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de Paula Baptista R, Tucker MS, Valente MJ, Srivastava SK, Chehab N, Li A, Shaik JS, Ramirez JD, Rosenthal BM, Khan A. Comparative genomics of Giardia duodenalis sub-assemblage AI beaver (Be-2) and human (WB-C6) strains show remarkable homozygosity, sequence similarity, and conservation of VSP genes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13582. [PMID: 38866814 PMCID: PMC11169602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63783-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, a major cause of waterborne infection, infects a wide range of mammalian hosts and is subdivided into eight genetically well-defined assemblages named A through H. However, fragmented genomes and a lack of comparative analysis within and between the assemblages render unclear the molecular mechanisms controlling host specificity and differential disease outcomes. To address this, we generated a near-complete de novo genome of AI assemblage using the Oxford Nanopore platform by sequencing the Be-2 genome. We generated 148,144 long-reads with quality scores of > 7. The final genome assembly consists of only nine contigs with an N50 of 3,045,186 bp. This assembly agrees closely with the assembly of another strain in the AI assemblage (WB-C6). However, a critical difference is that a region previously placed in the five-prime region of Chr5 belongs to Chr4 of Be-2. We find a high degree of conservation in the ploidy, homozygosity, and the presence of cysteine-rich variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) within the AI assemblage. Our assembly provides a nearly complete genome of a member of the AI assemblage of G. duodenalis, aiding population genomic studies capable of elucidating Giardia transmission, host range, and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Paula Baptista
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Matthew S Tucker
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Matthew J Valente
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Subodh K Srivastava
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Nadya Chehab
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Alison Li
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Jahangheer S Shaik
- Insights and Analytics, Applied Data Science and Learning, Data Science Institute, Takeda, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Juan David Ramirez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Benjamin M Rosenthal
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Asis Khan
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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Islam MM, Farag E, Hassan MM, Enan KA, Mohammadi A, Aldiqs AK, Alhussain H, Al Musalmani E, Al-Zeyara AA, Al-Romaihi H, Yassine HM, Sultan AA, Bansal D, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z. Rodent-borne parasites in Qatar: A possible risk at the human-animal-ecosystem interface. One Health 2024; 18:100708. [PMID: 38496338 PMCID: PMC10944255 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents are known reservoirs for a diverse group of zoonotic pathogens that can pose a threat to human health. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate these pathogens to institute prevention and control measures. To achieve this, the current study was conducted to investigate the frequency of different parasites in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents, including Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus were captured using traps placed in different habitats such as agricultural and livestock farms, residential areas, and other localities. Blood, feces, ectoparasite, and visceral organs were collected for gross, microscopic, immunological, and molecular analysis. The study identified 10 different parasites, including Capillaria annulosa, Eimeria spp., Giardia spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, Mastophorus muris, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Taenia taeniaeformis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma lewisi, and Xenopsylla astia. Overall, 62.2% of the rodents tested positive for at least one parasite species. Helminths were found to be the most prevalent parasites (46.0%), followed by ectoparasites (31.8%), and protozoa (10.1%). However, individually, X. astia was the most prevalent (31.8%), whereas C. annulosa was the least common (0.7%). The prevalence of X. astia and H. diminuta significantly differed between habitats (p < 0.05). The sequence analysis of Hymenolepis spp. was closely related to the previously reported H. diminuta in Iran, China, and Mexico. In conclusion, the study identified a diverse range of rodent-borne parasites that are important to public health, with most of them being recorded for the first time among commensal rodents in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality, Doha, Qatar
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Elmoubashar Farag
- Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chottogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Khalid A. Enan
- Preventive Reference Laboratory, Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infection Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan 6556153145, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Hamad Al-Romaihi
- Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ali A. Sultan
- Department of Microbiology and Imunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Devendra Bansal
- Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126066. [PMID: 38442435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Critters and contamination: Zoonotic protozoans in urban rodents and water quality. