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Das BC, Chokkalingam P, Shareef MA, Shukla S, Das S, Saito M, Weiss LM. Methionine aminopeptidases: Potential therapeutic target for microsporidia and other microbes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13036. [PMID: 39036929 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) have emerged as a target for medicinal chemists in the quest for novel therapeutic agents for treating cancer, obesity, and other disorders. Methionine aminopeptidase is a metalloenzyme with two structurally distinct forms in humans, MetAP-1 and MetAP-2. The MetAP2 inhibitor fumagillin, which was used as an amebicide in the 1950s, has been used for the successful treatment of microsporidiosis in humans; however, it is no longer commercially available. Despite significant efforts and investments by many pharmaceutical companies, no new MetAP inhibitors have been approved for the clinic. Several lead compounds have been designed and synthesized by researchers as potential inhibitors of MetAP and evaluated for their potential activity in a wide range of diseases. MetAP inhibitors such as fumagillin, TNP-470, beloranib, and reversible inhibitors and their analogs guide new prospects for MetAP inhibitor development in the ongoing quest for new pharmacological indications. This perspective provides insights into recent advances related to MetAP, as a potential therapeutic target in drug discovery, bioactive small molecule MetAP2 inhibitors, and data on the role of MetAP-2 as a therapeutic target for microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar C Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Parthiban Chokkalingam
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mohammed Adil Shareef
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Srushti Shukla
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Sasmita Das
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mariko Saito
- Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA
| | - Louis M Weiss
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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2
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Tang L, Sabi MM, Fu M, Guan J, Wang Y, Xia T, Zheng K, Qu H, Han B. Host cell manipulation by microsporidia secreted effectors: Insights into intracellular pathogenesis. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13029. [PMID: 39030770 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13029] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia are prolific producers of effector molecules, encompassing both proteins and nonproteinaceous effectors, such as toxins, small RNAs, and small peptides. These secreted effectors play a pivotal role in the pathogenicity of microsporidia, enabling them to subvert the host's innate immunity and co-opt metabolic pathways to fuel their own growth and proliferation. However, the genomes of microsporidia, despite falling within the size range of bacteria, exhibit significant reductions in both structural and physiological features, thereby affecting the repertoire of secretory effectors to varying extents. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding how microsporidia modulate host cells through the secretion of effectors, highlighting current challenges and proposed solutions in deciphering the complexities of microsporidial secretory effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Tang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Musa Makongoro Sabi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Fu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyu Guan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Yongliang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongnan Qu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Shandong University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Shandong University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Sak B, Mansfeldová K, Brdíčková K, Gottliebová P, Nyčová E, Holubová N, Fenclová J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Microsporidia in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Immunocompetent Patients, Czech Republic. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1263-1266. [PMID: 38782145 PMCID: PMC11138996 DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.231585] [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: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed of 211 frozen cerebrospinal fluid samples from immunocompetent persons in the Czech Republic and detected 6 Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive samples. Microsporidiosis is generally underestimated and patients are not usually tested for microsporidia, but latent infection in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients can cause serious complications if not detected and treated.
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Jian J, Zi J, Wang Y, Yang Y, Su Y, Yao L, Li B, Peng X, Cao J, Shen Y, Liu A. Occurrence and genetic characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China. Parasite 2024; 31:27. [PMID: 38787023 PMCID: PMC11120511 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian species in humans and can affect over 200 animal species. Considering possible increasing risk of human E. bieneusi infection due to close contact with pet dogs and identification of zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes, 589 fresh fecal specimens of pet dogs were collected from Yunnan Province, China to determine the occurrence of E. bieneusi, characterize dog-derived E. bieneusi isolates, and assess their zoonotic potential at the genotype level. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was identified and genotyped by PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Twenty-nine specimens (4.9%) were positive. A statistical difference was observed in occurrence rates of E. bieneusi in pet dogs among 11 sampling sites by Fisher's exact test. Fifteen genotypes were identified and all of them phylogenetically belonged to zoonotic group 1, including four known genotypes (EbpC, D, Peru 8, and Henan-III) and 11 novel genotypes. Genotype Henan-III was reported in dogs for the first time. The finding of known genotypes found previously in humans and novel genotypes falling into zoonotic group 1 indicates that dogs may play a role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans in the investigated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Jian
- Hangzhou Medical College Hangzhou 310000 PR China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases Shanghai 200025 PR China
| | - Jinrong Zi
- Department of Helminth, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Puer 655099 PR China
| | - Yaxue Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases Shanghai 200025 PR China
| | - Yaming Yang
- Department of Helminth, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Puer 655099 PR China
| | - Yaxing Su
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases Shanghai 200025 PR China
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University Harbin 150081 PR China
| | - Benfu Li
- Department of Helminth, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Puer 655099 PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases Shanghai 200025 PR China
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases Shanghai 200025 PR China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- Hangzhou Medical College Hangzhou 310000 PR China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases Shanghai 200025 PR China
| | - Aiqin Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Harbin Medical University Harbin 150081 PR China
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Khalaf A, Francis O, Blaxter ML. Genome evolution in intracellular parasites: Microsporidia and Apicomplexa. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13033. [PMID: 38785208 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13033] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia and Apicomplexa are eukaryotic, single-celled, intracellular parasites with huge public health and economic importance. Typically, these parasites are studied separately, emphasizing their uniqueness and diversity. In this review, we explore the huge amount of genomic data that has recently become available for the two groups. We compare and contrast their genome evolution and discuss how their transitions to intracellular life may have shaped it. In particular, we explore genome reduction and compaction, genome expansion and ploidy, gene shuffling and rearrangements, and the evolution of centromeres and telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Khalaf
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ore Francis
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
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Holubová N, Zikmundová V, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Rajský M, Konečný R, Rost M, Mravcová K, Sak B, Kváč M. Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in feral and captive pigeons in Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:158. [PMID: 38460006 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results show that pigeon populations in Central Europe are parasitised by different species of Cryptosporidium and genotypes of microsporidia of the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon. A total of 634 and 306 faecal samples of captive and feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) from 44 locations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland were analysed for the presence of parasites by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rDNA), 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of SSU rDNA. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. galli and C. ornithophilus, E. hellem genotype 1A and 2B, E. cuniculi genotype I and II and E. bieneusi genotype Peru 6, CHN-F1, D, Peru 8, Type IV, ZY37, E, CHN4, SCF2 and WR4. Captive pigeons were significantly more frequently parasitised with screened parasite than feral pigeons. Cryptosporidium meleagridis IIIa and a new subtype IIIl have been described, the oocysts of which are not infectious to immunodeficient mice, whereas chickens are susceptible. This investigation demonstrates that pigeons can be hosts to numerous species, genotypes and subtypes of the studied parasites. Consequently, they represent a potential source of infection for both livestock and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Zikmundová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Matúš Rajský
- Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, National Agricultural and Food Centre, Lužianky, Slovakia
| | - Roman Konečný
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Mravcová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Sak B, Gottliebová P, Nyčová E, Holubová N, Fenclová J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in Patients with Degenerative Hip and Knee Disease, Czech Republic. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:469-477. [PMID: 38289719 PMCID: PMC10902539 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231263] [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: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Total joint arthroplasty is a commonly used surgical procedure in orthopedics. Revision surgeries are required in >10% of patients mainly because of prosthetic joint infection caused by bacteria or aseptic implant loosening caused by chronic inflammation. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidium, an obligate intracellular parasite, capable of exploiting migrating proinflammatory immune cells for dissemination within the host. We used molecular detection methods to evaluate the incidence of E. cuniculi among patients who had total hip or knee arthroplasty revision. Out of 49 patients, E. cuniculi genotypes I, II, or III were confirmed in joint samples from 3 men and 2 women who had implant loosening. Understanding the risks associated with the presence of microsporidia in periprosthetic joint infections is essential for proper management of arthroplasty. Furthermore, E. cuniculi should be considered a potential contributing cause of joint inflammation and arthrosis.
