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Trzebny A, Nahimova O, Volkova N, Hryhoriev D, Slodkowicz-Kowalska A, Dabert M. Mosquitoes (Culicidae) as a vector of Encephalitozoon hellem (Microsporidia). Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2317914. [PMID: 38442030 PMCID: PMC10916917 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2317914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Olena Nahimova
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Volkova
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Denys Hryhoriev
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Anna Slodkowicz-Kowalska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine I, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Fayet M, Long M, Han B, Belkorchia A, Delbac F, Polonais V. New insights into Microsporidia polar tube function and invasion mechanism. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13043. [PMID: 38973152 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia comprise a large phylum of single-cell and obligate intracellular parasites that can infect a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts including humans. These fungal-related parasites are characterized by a highly reduced genome, a strong energy dependence on their host, but also by their unique invasion organelle known as the polar tube which is coiled within the resistant spore. Upon appropriate environmental stimulation, the long hollow polar tube (ranging from 50 to 500 μm in length) is extruded at ultra-fast speeds (300 μm/s) from the spore acting as a harpoon-like organelle to transport and deliver the infectious material or sporoplasm into the host cell. To date, seven polar tube proteins (PTPs) with distinct localizations along the extruded polar tube have been described. For example, the specific location of PTP4 and PTP7 at the tip of the polar tube supports their role in interacting with cellular receptor(s). This chapter provides a brief overview on the current understanding of polar tube structure and dynamics of extrusion, primarily through recent advancements in cryo-tomography and 3D reconstruction. It also explores the various mechanisms used for host cell invasion. Finally, recent studies on the structure and maturation of sporoplasm and its moving through the tube are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurine Fayet
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Abdel Belkorchia
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Valerie Polonais
- Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Taghipour A, Ghodsian S, Jabbari M, Rajabpour V, Bahadory S, Malih N, Solhjoo K, Zibaei M, Abdoli A. The global epidemiology of Microsporidia infection in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:2180-2196. [PMID: 37266992 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2219988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of Microsporidia infection in different birds. An online search was conducted in international databases from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2022. A total of 34 articles (including 37 datasets) were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of Microsporidia infection in birds was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.6-18.1). The highest prevalence of Microsporidia was found in wild waterfowl which was 54.5% (28.1-78.6). In terms of detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 21.2% (95% CI: 12.1-34.4) and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.3-17.3) for using microscopic and molecular detection methods, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common pathogen (24/31; 77.42% of the studies) according to PCR-based methods, and genotype D was the highest reported genotype (nine studies). In conclusion, designing strategies for the control and prevention of Microsporidia infection in birds should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Sahar Ghodsian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jabbari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Rajabpour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Saeed Bahadory
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Malih
- Global Health Research Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Spain
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Evidence-Based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Nourrisson C, Hamane S, Bonhomme J, Durieux MF, Foulquier JB, Lesthelle S, Moniot M, French microsporidiosis network, Bougnoux ME, Poirier P. Case series of intestinal microsporidiosis in non-HIV patients caused by Encephalitozoon hellem. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2258997. [PMID: 37706342 PMCID: PMC10543343 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2258997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal microsporidiosis is most often caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and to a lesser extent by species of the genus Encephalitozoon. Until now, Encephalitozoon hellem was not clearly known to induce disease restricted to the intestine, or rarely in HIV subjects or in tropical countries. We report here 11 cases of delineated intestinal microsporidioses due to E. hellem diagnosed in France in non-HIV patients. Briefly, all patients were immunocompromised. They all suffered from diarrhoea, associated in nearly 50% of cases with weight loss. Concerning treatment, 5/11 patients had a discontinuation or a decrease of their immunosuppressive therapy, and 4/11 received albendazole. All patients recovered. Five different genotypes were identified based on the rRNA ITS sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nourrisson