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 251:121165. [PMID: 38290188 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rodents represent the single largest group within mammals and host a diverse array of zoonotic pathogens. Urbanisation impacts wild mammals, including rodents, leading to habitat loss but also providing new resources. Urban-adapted (synanthropic) rodents, such as the brown rat (R. norvegicus), black rat (R. rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus), have long successfully adapted to living close to humans and are known carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Two important enteric, zoonotic protozoan parasites, carried by rodents, include Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Their environmental stages (oocysts/cysts), released in faeces, can contaminate surface and wastewaters, are resistant to common drinking water disinfectants and can cause water-borne related gastritis outbreaks. At least 48 species of Cryptosporidium have been described, with C. hominis and C. parvum responsible for the majority of human infections, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B are the main human-infectious assemblages. Molecular characterisation is crucial to assess the public health risk linked to rodent-related water contamination due to morphological overlap between species. This review explores the global molecular diversity of these parasites in rodents, with a focus on evaluating the zoonotic risk from contamination of water and wasterwater with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts from synanthropic rodents. Analysis indicates that while zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are prevalent in farmed and pet rodents, host-specific Cryptosporidium and Giardia species dominate in urban adapted rodents, and therefore the risks posed by these rodents in the transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively low. Many knowledge gaps remain however, and therefore understanding the intricate dynamics of these parasites in rodent populations is essential for managing their impact on human health and water quality. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce disease transmission and ensure safe drinking water in urban and peri‑urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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5
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Chang Y, Li J, Zhang L. Genetic diversity and molecular diagnosis of Giardia. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 113:105482. [PMID: 37451417 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105482] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Giardia is a genus of flagellated protozoan parasites that infect the small intestine of humans and animals, causing the diarrheal illness known as giardiasis. Giardia exhibits significant genetic diversity among its isolates, which can have important implications for disease transmission and clinical presentation. This diversity is influenced by the coevolution of Giardia with its host, resulting in the development of unique genetic assemblages with distinct phenotypic characteristics. Although panmixia has not been observed, some assemblages appear to have a broader host range and exhibit higher transmission rates. Molecular diagnostic methods enable researchers to examine the genetic diversity of Giardia populations, enhancing our understanding of the genetic diversity, population structure, and transmission patterns of this pathogen and providing insights into clinical presentations of giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control of Poultry Products (Zhengzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China.
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Giardia duodenalis Styles, 1902 Prevalence in Cattle ( Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758) in Europe: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020309. [PMID: 36838274 PMCID: PMC9965812 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis Styles, 1902 is an infectious agent which can cause enteritic disease in cattle (Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758) worldwide. As a zoonotic protozoan, it is important to acknowledge Giardia prevalence and assemblages found in cattle and risk factors associated with the Giardia infection in herds. This systematic review aims to estimate the prevalence of G. duodenalis and its assemblages in cattle and to identify the risk factors associated with Giardia infection in cattle in Europe. A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to collect information from published studies in Europe. A total of 1414 studies were identified and 17 relevant studies were included in this review. Mean Giardia prevalence in cattle in Europe was 35.1%, with the highest prevalence found in neonatal animals (39.6%), but mean heard prevalence was 67.0%. Mixed infections of Giardia assemblages A and E were found most frequently (55.6%), while assemblages A and B were found more frequently in animals under 24 months old. Risk factors, such as deep litter with run-out, prolonged calf contact with the dam, and seasonality, such as winter and spring, were found to be potential risk factors for Giardia presence in the herds.
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Lee H, Kwak D. Molecular detection and assemblage analysis of the intestinal protozoan Giardia duodenalis in wild boars in Korea. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1139060. [PMID: 37143496 PMCID: PMC10151744 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1139060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. intestinalis, G. lamblia) is the only Giardia species that infects humans and most other mammals. Wild boars are a reservoir of many viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can be transmitted to livestock and humans. This study examined the infection rate of G. duodenalis in wild boars and confirmed its specificity by comparing assemblages through PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA, gdh, and β-giardin genes. Fecal samples were collected from roadkilled or trapped wild boars from April 2016 to December 2021 in Korea. DNA was extracted directly from 612 wild boar fecal specimens using a commercial kit. PCR was performed targeting the 18S rRNA region, β-giardin, and glutamate dehydrogenase genes of G. duodenalis. Some PCR-positive samples were selected for sequencing analysis. The obtained sequences were subsequently used for phylogenetic tree construction. Of the 612 samples tested, 125 (20.4%) were positive for G. duodenalis. The highest infection rate was detected in the central region (12.0%) and in autumn (12.7%). Among the risk factors, the seasonal factor was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Phylogenetic analysis revealed three genetic assemblages: A, B, and E. Assemblages A and B exhibited 100% identity with Giardia sequences isolated from human and farmed pigs in Korea and Japan. This result cannot be ignored because it indicates the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Therefore, continuous management and monitoring of this pathogen are necessary to prevent transmission and protect animal and human health.