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Uematsu M, Mohamed YH, Kusano M, Inoue D, Harada K, Tang D, Kitaoka T, Yagita K. Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis - first outbreak in Japan. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:752. [PMID: 37915107 PMCID: PMC10621313 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08767-y] [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] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most cases of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis are found in the Southern hemisphere. Our purpose was to investigate the first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in Japan among healthy, immunocompetent soccer players from the same team during a 1-month period. CASE PRESENTATION This study is an observational case series. The medical records were analyzed for five cases with microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis who presented within September 2022. All five cases were males between 28 and 36 years old. These previously healthy individuals belonged to the same football team. Their eyes were considered susceptible to contaminated water or dirt from the turf at game and practice sites. All cases involved unilateral conjunctivitis, with scattered round white lesions that showed positive fluorescein staining in the corneal epithelium. All cases experienced diminution of vision in the affected eye. In three cases, direct smears showed spores of approximately 2-3 μm in diameter. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of corneal scrapes revealed partial amplification of microsporidial 18 S ribosomal RNA gene in four cases. Sequences of PCR products from all four cases showed 100% identity with strains of Vittaforma corneae previously reported from an outbreak in Singapore. All cases were treated with topical therapy, including voriconazole, fluorometholone, and levofloxacin. Four eyes underwent corneal scraping. After treatment, all eyes healed without residual opacities. CONCLUSIONS Only a few sporadic case reports of this disease have previously been reported in Japan. We detected V. corneae in our case series, representing what appears to be the first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in Japan. Exposure to contaminated water or soil, in addition to inadequate sanitary facilities, represents a potential source of infection. Further investigations to clarify the characteristics of microsporidia seem warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Uematsu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yasser Helmy Mohamed
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.
| | - Mao Kusano
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Daisuke Inoue
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kohei Harada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Diya Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Kitaoka
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kenji Yagita
- Department of Parasitology, The National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Ahmadi B, Sarvi S, Keihanian S, Davoudi L, Daryani A, Mirjalali H, Ahmadpour E, Sadeghi M, Shariatzadeh SA, Shakeri S, Hosseini SA. Microscopic and Molecular Investigation of Intestinal Microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS and Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:690-698. [PMID: 37566357 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00704-y] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and comparing the results to healthy individuals in Mazandaran province, north of Iran. METHODS Stool samples were collected from 50 HIV + /AIDS patients, 50 cancer patients, and 50 healthy samples referred to medical centers in north of Iran. Stool samples were kept in 2.5% potassium dichromate at 4 °C, and stained by modified trichrome for light microscopy examination. The multiplex/nested-PCR targeted the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. To characterize genotypes, the nested PCR products sequenced by Bioneer Company and was subjected to phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS Ten of 50 samples (20%) of HIV + /AIDS patients, 5 of 50 samples (10%) of cancer patients, and 1 of healthy individuals (2%) were microscopically positive. From 50 HIV + / AIDS patients, E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. were detected in 10 (20%) and 6 (12%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, among cancer patients, 7 (14%) and 2 (4%) cases were E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Out of 50 samples of healthy individuals, only 3 (6%) cases of E. bieneusi were observed. The genotypes D and M were detected among positive samples of E. bieneusi. CONCLUSIONS E. bieneusi and then Encephalitozoon spp. are common intestinal microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Mazandaran province. E. bieneusi genotype D seems to be the predominant genotype in Mazandaran province. Due to the considerable prevalence of intestinal microsporidia, physicians are advised to pay more attention to this opportunistic infection in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bentolhoda Ahmadi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahrbanoo Keihanian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Lotfollah Davoudi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mitra Sadeghi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Shakeri
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.
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Mohanty A, Sahu SK, Sharma S, Mittal R, Behera HS, Das S, Lakhmipathy M. Past, present, and prospects in microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis- A review. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:364-377. [PMID: 34419638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ocular microsporidiosis comprises two entirely different spectra of disease as keratoconjunctivitis and stromal keratitis. Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) has been increasingly reported in the past two decades, probably due to raised awareness, simpler diagnostic procedures, and a better understanding of the clinical presentation. It is characterized by the presence of raised, coarse, punctate, multifocal, round to oval, greyish-white corneal epithelial lesions which usually evolve into nummular scars before resolution. Conjunctivitis seen is non-purulent and of mild-moderate intensity, with mixed papillary-follicular reaction. The mode of transmission and pathogenesis is poorly understood. Despite lack of inflammatory response, uncommon associations reported were- endotheliitis, corneal edema, limbitis, uveitis, and sub-epithelial infiltrates. There has been no consensus on the management of MKC. It varies from the use of multiple antimicrobial agents to simple lubricants. The majority of the disease goes underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed and treated as adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, with topical steroids or anti-virals empirically. Changing trends have been noticed in the pattern of infection, possibly with increasing evidence of Vittaforma corneae as causative organisms, previously reported to cause stromal keratitis. An elaborate review of the past and present literature on MKC is provided in this review article, along with gaps in knowledge, and future directions of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Mohanty
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Srikant K Sahu
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ruchi Mittal
- Kanupriya Dalmia Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Department of Pathology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Himansu Sekhar Behera
- Ocular Microbiology Service, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sujata Das
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Meena Lakhmipathy
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
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Lichtmannsperger K, Harl J, Roehl SR, Schoiswohl J, Eibl C, Wittek T, Hinney B, Wiedermann S, Joachim A. Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:333-340. [PMID: 36394671 PMCID: PMC9669533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07733-y] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals, and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, J (n = 2), I (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3), and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. The uncorrected p-distance between the four ITS1 lineages (344 bp) ranges from 0.3% to 2.9%. The lineages differ by 1 bp (I and J), 2 bp (J and BEB4), and 3 bp (I and BEB4), respectively, and BEB8 differs by 7 to 10 bp from the latter three lineages. Two of the E. bieneusi-positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves > 3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤ 3 weeks (6/118), respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lichtmannsperger
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Rosa Roehl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Schoiswohl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cassandra Eibl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wittek
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Wiedermann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Case Report: Microsporidial Endophthalmitis after Penetrating Eye Trauma. Optom Vis Sci 2022; 99:830-832. [PMID: 36413632 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE In the recent past, there are increasing publications on microsporidia affecting the cornea in Asian population. However, microsporidia-causing endophthalmitis has been rarely reported. This report intends to draw the attention of eye care professionals to consider microsporidia as a differential diagnosis in cases of keratitis or endophthalmitis after ocular trauma. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report a case of microsporidial endophthalmitis after corneal tear in an otherwise healthy patient. CASE REPORT A 62-year-old healthy gentleman sustained injury to the left eye cornea with the tip of a soiled and wet screw driver. Two days after the corneal tear suturing, he complained of pain. On examination, circumcorneal congestion with hypopyon of 2 mm in height was present. Vitreous tap and intravitreal antibiotics were injected. Vitreous tap showed microsporidia. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed. His vision improved to 6/12. CONCLUSIONS Microsporidia are an emerging cause of stromal keratitis. In the recent past, there has been an increase in microsporidial keratitis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. History of trauma especially in rainy season and exposure to soil are reported risk factors. This is a case report on microsporidia-causing endophthalmitis after corneal tear repair. Ophthalmologists and optometrists should be aware of the possibility of microsporidia as a potential pathogen causing stromal keratitis or endophthalmitis in a setting of ocular trauma. Early treatment can result in good visual recovery.
