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Almeida CE, Máximo MM, Pires-Silva D, Takiya DM, Valença-Barbosa C, Viana MC, Reigada C, Iñiguez AM, Harry M, Folly-Ramos E. From molecules to ecosystems: Insights into a network of interactions for a Chagas disease outbreak using Triatoma brasiliensis as natural samplers. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107107. [PMID: 38190930 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Exploring the dynamics of disease transmission involves an understanding of complex interactions within the eco-epidemiologic framework. In the context of Chagas disease (CD), elements are mainly represented by the interactions among the pathogen, insect vector, host, humans and the environment. We performed quantitative and qualitative analyses on a dataset derived from 98 Triatoma brasiliensis infected by trypanosomatids, which were linked to a CD outbreak in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. We extracted invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) from these insects, comprising 18 populations around the outbreak area, each indicative of various strata of anthropogenic influence. Food source (FS) diversity, representing potential parasite reservoirs, was determined through mitochondrial gene (cyt b) sequencing of vertebrates, and parasite genotyping was accessed using fluorescent amplified fragment barcodes (FFLB) of trypanosomatids. We also assessed the residents' awareness of breeding sites for CD vectors in the inspected houses. The quantification of Trypanosoma cruzi was estimated via real-time PCR and is denominated here as the average parasite load (PL) per insect (T. cruzi/intestinal unit). We aimed to address vector-parasite-host-environment interactions that were discussed based on their significance among the components. Notably, among the significant interactions, we observed that the PL in the insects was significantly influenced by FS. Infected insects that fed on the classic reservoir, Didelphis albiventris, and Galea spixii exhibited higher PLs, compared to those that fed on Kerodon rupestris (p < 0.04)-a primary host. While D. albiventris is already recognized as a synanthropic species, we propose that G. spixii may also be undergoing a synanthropic process. Conversely, domestic cats are frequently identified as FS in infected insects from the sylvatic environment, suggesting a possible change in their behavior towards a wild state. Therefore, we propose that neglected anthropogenic actions have facilitated the reciprocal (sylvatic-peridomestic) circulation of T. cruzi-especially noted for TcI because it was predominant in insects found in peridomestic environments. Residents are often unaware of the existence of insect breeding grounds near their homes, particularly when it involves the storage of materials without planning for use, such as piles of tiles, bricks and wood. Although indirect inferences about the interaction among vector-parasite-host-environment are still incipient, we highlight the potential use of vectors as natural samplers of biological and ecological components in transmitting the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Almeida
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Campus IV, Rio Tinto, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
| | - Milena M Máximo
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Campus IV, Rio Tinto, Brasil
| | | | - Daniela M Takiya
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | - Maria C Viana
- Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brasil; Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | - Myriam Harry
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, IRD, UMR EGCE, Evolution, Génomes, Comportement et Ecologie, IDEEV, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Velázquez-Ramírez DD, De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Debboun M, Pérez de León AA, Irecta-Nájera C, Cruz-Méndez L, Espinoza-Medinilla EE, Ochoa-Díaz-López H. First Report of Eratyrus cuspidatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in Peridomestic Environment in Chiapas, Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:583-587. [PMID: 37695846 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Triatomine bugs are natural vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis. The role of sylvatic triatomine species as vectors of T. cruzi in Mexico remains to be fully understood. Our research on the epidemiology of Chagas disease in Southeastern Mexico involved sampling triatomines in rural settings. Materials and Methods: A triatomine was collected in a peridomestic environment of a rural dwelling in the state of Chiapas. The triatomine was identified morphologically as an adult female Eratyrus cuspidatus Stal. Results: Microscopic analysis revealed flagellate forms of T. cruzi in the feces of the E. cuspidatus collected. This was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Amplification of the mini-exon gene showed that the T. cruzi infecting E. cuspidatus corresponded to lineage I. Conclusions: This is the first report from Mexico of E. cuspidatus found infected in a human dwelling, which represents an important adaptation process to inhabit human environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doireyner Daniel Velázquez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Salud, Grupo Enfermedades Emergentes y Epidémicas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México
| | - José A De Fuentes-Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México
| | - Mustapha Debboun
- Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District, Visalia, California, USA
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, California, USA
- Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, Texas, USA
| | - César Irecta-Nájera
- Departamento de Salud, Grupo Enfermedades Emergentes y Epidémicas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | | | | | - Héctor Ochoa-Díaz-López
- Departamento de Salud, Grupo Enfermedades Emergentes y Epidémicas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México
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de Araújo-Neto VT, Barbosa-Silva AN, Medeiros Honorato NR, Sales LML, de Cassia Pires R, do Nascimento Brito CR, da Matta Guedes PM, da Cunha Galvão LM, da Câmara ACJ. Molecular identification of Trypanosoma cruzi in domestic animals in municipalities of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:207-215. [PMID: 36404367 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07719-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne zoonotic parasite which has been little studied regarding its infection in domestic animals. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence of natural infection by T. cruzi in farm animals using molecular markers and phylogenetic analysis in blood clot samples of 60 sheep (Ovis aires), 22 goats (Capra hircus), and 14 horses (Equus caballus) in eight municipalities located in an infection risk area in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Northeast Region of Brazil. Trypanosoma spp. infection was identified by amplifying the rRNA 18S SSU gene in 48.9% of the samples. The SH022 sample showed 99.8% similarity with the Y strain of T. cruzi in phylogeny, grouped in the DTU II clade. Blood clots of sheep, goats, and horses detected T. cruzi kDNA in 28.3% (17/60), 22.7% (5/22), and 15.4% (2/14) of the samples, respectively. These animals were distributed in the three studied mesoregions throughout the state of RN. The identification of natural infection in domestic animals contributes to expand the epidemiological transmission scenario in an area where T. brasiliensis is the main vector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathan Ravi Medeiros Honorato
- Graduate Program in Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Renata de Cassia Pires
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lúcia Maria da Cunha Galvão
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Antonia Claudia Jácome da Câmara
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil. .,Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, 59064-741, Brazil.