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Maloney JG, Molokin A, Solano-Aguilar G, Dubey JP, Santin M. A hybrid sequencing and assembly strategy for generating culture free Giardia genomes. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100114. [PMID: 35909595 PMCID: PMC9325754 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a pathogenic intestinal protozoan parasite of humans and many other animals. Giardia duodenalis is found throughout the world, and infection is known to have adverse health consequences for human and other mammalian hosts. Yet, many aspects of the biology of this ubiquitous parasite remain unresolved. Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics can provide insight into the biology of G. duodenalis by helping to reveal traits that are shared by all G. duodenalis assemblages or unique to an individual assemblage or strain. However, these types of analyses are currently hindered by the lack of available G. duodenalis genomes, due, in part, to the difficulty in obtaining the genetic material needed to perform whole genome sequencing. In this study, a novel approach using a multistep cleaning procedure coupled with a hybrid sequencing and assembly strategy was assessed for use in producing high quality G. duodenalis genomes directly from cysts obtained from feces of two naturally infected hosts, a cat and dog infected with assemblage A and D, respectively. Cysts were cleaned and concentrated using cesium chloride gradient centrifugation followed by immunomagnetic separation. Whole genome sequencing was performed using both Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION platforms. A hybrid assembly strategy was found to produce higher quality genomes than assemblies from either platform alone. The hybrid G. duodenalis genomes obtained from fecal isolates (cysts) in this study compare favorably for quality and completeness against reference genomes of G. duodenalis from cultured isolates. The whole genome assembly for assemblage D is the most contiguous genome available for this assemblage and is an important reference genome for future comparative studies. The data presented here support a hybrid sequencing and assembly strategy as a suitable method to produce whole genome sequences from DNA obtained from G. duodenalis cysts which can be used to produce novel reference genomes necessary to perform comparative genomics studies of this parasite. Assemblage A and D genomes were generated directly from cysts isolated from feces. Genomes were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms. A hybrid sequencing/assembly strategy was used to generate G. duodenalis genomes. A hybrid strategy yields reference quality genomes from fecal isolates. These methods have generated the most contiguous Assemblage D genome to date.
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Kifleyohannes T, Nødtvedt A, Debenham JJ, Terefe G, Robertson LJ. Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Livestock in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia and Associated Risk Factors for Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:825940. [PMID: 35097057 PMCID: PMC8795829 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.825940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis infecting young livestock in selected districts of Tigray, Ethiopia were investigated, along with risks associated with infection. A total of 757 faecal samples were collected from calves, lambs, and goat kids from four rural districts in Tigray, and also from calves in periurban Mekelle, Tigray's main city, and analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Farmers answered questionnaires regarding potential risk factors at sample collection. Immunofluorescent antibody staining was used for parasite detection, and PCR at selected genes and sequencing of positive samples was used for molecular characterisation. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection was 10, 9, and 4% in calves, lambs, and goat kids, respectively; equivalent figures for Giardia infection were 39, 32, and 21%. Molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium isolates revealed C. ubiquitum, subtype XIIa in all three host species; C. ryanae in calves and goat kids; C. andersoni and C. bovis were identified only in calves, and C. xiaoi was identified in lambs. For Giardia, Assemblage E predominated in all host species, but among calf isolates we also identified a few potentially zoonotic genotypes (assemblages A (AI) and Assemblage B). Periparturient care was shown to be a particularly relevant risk factor for infection, and infections were less likely to occur under extensive management systems. Our major findings were widespread occurrence of both parasites in livestock, and the apparent lack of the most common zoonotic species. Our results are discussed in relation to other relevant studies. As our study was conducted in Tigray, further investigation in different settings in Ethiopia could provide relevant information on transmission and zoonotic potential. In addition, given the dependency on healthy animals for the livelihoods of the population of Tigray, investigation of the effect of these common parasites on livestock productivity is important.