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Razafiarimanga ZN, Yao YBK, Rajerison M, Randriamampianina LJ, Rahelinirina S, Rakotoarison R, Alexandra B, Elisoa H, Pascal H, Ronan J. Risk factors for intestinal parasite portage in an informal suburb on the West coast of Madagascar. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 19:e00267. [PMID: 36065443 PMCID: PMC9440058 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00267] [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: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The deprived area of the Metzinger Valley in the city of Mahajanga has many healthcare concerns due to repeated flooding during the rainy season. Improving this health situation requires a better knowledge of the pathogens present in this area and of the risk factors favoring their propagation. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the household socioeconomic status and the presence of parasites in the faeces of children between 1 and 10 years of age in order to determine the risk factors for intestinal parasitosis. The study included 746 children, of whom 30% were infected with parasites. Entamoeba coli, a good indicator of environmental fecal contamination, was the most prevalent parasite with an observation frequency of 16.7% followed by Giardia lamblia with a prevalence of 10%. For helminths, Trichuris and Ascaris were the most prevalent respectively 5.4% and 1.8%. A large heterogeneity in the prevalence of parasites was observed from one neighborhood to another. However, multivariate analysis showed that these differences were not related to environmental factors or household structure, but rather to the economic level of the family, the education level of the mother as well as the age of the child. For example, the prevalence of Giardia decreased from 23.5% to 8% for children of mothers with little education to those with higher education, respectively. For E. coli, the prevalence is higher among poor households and school-aged children. In the frame of IRCOD project, mothers are being sensitized to hygiene and risk factors for transmission by intestinal parasites and the present study proposes a multidimensional approach as an assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yves Boris Kouakou Yao
- Department of Parasitology Mycology, Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
| | | | | | | | | | - Bastaraud Alexandra
- Food and water Unit Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Hariniaina Elisoa
- Clinical Biology Laboratory Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Jambou Ronan
- Department of Parasitology Mycology, Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
- Global Health Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Dhiman R, Agarwal S, Anand AR, Lakshmipathy D, Srinivasan B, Iyer G. Coexistence of Fungal Keratitis in Bilateral Sequential Microsporidial Keratitis - A Rare Case Presentation. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022; 30:2062-2064. [PMID: 34464229 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1969412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To report a case of bilateral microsporidiosis with coexisting fungal infection in one eye. METHOD Retrospective interventional case report. RESULTS A 61-year-old man with uncontrolled diabetes presented with clinical and microbiological features of non-resolving fungal keratitis in the right eye since 3 months and underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) for the same. Fungal filaments along with oval bodies suspicious of microconidia were noted on calcofluor stain. A week following TPK, the patient presented with features of viral keratouveitis in the left eye which on microbiology was confirmed as microsporidiosis. Retrospectively, the right eye microbiology slides were reassessed, which confirmed the coexistence of fungus with microsporidiosis by acid-fast stain and polymerase chain reaction. CONCLUSION Structural resemblance of microconidia with microsporidial spores can be misleading, thus creating a need for awareness regarding the possible coexistence along with a need to suspect microsporidiosis in nonresponding clinically resembling viral keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Dhiman
- Dr G Sitalakshmi Memorial Clinic for Ocular Surface Disorders, CJ Shah Cornea Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Shweta Agarwal
- Dr G Sitalakshmi Memorial Clinic for Ocular Surface Disorders, CJ Shah Cornea Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Appakkudal R Anand
- L&T Microbiology Research Centre, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | | | - Bhaskar Srinivasan
- Dr G Sitalakshmi Memorial Clinic for Ocular Surface Disorders, CJ Shah Cornea Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Geetha Iyer
- Dr G Sitalakshmi Memorial Clinic for Ocular Surface Disorders, CJ Shah Cornea Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
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15
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Chou TY, Bansal J, Seidman R, Rahman A, Montalto D. Bilateral microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in a clinically healthy female receiving intravitreal steroid injections: Associations and potential risk factors. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 27:101659. [PMID: 35865661 PMCID: PMC9294491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To present a unique case of bilateral microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in a clinically healthy female receiving intravitreal steroid injections, and explore several associations and potential risk factors. Observations A 75-year-old woman with chronic idiopathic anterior uveitis was receiving regular intravitreal steroid in both eyes for secondary cystoid macular edema. Flare-ups of iritis were usually treated with topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops, but in the left eye the patient also received a few limited courses of topical corticosteroid. The patient regularly instilled topical cyclosporine 0.05% for dry eyes. She was otherwise clinically healthy but had low serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) M levels. There was no history of trauma or exposure to contamination. In her course of treatment, she developed a bilateral punctate keratitis. Corneal scrapings were diagnostic of Microsporidia. Topical voriconazole and moxifloxacin, as well as corneal debridement, were effective in resolving the infection. Conclusions and importance We propose that the factors and associations described in this case--intravitreal steroid, topical steroid, topical cyclosporine, and IgM deficiency--contributed variably to create relative, local, immunologic suppression in our patient. Among these potential risk factors, we believe that intravitreal steroid exposure may be prominent. In aggregate, they facilitated development of her opportunistic microsporidial corneal infection. Eye care specialists should have a high index of suspicion for microsporidial keratitis, if they observe an atypical chronic punctate keratitis in patients with similar clinical associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Y. Chou
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jahnvi Bansal
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Roberta Seidman
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Afra Rahman
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Delia Montalto
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, 101 Nichols Road, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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16
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Lu Y, An G, Wang X, Tang Y, Jin J, Bao J, Zhou Z. Encephalitozoon hellem Infection Promotes Monocytes Extravasation. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080914. [PMID: 36015036 PMCID: PMC9412707 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Microsporidia are a group of obligated intracellular fungus pathogens. Monocytes and the derivative macrophages are among the most important players in host immunity. The invasion of microsporidia may significantly affect the monocytes maturation and extravasation processes. Methods: We utilized a previously established microsporidia infection murine model to investigate the influences of microsporidia Encephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem) infection on monocyte maturation, releasing into the circulation and extravasation to the inflammation site. Flow cytometry and qPCR analysis were used to compare the monocytes and derivative macrophages isolated from bone marrow, peripheral blood and tissues of E. hellem-infected and control mice. Results: The results showed that the pro-inflammatory group of CD11b+Ly-6C+ monocytes are promoted in E. hellem-infected mice. Interestingly, the percentage of Ly-6C+ monocytes from E. hellem-infected mice are significantly lower in peripheral blood while significantly higher in the inflamed small intestine, together with up-regulated ratio of F4/80 macrophage in small intestine as well. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that E. hellem infection leads to promoted monocytes maturation in bone marrow, up-regulation of extravasation from peripheral blood to inflammation site and maturation into macrophages. Our study is the first systematic analysis of monocytes maturation and trafficking during microsporidia infection, and will provide better understanding of the pathogen–host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Lu
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guozhen An
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yunlin Tang
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiangyan Jin
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jialing Bao
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- Sate Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400038, China
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17
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Dong Z, Gao N, Deng B, Huang X, Hu C, Chen P, Wu Q, Lu C, Pan M. Stable transformation of fluorescent proteins into Nosema bombycis by electroporation. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:141. [PMID: 35449112 PMCID: PMC9022262 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microsporidia are a group of intracellular parasitic eukaryotes, serious pathogens that cause widespread infection in humans, vertebrates, and invertebrates. Because microsporidia have a thick spore wall structure, the in vitro transformation, cell culture, and genetic operation technology of microsporidia are far behind that of other parasites. Methods In this study, according to an analysis of the life-cycle of microsporidia, Nosema bombycis, and different electro-transformation conditions, the transduction efficiency of introducing foreign genes into N. bombycis was systematically determined. Results We analyzed the direct electro-transformation of foreign genes into germinating N. bombycis using reporters under the regulation of different characteristic promoters. Furthermore, we systematically determined the efficiency of electro-transformation into N. bombycis under different electro-transformation conditions and different developmental stages through an analysis of the whole life-cycle of N. bombycis. These results revealed that foreign genes could be effectively introduced through a perforation voltage of 100 V pulsed for 15 ms during the period of N. bombycis sporeplasm proliferation. Conclusions We present an effective method for electro-transformation of a plasmid encoding a fluorescent protein into N. bombycis, which provides new insight for establishing genetic modifications and potential applications in these intracellular parasites. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Na Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Boyuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xuhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.,The General Extension Station of Sericulture Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Congwu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China. .,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
| | - Minhui Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China. .,Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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18
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The Brief Case: Sister Fungi in a Patient with AIDS. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0114421. [PMID: 35442074 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01144-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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19
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Sak B, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Tinavská J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Comparison of the Concentration of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotypes I and III in Inflammatory Foci Under Experimental Conditions. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2721-2730. [PMID: 35502243 PMCID: PMC9056047 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s363509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: Bohumil Sak, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Tel +420387775421, Fax +420385310388, Email
