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Sun H, Fan J, Chu H, Gao Y, Fang J, Wu Q, Ding H, Zhuo X, Kong Q, Lv H, Zheng B, Lu S. RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA combined with a digital visualization instrument to detect Toxoplasma gondii in stray dogs and cats in Zhejiang province, China. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0399823. [PMID: 38809001 PMCID: PMC11218441 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03998-23] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, is prevalent in warm-blooded animals, such as cats, dogs, and humans. T. gondii causes economic losses to livestock production and represents a potential risk to public health. Dogs and cats are common hosts in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The current molecular diagnostic tools for T. gondii infection require high technical skills, a laboratory environment, and complex instruments. Herein, we developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a) assay to detect T. gondii. The lowest limit of detection of the assay was 31 copies/μL for the T. gondii B1 gene. In addition, we established a visual RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a lateral flow band assay (RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA) combined with a digital visualization instrument, which minimized the problem of false-negative results for weakly positive samples and avoided misinterpretation of the results by the naked eye, making the LFA assay results more accurate. The assay established in this study could identify T. gondii within 55 min with high accuracy and sensitivity, without cross-reaction with other tested parasites. The developed assay was validated by establishing a mouse model of toxoplasmosis. Finally, the developed assay was used to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii in stray cats and dogs in Zhejiang province, Eastern China. The positive rates of T. gondii infection in stray cats and dogs were 8.0% and 4.0%, respectively. In conclusion, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA is rapid, sensitive, and accurate for the early diagnosis of T. gondii, showing promise for on-site surveillance. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii is a virulent pathogen that puts millions of infected people at risk of chronic disease reactivation. Hosts of T. gondii are distributed worldwide, and cats and dogs are common hosts of T. gondii. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of early T. gondii infection and investigation of its prevalence in stray dogs and cats are essential. Here, we established a visual recombinase polymerase amplification-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 12a-assay combined with a lateral flow band assay and a digital visualization instrument. Detailed analyses found that the assay could be used for the early diagnosis of T. gondii without false-negative results. Moreover, we detected the prevalence of T. gondii in stray cats and dogs in Zhejiang province, China. Our developed assay provides technical support for the early diagnosis of T. gondii and could be applied in prevalence surveys of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiyuan Fan
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongkun Chu
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yafan Gao
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawen Fang
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinli Wu
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - QingMing Kong
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - HangJun Lv
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Wu Y, Zhang Y, Zhu ZW, Xue QQ, Zou MH, Sun M, Li YY, Zhao JH. Rapid and Visual Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Blood Samples from Pet Cats and Dogs by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:512-519. [PMID: 36201229 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0001] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that invades nearly all nucleated cells of a broad spectrum of vertebrate hosts, and which may cause serious disease in immunocompromised patients, as well as in the immunologically incompetent fetus. This study aimed to establish a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique to rapidly detect T. gondii in the blood infection by targeting the 529 bp repeat element of T. gondii. Methods: A turbidity monitoring system, together with visual reagent, was used to test the amplification result of the LAMP assay. In addition, the specificity and sensitivity of the LAMP assay were measured. Results: The results suggest that the successfully established LAMP assay profile can detect the DNA of T. gondii at 67°C within 40 min. The limit of detection of the LAMP assay was 101 copies/μL. No cross reaction occurred with Plasmodium vivax, Toxocara cati, Clonorchis sinensi, Spirometra mansoni or Cryptosporidium parvum. We validated the developed LAMP assay by detecting T. gondii in DNA extracted from 353 blood samples collected from domestic cats and dogs. The percentages of positive results in detecting these blood samples by LAMP and conventional PCR were 5.38% and 2.83%, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings show that the developed LAMP assay offers higher analytical sensitivity than conventional PCR and good analytical specificity, minimizes aerosol contamination, and can be applied to on-site rapid detection of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhu
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qi-Qi Xue
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Ming-Hui Zou
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Ming Sun
- Tiantian Pet Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jin-Hong Zhao
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, China
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Ullah H, Arbab S, Li K, Khan MIU, Qadeer A, Muhammad N. Schistosomiasis related circulating cell-free DNA: A useful biomarker in diagnostics. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 251:111495. [PMID: 35835258 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma is a genus of trematodes causing schistosomiasis, a major neglected tropical disease infecting more than 240 million people and with 700 million people at the risk of infection in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, especially low-income countries. For the elimination of the disease, accurate diagnostic tools are needed. Besides allowing early treatment, early detection prevents environmental contamination and in turn ensures safe water sources in the endemic areas. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) biomarker detection is a relatively new tool, used for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in the early stages of infection from non-invasive clinical or experimental samples. cfDNA can be detected in Schistosoma infected host body fluids such as urine, serum, saliva and tissues, mainly in blood offering significant benefits for accurate diagnosis. In the current review, we described different characteristics of cfDNA, evidencing and supporting its potential uses in Schistosoma diagnosis and the improvement of treatment effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanif Ullah