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 3IHP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center for Cryptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Samia Hamane
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU AP-HP Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Julie Bonhomme
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, CHU Caen, ToxEMAC-ABTE, Université de Normandie Unicaen, Caen, France
| | | | | | | | - Maxime Moniot
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 3IHP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center for Cryptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - French microsporidiosis network
- French Microsporidiosis Network: CH Le Havre (LABBE Franck), CHU Amiens (LE GOVIC Yohann, TOTET Anne, DAMIANI Céline), CHU Angers (DE GENTILE Ludovic, LEMOINE Jean-Philippe), CHU Besançon (BELLANGER Anne Pauline), CHU Bichat (HOUZE Sandrine, ARGY Nicolas), CHU Bordeaux (ACCOCEBERRY Isabelle, DELHAES Laurence, GABRIEL Frédéric, MILLET Pascal), CHU Brest (LE GAL Solène, NEVEZ Gilles), CHU Caen (CAPITAINE Agathe), CH Cayenne (DEMAR Magalie), CHU Cochin (YERA Hélène, ROUGES Célia), CHU Créteil (ANGEBAULT Cécile, BOTTEREL Françoise, FOULET Françoise), CHU Dijon (BASMACIYAN Louise, DALLE Frédéric, VALOT Stéphane), CH Fort-de-France (DESBOIS-NOGARD Nicole), CHU Grenoble (ROBERT Marie Gladys), CHU Lille (DELEPLANCQUE Anne-Sophie, LEROY Jordan), CHU Limoges (AJZENBERG Daniel), CHU Lyon (CHAPEY-PICQ Emmanuelle, DUPONT Damien, MENOTTI Jean, RABODONIRINA Meja), CHU Marseille (LOLLIVIER Coralie), CHU Montpellier (VARLET Marie), CHU Nancy (DEBOURGOGNE Anne, MACHOUART Marie), CHU Nantes (LAVERGNE Rose-Anne, MORIO Florent), CHU Necker (SITTERLE Emilie), CHU Nice (DELAUNAY Pascal, POMARES Christelle, SIMON Loïc), CHU Nîmes (SASSO Milène), CHU Paris HEGP (DANNAOUI Eric), CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière (KAPEL Nathalie, TANTAOUI Ilhame, THELLIER Marc), CHU Pointe-à-Pitre (NICOLAS Muriel), CHU Poitiers (PERRAUD Estelle), CHU Reims (CHEMLA Cathy, VILLENA Isabelle), CHU Rennes (AUTIER Brice), CHU Rouen (COSTA Damien, FAVENNEC Loïc), CHU Saint Antoine (BELKACEM BELKADI Ghania, MORENO-SABATER Alicia), CHU Saint-Etienne (FLORI Pierre), CHU Strasbourg (BRUNET Julie), CHU Toulouse (BERRY Antoine, IRIART Xavier), CHU Tours (CHESNAY Adélaïde, DESOUBEAUX Guillaume), Lab. Bioceane (ARTUR Fabienne), Lab. CERBA (VERDURME Laura), Lab. Cerballiance Finistère (PRIGENT Gwenole), Lab. GLBM (CHATELAIN Rémi), Lab. Labouest (AUBIN Guillaume)
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité de Parasitologie Mycologie, AP-HP hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 3IHP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- National Reference Center for Cryptosporidiosis, Microsporidia and Other Digestive Protozoa, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), UMR Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne U1071, USC INRA 2018, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Yang J, Zeng Y, Li C, Liu S, Meng W, Zhang W, He M, Wang L, Zuo Z, Yue C, Li D, Peng G. Occurrence and Molecular Characteristics of Microsporidia in Captive Red Pandas ( Ailurus fulgens) in China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1864. [PMID: 37889781 PMCID: PMC10251819 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111864] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidian pathogens with zoonotic potential that pose significant public health concerns. To ascertain the occurrence and genotypes of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., we used nested PCR to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene and DNA sequencing to analyze 198 fecal samples from red pandas from 6 zoos in China. The total rate of microsporidial infection was 15.7% (31/198), with 12.1% (24/198), 1.0% (2/198), 2.0% (4/198) and 1.0% (2/198) for infection rate of E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Encephalitozoon hellem, respectively. One red panda was detected positive for a mixed infection (E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis). Red pandas living in semi-free conditions are more likely to be infected with microsporidia (χ2 = 6.212, df = 1, p < 0.05). Three known (SC02, D, and PL2) and one novel (SCR1) genotypes of E. bieneusi were found. Three genotypes of E. bieneusi (SC02, D, SCR1) were grouped into group 1 with public health importance, while genotype PL2 formed a separate clade associated with group 2. These findings suggest that red pandas may serve as a host reservoir for zoonotic microsporidia, potentially allowing transmission from red pandas to humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Yangyang Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Caiwu Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Songrui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Wanyu Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
| | - Ming He
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Chengdu 610083, China
| | | | | | - Chanjuan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.)