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Tinavská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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20
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Wei J, Fei Z, Pan G, Weiss LM, Zhou Z. Current Therapy and Therapeutic Targets for Microsporidiosis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:835390. [PMID: 35356517 PMCID: PMC8959712 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.835390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular, spore-forming parasitic fungi which are grouped with the Cryptomycota. They are both opportunistic pathogens in humans and emerging veterinary pathogens. In humans, they cause chronic diarrhea in immune-compromised patients and infection is associated with increased mortality. Besides their role in pébrine in sericulture, which was described in 1865, the prevalence and severity of microsporidiosis in beekeeping and aquaculture has increased markedly in recent decades. Therapy for these pathogens in medicine, veterinary, and agriculture has become a recent focus of attention. Currently, there are only a few commercially available antimicrosporidial drugs. New therapeutic agents are needed for these infections and this is an active area of investigation. In this article we provide a comprehensive summary of the current as well as several promising new agents for the treatment of microsporidiosis including: albendazole, fumagillin, nikkomycin, orlistat, synthetic polyamines, and quinolones. Therapeutic targets which could be utilized for the design of new drugs are also discussed including: tubulin, type 2 methionine aminopeptidase, polyamines, chitin synthases, topoisomerase IV, triosephosphate isomerase, and lipase. We also summarize reports on the utility of complementary and alternative medicine strategies including herbal extracts, propolis, and probiotics. This review should help facilitate drug development for combating microsporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhihui Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory for Sericulture Functional Genomics Biotechnology of Agricultural Ministry, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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21
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Al-Brhami KAR, Abdul-Ghani R, Al-Qobati SA. Intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Sana'a city, Yemen: first report on prevalence and predictors. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:11. [PMID: 34983416 PMCID: PMC8724650 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-07009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection associated with persistent diarrhea among HIV/AIDS patients. In Yemen, however, its epidemiology is unknown. Therefore, this study determined its prevalence and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sana’a city, the capital of Yemen. Methods This cross-sectional study included 402 patients receiving ART at Al-Jomhori Educational Hospital in Sana’a from November 2019 to December 2020. Data about demographics, clinical characteristics and risk factors were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for microsporidian spores using the Gram-chromotrope Kinyoun staining. Blood samples were also collected and used for CD4 cell counting by flow cytometry. Univariate analysis was used to test the association of patients’ characteristics and risk factors with intestinal microsporidiosis. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to identify the independent predictors of infection. Statistical significance was considered at P-values < 0.05. Results Intestinal microsporidiosis was prevalent among 14.2% (57/402) of HIV/AIDS patients and was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7–6.6; P = 0.001). The significant independent predictors of infection were < 200 CD4 cells/µl (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5–6.9; P = 0.003), not washing hands after contacting soil (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.4; P = 0.026) and before eating (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5–6.4; P = 0.003), eating unwashed raw produce (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.3; P = 0.017) and absence of indoor latrines (AOR 6.2, 95% CI 1.5–25.9; P = 0.012). Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients in Sana'a is high and comparable to that reported from several other countries, being prevalent among approximately 14.0% of patients and significantly associated with diarrhea. It could be predicted among patients who have < 200 CD4 cells/µl, have poor hand hygiene after contacting soil and before eating, usually eat unwashed raw produce, or do not possess indoor latrines. Large-scale studies on its epidemiology and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients across the country are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwkab A R Al-Brhami
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Rashad Abdul-Ghani
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. .,Tropical Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University, of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Salah A Al-Qobati
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
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Abstract
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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23
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Han B, Takvorian PM, Weiss LM. The Function and Structure of the Microsporidia Polar Tube. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:179-213. [PMID: 35544004 PMCID: PMC10037675 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that were initially identified about 160 years ago. Current phylogenetic analysis suggests that they are grouped with Cryptomycota as a basal branch or sister group to the fungi. Microsporidia are found worldwide and can infect a wide range of animals from invertebrates to vertebrates, including humans. They are responsible for a variety of diseases once thought to be restricted to immunocompromised patients but also occur in immunocompetent individuals. The small oval spore containing a coiled polar filament, which is part of the extrusion and invasion apparatus that transfers the infective sporoplasm to a new host, is a defining characteristic of all microsporidia. When the spore becomes activated, the polar filament uncoils and undergoes a rapid transition into a hollow tube that will transport the sporoplasm into a new cell. The polar tube has the ability to increase its diameter from approximately 100 nm to over 600 nm to accommodate the passage of an intact sporoplasm and penetrate the plasmalemma of the new host cell. During this process, various polar tube proteins appear to be involved in polar tube attachment to host cell and can interact with host proteins. These various interactions act to promote host cell infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Peter M Takvorian
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Louis M Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.
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24
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Nosema bombycis microRNA-like RNA 8 (Nb-milR8) Increases Fungal Pathogenicity by Modulating BmPEX16 Gene Expression in Its Host, Bombyx mori. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0104821. [PMID: 34704799 PMCID: PMC8549759 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01048-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Nosema bombycis causes significant economic losses via parasitism of an economically important insect. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulating host and parasite gene expression via mRNA degradation or by inhibiting protein translation. To investigate whether microRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) regulate N. bombycis pathogenesis and to better understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying infection, we constructed small RNA libraries from N. bombycis hyphae during the schizont proliferation period. Eleven novel milRNAs were determined by RNA sequencing and stem-loop reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays. Moreover, a virulence-associated milRNA, Nb-milR8, was identified as critical for N. bombycis proliferation by binding and downregulating expression of its target gene, BmPEX16, in the host during infection. Silencing of Nb-milR8 or overexpression of the target BmPEX16 gene resulted in increased susceptibility of Bombyx mori to N. bombycis infection. Taken together, these results suggest that Nb-milR8 is an important virulence factor that acts as an effector to suppress host peroxidase metabolism, thereby facilitating N. bombycis proliferation. These results provide important novel insights into interactions between pathogenic fungi and their hosts. IMPORTANCE A thorough understanding of fungal pathogen adaptations is essential for treating fungal infections. Recent studies have suggested that the role of small RNAs expressed in fungal microsporidia genomes are important for elucidating the mechanisms of fungal infections. Here, we report 11 novel microRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) from the fungal microsporidium Nosema bombycis and identified NB-milRNAs that adaptively regulate N. bombycis proliferation. In addition, we demonstrate that N. bombycis modulates small RNA (sRNA)-mediated infection by encoding an Nb-miR8 that downregulates the expression of the host peroxidase metabolism protein BmPEX16, which is essential for peroxisome membrane biogenesis and peroxisome assembly. These results significantly contribute to our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of fungi, and especially microsporidia, while providing important targets for genetical engineering-based treatment of microsporidia.
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25
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Itoh N, Kameshima S, Kimura Y. Molecular Identification of Encephalitozoon hellem from Companion Birds Kept in Pet Shops, Japan. Med Mycol J 2021; 62:59-62. [PMID: 34471036 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.21-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the role of companion birds as a reservoir of Encephalitozoon hellem infection in humans, the present study determined the prevalence and genotypes of E. hellem from 269 birds in 4 pet shops using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. E. hellem was identified in 4.8% (13/269) of the birds and was detected in all pet shops. Every positive sample corresponded to zoonotic genotype 1A. Considering the low prevalence of E. hellem infection, it is likely that the risk of zoonotic transmission from companion birds kept in pet shops to humans is low in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Itoh
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Satoshi Kameshima
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Yuya Kimura
- Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
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26
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Santaniello A, Cimmino I, Dipineto L, Agognon AL, Beguinot F, Formisano P, Fioretti A, Menna LF, Oriente F. Zoonotic Risk of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animal-Assisted Interventions: Laboratory Strategies for the Diagnosis of Infections in Humans and Animals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9333. [PMID: 34501921 PMCID: PMC8430659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of animals for therapeutic purposes has very ancient roots. To date, it is clear that animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), in addition to ensuring the replacement of missing or deficient affects, improves psychophysiological parameters connected to human health. However, AAI could potentially present risks related to the transmission of infectious agents from animals to humans. Among these microorganisms, E. cuniculi is a microspore which induces pathological effects (fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness, respiratory symptoms, and weakness) in both humans and animals. Consequently, an accurate and fast diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection, as well as the identification of new diagnostic approaches, is of fundamental importance. This literature review was carried out to provide an extensive and comprehensive analysis of the most recent diagnostic techniques to prevent and care for E. cuniculi-associated risks in the AAI field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ilaria Cimmino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Ayewa Lawoe Agognon
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (A.F.)