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Safia Arbab
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, China; Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ka Li
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Muhammad Inayat Ullah Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Abdul Qadeer
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Nehaz Muhammad
- Department of Zoology, University of Swabi, Swabi 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Liu Q, Zhang MY, Zhao B, Chen Y, Jiang W, Geng XL, Wang Q. Diagnostic Value of Circulating Antigens in the Serum of Piglets with Experimental Acute Toxoplasmosis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:697-706. [PMID: 35022274 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, infects all warm-blooded animals, including a third of the human population. Laboratory diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis is based on the detection of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG and T. gondii nucleic acid; however, these assays have certain limitations. Circulating Ags (CAgs) are reliable diagnostic indicators of acute infection. In this study, we established a model of acute T. gondii infection in Large White pigs. CAg levels peaked between 3 and 5 d after inoculation, and 28 CAgs were identified using an immunoprecipitation-shotgun approach, among which dolichol-phosphate-mannose synthase family protein (TgDPM), C3HC zinc finger-like protein (TgZFLP3), and ribosomal protein RPL7 (TgRPL7) were selected to further investigate their value in the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that TgDPM and TgRPL7 were localized in the membrane surface, while TgZFLP3 was localized in the apical end. Western blotting revealed the presence of the three proteins in the serum during acute infection. Indirect ELISA results indicate that TgZFLP3 is likely to be a novel candidate for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. However, these three proteins may not be useful as candidate vaccines against toxoplasmosis owing to their low protective ability. In addition, deletion of the zflp3 gene partially attenuated virulence in Kunming mice. Collectively, we identified 28 CAgs in the serum of piglets with experimental acute toxoplasmosis and confirmed that TgZFLP3 is a potential biomarker for acute T. gondii infection. The results of this study provide data to improve the detection efficiency of acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Man-Yu Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Geng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Charles-Niño C, Pedroza-Roldán C, Salazar-Reveles C, Ocampo-Figueroa KL, Rodríguez-Pérez LR, Paez-Magallán VM. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Measured by Western Blot, ELISA and DNA Analysis, by PCR, in Cats of Western Mexico. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010109. [PMID: 35056057 PMCID: PMC8778430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. The sexual reproductive cycle of Toxoplasma takes place in the small intestine of felines, the definitive hosts. In the final part of the sexual cycle, T. gondii forms oocysts in infected cats. Oocysts transferred via the faeces to the environment are highly infectious to both animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cats from the metropolitan region of Guadalajara in western Mexico. Western blotting and ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was performed, and Toxoplasma DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 14.8% (44/297), and only 2/297 cases were positive for PCR. Cats older than one year were at an increased risk of infection (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.844–8.362). Sex, raw meat feeding, hunting habits, vaccination status, and body condition were not associated with positivity. The prevalence of T. gondii infection determined with Western blot in cats in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was lower than that reported in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - Claudia Charles-Niño
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - César Pedroza-Roldán
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - Carolina Salazar-Reveles
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
| | - Karen Lissete Ocampo-Figueroa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
| | - Laura Roció Rodríguez-Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
| | - Varinia Margarita Paez-Magallán
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
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Majid A, Ahmad N, Haleem S, Akbar NU, Zareen S, Taib M, Khan S, Hussain R, Sohail. Detection of toxoplasmosis in pets and stray cats through molecular and serological techniques in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:357. [PMID: 34798893 PMCID: PMC8603471 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasite that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, distributed globally, causing major health issues for a wide range of hosts, including humans, native and wild animals. Methods In the present study, we detected IgG and IgM antibodies through an ELISA kit and DNA of T. gondii through PCR in 197 pets and stray cats in Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) to estimate the existence of feline toxoplasmosis. Results The current study revealed that stray cats have a significant infection rate of T. gondii (74.6%) as compared to pet cats (25.4%). In all the four districts, the prevalence of T. gondii was pointedly higher in district Kohat (95.5%) in the feline population. In comparison to the female (75.18%) and male (both pets and stray) cats have a maximum infection of (81.66%) non-significantly. The prevalence of T. gondii was observed to be significantly higher (91.66%) in the older and greater than 4 year old population of cats as compared to the younger ones. In poor health condition, the cat populations has a higher risk of infection of 92.3% as compared to healthy and poor body condition (73.91%) and (82.6%) respectively. The chronic and reactivated chronic conditions of toxoplasmosis were higher (58.37%) as compared to the acute condition. Conclusion It has been concluded that toxoplasmosis is widely spread in the studied population.The outcomes of the present study show that T. gondii infection has a significant impact on the type of cat, age, and area, which implies a serious threat to human beings. Therefore, genotyping of T. gondii strains from different hosts is needed to forecast the current approach for prevention and control of this zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Nisar Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Sumbal Haleem