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Ryan UM, Feng Y, Fayer R, Xiao L. Taxonomy and molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium and Giardia - a 50 year perspective (1971-2021). Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1099-1119. [PMID: 34715087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia are significant causes of diarrhoea worldwide and are responsible for numerous waterborne and foodborne outbreaks of diseases. Over the last 50 years, the development of improved detection and typing tools has facilitated the expanding range of named species. Currently at least 44 Cryptosporidium spp. and >120 genotypes, and nine Giardia spp., are recognised. Many of these Cryptosporidium genotypes will likely be described as species in the future. The phylogenetic placement of Cryptosporidium at the genus level is still unclear and further research is required to better understand its evolutionary origins. Zoonotic transmission has long been known to play an important role in the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, and the development and application of next generation sequencing tools is providing evidence for this. Comparative whole genome sequencing is also providing key information on the genetic mechanisms for host specificity and human infectivity, and will enable One Health management of these zoonotic parasites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una M Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ronald Fayer
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, BARC-East, Building 173, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Guadano Procesi I, Carnio A, Berrilli F, Montalbano Di Filippo M, Scarito A, Amoruso C, Barni M, Ruffini M, Barlozzari G, Scarpulla M, De Liberato C. Giardia duodenalis in colony stray cats from Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 69:46-54. [PMID: 34492169 PMCID: PMC9290339 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is the most common intestinal protozoan in humans and animals worldwide, including eight morphologically identical assemblages, infecting pets, livestock, wildlife and human beings. Assemblages A and B are those with the higher zoonotic potential, and they have been detected in several mammals other than humans; the others (C to H) show a higher host specificity. Cats can harbour both the specific Assemblage F and the zoonotic ones A and B. Several studies have been carried out on G. duodenalis genotypes in cats; however, the role of this species in the epidemiology of giardiasis is still poorly understood. In this scenario, the present study carried out the detection and genetic characterization at sub‐assemblage level of G. duodenalis from colony stray cats in central Italy. In the period 2018–2019, 133 cat faecal samples were analysed for the presence of G. duodenalis cysts by a direct immunofluorescence assay. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to molecular analyses for assemblage/sub‐assemblage identification. Forty‐seven samples (35.3%) were positive for G. duodenalis cysts by immunofluorescence. G. duodenalis DNA was amplified at SSU‐rDNA locus from 39 isolates: 37 were positive for zoonotic Assemblage A and 2 showed a mixed infection (A + B). Positive results for the β‐giardin gene were achieved for 25 isolates. Sequence analysis revealed 16 isolates belonging to Sub‐assemblage AII and 8 to Sub‐assemblage AIII. One isolate resulted as ambiguous AI/AIII. Large sequence variability at the sub‐assemblage level was detected, with several double peaks and mutations, making complex a proper isolate allocation. When compared with previous studies, the 35.3% prevalence of G. duodenalis in cats reported in the present article was surprisingly high. Moreover, all positive cats resulted to be infected with zoonotic assemblages/sub‐assemblages, thus indicating stray cats as a possible source of human giardiasis and highlighting the sanitary relevance of cat colonies in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Guadano Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Azzurra Carnio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Scarito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Amoruso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Barni
- Prevention Department, ASL RM-5, Palestrina (Rome), Italy
| | - Marco Ruffini
- Prevention Department, ASL RM-5, Palestrina (Rome), Italy
| | - Giulia Barlozzari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Scarpulla