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.C.); (A.L.A.); (F.B.); (P.F.); (F.O.)
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27
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Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens identified ∼150 years ago as the cause of pébrine, an economically important infection in silkworms. There are about 220 genera and 1,700 species of microsporidia, which are classified based on their ultrastructural features, developmental cycle, host-parasite relationship, and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that microsporidia are related to the fungi, being grouped with the Cryptomycota as a basal branch or sister group to the fungi. Microsporidia can be transmitted by food and water and are likely zoonotic, as they parasitize a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Infection in humans occurs in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, e.g., in patients with organ transplantation, patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and patients receiving immune modulatory therapy such as anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody. Clusters of infections due to latent infection in transplanted organs have also been demonstrated. Gastrointestinal infection is the most common manifestation; however, microsporidia can infect virtually any organ system, and infection has resulted in keratitis, myositis, cholecystitis, sinusitis, and encephalitis. Both albendazole and fumagillin have efficacy for the treatment of various species of microsporidia; however, albendazole has limited efficacy for the treatment of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. In addition, immune restoration can lead to resolution of infection. While the prevalence rate of microsporidiosis in patients with AIDS has fallen in the United States, due to the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), infection continues to occur throughout the world and is still seen in the United States in the setting of cART if a low CD4 count persists.
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28
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Tanida K, Hahn A, Eberhardt KA, Tannich E, Landt O, Kann S, Feldt T, Sarfo FS, Di Cristanziano V, Frickmann H, Loderstädt U. Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060656. [PMID: 34073403 PMCID: PMC8229491 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is an infection predominantly occurring in immunosuppressed patients and infrequently also in travelers. This study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR assays targeting microsporidia with etiological relevance in the stool of human patients in a latent class analysis-based test comparison without a reference standard with perfect accuracy. Thereby, two one-tube real-time PCR assays and two two-tube real-time PCR assays targeting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalocytozoon spp. were included in the assessment with reference stool material (20), stool samples from Ghanaian HIV-positive patients (903), and from travelers, migrants and Colombian indigenous people (416). Sensitivity of the assays ranged from 60.4% to 97.4% and specificity from 99.1% to 100% with substantial agreement according to Cohen’s kappa of 79.6%. Microsporidia DNA was detected in the reference material and the stool of the HIV patients but not in the stool of the travelers, migrants, and the Colombian indigenous people. Accuracy-adjusted prevalence was 5.8% (n = 78) for the study population as a whole. In conclusion, reliable detection of enteric disease-associated microsporidia in stool samples by real-time PCR could be demonstrated, but sensitivity between the compared microsporidia-specific real-time PCR assays varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Tanida
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana;
| | - Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (K.T.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Loderstädt
- Department of Hospital Hygiene & Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3965709
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29
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Bao J, Mo B, An G, Luo J, Poncz M, Pan G, Li T, Zhou Z. Von Willebrand Factor Facilitates Intravascular Dissemination of Microsporidia Encephalitozoon hellem. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:694957. [PMID: 34095003 PMCID: PMC8176104 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.694957] [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: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of spore-forming, fungus-related pathogens that can infect both invertebrates and vertebrates including humans. The primary infection site is usually digestive tract, but systemic infections occur as well and cause damages to organs such as lung, brain, and liver. The systemic spread of microsporidia may be intravascular, requiring attachment and colonization in the presence of shear stress. Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a large multimeric intravascular protein and the key attachment sites for platelets and coagulation factors. Here in this study, we investigated the interactions between VWF and microsporidia Encephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem), and the modulating effects on E. hellem after VWF binding. Microfluidic assays showed that E. hellem binds to ultra-large VWF strings under shear stress. In vitro germination assay and infection assay proved that E. hellem significantly increased the rates of germination and infection, and these effects would be reversed by VWF blocking antibody. Mass spectrometry analysis further revealed that VWF-incubation altered various aspects of E. hellem including metabolic activity, levels of structural molecules, and protein maturation. Our findings demonstrated that VWF can bind microsporidia in circulation, and modulate its pathogenicity, including promoting germination and infection rate. VWF facilitates microsporidia intravascular spreading and systemic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Biying Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guozhen An
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mortimer Poncz
- Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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30
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Vecková T, Sak B, Samková E, Holubová N, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Hlásková L, Květoňová D, Kváč M. Raw Goat's Milk, Fresh and Soft Cheeses as a Potential Source of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:661-667. [PMID: 33978456 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of pasteurization and coagulation during goat cheese production on the infectivity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi spores for immunodeficient (SCID, CD4-/-, and CD8-/-) and immunocompetent (BALB/c and C57BL/6) mice. Goat milk and fecal samples were screened for the presence and quantity of microsporidial DNA using molecular methods. Experimentally produced cheese from E. cuniculi-enriched goat milk or goat cheese purchased from retail producers was fed with experimental mice susceptible to E. cuniculi infection. The mice were sacrificed in the presumed acute phase of infection and samples of their tissues were subject to molecular detection of specific E. cuniculi DNA. Specific DNA of E. cuniculi genotype II was detected in feces and milk of three out of 99 goats kept on 6 farms in the Czech Republic. Under experimental conditions, spores of E. cuniculi genotype II remained viable in artificially enriched fresh cheese and were able to cause infection in laboratory mice. E. cuniculi genotype I and II DNA were detected in eight of the nine goat cheeses purchased from various producers/breeders in the Czech Republic and these cheeses were able to develop infection in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice. The results of these experiments showed that spores of E. cuniculi genotype I and II are able to remain viable after cheese processing and thus fresh and soft cheeses should be considered a potential source of microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Vecková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Samková
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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31
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Tecle E, Chhan CB, Franklin L, Underwood RS, Hanna-Rose W, Troemel ER. The purine nucleoside phosphorylase pnp-1 regulates epithelial cell resistance to infection in C. elegans. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009350. [PMID: 33878133 PMCID: PMC8087013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial cells are subject to attack by a diverse array of microbes, including intracellular as well as extracellular pathogens. While defense in epithelial cells can be triggered by pattern recognition receptor-mediated detection of microbe-associated molecular patterns, there is much to be learned about how they sense infection via perturbations of host physiology, which often occur during infection. A recently described host defense response in the nematode C. elegans called the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) can be triggered by infection with diverse natural intracellular pathogens, as well as by perturbations to protein homeostasis. From a forward genetic screen, we identified the C. elegans ortholog of purine nucleoside phosphorylase pnp-1 as a negative regulator of IPR gene expression, as well as a negative regulator of genes induced by extracellular pathogens. Accordingly, pnp-1 mutants have resistance to both intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Metabolomics analysis indicates that C. elegans pnp-1 likely has enzymatic activity similar to its human ortholog, serving to convert purine nucleosides into free bases. Classic genetic studies have shown how mutations in human purine nucleoside phosphorylase cause immunodeficiency due to T-cell dysfunction. Here we show that C. elegans pnp-1 acts in intestinal epithelial cells to regulate defense. Altogether, these results indicate that perturbations in purine metabolism are likely monitored as a cue to promote defense against epithelial infection in the nematode C. elegans. All life requires purine nucleotides. However, obligate intracellular pathogens are incapable of generating their own purine nucleotides and thus have evolved strategies to steal these nucleotides from host cells in order to support their growth and replication. Using the small roundworm C. elegans, we show that infection with natural obligate intracellular pathogens is impaired by loss of pnp-1, the C. elegans ortholog of the vertebrate purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), which is an enzyme involved in salvaging purines. Loss of pnp-1 leads to altered levels of purine nucleotide precursors and increased expression of Intracellular Pathogen Response genes, which are induced by viral and fungal intracellular pathogens of C. elegans. In addition, we find that loss of pnp-1 increases resistance to extracellular pathogen infection and increases expression of genes involved in extracellular pathogen defense. Interestingly, studies from 1975 found that mutations in human PNP impair T-cell immunity, whereas our findings here indicate C. elegans pnp-1 regulates intestinal epithelial immunity. Overall, our work indicates that host purine homeostasis regulates resistance to both intracellular and extracellular pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eillen Tecle