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Noor Ul Akbar
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Shehzad Zareen
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Taib
- Institute of Basic Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Sanaullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Rafiq Hussain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lakki, Marwat, KP, Pakistan
| | - Sohail
- Institute of Biology/Plant Physiology, Humboldt-University Zü Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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Xue Y, Kong Q, Ding H, Xie C, Zheng B, Zhuo X, Ding J, Tong Q, Lou D, Lu S, Lv H. A novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral-flow-dipstick (LAMP-LFD) device for rapid detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood of stray cats and dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:41. [PMID: 33944774 PMCID: PMC8095094 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021039] [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: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis and threatens warm-blooded animal and human health worldwide. Simple and applicable diagnostic methods are urgently needed to guide development of effective approaches for prevention of toxoplasmosis. Most molecular diagnostic tools for T. gondii infection require high technical skills, sophisticated equipment, and a controlled lab environment. In this study, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral-flow-dipstick (LAMP-LFD) assay that specifically targets the 529 bp for detecting T. gondii infection. This novel portable device is universal, fast, user-friendly, and guarantees experimental sensitivity as well as low risk of aerosol contamination. Our LAMP-LFD assay has a detection limit of 1 fg of T. gondii DNA, and shows no cross-reaction with other parasitic pathogens, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Leishmania donovani, and Plasmodium vivax. We validated the developed assay by detecting T. gondii in DNA extracted from blood samples collected from 318 stray cats and dogs sampled from Deqing, Wenzhou, Yiwu, Lishui and Zhoushan cities across Zhejiang province, Eastern China. The LAMP-LFD device detected T. gondii DNA in 4.76 and 4.69% of stray cats and dogs, respectively. In conclusion, the developed LAMP-LFD assay is efficient, minimizes aerosol contamination, and is therefore suitable for detecting T. gondii across basic medical institutions and field settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangji Xue
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Qingming Kong
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Chengzuo Xie
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Jianzu Ding
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Qunbo Tong
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Di Lou
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
| | - Hangjun Lv
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences 310013 Hangzhou PR China - Hangzhou Medical College 310053 Hangzhou PR China
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Liu Q, Jiang W, Chen Y, Zhang M, Geng X, Wang Q. Study on Circulating Antigens in Serum of Mice With Experimental Acute Toxoplasmosis. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:612252. [PMID: 33537014 PMCID: PMC7848078 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.612252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan protozoan parasite that can infect all warm-blooded animals, causing toxoplasmosis. Thus, efficient diagnosis methods for acute T. gondii infection are essential for its management. Circulating antigens (CAgs) are reliable diagnostic indicators of acute infection. In this study, we established a mouse model of acute T. gondii infection and explored new potential diagnostic factors. CAgs levels peaked 60 h after T. gondii inoculation and 31 CAgs were identified by immunoprecipitation-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, among which RuvB-like helicase (TgRuvBL1), ribonuclease (TgRNaseH1), and ribosomal protein RPS2 (TgRPS2) were selected for prokaryotic expression. Polyclonal antibodies against these three proteins were prepared. Results from indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that anti-rTgRuvBL1, anti-rTgRNase H1, and anti-rTgRPS2 mouse sera were recognized by natural excretory-secretory antigens from T. gondii tachyzoites. Moreover, immunofluorescence assays revealed that TgRuvBL1 was localized in the nucleus, while TgRNase H1 and TgRPS2 were in the apical end. Western blotting data confirmed the presence of the three proteins in the sera of the infected mice. Moreover, mice immunized with rTgRuvBL1 (10.0 ± 0.30 days), TgRNaseH1 (9.67 ± 0.14 days), or rTgRPS2 (11.5 ± 0.34 days) had slightly longer lifespan when challenged with a virulent T. gondii RH strain. Altogether, these findings indicate that these three proteins can potentially be diagnostic candidates for acute toxoplasmosis. However, they hold poor protective potential against highly virulent T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Manyu Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Geng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA fragment: A possible marker for early detection of Schistosoma japonicum. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 88:104683. [PMID: 33348056 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem that is included in the neglected tropical diseases. The early diagnosis and detection of the pathogen are of critical importance in the control of the disease. The diagnostic techniques in use include the detection of worm's eggs in fecal examination or detection of circulating antigens in immunological based assays. These traditional strategies lack sensitivity in earlier detection of the schistosomiasis. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that includes the fragments of parasitic DNA circulating in the body fluids of host offers an alternative mean for the rapid pathogen detection and thus is a useful diagnostic tool. In this study, we explored the usefulness of the mitochondrial cfDNA markers for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis from the experimentally infected hosts (rabbits and mice). In this study we found mitochondrial DNA fragment cytochrome B gene as persistent and useful cfDNA marker for the early detection of schistosomiasis. We evaluated the sensitivity of cfDNA marker with varying numbers of cercaria. Overall, our results suggest that cfDNA markers can be useful for developing a diagnostic tool for the detection of S. japonicum infection.