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Kiani-Azad K, Bagheri M, Sadeghi M, Nematollahian S, Zahmatkesh A, Moharrami M, Miraie-Ashtiani SR. Molecular Characterization of a New Nosema bombycis Strain Detected in Iranian Silkworm Farms. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1364-1371. [PMID: 35857274 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pebrine as the most dangerous disease of silkworm mostly caused by Nosema species has caused huge economic losses. There is no information on the species and the genomic sequences of the pebrine-causing microsporidia in Iran. METHODS In the present research, we tried to determine the sequences of two regions of rDNA using molecular methods. First, infected larvae and mother moths were collected from several farms in the north of Iran for identification and molecular characterization of microsporidian isolates. After extracting the spores and genomic DNA from the collected samples, two fragments of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and small subunit (SSU) rDNA were amplified and sequenced, and registered in NCBI database and then, the phylogenetic tree was drawn. RESULTS Results showed the obtained sequences (ITS rDNA: Accession No. MZ322002 and SSU rDNA: Accession No. MZ314703) represent a new strain of Nosema bombycis, which differs from the sequences deposited in the NCBI. CONCLUSION The new N. bombycis strain identified in our study will help in control and management of the pebrine disease by specific detection of the infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kiani-Azad
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, 31976-19751, Iran.,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Bagheri
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, 31976-19751, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Shahla Nematollahian
- Iran Silkworm Research Center (ISRC) Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran
| | - Azadeh Zahmatkesh
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, 31976-19751, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Moharrami
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, 31976-19751, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Miraie-Ashtiani
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
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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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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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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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Pekmezci D, Yetismis G, Esin C, Duzlu O, Colak ZN, Inci A, Pekmezci GZ, Yildirim A. Occurrence and molecular identification of zoonotic microsporidia in pet budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in Turkey. Med Mycol 2020; 59:myaa088. [PMID: 33070189 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are well-known microsporidian pathogens, recently classified as fungi, infecting humans and reptiles, mammals, and birds. Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulates) are the most preferred captive pet birds in the households. Prevalence and molecular data on microsporidian species in budgerigars are scarce worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and genotypes of Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi in budgerigars, and to reveal their zoonotic potential. A total of 143 fecal samples were collected from owned healthy budgerigars in Turkey. Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi were examined by nested PCR targeting the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and sequenced for identifying Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. hellem and E. bieneusi was 14.7% (21/143) and 3.5% (5/143), respectively. Two genotypes of E. hellem were identified, including one known 1A (n = 18) and a novel TURK1B (n = 3). In addition, we determined two E. bieneusi genotypes, including one known N (n = 2) and a novel TURKM1 (n = 3). E. hellem 1A and novel TURK1B clustered as a sister taxon, and genotype N and novel TURKM1 genotypes fall into group 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree. Novel genotypes of E. hellem and E. bieneusi were described for the first time in the avian host. Moreover, E. bieneusi genotype N was first detected in avian hosts in the present study. This study contributes to the current knowledge on the molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics of E. hellem and E. bieneusi. LAY SUMMARY Spore producing microsporidia are ubiquitous, obligate, and intracellular fungus defined as emerging opportunistic pathogens of humans, livestock, companion animals, wild mammals, birds, and water worldwide. The occurrence of microsporidia in animals could be risky for human public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Pekmezci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Gamze Yetismis
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Cagatay Esin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Onder Duzlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Nurselin Colak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Inci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gokmen Zafer Pekmezci
- Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Kurupelit Samsun, Turkey
| | - Alparslan Yildirim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, Turkey
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Robertson LJ, Clark CG, Debenham JJ, Dubey J, Kváč M, Li J, Ponce-Gordo F, Ryan U, Schares G, Su C, Tsaousis AD. Are molecular tools clarifying or confusing our understanding of the public health threat from zoonotic enteric protozoa in wildlife? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:323-341. [PMID: 31338293 PMCID: PMC6626983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are frequently zoonotic, often originating in wildlife, but enteric protozoa are considered relatively minor contributors. Opinions regarding whether pathogenic enteric protozoa may be transmitted between wildlife and humans have been shaped by our investigation tools, and have led to oscillations regarding whether particular species are zoonotic or have host-adapted life cycles. When the only approach for identifying enteric protozoa was morphology, it was assumed that many enteric protozoa colonized multiple hosts and were probably zoonotic. When molecular tools revealed genetic differences in morphologically identical species colonizing humans and other animals, host specificity seemed more likely. Parasites from animals found to be genetically identical - at the few genes investigated - to morphologically indistinguishable parasites from human hosts, were described as having zoonotic potential. More discriminatory molecular tools have now sub-divided some protozoa again. Meanwhile, some infection events indicate that, circumstances permitting, some "host-specific" protozoa, can actually infect various hosts. These repeated changes in our understanding are linked intrinsically to the investigative tools available. Here we review how molecular tools have assisted, or sometimes confused, our understanding of the public health threat from nine enteric protozoa and example wildlife hosts (Balantoides coli - wild boar; Blastocystis sp. - wild rodents; Cryptosporidium spp. - wild fish; Encephalitozoon spp. - wild birds; Entamoeba spp. - non-human primates; Enterocytozoon bieneusi - wild cervids; Giardia duodenalis - red foxes; Sarcocystis nesbitti - snakes; Toxoplasma gondii - bobcats). Molecular tools have provided evidence that some enteric protozoa in wildlife may infect humans, but due to limited discriminatory power, often only the zoonotic potential of the parasite is indicated. Molecular analyses, which should be as discriminatory as possible, are one, but not the only, component of the toolbox for investigating potential public health impacts from pathogenic enteric protozoa in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J. Robertson
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - C. Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - John J. Debenham
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - J.P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Una Ryan
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1937, USA
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular & Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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Isolation of Encephalitozoon intestinalis from crows living in urban parks of Tehran, Iran: an investigation with zoonotic aspect. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:494-499. [PMID: 30538345 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-1024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are eukaryotic, intracellular obligate parasites that widely involve many organisms including insects, fish, birds, and mammals. One of the genera of Microsporidia is Encephalitozoon, which contains several opportunistic pathogens. Since Encephalitozoon spp. are zoonotic and opportunistic pathogens, it is important to find their reservoir hosts; hence, the current study aimed at isolating and identifying Encephalitozoon spp. in the crows by the light microscopy observations and molecular methods. For this purpose, 36 samples were collected by the dropping method; however, due to the low volume of samples, the total samples were collected in a sterile stool container and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Encephalitozoon spp. Accordingly, 300-bp bands, specific to Encephalitozoon spp., were observed and by sequencing E. intestinalis was identified. Crows can be considered as the hosts of E. intestinalis.