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Crystal B. Chhan
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Latisha Franklin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ryan S. Underwood
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Wendy Hanna-Rose
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Emily R. Troemel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. The course of infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in mice possess combination of features reported in genotypes II and III. Exp Parasitol 2021; 224:108101. [PMID: 33773998 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Out of three genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (I-III) available for experimental studies, E. cuniculi genotype I remains the less characterized. This study describes for the first time individual phases of microsporidiosis caused by E. cuniculi genotype I and efficacy of albendazole treatment in immunocompetent BALB/c and C57Bl/6 mice and immunodeficient SCID, CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice using molecular detection and quantification methods. We demonstrate asymptomatic infection despite an intense dissemination of microsporidia into most organs within the first weeks post infection, followed by a chronic infection characterized by significant microsporidia persistence in immunocompetent, CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice and a lethal outcome for SCID mice. Albendazole application led to loss E. cuniculi genotype I infection in immunocompetent mouse strains, decreased spore burden by half in CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice, and prolongation of survival of SCID mice. These results showed Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I infection extend and albendazole sensitivity was comparable to E. cuniculi genotype II, but the infection onset speed and mortality rate was similar to E. cuniculi genotype III. These imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on immunological status of the host, but also on the genotype causing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Messaoud M, Abbes S, Gnaien M, Rebai Y, Kallel A, Jemel S, Cherif G, Skhairia MA, Marouen S, Fakhfekh N, Mardassi H, Belhadj S, Znaidi S, Kallel K. High Frequency of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotype WL12 Occurrence among Immunocompromised Patients with Intestinal Microsporidiosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030161. [PMID: 33668221 PMCID: PMC7996336 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidiosis is an emerging opportunistic infection causing severe digestive disorders in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal microsporidia carriage among immunocompromised patients hospitalized at a major hospital complex in the Tunis capital area, Tunisia (North Africa), and perform molecular epidemiology and population structure analyses of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which is an emerging fungal pathogen. We screened 250 stool samples for the presence of intestinal microsporidia from 171 patients, including 81 organ transplant recipients, 73 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients, and 17 patients with unspecified immunodeficiency. Using a nested PCR-based diagnostic approach for the detection of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., we identified 18 microsporidia-positive patients out of 171 (10.5%), among which 17 were infected with E. bieneusi. Microsporidia-positive cases displayed chronic diarrhea (17 out of 18), which was associated more with HIV rather than with immunosuppression other than HIV (12 out of 73 versus 6 out of 98, respectively, p = 0.02) and correlated with extended hospital stays compared to microsporidia-negative cases (60 versus 19 days on average, respectively; p = 0.001). Strikingly, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based genotyping of E. bieneusi strains revealed high-frequency occurrence of ITS sequences that were identical (n = 10) or similar (with one single polymorphic site, n = 3) to rare genotype WL12. Minimum-spanning tree analyses segregated the 17 E. bieneusi infection cases into four distinct genotypic clusters and confirmed the high prevalence of genotype WL12 in our patient population. Phylogenetic analyses allowed the mapping of all 17 E. bieneusi strains to zoonotic group 1 (subgroups 1a and 1b/1c), indicating loose host specificity and raising public health concern. Our study suggests a probable common source of E. bieneusi genotype WL12 transmission and prompts the implementation of a wider epidemiological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Messaoud
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Salma Abbes
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Mayssa Gnaien
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Yasmine Rebai
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Aicha Kallel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Sana Jemel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Ghaya Cherif
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Mohamed Amine Skhairia
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Sonia Marouen
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Najla Fakhfekh
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Helmi Mardassi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
| | - Slaheddine Belhadj
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (M.G.); (Y.R.); (M.A.S.); (H.M.)
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Département Mycologie, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (K.K.)
| | - Kalthoum Kallel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, UR17SP03, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (M.M.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (S.J.); (G.C.); (S.M.); (N.F.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (K.K.)
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Zhang Y, Koehler AV, Wang T, Gasser RB. Enterocytozoon bieneusi of animals-With an 'Australian twist'. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 111:1-73. [PMID: 33482973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian microorganism that causes intestinal disease in animals including humans. E. bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen, typically causing severe or chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption and/or wasting. Currently, E. bieneusi is recognised as a fungus, although its exact classification remains contentious. The transmission of E. bieneusi can occur from person to person and/or animals to people. Transmission is usually via the faecal-oral route through E. bieneusi spore-contaminated water, environment or food, or direct contact with infected individuals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes are usually identified and classified by PCR-based sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. To date, ~600 distinct genotypes of E. bieneusi have been recorded in ~170 species of animals, including various orders of mammals and reptiles as well as insects in >40 countries. Moreover, E. bieneusi has also been found in recreational water, irrigation water, and treated raw- and waste-waters. Although many studies have been conducted on the epidemiology of E. bieneusi, prevalence surveys of animals and humans are scant in some countries, such as Australia, and transmission routes of individual genotypes and related risk factors are poorly understood. This article/chapter reviews aspects of the taxonomy, biology and epidemiology of E. bieneusi; the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of microsporidiosis; critically appraises the naming system for E. bieneusi genotypes as well as the phylogenetic relationships of these genotypes; provides new insights into the prevalence and genetic composition of E. bieneusi populations in animals in parts of Australia using molecular epidemiological tools; and proposes some areas for future research in the E. bieneusi/microsporidiosis field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Ecological and public health significance of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. One Health 2020; 12:100209. [PMID: 33426263 PMCID: PMC7779778 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a fungus-like protist parasite, causes symptomatic and asymptomatic intestinal infections in terrestrial animals and is also abundant in the environment. This parasite has been isolated from a variety of host types including humans, livestock, companion animals, birds, and wildlife, as well as the natural and urban environments including drinking source water, coastal water, recreational water, wastewater, vegetables in retail markets, and raw milk on farms. E. bieneusi exhibits high genetic diversity among host species and environmental sources and at least 500 genotypes have been identified thus far. Since its discovery in AIDS patients in 1985, scientists across the world have worked to demonstrate the natural history and public health potential of this pathogen. Here we review molecular typing studies on E. bieneusi and summarize relevant data to identify the potential sources of human and nonhuman infections and environmental contamination. This review also discusses the possible transmission routes of E. bieneusi and the associated risk factors, and advocates the importance of the One Health approach to tackle E. bieneusi infections.