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Song HY, Liu Y, Chen K, Chang JY, Zou Y, Yang JF, Dai FY, Zou FC. Prevalence and Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in Cats, Rats, and Chickens in Border Areas of Yunnan Province, China. J Parasitol 2020; 106:395-399. [PMID: 32556163 DOI: 10.1645/18-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in cats, rats, and chickens in the border areas of Yunnan Province. A total of 259 samples was collected from 10 border areas in Yunnan Province including 94 cats, 58 rats, and 107 chickens. Samples were screened by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and the positive products were analyzed by multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to determine the genotypes. Toxoplasma gondii deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected from 15.96% of 94 cats, 15.52% of 58 rats, and 6.54% of 107 chickens, respectively, and the average infection rate is 11.97%. Using the multilocus PCR-RFLP, we found that the genotype of T. gondii in cats and rats was ToxoDB#9. Because of low DNA concentration, no genotype was determined from chickens. These results fill the gaps of knowledge in the prevalence and genotype of T. gondii in the border areas of Yunnan Province and have implications for the better control of T. gondii infection in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yang Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650101, China
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, China
| | - Jiang-Yan Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, China
| | - Yang Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, China
| | - Fei-Yan Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, China
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11
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Dubey JP, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Yang YR, Su C. All about toxoplasmosis in cats: the last decade. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109145. [PMID: 32645556 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis continues to be of public health concern. Cats (domestic and wild felids) are the most important host in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they are the only species that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in feces. Cats can excrete millions of oocysts and a single cat can spread infection to many hosts. The present paper summarizes information on prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical signs, and diagnosis of T. gondii infections in domestic and wild cats for the past decade. Special emphasis is paid to genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from cats. Review of literature indicates that a unique genotype (ToxoDB genotype #9 or Chinese 1) is widely prevalent in cats in China and it has been epidemiologically linked to outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in pigs and deaths in humans in China; this genotype has rarely been detected in other countries. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y R Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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12
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Hwang J, Gottdenker NL, Oh DH, Nam HW, Lee H, Chun MS. Disentangling the link between supplemental feeding, population density, and the prevalence of pathogens in urban stray cats. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4988. [PMID: 29967720 PMCID: PMC6022734 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supplemental feeding of free-roaming animals, including wildlife and feral or stray animals, is well known to have a substantial impact on various aspects of animal ecology including habitat use, activity patterns, and host-pathogen interactions. Among them, an increased population density (PD) of animals receiving supplemental food raises concerns regarding the transmission of pathogens in these host populations. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how supplemental feeding is associated with host PD and prevalence of pathogens with different transmission modes in urban stray cats. We hypothesized that supplemental feeding would be positively associated with host PD and the prevalence of pathogens with density-dependent transmission modes compared with pathogens with transmission modes that are considered relatively density-independent. METHODS This study was conducted in six districts in Seoul, Republic of Korea which were selected based on different degrees of supplemental feeding and cat caretaker activity (CCA). The PD of stray cats was estimated by mark-recapture surveys. Stray cat blood samples (N = 302) were collected from stray cats by local animal hospitals from each district performing the trap-neuter-release which tested for eight pathogens with different transmission modes (feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline panleukopenia virus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, Bartonella henselae, hemoplasma, and Toxoplasma gondii) with molecular or serological assays. Associations between the prevalence of each pathogen and PD, CCA, and sex of cats were statistically analyzed. RESULTS In contrast to initial predictions, the cat PD was generally higher in low CCA districts. The prevalence of (FeLV), which is transmitted through direct contact, was significantly higher in areas with a high CCA, conforming to our hypothesis. On the other hand, the prevalence of feline parvovirus, which can be spread by environmental transmission, was higher in low CCA districts. The remaining six pathogens did not show any association with the CCA; however, they had a unique association with the PD or the sex of the stray cats. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that in addition to influencing the PD, supplemental feeding may affect the prevalence of pathogens in urban animals by mechanisms such as increased aggregation and/or altered foraging strategies, with different consequences depending on the transmission mode of each pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusun Hwang
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Dae-Hyun Oh
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Parasitic Disease Research Institute, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Sun Chun
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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13
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Hou ZF, Su SJ, Liu DD, Wang LL, Jia CL, Zhao ZX, Ma YF, Li QQ, Xu JJ, Tao JP. Prevalence, risk factors and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in sick pigs and stray cats in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 60:17-25. [PMID: 29452292 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan with a worldwide distribution. The parasites in edible tissues of pigs and oocysts from cats are the major sources of T. gondii infection in humans. However, there are no data from sick pigs in veterinary clinics or from stray cats in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. In total, biological samples from 141 sick pigs and 64 stray cats were collected from this region. The rate of T. gondii infection in sick pigs was 46.81% using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray cats was 34.38% by PCR and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). T. gondii was significantly more prevalent in lungs and heart than in liver and spleen (P < 0.05). Age and geographic region were considered to be the main risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in these pigs. The DNA samples from 17 sick pigs and seven stray cats, were successfully genotyped by multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with 10 genetic markers [SAG1, SAG2 (5'-3'SAG2, alt. SAG2), SAG3, GRA6, PK1, c22-8, c29-2, BTUB, L358 and Apico]. Six distinct genotypes were found, which were designated ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotypes #9 (Chinese I), #10 (Type I), #213, and #89, and New 1 and New 2. Chinese I is the most prevalent T. gondii genotype in this region. The two new genotypes (designated New 1 and New 2) are reported and the ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #89 is found for the first time in China. Such information will be useful for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of porcine toxoplasmosis in Jiangsu Province, eastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Feng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Shi-Jie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Dan-Dan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Le-le Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Chuan-Li Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Zhen-Xing Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Yi-Fei Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Qiao-Qiao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Jin-Jun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China
| | - Jian-Ping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225000, PR China.
