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Liyanagama I, Oh S, Choi JH, Yi MH, Kim M, Yun S, Kang D, Kim SL, Ojeda Ayala MG, Odua F, Yong TS, Kim JY. Metabarcoding study of potential pathogens and zoonotic risks associated with dog feces in Seoul, South Korea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012441. [PMID: 39196875 PMCID: PMC11355564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant portion of South Korea's population, approximately a quarter, owns pets, with dogs being the most popular choice among them. However, studies analyzing the fecal organism communities of dogs in South Korea are lacking, and limited efforts have been exerted to identify pathogens with potential zoonotic implications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate potential pathogens using metabarcoding analysis and evaluate the risk of zoonotic diseases in dog feces in Seoul, South Korea. METHODOLOGY Fecal samples were collected from both pet and stray dogs in the Mapo district of Seoul. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized, employing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify prokaryotic pathogens, and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing for eukaryotic pathogens. The data obtained from the QIIME2 pipeline were subjected to various statistical analyses to identify different putative pathogens and their compositions. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Significant variations in microbiota composition were found between stray and pet dogs, and putative prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens were identified. The most prevalent putative bacterial pathogens were Fusobacterium, Helicobacter, and Campylobacter. The most prevalent putative eukaryotic pathogens were Giardia, Pentatrichomonas, and Cystoisospora. Interestingly, Campylobacter, Giardia, and Pentatrichomonas were found to be significantly more prevalent in stray dogs than in pet dogs. The variation in the prevalence of potential pathogens in dog feces could be attributed to environmental factors, including dietary variances and interactions with wildlife, particularly in stray dogs. These factors likely contributed to the observed differences in pathogen occurrence between stray and pet dogs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study offers valuable insights into the zoonotic risks associated with dog populations residing in diverse environments. By identifying and characterizing putative pathogens in dog feces, this research provides essential information on the impact of habitat on dog-associated pathogens, highlighting the importance of public health planning and zoonotic risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isuru Liyanagama
- Department of Global Health and Disease Control, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Yun
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Kang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Lim Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Gloria Ojeda Ayala
- Department of Global Health and Disease Control, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fred Odua
- Department of Global Health and Disease Control, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Production Department, Nakasongola, Uganda
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Mosley IA, Auckland LD, Light JE, Hamer SA. Apparent absence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) from Texas, USA. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101031. [PMID: 38772647 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101031] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is one of the most abundant mammals in North America. Mexican free-tailed bats have a wide geographic range stretching from northern South America to the western United States. Bats are theorized to be the original hosts for Trypanosoma cruzi -the causative agent of Chagas disease- and can serve as a source of infection to triatomine insect vectors that feed upon them. Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease across the Americas where triatomines are present, including the southern United States, where Texas reports this highest number of locally-acquired human cases. To learn more about the role of bats in the ecology of Chagas disease in Texas, we surveyed a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats from Brazos County, Texas, for T. cruzi using carcasses salvaged after an extreme weather event. A total of 283 Mexican free-tailed bats collected in February 2021 were dissected and DNA from the hearts and kidneys was used for T. cruzi detection via qPCR. None of the bat hearts or kidneys tested positive for T. cruzi; this sample size affords 95% confidence that the true prevalence of T. cruzi in this population does not exceed 1%. Future sampling of multiple bat species as well as migrant and resident colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats across different times of the year over a broader geographic range would be useful in learning more about the role of bats in the ecology of Chagas disease in Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana A Mosley
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jessica E Light
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Choi JH, Kim SL, Yoo DK, Yi MH, Oh S, Kim M, Yun S, Yong TS, Choe S, Lee JK, Kim JY. Metabarcoding of pathogenic parasites based on copro-DNA analysis of wild animals in South Korea. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30059. [PMID: 38707283 PMCID: PMC11066388 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30059] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Four species of dominant wild animals, namely, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, Hydropotes inermis argyropus, and Sus scrofa coreanus, are hosts of potential infectious agents, including helminths and protozoa. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the infectious agents present in these wild animals to monitor and control the spread of pathogens. In the present study, fecal samples from 51 wild animals were collected from the mountains of Yangpyeong, Hoengseong, and Cheongyang in South Korea and metabarcoding of the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene was performed to identify various parasite species that infect these wild animals. Genes from nematodes, such as Metastrongylus sp., Strongyloides spp., Ancylostoma sp., and Toxocara sp., were detected in the fecal samples from wild animals. In addition, platyhelminthes, including Spirometra sp., Echinostomatidae gen. sp., Alaria sp., Neodiplostomum sp., and Clonorchis sp., and protozoa, including Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis sp., Isospora sp., Tritrichomonas sp., Pentatrichomonas sp., and Cryptosporidium sp., were detected. In the present study, various parasites infecting wild animals were successfully identified using metabarcoding. Our technique may play a crucial role in monitoring parasites within wild animals, especially those causing zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Lim Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Kyun Yoo
- Division of Life Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyeon Yun
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjun Choe
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Koo Lee