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Giardia duodenalis captured the attention of Leeuwenhoek in 1681 while he was examining his own diarrheal stool, but, ironically, it did not really gain attention as a human pathogen until the 1960s, when outbreaks were reported. Key technological advances, including in vitro cultivation, genomic and proteomic databases, and advances in microscopic and molecular approaches, have led to an understanding that this is a eukaryotic organism with a reduced genome rather than a truly premitochondriate eukaryote. This has included the discovery of mitosomes (vestiges of mitochondria), a transport system with many of the features of the Golgi apparatus, and even evidence for a sexual or parasexual cycle. Cell biology approaches have led to a better understanding of how Giardia survives with two nuclei and how it goes through its life cycle as a noninvasive organism in the hostile environment of the lumen of the host intestine. Studies of its immunology and pathogenesis have moved past the general understanding of the importance of the antibody response in controlling infection to determining the key role of the Th17 response. This work has led to understanding of the requirement for a balanced host immune response that avoids the extremes of an excessive response with collateral damage or one that is unable to clear the organism. This understanding is especially important in view of the remarkable ranges of early manifestations, which range from asymptomatic to persistent diarrhea and weight loss, and longer-term sequelae that include growth stunting in children who had no obvious symptoms and a high frequency of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Benchimol M, de Souza W. Observation of Giardia sp. in the termite gut of Heterotermes tenuis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1131-1135. [PMID: 33511472 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07060-8] [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: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Giardia comprises one genus with several morphologically distinct species described in mammals (including humans, marsupials, rodents), birds, and amphibians. This group of protists provokes diarrhoea diseases in humans and animals worldwide. Transmission of the parasite occurs through the faecal-oral route. Regarding the presence of Giardia in invertebrates, some works have shown that flies can transmit Giardia cysts by contact and transport between contaminated faeces and food. In this way, flies would eventually transmit this parasite. To date, Giardia's presence in the gut of other invertebrates has not been described in the literature. Here we show by first time, using scanning electron microscopy, the presence of Giardia-like trophozoites in the gut of termite Heterotermes tenuis. Two groups of Giardia were found based exclusively on the size and the flange shape of the protozoa: one presented eight flagella, a ventral disc, size, and shape very similar to Giardia intestinalis. In contrast, other cells were smaller and showed some differences in the external morphology. We cannot exclude the possibility that they correspond to the same species and that these differences result from protozoan heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Benchimol
- UNIGRANRIO - Universidade do Grande Rio, Rua Professor José de Souza Herdy, 1160 - Jardim Vinte e Cinco de Agosto, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, 25071-202, Brazil. .,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho-Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, UFRJ - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens (CENABIO), UFRJ - Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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De Liberato C, Montalbano Di Filippo M, Sagrafoli D, Ferraro D, Guadano Procesi I, Berrilli F. Giardia microti in pet Microtus guentheri: Evidence of a parasite never detected in Italy. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102207. [PMID: 33059116 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The genus Giardia includes several species distinguished by morphological, biological and molecular features. Currently, eight species within the genus are retained as valid. In Italy no identification of Giardia species other than Giardia duodenalis has been so far reported. Fecal samples were collected from two Günther's Voles (Microtus guentheri) positive to Giardia cysts by microscopic investigation and immunofluorescence. The voles were born in Milan (Northern Italy) from two gravid females imported from the Netherlands and kept for sale in a pet shop in Varese (Northern Italy). Positive feces were subjected to a nested PCR to amplify a 18S rRNA fragment for molecular characterization. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare the obtained sequence with those of all other Giardia species available in GenBank for the 18S locus, using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method by R software. Sequence analyses unambiguously identified the isolates as belonging to G. microti, showing 99% of identity with those of its isolates available in GenBank. A well-defined cluster, supported by significant bootstrap values and corresponding to the G. microti cluster, including sequences obtained from M. guentheri, was evidenced in the ML tree, confirming species assignment. The present finding represents the first report of G. microti from pet animals in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy.