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Brdíčková K, Sak B, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kicia M, Kopacz Ż, Kváč M. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype II Concentrates in Inflammation Foci. J Inflamm Res 2020; 13:583-593. [PMID: 33061524 PMCID: PMC7524191 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s271628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon are generally connected with severe infections with lethal outcome in immunodeficient hosts. In immunocompetent hosts, microsporidiosis typically establishes a balanced host–parasite relationship that produces minimal clinically overt disease. Although the alimentary tract represents one of the main primary target tissues, the mechanisms of reaching other tissues during systemic microsporidian infections remain unclear. Methods In the present study, we tested the relation between inflammation induction in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and the presence of spores of E. cuniculi genotype II in selected organs and in fecal specimens by using molecular and histology methods. Results We reported the positive connection between inflammation induction and the significant increase of E. cuniculi genotype II occurrence in inflammation foci in both immunocompetent BALB/c and immunodeficient severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice in the acute phase of infection and the re-activation of latent microsporidial infection following inflammation induction in immunocompetent mice. Conclusion The results imply possible involvement of immune cells serving as vehicles transporting E. cuniculi genotype II purposefully across the whole host body towards inflammation. With increasing number of records of infections, it is necessary to reconsider microsporidia as agents responsible for various pathologies. The elucidation of possible connection with pro-inflammatory immune responses represents an important challenge with consequences for human health and development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Brdíčková
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Bulovka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Li W, Feng Y, Xiao L. Diagnosis and molecular typing of Enterocytozoon bieneusi: the significant role of domestic animals in transmission of human microsporidiosis. Res Vet Sci 2020; 133:251-261. [PMID: 33035931 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular fungus-like parasite with high genetic diversity among mammalian and avian hosts. Based on polymorphism analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nearly 500 genotypes were identified within E. bieneusi. Those genotypes form several genetic groups that exhibit phenotypic differences in host specificity and zoonotic potential and probably have varying public health implications. Some of the genotypes in Group 1 (e.g., D, EbpC, and Type IV) and Group 2 (e.g., BEB4, BEB6, I, and J) are the most common ones that infect a variety of hosts including humans and thus are of public health importance. By contrast, those genotypes in other genetic groups (Groups 3-11) are mostly restricted to the hosts from which they were originally isolated, which would have unknown or limited impacts on public health. Advances on diagnosis and molecular typing of E. bieneusi are introduced in this review. Genotype distribution pattern of E. bieneusi in major domestic animal groups (pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, cats, and dogs), the role of those animals in zoonotic transmission of microsporidiosis, and food and water as potential vehicles for transmission are interpreted here as well. This review highlights the importance of including more genetic or epidemiological data obtained in the same geographical areas and using more reliable genetic markers to analyze the actual extent of host specificity in E. bieneusi, for the purpose of fully appreciating zoonotic risks of those domestic animals in close contacts with men and enhancing our understanding of the modes of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Trzebny A, Slodkowicz-Kowalska A, Becnel JJ, Sanscrainte N, Dabert M. A new method of metabarcoding Microsporidia and their hosts reveals high levels of microsporidian infections in mosquitoes (Culicidae). Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 20:1486-1504. [PMID: 32516485 PMCID: PMC7818484 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA metabarcoding offers new perspectives, especially with regard to the high‐throughput identification and diagnostics of pathogens. Microsporidia are an example of widely distributed, opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms in which molecular identification is important for both environmental research and clinical diagnostics. We have developed a method for parallel detection of both microsporidian infection and the host species. We designed new primer sets: one specific for the classical Microsporidia (targeting the hypervariable V5 region of small subunit [ssu] rDNA), and a second one targeting a shortened fragment of the COI gene (standard metazoan DNA‐barcode); both markers are well suited for next generation sequencing. Analysis of the ssu rDNA data set representing 607 microsporidian species (120 genera) indicated that the V5 region enables identification of >98% species in the data set (596/607). To test the method, we used microsporidians that infect mosquitoes in natural populations. Using mini‐COI data, all field‐collected mosquitoes were unambiguously assigned to seven species; among them almost 60% of specimens were positive for at least 11 different microsporidian species, including a new microsporidian ssu rDNA sequence (Microsporidium sp. PL01). Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species belongs to one of the two main clades in the Terresporidia. We found a high rate of microsporidian co‐infections (9.4%). The numbers of sequence reads for the operational taxonomic units suggest that the occurrence of Nosema spp. in co‐infections could benefit them; however, this observation should be retested using a more intensive host sampling. Our results show that DNA barcoding is a rapid and cost‐effective method for deciphering sample diversity in greater resolution, including the hidden biodiversity that may be overlooked using classical methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Slodkowicz-Kowalska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - James J Becnel
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Neil Sanscrainte
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Biganski S, Wennmann JT, Vossbrinck CR, Kaur R, Jehle JA, Kleespies RG. Molecular and morphological characterisation of a novel microsporidian species, Tubulinosema suzukii, infecting Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 174:107440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Khurana S, Sharma M. Parasitic keratitis - An under-reported entity. Trop Parasitol 2020; 10:12-17. [PMID: 32775286 PMCID: PMC7365502 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_84_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic keratitis (PK) is unique entity among parasitic infections where corneal involvement could result from direct inoculation of the parasite via exogenous environment or spread via endogenous neighboring organs or as a result of immune-mediated damage secondary to a systemic parasitic infection. Most cases of PK are caused by Acanthamoeba spp. and Microsporidia spp. though few other parasitic agents can also lead to corneal involvement. Mimicking as other infectious and non-infectious causes of keratitis, PK often escapes detection. This review summarizes the predominant causes of PK along with the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological details of each. Though several gaps exist in our understanding of the prevalence of PK, the one thing for sure is that PK is on the rise. With advanced diagnostic modalities and enough literature on optimal management of cases of PK, it is now imperative that a strong clinical suspicion of PK is kept when examining a case of corneal pathology and adequate investigations are ordered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeeta Khurana
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00058-20. [PMID: 32152088 PMCID: PMC7179643 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00058-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported. This study determined the effect of a 100× recommended daily dose of albendazole on an Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III course of infection in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and compared the results with those from experiments performed with a lower dose of albendazole and E. cuniculi genotype II. The administration of the regular dose of abendazole during the acute phase of infection reduced the number of affected organs in all strains of mice and absolute counts of spores in screened organs. However, the effect on genotype III was minor. Surprisingly, no substantial effect was recorded after the use of a 100× dose of albendazole, with larger reductions seen only in the number of affected organs and absolute counts of spores in all strains of mice, implying variations in albendazole resistance between these Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes. These results imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on the immunological status of the host but also on the genotype causing the infection. Understanding how microsporidia survive in hosts despite targeted antimicrosporidial treatment could significantly contribute to research related to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Nadelman DA, Bradt AR, Qvarnstrom Y, Goldsmith CS, Zaki SR, Wang F, Smith EH, Fullen DR. Cutaneous microsporidiosis in an immunosuppressed patient. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 47:659-663. [PMID: 32125011 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasites that naturally infect domestic and wild animals. Human microsporidiosis is an increasingly recognized multisystem opportunistic infection. The clinical manifestations are diverse with diarrhea being the most common presenting symptom. We present a 52-year-old woman with a history of amyopathic dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial lung disease managed with mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine who presented with a 7-month history of recurrent subcutaneous nodules as well as intermittent diarrhea and chronic sinusitis. A punch biopsy showed superficial and deep lymphocytic and granulomatous dermatitis with focal necrosis. Tissue stains for microorganisms revealed oval 1 to 3 μm spores within the necrotic areas in multiple tissue stains. Additional studies at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed cutaneous microsporidiosis. This case is one of very few confirmed examples of cutaneous microsporidiosis reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley R Bradt
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yvonne Qvarnstrom
- Centers for Global Health, Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cynthia S Goldsmith
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sherif R Zaki
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Frank Wang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily H Smith
- Department of Dermatology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Douglas R Fullen
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Abstract
Microsporidia are a rare and commonly misdiagnosed cause of corneal infection, accounting for approximately 0.4% of cases of microbial keratitis in some populations. Ocular microsporidiosis most often presents as either microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) or microsporidial stromal keratitis (MSK). Though these two clinical entities exhibit similar symptomology, they are distinguished from one another by the time course for disease progression, findings on slit-lamp examination, and response to medical therapy. This review summarizes the current literature on the etiology and clinical presentation of microsporidial infections of the cornea and highlights ongoing developments in available diagnostic modalities and treatment regimens.