- Division of Life Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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Cruz-Saavedra L, Ospina C, Patiño LH, Villar JC, Sáenz Pérez LD, Cantillo-Barraza O, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Ballesteros N, Cáceres T, Vallejo G, Ramírez JD. Enhancing Trypanosomatid Identification and Genotyping with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing: Development and Validation of an 18S rRNA Amplicon-Based Method. J Mol Diagn 2024; 26:323-336. [PMID: 38360211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids, including Trypanosoma and Leishmania species, present significant medical and veterinary challenges, causing substantial economic losses, health complications, and even fatalities. Diagnosing and genotyping these species and their genotypes is often complex, involving multiple steps. This study aimed to develop an amplicon-based sequencing (ABS) method using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing to enhance Trypanosomatid detection and genotyping. The 18S rDNA gene was targeted for its inter-species conservation. The Trypanosomatid-ABS method effectively distinguished between 11 Trypanosoma species (including Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma vivax, and Trypanosoma rangeli) and 6 Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (TcI to TcVI and TcBat), showing strong concordance with conventional methods (κ index of 0.729, P < 0.001). It detected co-infections between Trypanosomatid genera and T. cruzi, with a limit of detection of one parasite per mL. The method was successfully applied to human, animal, and triatomine samples. Notably, TcI predominated in chronic Chagas samples, whereas TcII and TcIV were found in the acute stage. Triatomine vectors exhibited diverse Trypanosomatid infections, with Triatoma dimidiata mainly infected with TcI and occasional TcBat co-infections, and Rhodnius prolixus showing TcI and TcII infections, along with T. rangeli co-infections and mixed TcII infections. Animals were infected with T. vivax, T. theileri, and T. evansi. The ABS method's high resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy make it a valuable tool for understanding Trypanosomatid dynamics, enhancing disease control strategies, and enabling targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Ospina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz H Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C Villar
- Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Research Group in Animal Sciences-GRICA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (UCC), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Tatiana Cáceres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Vallejo
- Tropical Parasitology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Juan D Ramírez
- 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, New York.
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Urbano P, Hernández C, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Ballesteros N, Páez-Triana L, Vega L, Urrea V, Ramírez A, Muñoz M, Ibarra-Cerdeña CN, González C, Ramírez JD. Transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi by Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) infesting palm-tree species in the Colombian Orinoco, indicates risks to human populations. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011981. [PMID: 38377140 PMCID: PMC10906903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region. MATERIALS AND METHODS To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing. RESULTS A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects. CONCLUSION This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plutarco Urbano
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de la Orinoquia, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitrópico), Yopal, Colombia
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- 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 City, New York, United States of America
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Páez-Triana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Vanessa Urrea
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angie Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos N. Ibarra-Cerdeña
- Departamento de Ecología Humana, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav), Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- 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 City, New York, United States of America
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Sierra-Rosales C, San Juan E, Quiroga N, Araya-Donoso R, Correa JP, Solari A, Bacigalupo A, Botto-Mahan C. Diet of the sylvatic triatomine Mepraia spinolai: Association with Trypanosoma cruzi infection near human settlements. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107039. [PMID: 37839667 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107039] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The proximity between infectious disease vector populations and human settlements, and the infection prevalence of vector populations can determine the rate of encounters between vectors and humans and hence infection risk. The diet of sylvatic triatomine vectors (kissing bugs) provides evidence about the host species involved in the maintenance of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Here, we characterized the diet of the Chilean endemic triatomine Mepraia spinolai using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and evaluated the relation between T. cruzi infection status and proximity to human settlements, with the proportion of human and human-associated (domestic and synanthropic) vertebrates in the diet. We sampled 28 M. spinolai populations, covering a latitudinal range of ∼800 km in Chile. For each population, genomic DNA was obtained from M. spinolai intestinal content. We assessed T. cruzi infection individually, and sequenced vertebrate cytochrome b to characterize the diet from infected and uninfected pooled samples. Human and human-associated animals were present in the diet of both T. cruzi-infected (13.50 %) and uninfected (10.43 %) kissing bugs. The proportion of human and human-associated vertebrates in the diet of infected M. spinolai was negatively associated with the distance from surrounding human settlements, but no relationship was detected for uninfected kissing bugs. This pattern could be related to alterations of kissing bug feeding behavior when infected by the protozoan. Our results highlight the relevance of developing a deeper knowledge of the wild transmission cycle of T. cruzi, thus advancing in the surveillance of vectors present in the natural environment near human settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicol Quiroga
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Raúl Araya-Donoso
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Juana P Correa
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Aldo Solari
- ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonella Bacigalupo