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Shibasaki K, Tokiwa T, Sukegawa A, Kondo H, Tamukai K, Haga Y, Ike K. First report of fatal disseminated microsporidiosis in two inland bearded dragons Pogona vitticeps in Japan. JMM Case Rep 2017; 4:e005089. [PMID: 29026616 PMCID: PMC5630957 DOI: 10.1099/jmmcr.0.005089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.Encephalitozoon pogonae is a newly described pathogen belonging to the phylum Microsporidia. In Austria and the USA, this species has been isolated from fatal and disseminated cases of captive-bred inland bearded dragons. Here, we report the case of fatal disseminated microsporidiosis caused by E. pogonae in two bearded dragons in Japan. Case Presentation. The two lizards from different private households in Tokyo, Japan, had been brought to an animal hospital for examination. In both cases, the animal presented with a history of weight loss for several weeks. There were no improvements in clinical symptoms and the lizards deteriorated and finally died. Histopathological examination demonstrated necrotizing granulomatous inflammation attributed to disseminated microsporidian infection. Nucleotide sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region identified the microsporidian as E. pogonae with sequence identity of 100 %. Conclusion. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of disseminated microsporidiosis caused by E. pogonae in inland bearded dragons in Japan. Although it is difficult to diagnose prenatally since the signs are nonspecific, the disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kojiro Shibasaki
- Allieys Animal Hospital, 1-30-3 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tokiwa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sukegawa
- Allieys Animal Hospital, 1-30-3 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kondo
- Synergy Animal General Hospital, 815 Ishigami, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tamukai
- Den-en-chofu Animal Hospital, 2-1-3 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Haga
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ike
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonancho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
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Perec-Matysiak A, Wesołowska M, Leśniańska K, Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Hildebrand J, Kicia M. Survey for Zoonotic Microsporidian Pathogens in Wild Living Urban Rooks (Corvus frugilegus). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2017; 64:721-724. [PMID: 28199765 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens in nature infecting all animal phyla. There is a potential risk of microsporidian spores transmission from urban rooks inhabiting some metropolitan cities to people through casual interactions. The aim of this study was to identify microsporidia species in the droppings of rooks in Wroclaw, Poland. A total of 15 collective sets of droppings were examined using nested-PCR method. Amplification of ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi D, Peru 6, and Encephalitozoon hellem 1A genotypes. This study indicates that excreta of urban rooks can be an important source of human infection with these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Maria Wesołowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland
| | - Kinga Leśniańska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Buńkowska-Gawlik
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, Wrocław, 51-148, Poland
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland
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15
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Molecular testing for clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigations of intestinal parasitic infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2016; 27:371-418. [PMID: 24696439 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00122-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, nucleic acid-based methods have been developed for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. Advantages of nucleic acid-based methods are numerous; typically, these include increased sensitivity and specificity and simpler standardization of diagnostic procedures. DNA samples can also be stored and used for genetic characterization and molecular typing, providing a valuable tool for surveys and surveillance studies. A variety of technologies have been applied, and some specific and general pitfalls and limitations have been identified. This review provides an overview of the multitude of methods that have been reported for the detection of intestinal parasites and offers some guidance in applying these methods in the clinical laboratory and in epidemiological studies.