| | - Margherita Montalbano Di Filippo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Sagrafoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ferraro
- Private practitioner, Clinica Veterinaria "Città di Luino", Via Voldomino 11, 21016, Luino, Varese, Italy
| | - Isabel Guadano Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Costache C, Kalmár Z, Colosi HA, Baciu AM, Opriş RV, Györke A, Colosi IA. First multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Giardia duodenalis isolates from humans in Romania. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:387. [PMID: 32736595 PMCID: PMC7393877 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent and highly diverse human parasites, encompassing a complex of eight genetically distinct assemblages, each further divided into sub-assemblages. While in recent years, G. duodenalis genotype distribution patterns in humans have been intensely studied, there is still very little information available on the diversity of Giardia genotypes and sub-assemblages infecting people in Romania. In the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis in asymptomatic patients from Romania. Methods Over an 11-month period, human feces from 7805 healthy adults were screened by microscopic analysis for G. duodenalis cysts during their obligatory periodic check-ups. DNA extraction was performed from microscopic-positive fecal samples, followed by multilocus sequence typing of four genetic loci of the ITS region, gdh, tpi and bg genes, followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using EpiInfo 2000 software. Results The prevalence of giardiasis in the present study was 0.42% (33/7805). Twenty-three samples (76.67%) were successfully genotyped at each locus. The bg and tpi genes had the highest typing success rate (100%). The identified assemblages were assemblage A in 27 cases (subtypes A2 and A3), and B in 3 cases. Conclusions To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of multilocus sequence typing of G. duodenalis isolated from humans in Romania. The present results may shed light on G. duodenalis infection in humans at a regional and national level, thus increasing awareness against this parasitic infection. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Costache
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Horațiu Alexandru Colosi
- Department of Medical Education, Discipline of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Mihaela Baciu
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Răzvan Vlad Opriş
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Alina Colosi
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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16
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Lyu Z, Cheng J, Shao J, Ye Q, Bai H, Wen J. An investigation of the prevalence of Giardia agilis in anuran amphibians from fourteen areas in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 12:46-52. [PMID: 32420025 PMCID: PMC7217803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Giardia agilis is a Giardia species which is morphological distinguishable for its very narrow and elongated trophozoite. Although there were a few studies about its morphology since its first report in 1882, none investigations about its prevalence have ever been reported to date. We investigated the prevalence of G. agilis in 25 anuran amphibian species from five provinces of China using both morphological and molecular methods. Of the 463 tested samples, 195 (42.1%) were positive. The 195 positive samples were from nine species, which are scatteredly distributed in four anuran amphibian families. The statistical prevalence among adults of different frog species showed no significant difference, and so did among tadpoles. Thus, G. agilis is probably able to infect all anuran amphibians without species-bias. More interestingly, the prevalence in the tadpoles is significantly higher than in their adults. The prevalence in Kaloula verrucosa tadpoles from the same area showed no significant differences between none-legged stage and two-legged stage, but the prevalence in these two developmental stages is significantly higher than in the four-legged stage. And the prevalence in four-legged stage is still much higher than in adults. A turning point of prevalence appeared in the period of tadpole tail degeneration. Moreover, all the positive samples were from the areas with relatively high altitude (more than 870 m). The fact that G. agilis tends to easily infect the frogs living in high altitude areas indicated it has evolved the ability to adapted the dramatic temperature change in poikilothermal animals. Therefore, G. agilis has evolved some special successful parasitism strategies for parasitizing the poikilothermal hosts with metamorphosis such as anuran amphibians. First reported on the prevalence of Giardia agilis. Giardia agilis might be able to infect all anuran amphibians. Giardia agilis evolved special ability to adapt the dramatic change of temperature. The prevalence in tadpoles was much higher than in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangxia Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China
| | - Jiaoni Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Jingru Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Qingqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Huixian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Jianfan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
- Corresponding author.