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ASGARI Q, MOHAMMADPOUR I, PIRZAD R, KALANTARI M, MOTAZEDIAN MH, NADERI S. Molecular and Serological Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Stray Cats in Shiraz, South-central, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 13:430-439. [PMID: 30483335 PMCID: PMC6243156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease that causes critical medical complications in neonates and immunocompromised persons. Infection rates in cats, specifically stray cats, are believed to be the best sentry of the level of Toxoplasma gondii in the environment. Therefore, in this study, we surveyed T. gondii infection in stray cats of Shiraz, one of the metropolises of Iran. METHODS The appearance of antibodies and DNA of T. gondii in samples from 145 stray cats was determined in order to appraise the prevalence of T. gondii infection, by MAT and Nested-PCR. RESULTS The rate of T. gondii infection in the cats was 69% by PCR and 82.8% by MAT. Besides, the highest rate of infection was discerned in diaphragm (37.9%) and intercostal muscle (34.5%), while the lowest rate was related to ileum (6.9%). Moreover, the similarity between MAT with titers 1:20, 1:40 and PCR were 79.2% and 86.2%, respectively (P=0.02 and P=0.0001). CONCLUSION Nested-PCR and MAT are valuable techniques for molecular and serological detection of T. gondii. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in stray cats in Shiraz is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasem ASGARI
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iraj MOHAMMADPOUR
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Razieh PIRZAD
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen KALANTARI
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Mamasani Higher Education Complex for Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein MOTAZEDIAN
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shahrbanou NADERI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Ding H, Gao YM, Deng Y, Lamberton PHL, Lu DB. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in mainland China. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:27. [PMID: 28086987 PMCID: PMC5237326 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii which can infect all warm-blooded animals. As the most common feline definitive host, cats play a vital role in the transmission of T. gondii. However, national estimates of the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China are lacking, and therefore a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to provide insight into national environmental transmission levels and potential transmission to humans. METHODS Studies published up until July 1, 2016, on T. gondii seroprevalence in cats within mainland China were searched for in CNKI, WanFang, CBM, PubMed, Embase and through the reference lists of resulting articles. The seroprevalence with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each individual study was presented, and then point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pooled seroprevalence were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to potential risk factors. RESULTS A total of 38 eligible studies, published between 1995 to 2016, covering fifteen provinces and municipalities, and involving 7,285 cats, were included. The seroprevalence in cats per study ranged from 3.9 to 79.4% with a median of 20.3%. As substantial heterogeneity existed among studies, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled seroprevalence. The value of the point estimate seroprevalence was 24.5% (95% CI: 20.1-29.0). Seroprevalence in stray cats was significantly higher than in pet cats (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.60-5.64). The seroprevalence increased significantly with cat age (P = 0.018) with 17.4% (95% CI: 7.6-27.2) in the group of ≤ 1 year old, 19.5% (95% CI: 12.7-26.3) in the group of ≤ 3 year-old and 31.6% (95% CI: 22.9-40.3) in the group of > 3 year-old. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China was moderate and was associated with cat ownership and age. Due to the increasing prevalence of pet cats in China and the intimate relationship between these cats and humans, this might present a significant exposure risk, particularly for China's large susceptible population. Therefore, further research is needed into the links between cat ownership and human T. gondii infection and how to reduce T. gondii exposure in humans via cat contacts and the environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts by cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Meng Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Poppy H. L. Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine and Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, GL12 8QQ UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG UK
| | - Da-Bing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
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Kang YH, Cong W, Qin SY, Shan XF, Gao YH, Wang CF, Qian AD. First Report of Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, and Chlamydia felis Infection in Stray and Companion Cats in Northeastern and Eastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:654-8. [PMID: 27463689 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline vector-borne diseases have increasingly become a focus of interest in recent years. Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, and Chlamydia felis are common pathogens of cats that can affect humans among different countries all over the world. However, information about prevalence of T. gondii and C. felis is available in China, but information about coinfection of T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis in cats is limited. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of these pathogens' infection among stray and companion cats in northeastern and eastern China and identify the influence of age, gender, types, and regions on seropositivity. The circulating antigens of D. immitis and specific antibodies to T. gondii and C. felis were examined using kits commercially available. The overall prevalence of T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis was 15.43%, 1.93%, and 9.90%, respectively. Coinfection was common, and infection with both T. gondii and C. felis was the most common coinfection (22.32%). Stray cats have significantly higher seroprevalences than companion cats (p < 0.05). Moreover, the infection rates of these pathogens keep increasing year by year. This is the first report of T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis infection in cats in northeastern and eastern China. The findings of this study reveal that T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis are prevalent in stray and companion cats in northeastern China, which provided baseline data for the effective prevention and control of these parasites' prevalence in these regions and other parts of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Huan Kang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cong
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China .,2 College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai , Weihai, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China .,3 General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases & Wildlife Borne Diseases, State Forestry Administration (SFA) , Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Shan
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hang Gao
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Feng Wang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Identification and characterization of an immunogenic antigen, enolase 2, among excretory/secretory antigens (ESA) of Toxoplasma gondii. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 127:88-97. [PMID: 27450536 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
An immunogenic protein, enolase 2, was identified among the secreted excretory/secretory antigens (ESAs) from Toxoplasma gondii strain RH using immunoproteomics based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Enolase 2 was cloned, sequenced, and heterologously expressed. BLAST analysis revealed 75-96% similarity with enolases from other parasites. Immunoblotting demonstrated good immunoreactivity of recombinant T. gondii enolase (Tg-enolase 2) to T. gondii-infected animal serum. Purified Tg-enolase 2 was found to catalyze dehydration of 2-phospho-d-glycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. In vitro studies revealed maximal activity at pH 7.5 and 37 °C, and activity was inhibited by K(+), Ni(2+), Al(3+), Na(+), Cu(2+) and Cr(3+). A monoclonal antibody against Tg-enolase 2 was prepared, 1D6, with the isotype IgG2a/κ. Western blotting revealed that 1D6 reacts with Tg-enolase 2 and native enolase 2, present among T. gondii ESAs. The indirect immunofluorescence assays showed that enolase 2 could be specifically detected on the growing T. gondii tachyzoites. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed the surface and intracellular locations of enolase 2 on T. gondii cells. In conclusion, our results clearly show that the enzymatic activity of T. gondii enolase 2 is ion dependent and that it could be influenced by environmental factors. We also provide evidence that enolase 2 is an important immunogenic protein of ESAs from T. gondii and that it is a surface-exposed protein with strong antigenicity and immunogenicity. Our findings indicate that enolase 2 could play important roles in metabolism, immunogenicity and pathogenicity and that it may serve as a novel drug target and candidate vaccine against T. gondii infection.
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18
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Twenty-six circulating antigens and two novel diagnostic candidate molecules identified in the serum of canines with experimental acute toxoplasmosis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:374. [PMID: 27357215 PMCID: PMC4928332 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1643-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogen that causes severe opportunistic disease in a wide range of hosts. Efficient methods to diagnose acute T. gondii infection are essential for the administration of appropriate treatments and to reduce economic losses. In animals with acute infections, circulating antigens (CAgs) were detected as early as two days post-infection; these CAgs were reliable diagnostic indicators of acute infection. However, only a limited number of CAgs have been identified to date. The objective of this study was to identify a broader spectrum of CAgs and to explore novel diagnostic candidates in serum. METHODS A canine model of acute toxoplasmiosis was established. For this purpose, six dogs were infected by intraperitoneal inoculation of tachyzoites. The CAgs spectrum in the serum was identified with the immunoprecipitation-shotgun approach. Two CAgs with low homology to other species, coronin protein (TgCOR) and ELMO protein (TgELMO), were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antibodies against these two proteins were prepared, and the presence of these proteins in the serum was verified by Western blotting. The two CAgs were detected and evaluated by indirect ELISA methods. RESULTS The CAgs levels peaked between two and five days after inoculation, and twenty-six CAgs were identified. Western blotting showed the presence of the two proteins in the serum during acute infection. Based on ELISA tests, the two CAgs were detected during acute infection. CONCLUSIONS We identified twenty-six CAgs in the serum of canines with experimental acute toxoplasmosis and discovered two novel diagnostic candidates. We also provide new insights into the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis.