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Hinney B, Sak B, Joachim A, Kváč M. More than a rabbit's tale - Encephalitozoon spp. in wild mammals and birds. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:76-87. [PMID: 28560162 PMCID: PMC5439460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Within the microsporidian genus Encephalitozoon, three species, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis have been described. Several orders of the Class Aves (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Apodiformes, Ciconiiformis, Gruiformes, Columbiformes, Suliformes, Podicipediformes, Anseriformes, Struthioniformes, Falconiformes) and of the Class Mammalia (Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Primates, Artyodactyla, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Carnivora) can become infected. Especially E. cuniculi has a very broad host range while E. hellem is mainly distributed amongst birds. E. intestinalis has so far been detected only sporadically in wild animals. Although genotyping allows the identification of strains with a certain host preference, recent studies have demonstrated that they have no strict host specificity. Accordingly, humans can become infected with any of the four strains of E. cuniculi as well as with E. hellem or E. intestinalis, the latter being the most common. Especially, but not exclusively, immunocompromised people are at risk. Environmental contamination with as well as direct transmission of Encephalitozoon is therefore highly relevant for public health. Moreover, endangered species might be threatened by the spread of pathogens into their habitats. In captivity, clinically overt and often fatal disease seems to occur frequently. In conclusion, Encephalitozoon appears to be common in wild warm-blooded animals and these hosts may present important reservoirs for environmental contamination and maintenance of the pathogens. Similar to domestic animals, asymptomatic infections seem to occur frequently but in captive wild animals severe disease has also been reported. Detailed investigations into the epidemiology and clinical relevance of these microsporidia will permit a full appraisal of their role as pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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17
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Kim K, Yoon S, Cheun HI, Kim JH, Sim S, Yu JR. Detection of Encephalitozoon spp. from human diarrheal stool and farm soil samples in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2015; 30:227-32. [PMID: 25729242 PMCID: PMC4330474 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.3.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are eukaryotic organisms that cause zoonosis and are major opportunistic pathogens in HIV-positive patients. However, there is increasing evidence that these organisms can also cause gastrointestinal and ocular infections in immunocompetent individuals. In Korea, there have been no reports on human infections with microsporidia to date. In the present study, we used real-time PCR and nucleotide sequencing to detect Encephalitozoon intestinalis infection in seven of 139 human diarrheal stool specimens (5%) and Encephalitozoon hellem in three of 34 farm soil samples (8.8%). Genotype analysis of the E. hellem isolates based on the internal transcribed spacer 1 and polar tube protein genes showed that all isolates were genotype 1B. To our knowledge, this is the first report on human E. intestinalis infection in Korea and the first report revealing farm soil samples as a source of E. hellem infection. Because microsporidia are an important public health issue, further large-scale epidemiological studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjin Kim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sejoung Yoon
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeng-Il Cheun
- Division of Epidemic Inteligence Service, Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seobo Sim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Ran Yu
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine & Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Variability in minimal genomes: analysis of tandem repeats in the microsporidia Encephalitozoon intestinalis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 20:26-33. [PMID: 23917025 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous fungi with genomes that have undergone a strong reduction to the extreme cases of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Genetic variability within species of the Encephalitozoon genus has been reported, with most of the studies based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rDNA. However, in contrast to the picture of E. cuniculi and Encephalitozoon hellem, where different strains have been identified, no genetic variability has yet been observed in E. intestinalis. We have analysed tandem repeats included in putative coding sequences which could be used as polymorphic markers in E. intestinalis. Eight candidate loci (M2, M2A, M3, M5, M7, M7A, M8 and PTP1) were established and 9 E. intestinalis cultured strains from North America, South America and Europe were analysed. M2, M7 and PTP1 nucleotide sequences were identical among the different strains and the GenBank sequence. In contrast, we observed variants in 4 markers (M2A, M3, M7A and M8) which did not correspond to their respective reference sequences. The most noticeable finding was that with the M5 marker two genotypes were defined among the different strains studied, demonstrating genotypic variability of E. intestinalis. Although the diversity described is certainly not high, which can be explained by a lower chance of genetic variability in its minimal genome, we have demonstrated that polymorphisms actually exist in E. intestinalis. Epidemiological studies using this genetic marker should now be conducted to elucidate the genetic variability in E. intestinalis and improve our knowledge of the epidemiology of this microsporidia.
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Liu H, Pan G, Luo B, Li T, Yang Q, Vossbrinck CR, Debrunner-Vossbrinck BA, Zhou Z. Intraspecific polymorphism of rDNA among five Nosema bombycis isolates from different geographic regions in China. J Invertebr Pathol 2013; 113:63-9. [PMID: 23399511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The microsporidian Nosema bombycis is the causative agent of pébrine, a highly infectious disease of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Three regions of the multicopy rDNA gene were examined in order to investigate the relationships among five Nosema isolates from various regions of China. Ribosomal DNA alleles are present on each of the 18 chromosomes of N. bombycis and show a high degree of variation. In this study the small subunit (SSU) rDNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and intergenic spacer (IGS) regions for up to 10 different rDNA copies from each N. bombycis isolate were cloned and sequenced. As expected we see greater polymorphism in the ITS region (88 variable sites in 179 nucleotides) and IGS (200 variable sites in 279 nucleotides) than in the SSU rDNA (24 variable sites in 1232 nucleotides). Phylogenetic analysis shows greater differences between alleles within an isolate than between the same alleles from different isolates. The data reveal two very different groups, one from the Sichuan province and the other with a broad distribution including four provinces in southeast China and Japan. The Sichuan isolate does not have any rDNA alleles with sequences identical to those in the other isolates, implying that it is a separate, non-intermixing, population or perhaps a separate species from the other isolates. In light of the polymorphic nature of the rDNA alleles in N. bombycis and their presence on every chromosome, the rDNA gene may be useful for understanding the movement and ultimately the source of pébrine infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, PR China
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Complete genome sequences from three genetically distinct strains reveal high intraspecies genetic diversity in the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:503-11. [PMID: 23291622 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00312-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia from the Encephalitozoonidae are obligate intracellular parasites with highly conserved and compacted nuclear genomes: they have few introns, short intergenic regions, and almost identical gene complements and chromosome arrangements. Comparative genomics of Encephalitozoon and microsporidia in general have focused largely on the genomic diversity between different species, and we know very little about the levels of genetic diversity within species. Polymorphism studies with Encephalitozoon are so far restricted to a small number of genes, and a few genetically distinct strains have been identified; most notably, three genotypes (ECI, ECII, and ECIII) of the model species E. cuniculi have been identified based on variable repeats in the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS). To determine if E. cuniculi genotypes are genetically distinct lineages across the entire genome and at the same time to examine the question of intraspecies genetic diversity in microsporidia in general, we sequenced de novo genomes from each of the three genotypes and analyzed patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions across the genomes. Although the strains have almost identical gene contents, they harbor large numbers of SNPs, including numerous nonsynonymous changes, indicating massive intraspecies variation within the Encephalitozoonidae. Based on this diversity, we conclude that the recognized genotypes are genetically distinct and propose new molecular markers for microsporidian genotyping.