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Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are ubiquitous protozoan parasites that infect a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Both parasites are of medical and veterinary importance. Infections with Cryptosporidium and Giardia in ruminants are associated with diarrhea outbreaks, mainly in young animals. Ruminants are potential sources of infection for humans because some species of Cryptosporidium and assemblages of Giardia duodenalis have been isolated from both ruminants and humans. Knowledge of these parasites has greatly expanded in the last 2 decades from simple microscopic observations of organisms to the knowledge acquired from molecular tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, BARC-East, Building 173, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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Sursal N, Yildiz K. The first record on Giardia muris from mice in Turkey. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:457-461. [PMID: 32508423 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01196-7] [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: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia muris has been reported from both laboratory and wild rodents in worldwide. During routine care, soft consistency was observed in feces of Swiss albino mice. Motile Giardia spp. trophozoites were observed microscopically on all fecal preparations after stained with Lugol's iodine solution. The trophozoites were broadly ovoid in a form with a pointed end. They possess two large nuclei and an adhesive disk whose length overlapped one-half of the trophozoite body length. The caudal flagella are unequal. β giardin (bg) gene region of isolates was successfully amplified and sequenced. According to sequence analyses of the bg gene region, the mice isolate was identified as G. muris and deposited in GenBank (Accession Number: MK675656). The bg sequence of G. muris was shown 99.3-99.7% identity with the isolates of G. muris reported from different countries in GenBank. We have firstly demonstrated G. muris trophozoites in the fecal samples of naturally infected Swiss albino mice in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Sursal
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Kader Yildiz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, 71450 Kirikkale, Turkey
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19
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Coppola F, Maestrini M, Berrilli F, Procesi IG, Felicioli A, Perrucci S. First report of Giardia duodenalis infection in the crested porcupine ( Hystrix cristata L., 1758). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 11:108-113. [PMID: 32021796 PMCID: PMC6994745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Italy is the only European country where the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) lives. A parasitological investigation was performed on faecal samples, aimed to evaluate Giardia and other parasites in a free-ranging crested porcupine population in Central Italy. Samples were collected from captured and road-killed individuals as well as from feeding areas and pathways. Collected faecal samples were examined by the Mini-FLOTAC technique and a rapid immunoassay for the search of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. faecal antigens. For the identification of Giardia species and genotypes, molecular analysis was performed on Giardia-positive samples, by using PCR protocols able to amplify glutamate dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase and a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. A total of 52 crested porcupine faecal samples were collected and analysed. At microscopical examination, 39 out of 52 samples were found positive for at least a single parasite species and six different parasite taxa were identified. Forty-eight percent (25/52) of faecal samples were positive for Giardia spp. and 1.9% (1/52) for Cryptosporidium spp. at the immunoassay. Among 12 faecal samples belonging to different individuals, 33.3% (4/12) were positive for Giardia spp. By using the Mini-FLOTAC technique, positivity for Trichuris spp. (32.7%, 17/52), gastrointestinal strongyles (32.7%, 17/52), capillariid eggs (3.8%, 2/52) and coccidian oocysts (1.9%; 1/52) was also evidenced. Molecular analysis was performed on 17 out of 25 Giardia-positive isolates. At the SSU rDNA locus, expected bands were achieved for 12 out of 17 isolates and all samples were assigned to Giardia duodenalis assemblage B. Sequencing at tpi locus revealed potentially zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblage AII (two isolates) and assemblage BIV (one isolate). The present study provides the first report of G. duodenalis infection in H. cristata. More in depth studies are needed on the impact and epidemiology of G. duodenalis and other identified parasites in crested porcupines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Coppola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, Pisa, 56124, PI, Italy
| | - Michela Maestrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, Pisa, 56124, PI, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabel Guadano Procesi
- Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, Pisa, 56124, PI, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, Pisa, 56124, PI, Italy
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20
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Lyu Z, Wen J. A rapid and inexpensive method for the isolation and identification of Giardia. MethodsX 2020; 7:100998. [PMID: 32793426 PMCID: PMC7408348 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.100998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This work details a protocol for the isolation of Giardia species from their host animals and their identification based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Giardia are intestinal protozoan parasites found in almost all vertebrates and the epidemiology of Giardia has attracted the attention of scientists due to their harm to humans and live stocks worldwide. Giardia trophozoites adhere to the surface of host's intestines using their ventral disc, and they also adhere the culture tube wall during in vitro culturing. We developed a method of isolating Giardia trophozoites according to this phenomenon, and a method of isolating Giardia cysts according to their special density as well. We validated the protocol by isolating and identifying Giardia species from their host animals, and all the results support that this methodology has a certain validity. It could help the further epidemiological researches and other researches requiring relatively pure living organism as materials of this harmful parasite.An isolation method with high efficiency which remains the physiological activity of isolated Giardia. An identification method with high accuracy which avoids the influences from other organisms. Low-cost, fast and convenient methodology.