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Isolation and genetic characterization of viable Toxoplasma gondii from tissues and feces of cats from the central region of China. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:283-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Jiang W, Liu Y, Chen Y, Yang Q, Chun P, Yao K, Han X, Wang S, Yu S, Liu Y, Wang Q. A novel dynamic flow immunochromatographic test (DFICT) using gold nanoparticles for the serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 72:133-9. [PMID: 25978441 PMCID: PMC7126266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A novel dynamic flow immunochromatographic test (DFICT) is proposed for rapid assay utilizing Toxoplasma gondii as a model. The test is based on a proprietary technology that combines the principles of immunochromatography and fluid dynamics. Gold nanoparticles conjugated to staphylococcal protein A (SPA) were prepared in liquid form and used as signal vehicles. T. gondii-specific recombinant antigens and SPA were sprayed onto a nitrocellulose membrane in strips at positions designated as T and C, respectively. The DFICT is performed by applying a 100 µL aliquot of liquid gold-SPA conjugate to the reagent hole and a 5 μL aliquot of serum sample to the sample hole. The results were observable within 5 min by the naked eye. The lowest detectable limit of the assay was determined as the highest dilution (1:320) of positive serum. No cross-reaction of the antibodies with other related canine or feline pathogens was observed. The DFICT can be stored for 12 months at 4 °C or 6 months with no loss of sensitivity or specificity. A high degree of consistency was observed between the DFICT and the standard ELISA kit, supporting the reliability of the novel test strip. The introduction of a liquid gold nanoparticle conjugate reagent provides this method with several attractive characteristics, such as ease of manufacture, low sample volume requirements, high selectivity and high efficiency. This method opens a novel pathway for rapid diagnostic screening and field analysis. A novel dynamic flow immunochromatographic test (DFICT) is developed. A liquid gold nanoparticle conjugate reagent is introduced in DFICT. It is not necessary to prepare the conjugated pad and the sample pad in DFICT. DFICT requires only 5 μL of serum sample with no need for sample pretreatment. DFICT can be used for serological detection of T. gondii in both dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiufeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Peter Chun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Kailing Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xiangan Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Shaohui Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Shengqing Yu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. No. 518, Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China.
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Li YN, Nie X, Peng QY, Mu XQ, Zhang M, Tian MY, Min SJ. Seroprevalence and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs, dogs and cats from Guizhou province, Southwest China. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:214. [PMID: 25889417 PMCID: PMC4394553 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular protozoan that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, domesticated and wild animals. Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in different regions of China have shown a limited genetic diversity with the dominance of the ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #9 named as "Chinese 1". However, there is not much published information regarding its prevalence in domestic animals from Guizhou province, a subtropical region in Southwest China. The objectives of this study were to determine seroprevalence and genetic diversity of T .gondii in pigs, dogs and cats in Guizhou province, Southwest China. FINDINGS The anti-T. gondii IgG were detected in 70.0%(49/70) pigs, 20.56%(22/107) dogs and 63.16(12/19) cats. The anti-T. gondii IgM were found in 0.93%(1/107) dogs, 21.53%(4/19) cats, but not in pigs. In addition, the toxoplasma circulating antigen (CAG) were detected in 16.9%18/70)pigs, 13.1% (14/107) dogs and 10.5%(2/19) cats. The T. gondii DNA were detected in 31.5%(22/70) pigs, 3.7%(4/107) dogs and 52.63%(10/19) cats. Five T. gondii isolates were obtained(3 from pigs and 2 from cats). The genotype of these five isolates belonged to the predominant genotype "Chinese 1". CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs,cats and dogs indicated that the T. gondii infection is common in Guizhou province. Additionally, the T. gondii genotype "Chinese 1" was dominant in Southwest China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Nian Li
- Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - XinWen Nie
- Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Qun-Yi Peng
- Department of Laboratory, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Xiao-Qiong Mu
- Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, 550004, China.
| | - Meng-Yuan Tian
- Department of Laboratory, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Shao-ju Min
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 264000, China.
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Eraky MA, Aly NSM. Diagnostic and prognostic value of cell free circulating Schistosoma mansoni DNA: an experimental study. J Parasit Dis 2014; 40:1014-20. [PMID: 27605830 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Searching for a more sensitive and accurate marker for schistosomiasis diagnosis and treatment follow up is a potential necessity. Hereby, we evaluated usefulness of circulating free DNA as a marker for schistosomiasis diagnosis, assessing drug efficacy and monitoring the control interventions impact using SYBR green real-time PCR. A batch of mice were infected by 90 ± 10 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Starting from the 2nd day post infection (p.i.), groups of 2 or 3 mice were sacrificed every 3 days until 30 days p.i. The remaining animals were treated by a single dose of 400 mg/kg mefloquine and sacrificed in group at 5, 10, 21 days post treatment (35, 40, 51 days p.i.). Using SYBR green real time qPCR, pooled sera DNA were extracted and amplified. The results showed that, circulating free S. mansoni DNA was detected from the 2nd day post infection (p.i.) onwards with gradual decrease in the cycle threshold value Ct which indicates the gradual elevation of the DNA level (Log quantity was 2.6-3.1 IU/ml), As the infection progressed, DNA quantity was increased(Log quantity was 6.29 IU/ml). Initial increase of circulating free DNA was observed 10 days post treatment (40 days p.i.) (Log quantity was 7.38 IU/ml). That was followed by a progressive decrease in DNA level by the end of 21st day, post treatment (51 p.i.) (Log quantity 4.35 IU/ml). In conclusion, circulating free S. mansoni DNA is a reliable marker in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis and for assessing drug efficacy and monitoring the impact of control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Ahmad Eraky
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13518 Egypt
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Spectrum of opportunistic and other parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending a tertiary care hospital. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(14)60610-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Liu QX, Wang S, Wang LQ, Xing J, Gao WJ, Liu GF, Zhao B, Zhang HB, Gao LH. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City, Eastern China. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014. [DOI: 10.12980/apjtb.4.2014apjtd-2014-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies of stray cats in Garmsar, Iran. J Parasit Dis 2013; 39:306-8. [PMID: 26064024 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The infection may be serious if is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. The infection in non-exposure mothers leads to abortion, congenital disorders and blindness. Infections of human are common and are usually asymptomatic but it is so dangerous in immunosuppressed and HIV positive patients. The Aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cats of Garmsar. From December 2007 to August 2008, blood samples of 107 stray cats were collected and analyzed for T. gondii IgG antibody using ELISA method (Toxoplasma IgG antibodies kit, Trinity Biotech Co., USA). RESULTS 32 samples were male and 75 were female. 64.48 % (69 samples) were positive and 35.51 % (38 samples) were negative. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female. The seropositivity rate of T. gondii increased with age (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between various regions of the city. The results of recent study showed the high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Garmsar rather than other countries. According to high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cats, Performing a screening test and determination IgG antibodies titer in high risk population (young girls, pregnant women) is recommended.