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21
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Polar tube protein gene diversity among Nosema ceranae strains derived from a Greek honey bee health study. J Invertebr Pathol 2011; 108:131-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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DNA detection and genotypic identification of potentially human-pathogenic microsporidia from asymptomatic pet parrots in South Korea as a risk factor for zoonotic emergence. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:8442-4. [PMID: 21965400 DOI: 10.1128/aem.05343-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected and identified genotypes of human-pathogenic microsporidia in fecal samples from 51 asymptomatic captive-bred pet parrots in South Korea. Microsporidia were identified in 8 samples (15.7%); 7 parrots tested positive for Encephalitozoon hellem, and 1 parrot tested positive for both E. hellem and Encephalitozoon cuniculi. In genotypic identifications, E. hellem was present in genotypes 1A and 2B and E. cuniculi was present in genotype II. Pet parrots might be a source of human microsporidian infection.
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23
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Sak B, Kváč M, Petrželková K, Květoňová D, Pomajbíková K, Mulama M, Kiyang J, Modrý D. Diversity of microsporidia (Fungi: Microsporidia) among captive great apes in European zoos and African sanctuaries: evidence for zoonotic transmission? Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2011; 58:81-6. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2011.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Sak B, Kváč M, Květoňová D, Albrecht T, Piálek J. The first report on natural Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. infections in wild East-European House Mice (Mus musculus musculus) and West-European House Mice (M. m. domesticus) in a hybrid zone across the Czech Republic–Germany border. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:246-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Development of a multilocus sequence typing tool for high-resolution genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:4822-8. [PMID: 21622791 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02803-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thus far, genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi has been based solely on DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rRNA gene. Both host-adapted and zoonotic (human-pathogenic) genotypes of E. bieneusi have been identified. In this study, we searched for microsatellite and minisatellite sequences in the whole-genome sequence database of E. bieneusi isolate H348. Seven potential targets (MS1 to MS7) were identified. Testing of the seven targets by PCR using two human-pathogenic E. bieneusi genotypes (A and Peru10) led to the selection of four targets (MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7). Further analysis of the four loci with an additional 24 specimens of both host-adapted and zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes indicated that most host-adapted genotypes were not amplified by PCR targeting these loci. In contrast, 10 or 11 of the 13 specimens of the zoonotic genotypes were amplified by PCR at each locus. Altogether, 12, 8, 7, and 11 genotypes of were identified at MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences obtained produced a genetic relationship that was similar to the one at the ITS locus, with the formation of a large group of zoonotic genotypes that included most E. bieneusi genotypes in humans. Thus, a multilocus sequence typing tool was developed for high-resolution genotyping of E. bieneusi. Data obtained in the study should also have implications for understanding the taxonomy of Enterocytozoon spp., the public health significance of E. bieneusi in animals, and the sources of human E. bieneusi infections.
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The human microsporidian Encephalitozoon hellem synthesizes two spore wall polymorphic proteins useful for epidemiological studies. Infect Immun 2010; 78:2221-30. [PMID: 20231418 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01225-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular fungus-related parasites considered as emerging opportunistic human pathogens. Their extracellular infective and resistance stage is a spore surrounded by a unique plasma membrane protected by a thick cell wall consisting of two layers: the electron-lucent inner endospore which contains chitin and protein components and the outer-electron-dense and mainly proteinaceous exospore. We identified the whole sequences of two spore wall proteins in the microsporidian species Encephalitozoon hellem, designated EhSWP1a and EhSWP1b. Isolation of the genes encoding these SWP1-like proteins was performed using degenerate oligonucleotides based on the amino acid sequence alignment of the previously reported Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis SWP1s. Sequences lacking the 5' and 3' ends were then identified by PCR and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR amplifications. The swp1a and swp1b genes encode proteins of 509 and 533 amino acids, respectively, which present an identical N-terminal domain of 382 residues and a variable C-terminal extension mainly characterized by a 26-amino-acid (aa) deletion/insertion containing glutamate- and lysine-rich repeats. Using polyclonal antibodies raised against recombinant polypeptides, we showed that EhSWP1a and EhSWP1b appear as dithiothreitol (DTT)-soluble bands of 55 and 60 kDa in size, respectively. Immunolocalization experiments by IFA and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that both proteins are present at the onset of sporogony and are specifically located to the spore wall exospore in mature spores. Analysis of four E. hellem human isolates revealed that the C-terminal regions of both EhSWP1a and EhSWP1b are polymorphic, which is of interest for epidemiological studies.