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Kiani-Salmi N, Fattahi-Bafghi A, Astani A, Sazmand A, Zahedi A, Firoozi Z, Ebrahimi B, Dehghani-Tafti A, Ryan U, Akrami-Mohajeri F. Molecular typing of Giardia duodenalis in cattle, sheep and goats in an arid area of central Iran. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:104021. [PMID: 31494270 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans as well as livestock and wildlife. It is of both public and veterinary health importance in developing nations. A molecular survey of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in ruminants from Yazd Province, Iran was conducted on 484 animal faecal samples collected per rectum from slaughtered ruminants including 192 cattle, 192 sheep and 100 goats from June to November 2017. Species-specific and assemblage-specific PCRs for assemblages A, B and E at the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene were performed, and samples positive for Giardia were confirmed by sequencing. In total, 25 (5.16%) of examined faecal samples including eight cattle (4.2%), twelve sheep (6.2%) and five goats (5%) were infected with G. duodenalis. Assemblage-specific PCR detected G. duodenalis assemblage E in seven faecal samples (six in sheep and one in a goat). Assemblages A and B were not detected. This study provides the first insight into Giardia infection in slaughtered livestock in Iran. Although the prevalence of infection with Giardia in this hot-arid area of Iran was low, educating people about direct contact with livestock such as farmers and abattoirs workers about this zoonotic infection is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Kiani-Salmi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Fattahi-Bafghi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Akram Astani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Department of Microbiology Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Zohre Firoozi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behnam Ebrahimi
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Arefeh Dehghani-Tafti
- Department of Biostatics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Una Ryan
- Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogens Research Group, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Fateme Akrami-Mohajeri
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
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22
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Ryan U, Zahedi A. Molecular epidemiology of giardiasis from a veterinary perspective. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 106:209-254. [PMID: 31630759 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of eight Giardia species are accepted. These include: Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia), which infects humans and animals, Giardia agilis, Giardia ardeae, Giardia psittaci, Giardia muris, Giardia microti, Giardia peramelis and G. cricetidarum, which infect non-human hosts including amphibians, birds, rodents and marsupials. Giardia duodenalis is a species complex consisting of eight assemblages (A-H), with assemblages A and B the dominant assemblages in humans. Molecular studies to date on the zoonotic potential of Giardia in animals are problematic and are hampered by lack of concordance between loci. Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) are predominantly infected with G. duodenalis assemblage E, which has recently been shown to be zoonotic, followed by assemblage A. In cats and dogs, assemblages A, B, C, D and F are commonly reported but relatively few studies have conducted molecular typing of humans and their pets and the results are contradictory with some studies support zoonotic transmission but the majority of studies suggesting separate transmission cycles. Giardia also infects a broad range of wildlife hosts and although much less well studied, host-adapted species as well as G. duodenalis assemblages (A-H) have been identified. Fish and other aquatic wildlife represent a source of infection for humans with Giardia via water contamination and/or consumption of undercooked fish and interestingly, assemblage B and A predominated in the two molecular studies conducted to date. Our current knowledge of the transmission dynamics of Giardia is still poor and the development of more discriminatory typing tools such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Giardia isolates is therefore essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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23
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Thompson RCA, Ash A. Molecular epidemiology of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections - What's new? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 75:103951. [PMID: 31279819 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
New information generated since 2016 from the application of molecular tools to infections with Giardia and Cryptosporidium is critically summarised. In the context of molecular epidemiology, nomenclature, taxonomy, in vitro culture, detection, zoonoses, population genetics and pathogenicity, are covered. Whole genome sequencing has had the greatest impact in the last three years. Future advances will provide a much better understanding of the zoonotic potential of both parasites, their diversity and how this is linked to pathogenesis in different hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C A Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
| | - A Ash
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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Ryan U, Hijjawi N, Feng Y, Xiao L. Giardia: an under-reported foodborne parasite. Int J Parasitol 2018; 49:1-11. [PMID: 30391227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne zoonotic pathogens are a serious public health issue and result in significant global economic losses. Despite their importance to public health, epidemiological data on foodborne diseases including giardiasis caused by the enteric parasite, Giardia duodenalis, are lacking. This parasite is estimated to cause ∼28.2 million cases of diarrhoea each year due to contamination of food, but very few foodborne outbreaks have been documented due to the limitations of current detection as well as surveillance methods. The current method for the recovery of Giardia cysts from food matrices using immunomagnetic separation requires further standardisation and cost reduction before it can be widely used. It also should incorporate downstream molecular procedures for genotyping, and traceback and viability analyses. Foodborne giardiasis can be potentially controlled through improvements in national disease surveillance systems and the establishment of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point interventions across the food chain. Studies are needed to assess the true prevalence and public health impact of foodborne giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Nawal Hijjawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University PO Box 150459, Zarqa 13115, Jordan
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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