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Fajardo HV, D’ávila S, Bastos RR, Cyrino CD, de Lima Detoni M, Garcia JL, das Neves LB, Nicolau JL, Amendoeira MRR. Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in cattle from extensive and semi-intensive rearing systems at Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais state, Southern Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:191. [PMID: 23800302 PMCID: PMC3706285 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerning the infection of humans by T. gondii, limited efforts have been directed to the elucidation of the role of horizontal transmission between hosts. One of the main routes of transmission from animals to humans occurs through the ingestion of raw or insufficiently cooked meat. However, even though the detection of T. gondii in meat constitutes an important short-term measure, control strategies can only be accomplished by a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle from Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and to identify associated risk factors, through an epidemiological investigation. METHODS The animals studied (Bos indicus, breed Nelore or Gir) were reared in the Zona da Mata micro-region and killed at a commercial slaughterhouse at Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state. The animals came from 53 cattle farms with extensive (predominantly pasture feeding management) or semi-intensive (food management based on grazing, salt mineral and feed supplementation) rearing systems. Blood samples were collected from 1200 animals, and assigned to Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test. RESULTS When analyzing IgG anti-T.gondii we found an overall seroprevalence of 2.68%. In Brazil prevalences vary from 1.03% to 60%. Although in the present study, the seroprevalence per animal is considered low compared to those observed in other studies, we found out that of the 53 farms analyzed, 17 (34.69%) had one or more positive cattle. It is a considerable percentage, suggesting that the infection is well distributed through the Zona da Mata region. The results of the epidemiological investigation showed that the main risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection are related to animal management and to the definive host. There was a relationship between the number of seropositive cattle and the presence and number of resident cats, presence and number of stray cats, presence of cats walking freely, rat control by using cats and feed storage. CONCLUSION These results may contribute to the development of preventive strategies in Brazil and other developing countries were extensive and semi-intensive cattle rearing systems are very widespread and the efforts to control this important zoonotic disease have attained little success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Vieira Fajardo
- Post-Graduate Course in Biological Sciences – Animal Biology and Behaviour, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sthefane D’ávila
- Department of Zoology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Rocha Bastos
- Departament of Statistics, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Luis Garcia
- Laboratory of Protozoology, University of the Londrina state, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - José Leonardo Nicolau
- Laboratory of Toxoplasmosis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute – Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Mohabati R, Babaie J, Amiri S, Talebzadeh M, Fard-Esfahani P, Darbouy M, Golkar M. Expression and Purification of Recombinant ROP1 of Toxoplasma gondii in Bacteria. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2013; 5:227-33. [PMID: 24285997 PMCID: PMC3838767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed infection which is mostly asymptomatic but can cause serious health problems in congenitally-infected newborns and immunecompromised individuals. Research is undergoing both to improve Toxoplasma serological tests, which play the main role in laboratory diagnosis of the infection, and develop an effective vaccine to prevent the infection. Some studies showed usefulness of rhoptry protein 1 (ROP1) antigen of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in serodiagnosis of the infection and induction of protective immunity. The purpose of this study was to produce recombinant ROP1 and evaluate its antigenicity against human infected sera. METHODS DNA encoding ROP1, amino acids 171 to 574, was obtained from T. gondii RH strain by polymerase chain reaction amplification and cloned in prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-15b. rROP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified in a single step by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. RESULTS DNA sequencing showed 99% similarity between the cloned sequence and the corresponding sequence in Gene bank. Results indicated the proper antigenicity of rROP1. Sera from Toxoplasma infected individuals specifically recognized rROP1 in Western blotting. CONCLUSION rROP1 is antigenic toward human infected sera and can be used in studies for development of both a Toxoplasma serological test and a protective vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Mohabati
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran
| | - Jalal Babaie
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Amiri
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Talebzadeh
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mojtaba Darbouy
- Department of Biochemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran
| | - Majid Golkar
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Majid Golkar, Ph.D., Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98 21 66968855, Fax: +98 21 66968855. E-mail:
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