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WANG M, XU JS, WANG LL, ZHANG XY, ZHOU ZY. Pathogenicity and genetic divergence of two isolates of microsporidia Nosema bombycis. YI CHUAN = HEREDITAS 2009; 31:1121-6. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2009.01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kašičková D, Sak B, Kváč M, Ditrich O. Sources of potentially infectious human microsporidia: Molecular characterisation of microsporidia isolates from exotic birds in the Czech Republic, prevalence study and importance of birds in epidemiology of the human microsporidial infections. Vet Parasitol 2009; 165:125-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Delbac
- Equipe Parasitologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, LBP, UMR CNRS 6023, Université Blaise Pascal, 24 Avenue des Landais 63177 Aubière, France.
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Dia N, Lavie L, Méténier G, Toguebaye BS, Vivarès CP, Cornillot E. InterB multigenic family, a gene repertoire associated with subterminal chromosome regions of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and conserved in several human-infecting microsporidian species. Curr Genet 2007; 51:171-86. [PMID: 17235519 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-006-0114-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Revised: 11/08/2006] [Accepted: 11/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are fungi-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect numerous animals, including man. Encephalitozoon cuniculi harbours a very small genome (2.9 Mbp) with about 2,000 coding sequences (CDSs). Most repeated CDSs are of unknown function and are distributed in subterminal regions that mark the transitions between subtelomeric rDNA units and chromosome cores. A potential multigenic family (interB) encoding proteins within a size range of 579-641 aa was investigated by PCR and RT-PCR. Thirty members were finally assigned to the E. cuniculi interB family and a predominant interB transcript was found to originate from a newly identified gene on chromosome III. Microsporidian species from eight different genera infecting insects, fishes or mammals, were tested for a possible intra-phylum conservation of interB genes. Only representatives of the Encephalitozoon, Vittaforma and Brachiola genera, differing in host range but all able to invade humans, were positive. Molecular karyotyping of Brachiola algerae showed a complex set of chromosome bands, providing a haploid genome size estimate of 15-20 Mbp. In spite of this large difference in genome complexity, B. algerae and E. cuniculi shared some similar interB gene copies and a common location of interB genes in near-rDNA subterminal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndongo Dia
- Equipe Parasitologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Laboratoire de Biologie des Protistes, UMR CNRS 6023, Bâtiment Biologie A, Université Blaise Pascal, 63177 Aubière cedex, France
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Haro M, Aguila C, Fenoy S, Henriques-Gil N. Variability in Infection Efficiency In Vitro of Different Strains of the Microsporidian Encephalitozoon hellem. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2006; 53:46-8. [PMID: 16441585 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2005.00073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The infection efficiency of different strains of Encephalitozoon hellem of human origin was tested in Vero E6 cell cultures, scoring the number of infection foci (NIF) after 9, 14, 20, and 24 days of inoculation. The results revealed a strong interaction of the strain type with time: different strains showed different proliferative dynamics. Number of infection foci was lower on the first sampling day for CDC: V257, EHVS-96, and PV6-96, with a subsequent increase at a higher rate for the first strain and lower for the latter. In contrast, PV7-96 showed the highest NIF at the first sampling, followed by a slight decrease. Since these strains were selected by their genotype for the polar tube protein (PTP)-1A, 1B, 1C, and 2C, respectively, it is tempting to suggest a major role of this protein in the differences detected, although the influence of other genes that hypothetically may also differ among the strains employed cannot be discarded. The different in vitro infection efficiencies raise the possibility that some strains of E. hellem will also produce more aggressive features in infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Haro
- Laboratorio de Genética, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
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Haro M, Izquierdo F, Henriques-Gil N, Andrés I, Alonso F, Fenoy S, del Aguila C. First detection and genotyping of human-associated microsporidia in pigeons from urban parks. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:3153-7. [PMID: 15933015 PMCID: PMC1151808 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.6.3153-3157.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous opportunistic parasites in nature infecting all animal phyla, and the zoonotic potential of this parasitosis is under discussion. Fecal samples from 124 pigeons from seven parks of Murcia (Spain) were analyzed. Thirty-six of them (29.0%) showed structures compatible with microsporidia spores by staining methods. The DNA isolated from 26 fecal samples (20.9%) of microsporidia-positive pigeons was amplified with specific primers for the four most frequent human microsporidia. Twelve pigeons were positive for only Enterocytozoon bieneusi (9.7%), 5 for Encephalitozoon intestinalis (4%), and one for Encephalitozoon hellem (0.8%). Coinfections were detected in eight additional pigeons: E. bieneusi and E. hellem were detected in six animals (4.8%); E. bieneusi was associated with E. intestinalis in one case (0.8%); and E. hellem and E. intestinalis coexisted in one pigeon. No positive samples for Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected. The internally transcribed spacer genotype could be completed for one E. hellem-positive pigeon; the result was identical to the genotype A1 previously characterized in an E. hellem Spanish strain of human origin. To our knowledge, this is the first time that human-related microsporidia have been identified in urban park pigeons. Moreover, we can conclude that there is no barrier to microsporidia transmission between park pigeons and humans for E. intestinalis and E. hellem. This study is of environmental and sanitary interest, because children and elderly people constitute the main visitors of parks and they are populations at risk for microsporidiosis. It should also contribute to the better design of appropriate prophylactic measures for populations at risk for opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Haro