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Enriquez GF, Bua J, Orozco MM, Macchiaverna NP, Otegui JAA, Argibay HD, Fernández MDP, Gürtler RE, Cardinal MV. Over-dispersed Trypanosoma cruzi parasite load in sylvatic and domestic mammals and humans from northeastern Argentina. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:37. [PMID: 35073983 PMCID: PMC8785451 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distribution of parasite load across hosts may modify the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. Chagas disease is caused by a multi-host protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, but the association between host parasitemia and infectiousness to the vector has not been studied in sylvatic mammalian hosts. We quantified T. cruzi parasite load in sylvatic mammals, modeled the association of the parasite load with infectiousness to the vector and compared these results with previous ones for local domestic hosts. METHODS The bloodstream parasite load in each of 28 naturally infected sylvatic mammals from six species captured in northern Argentina was assessed by quantitative PCR, and its association with infectiousness to the triatomine Triatoma infestans was evaluated, as determined by natural or artificial xenodiagnosis. These results were compared with our previous results for 88 humans, 70 dogs and 13 cats, and the degree of parasite over-dispersion was quantified and non-linear models fitted to data on host infectiousness and bloodstream parasite load. RESULTS The parasite loads of Didelphis albiventris (white-eared opossum) and Dasypus novemcinctus (nine-banded armadillo) were directly and significantly associated with infectiousness of the host and were up to 190-fold higher than those in domestic hosts. Parasite load was aggregated across host species, as measured by the negative binomial parameter, k, and found to be substantially higher in white-eared opossums, cats, dogs and nine-banded armadillos (range: k = 0.3-0.5) than in humans (k = 5.1). The distribution of bloodstream parasite load closely followed the "80-20 rule" in every host species examined. However, the 20% of human hosts, domestic mammals or sylvatic mammals exhibiting the highest parasite load accounted for 49, 25 and 33% of the infected triatomines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the use of bloodstream parasite load as a proxy of reservoir host competence and individual transmissibility. The over-dispersed distribution of T. cruzi bloodstream load implies the existence of a fraction of highly infectious hosts that could be targeted to improve vector-borne transmission control efforts toward interruption transmission. Combined strategies that decrease the parasitemia and/or host-vector contact with these hosts would disproportionally contribute to T. cruzi transmission control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Fabián Enriquez
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Piso 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jacqueline Bua
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. M. Fatala Chabén, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud Dr. C.G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Marcela Orozco
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Paula Macchiaverna
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Piso 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julián Antonio Alvarado Otegui
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Piso 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hernán Darío Argibay
- Laboratorio de Patologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz/Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Esteban Gürtler
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Piso 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marta Victoria Cardinal
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Piso 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zoonotic Risk: One More Good Reason Why Cats Should Be Kept Away from Bats. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030304. [PMID: 33807760 PMCID: PMC8002059 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are often unfairly depicted as the direct culprit in the current COVID-19 pandemic, yet the real causes of this and other zoonotic spillover events should be sought in the human impact on the environment, including the spread of domestic animals. Here, we discuss bat predation by cats as a phenomenon bringing about zoonotic risks and illustrate cases of observed, suspected or hypothesized pathogen transmission from bats to cats, certainly or likely following predation episodes. In addition to well-known cases of bat rabies, we review other diseases that affect humans and might eventually reach them through cats that prey on bats. We also examine the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19, from domestic cats to bats, which, although unlikely, might generate a novel wildlife reservoir in these mammals, and identify research and management directions to achieve more effective risk assessment, mitigation or prevention. Overall, not only does bat killing by cats represent a potentially serious threat to biodiversity conservation, but it also bears zoonotic implications that can no longer be neglected.
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Muñoz-Calderón A, Wehrendt D, Cura C, Gómez-Bravo A, Abril M, Giammaria M, Lucero RH, Schijman AG. Real-time polymerase chain reaction based algorithm for differential diagnosis of Kinetoplastidean species of zoonotic relevance. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 83:104328. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Silgado A, Moure Z, de Oliveira MT, Serre-Delcor N, Salvador F, Oliveira I, Molina I, Pumarola T, Ramírez JC, Sulleiro E. Comparison of DNA extraction methods and real-time PCR assays for the molecular diagnostics of chronic Chagas disease. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:1139-1145. [PMID: 32954845 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This work aimed to compare the sensitivity of four protocols for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in 98 blood samples from chronic Chagas disease patients. Materials & methods: Two DNA extraction (automated and manual) methods and two T. cruzi satellite DNA qPCRs (with a recent design and the usually used set of primers) were analyzed. Results: Both DNA extraction methods and qPCR assays tested in this work gave comparable qualitative results, although the lowest Ct values were obtained when samples were analyzed using the new set of primers for T. cruzi satellite DNA. Conclusion: Our results encourage the implementation of automated DNA extraction systems and the new T. cruzi qPCR for the molecular diagnostics and treatment response monitoring of chronic Chagas disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroa Silgado
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaira Moure
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maykon T de Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Unidade de Cardiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Brazil
| | - Núria Serre-Delcor
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d´Hebron-Drassanes, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Oliveira
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d´Hebron-Drassanes, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomàs Pumarola
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan C Ramírez
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben" (INP-ANLIS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Department of Microbiology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain
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