ribeiro KVG, Cardoso KF, Bastos DSS, Santos EC, Novaes RD, Cardoso SA, Oliveira LL. Protective immunity triggered by ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-based biopharmaceuticals attenuates cardiac parasitism and prevents mortality in Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 72:116966. [PMID: 35998390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116966] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a potentially fatal infection in 21 endemic Latin America countries for which the effectiveness of reference antiparasitic chemotherapy is limited. Thus, we developed three biopharmaceuticals and evaluated the effectiveness of different immunization strategies (recombinant protein NTPDase-1 [rNTPDase-1], DNA plasmid encoding Trypanosoma cruzi NTPDase-1 [TcNTPDase-1] and DNA-NTPDase-1 prime/rNTPDase-1 boost [Prime-boost]) based on the surface ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (ecto-NTPDase) enzyme of T. cruzi in animals challenged with a virulent strain (Y) of this parasite. BALB/c mice were immunized three times at 30 days intervals, challenged with T. cruzi 15 days after the last immunization, and euthanized 30 days after T. cruzi challenge. Our results showed limited polarization of specific anti-ecto-NTPDase immunoglobulins in mice receiving both immunization protocols. Conversely, the Prime-boost strategy stimulated the Th1 protective phenotype, upregulating TNF-α and downregulating IL-10 production while increasing the activation/distribution of CD3+/CD8+, CD4+/CD44hi and CD8+/CD44hi/CD62L cells in immunized and infected mice. Furthermore, IL-6 and IL10 levels were reduced, while the distribution of CD4+/CD44hi and CD3+/CD8+ cells was increased from rNTPDase-1 and DNA-NTPDase1-based immunization strategies. Animals receiving DNA-NTPDase1 and Prime-boost protocols before T. cruzi challenged exhibited an enhanced immunological response associated with IL-17 upregulation and remarkable downregulation of heart parasitism (T. cruzi DNA) and mortality. These findings indicated that NTPDase-1 with Prime-boost strategy induced a protective and sustained Th17 response, enhancing host resistance against T. cruzi. Thus, ecto-NTPDase is a potentially relevant and applicable in the development of biopharmaceuticals with greater immunoprophylactic potential for Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eliziária Cardoso Santos
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, MG, Brazil
| | - Silvia Almeida Cardoso
- Department of Medicine and Nursing, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|