- Laboratorio de Genética, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Microsporidia are long-known parasitic organisms of almost every animal group, including invertebrates and vertebrates. Microsporidia emerged as important opportunistic pathogens in humans when AIDS became pandemic and, more recently, have also increasingly been detected in otherwise immunocompromised patients, including organ transplant recipients, and in immunocompetent persons with corneal infection or diarrhea. Two species causing rare infections in humans, Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Brachiola vesicularum, had previously been described from animal hosts (vertebrates and insects, respectively). However, several new microsporidial species, including Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the most prevalent human microsporidian causing human immunodeficiency virus-associated diarrhea, have been discovered in humans, raising the question of their natural origin. Vertebrate hosts are now identified for all four major microsporidial species infecting humans (E. bieneusi and the three Encephalitozoon spp.), implying a zoonotic nature of these parasites. Molecular studies have identified phenotypic and/or genetic variability within these species, indicating that they are not uniform, and have allowed the question of their zoonotic potential to be addressed. The focus of this review is the zoonotic potential of the various microsporidia and a brief update on other microsporidia which have no known host or an invertebrate host and which cause rare infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mathis
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Haro M, Del Aguila C, Fenoy S, Henriques-Gil N. Intraspecies genotype variability of the microsporidian parasite Encephalitozoon hellem. J Clin Microbiol 2003; 41:4166-71. [PMID: 12958242 PMCID: PMC193859 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.41.9.4166-4171.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Seven isolates of Encephalitozoon hellem from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients were genotyped through a series of markers: the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA, the polar tube protein (PTP) gene, and two intergenic spacers (IGS-TH and IGS-HZ) whose polymorphism is newly reported. The genome markers were all analyzed at three levels: PCR amplification followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, single-strand conformation analysis (SSCA), and DNA sequencing. The polymorphisms detected involve insertions/deletions and point mutations. SSCA can distinguish any pair of sequences, even those differing by a single base pair. The different isolates studied fit into the previously described ITS genotype 1A, except one which seems to be a 2A derivative variant (2D). When PTP and the new markers IGS-TH and IGS-HZ were analyzed, most of the isolates displayed different genotypes, demonstrating that E. hellem has a strong intraspecies variability. A set of markers such as those used here may be very useful in genotyping of clinical samples and in the assessment of epidemiological relationships among E. hellem strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Haro
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
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Moura H, Ospina M, Woolfitt AR, Barr JR, Visvesvara GS. Analysis of four human microsporidian isolates by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2003; 50:156-63. [PMID: 12836871 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2003.tb00110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spores of four species of microsporidia isolated from humans were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and specific biomarkers were found for each. The microsporidia analyzed included three species, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis and the fourth organism is the recently described Brachiola algerae. Whole spores, spore shells, and soluble fractions were applied directly to the MALDI target without further purification steps. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of both whole spores and soluble fractions of the four isolates revealed a group of unique, characteristic, and reproducible spectral markers in the mass range of 2,000-8,000 Da. Statistical analysis of the averaged centroided masses uncovered two distinct sets of unique peptides or biomarkers, one originated from whole spores and the other from soluble fractions, that can differentiate the four microsporidian species studied. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of whole organisms is a rapid, sensitive, and specific option to characterize microsporidian isolates and has the potential for several applications in parasitology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hercules Moura
- Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne S Garcia
- LSG & Associates, Santa Monica, California 90402-2908, USA.
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Mo L, Drancourt M. Antigenic diversity of Encephalitozoon hellem demonstrated by subspecies-specific monoclonal antibodies. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2002; 49:249-54. [PMID: 12120990 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2002.tb00531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon hellem is a unicellular, obligate intracellular microsporidian species detected and isolated in HIV-infected patients presenting with keratoconjunctivitis, sinusitis, tracheobronchitis, nephritis, cystitis, and disseminated infection. A total of 24 monoclonal antibodies were produced against E. hellem and characterized. The monoclonal antibodies were of the immunoglobulin (Ig) G and Ig M subclasses, and, when incorporated into indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays, reacted against 13 isolates of E. hellem originating from three geographic regions. These monoclonal antibodies did not react with one strain each of either Encephalitozoon intestinalis or Encephalitozoon cuniculi, demonstrating their specificity. Two monoclonal antibodies reacted with all karyotype B-E. hellem isolates but did not react with karyotype A-isolates from North America and the Netherlands, thus demonstrating antigenic diversity among E. hellem isolates. These results add to the increasing evidence for diversity among E. hellem, which therefore may be reclassified into subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Mo
- Unité des Rickettsies, CNRS UPRES-A 6020, IFR 48, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France
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