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Horta MF, Andrade LO, Martins-Duarte ÉS, Castro-Gomes T. Cell invasion by intracellular parasites - the many roads to infection. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/4/jcs232488. [PMID: 32079731 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.232488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular parasites from the genera Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania and from the phylum Microsporidia are, respectively, the causative agents of toxoplasmosis, malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and microsporidiosis, illnesses that kill millions of people around the globe. Crossing the host cell plasma membrane (PM) is an obstacle these parasites must overcome to establish themselves intracellularly and so cause diseases. The mechanisms of cell invasion are quite diverse and include (1) formation of moving junctions that drive parasites into host cells, as for the protozoans Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp., (2) subversion of endocytic pathways used by the host cell to repair PM, as for Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania, (3) induction of phagocytosis as for Leishmania or (4) endocytosis of parasites induced by specialized structures, such as the polar tubes present in microsporidian species. Understanding the early steps of cell entry is essential for the development of vaccines and drugs for the prevention or treatment of these diseases, and thus enormous research efforts have been made to unveil their underlying biological mechanisms. This Review will focus on these mechanisms and the factors involved, with an emphasis on the recent insights into the cell biology of invasion by these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fátima Horta
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luciana Oliveira Andrade
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Érica Santos Martins-Duarte
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castro-Gomes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
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Han B, Takvorian PM, Weiss LM. Invasion of Host Cells by Microsporidia. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:172. [PMID: 32132983 PMCID: PMC7040029 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are found worldwide and both vertebrates and invertebrates can serve as hosts for these organisms. While microsporidiosis in humans can occur in both immune competent and immune compromised hosts, it has most often been seen in the immune suppressed population, e.g., patients with advanced HIV infection, patients who have had organ transplantation, those undergoing chemotherapy, or patients using other immune suppressive agents. Infection can be associated with either focal infection in a specific organ (e.g., keratoconjunctivitis, cerebritis, or hepatitis) or with disseminated disease. The most common presentation of microsporidiosis being gastrointestinal infection with chronic diarrhea and wasting syndrome. In the setting of advanced HIV infection or other cases of profound immune deficiency microsporidiosis can be extremely debilitating and carries a significant mortality risk. Microsporidia are transmitted as spores which invade host cells by a specialized invasion apparatus the polar tube (PT). This review summarizes recent studies that have provided information on the composition of the spore wall and PT, as well as insights into the mechanism of invasion and interaction of the PT and spore wall with host cells during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peter M. Takvorian
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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46
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Takvorian P, Han B, Cali A, Rice W, Gunther L, Macaluso F, Weiss L. An Ultrastructural Study of the Extruded Polar Tube of Anncaliia algerae (Microsporidia). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2020; 67:28-44. [PMID: 31332877 PMCID: PMC6944765 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
All microsporidia share a unique, extracellular spore stage, containing the infective sporoplasm and the apparatus for initiating infection. The polar filament/polar tube when exiting the spore transports the sporoplasm through it into a host cell. While universal, these structures and processes have been enigmatic. This study utilized several types of microscopy, describing and extending our understanding of these structures and their functions. Cryogenically preserved polar tubes vary in diameter from 155 to over 200 nm, noticeably larger than fixed-sectioned or negatively stained samples. The polar tube surface is pleated and covered with fine fibrillar material that projects from the surface and is organized in clusters or tufts. These fibrils may be the sites of glycoproteins providing protection and aiding infectivity. The polar tube surface is ridged with 5-6 nm spacing between ridges, enabling the polar tube to rapidly increase its diameter to facilitate the passage of the various cargo including cylinders, sacs or vesicles filled with particulate material and the intact sporoplasm containing a diplokaryon. The lumen of the tube is lined with a membrane that facilitates this passage. Careful examination of the terminus of the tube indicates that it has a closed tip where the membranes for the terminal sac are located.
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Affiliation(s)
- P.M. Takvorian
- Department of Biological Sciences Rutgers University, 195 University Ave., Newark, NJ 07733 USA,Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx NY 10461 USA,Corresponding author P. Takvorian, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 195 University Ave., Newark, NJ 07733 USA, , Telephone number 973-353-5364, Peter M. Takvorian,
| | - B. Han
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx NY 10461 USA
| | - A Cali
- Department of Biological Sciences Rutgers University, 195 University Ave., Newark, NJ 07733 USA
| | - W.J. Rice
- National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, New York USA
| | - L. Gunther
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx NY 10461 USA
| | - F. Macaluso
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx NY 10461 USA
| | - L.M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx NY 10461 USA,Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx NY 10461 USA
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Scurrell E, Manning S, Malho P, Civello A, Mould J, Carrozza R, Wagner BE. Microsporidial keratopathy in two dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 23:402-408. [PMID: 31758652 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A microsporidial keratopathy is described in two dogs. Both dogs presented with a unilateral stromal keratopathy characterized by multifocal coalescing opacities, and the diagnosis was made on histopathologic examination of keratectomy specimens. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded corneal tissue was performed in one dog, and the morphologic features were consistent with Nosema species infection. Both dogs were initially diagnosed and treated by superficial keratectomy. One dog received additional antifungal medication and underwent a penetrating keratoplasty following local recurrence two years later. No other systemic lesions attributable to the microsporidial infection were identified clinically. The clinical and diagnostic pathology findings, treatment, and follow-up are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John Mould
- Eye Veterinary Clinic, Leominster, Herefordshire, UK
| | | | - Bart E Wagner
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Department of Histopathology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
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48
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Alkatan HM, Al-Essa RS. Challenges in the diagnosis of microbial keratitis: A detailed review with update and general guidelines. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2019; 33:268-276. [PMID: 31686969 PMCID: PMC6819704 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of microbial keratitis (MK) is variable worldwide with an estimated 1.5–2 million cases of corneal ulcers in developing countries. The complications of MK can be severe and vision threatening. Therefore, proper diagnosis of the causative organism is essential for early successful treatment. Accurate sampling of microbiological specimens in MK is an important step in identifying the infective organism. Corneal scrapping, tear samples and corneal biopsy are examples of specimens obtained for the investigative procedures in MK. Ophthalmologists especially in an emergency room setting should be aware of the proper sampling techniques based on their microbiology-related basic information for each category of MK. This review article briefly describes the clinical presentation and defines in details the best updated diagnostic methods used in different types of MK. It can be used as a guide for ophthalmology trainees and general ophthalmologists who may be handling such cases at initial presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind M Alkatan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University-Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University-Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakan S Al-Essa
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University-Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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49
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Multimethodological Approach to Gastrointestinal Microsporidiosis in HIV-Infected Patients. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:658-669. [PMID: 31286356 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00095-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection that produces chronic diarrhoea and cholangiopathy in patients with AIDS, mainly caused by two species of microsporidia, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozon intestinalis. The aim of this work was to develop an integral system for the diagnosis of microsporidiosis of the intestine and biliary tract in HIV-infected patients, comprising microscopic and molecular techniques. METHODS The study population comprised 143 adult patients of both sexes with diagnosis of HIV infection, with chronic diarrhoea, and with or without HIV-associated cholangiopathy. Stool studies for microsporidia identification of spores were performed on each patient. A video esofagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy collection was also carried out for routine histology and semi-thin sections stained with Azure II. Species identification was carried out by transmission electron microscopy and/or polymerase chain reaction for the species E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis. RESULTS Out of the 143 patients a total of 12.6% (n = 18) were infected with microsporidia. Microsporidia species identified in most cases was E. bieneusi (16/18 cases), followed by E. intestinalis (4/18), all of these last ones in coinfection with E. bieneusi. CONCLUSIONS Clinical, imaging, microscopic and molecular analyses, when applied in a systematic and integrated approach, allow diagnosis and identification of microsporidia at species level in AIDS patients with chronic diarrhoea, and with or without HIV-associated cholangiopathy.
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50
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Kaushik S, Saha R, Das S, Ramachandran VG, Goel A. Pragmatic Combination of Available Diagnostic Tools for Optimal Detection of Intestinal Microsporidia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1057:85-94. [PMID: 28933049 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2017_97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Diarrhea is a debilitating condition in HIV infected individuals and with the finding that almost 1/4 cases of diarrhea in HIV are due to microsporidia, there is a dire need to institute measures for its detection on a regular basis. Keeping this in mind the study aims to determine the burden of intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV seropositive patients presenting with and without diarrhea and to compare the ability of microscopy and PCR in its detection.The study group consisted of 120 patients divided into four groups HIV seropositive with/without diarrhea, and HIV seronegative with/without diarrhea. Performance of four staining techniques including Modified Trichrome, Calcofluor White, Gram Chromotrope and Quick hot Gram Chromotrope stains were evaluated against PCR in diagnosing enteric microsporidiosis from stool samples.Overall prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis was 10.83%. The same for HIV seropositive patients with diarrhea was 23.33%, HIV seropositive patients without diarrhea and in immune-competent hosts with diarrhea was 10% each. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found to predominate. Calcofluor white stain detected maximum microsporidia in stool samples (76.92%), followed by Modified Trichrome stain (61.5%), PCR (46.15%) and Gram Chromotrope and Quick hot Gram Chromotrope stains (38.4% each). PCR exhibited the best performance with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Our data suggests screening of stool samples with either Modified Trichrome or Calcofluor white stain followed by PCR confirmation thus leading to maximum detection along with speciation for complete cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Kaushik
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Rumpa Saha
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095, India.
| | - Shukla Das
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - V G Ramachandran
- Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095, India
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, 110095, India
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