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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San Juan E, Araya-Donoso R, Sierra-Rosales C, Correa JP, Quiroga N, Campos-Soto R, Solari A, Llewellyn M, Bacigalupo A, Botto-Mahan C. Humans as blood-feeding sources in sylvatic triatomines of Chile unveiled by next-generation sequencing. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:225. [PMID: 37415248 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05841-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatomines are blood-sucking insects capable of transmitting Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans. Vectorial transmission entails an infected triatomine feeding on a vertebrate host, release of triatomine infective dejections, and host infection by the entry of parasites through mucous membranes, skin abrasions, or the biting site; therefore, transmission to humans is related to the triatomine-human contact. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated whether humans were detected in the diet of three sylvatic triatomine species (Mepraia parapatrica, Mepraia spinolai, and Triatoma infestans) present in the semiarid-Mediterranean ecosystem of Chile. METHODS We used triatomines collected from 32 sites across 1100 km, with an overall T. cruzi infection frequency of 47.1% (N = 4287 total specimens) by conventional PCR or qPCR. First, we amplified the vertebrate cytochrome b gene (cytb) from all DNA samples obtained from triatomine intestinal contents. Then, we sequenced cytb-positive PCR products in pools of 10-20 triatomines each, grouped by site. The filtered sequences were grouped into amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) with a minimum abundance of 100 reads. ASVs were identified by selecting the best BLASTn match against the NCBI nucleotide database. RESULTS Overall, 16 mammal (including human), 14 bird, and seven reptile species were identified in the diet of sylvatic triatomines. Humans were part of the diet of all analyzed triatomine species, and it was detected in 19 sites representing 12.19% of the sequences. CONCLUSIONS Sylvatic triatomine species from Chile feed on a variety of vertebrate species; many of them are detected here for the first time in their diet. Our results highlight that the sylvatic triatomine-human contact is noteworthy. Education must be enforced for local inhabitants, workers, and tourists arriving in endemic areas to avoid or minimize the risk of exposure to Chagas disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban San Juan
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Catalina Sierra-Rosales
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juana P Correa
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Quiroga
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Campos-Soto
- Escuela de Ciencias Agrícolas y Veterinarias, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Aldo Solari
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Antonella Bacigalupo
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Carezza Botto-Mahan
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Segovia M, Schwabl P, Sueto S, Nakad CC, Londoño JC, Rodriguez M, Paiva M, Llewellyn MS, Carrasco HJ. Vector mapping and bloodmeal metabarcoding demonstrate risk of urban Chagas disease transmission in Caracas, Venezuela. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010613. [PMID: 36930686 PMCID: PMC10057784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a significant public health risk in rural and semi-rural areas of Venezuela. Triatomine infection by the aetiological agent Trypanosoma cruzi is also observed in the Metropolitan District of Caracas (MDC), where foodborne T. cruzi outbreaks occasionally occur but active vector-to-human transmission (infection during triatomine bloodmeal) is considered absent. Citizen science-based domiciliary triatomine collection carried out between 2007 and 2013 in the MDC has advanced understanding of urban T. cruzi prevalence patterns and represents an important public awareness-building tool. The present study reports on the extension of this triatomine collection program from 2014 to 2019 and uses mitochondrial metabarcoding to assess feeding behavior in a subset of specimens. The combined, thirteen-year dataset (n = 4872) shows a high rate of T. cruzi infection (75.2%) and a predominance of Panstrongylus geniculatus (99.01%) among triatomines collected in domiciliary areas by MDC inhabitants. Collection also involved nymphal stages of P. geniculatus in 18 of 32 MDC parishes. Other collected species included Triatoma nigromaculata, Triatoma maculata, Rhodnius prolixus, and Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus. Liquid intestinal content indicative of bloodmeal was observed in 53.4% of analyzed specimens. Dissection pools representing 108 such visually blooded P. geniculatus specimens predominantly tested positive for human cytochrome b DNA (22 of 24 pools). Additional bloodmeal sources detected via metabarcoding analysis included key sylvatic T. cruzi reservoirs (opossum and armadillo), rodents, and various other synanthropic and domesticated animals. Results suggest a porous sylvatic-domiciliary transmission interface and ongoing adaptation of P. geniculatus to the urban ecotope. Although P. geniculatus defecation traits greatly limit the possibility of active T. cruzi transmission for any individual biting event, the cumulation of this low risk across a vast metropolitan population warrants further investigation. Efforts to prevent triatomine contact with human food sources also clearly require greater attention to protect Venezuela's capital from Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maikell Segovia
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- School of Biodiversity, One Health Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Salem Sueto
- School of Biodiversity, One Health Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Candy Cherine Nakad
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Juan Carlos Londoño
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Marlenes Rodriguez
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Manuel Paiva
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Martin Stephen Llewellyn
- School of Biodiversity, One Health Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Hernán José Carrasco
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- * E-mail:
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Pessanha TS, Herrera HM, Jansen AM, Iñiguez AM. "Mi Casa, Tu Casa": the coati nest as a hub of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in the southern Pantanal biome revealed by molecular blood meal source identification in triatomines. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:26. [PMID: 36691054 PMCID: PMC9872340 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05616-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of the ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi is challenging due to its extreme adaptive plasticity, resulting in the parasitism of hundreds of mammal species and dozens of triatomine species. The genetic analysis of blood meal sources (BMS) from the triatomine vector is an accurate and practical approach for gathering information on which wild mammal species participate in a local transmission network. South American coatis, Nasua nasua, act as important reservoir host species of T. cruzi in the Pantanal biome because of their high rate of infection and elevated parasitemia, with the main discrete typing unit (DTU) lineages (TcI and TcII). Moreover, the carnivore coati is the only mammal species to build high arboreal nests for breeding and resting that can be shared by various vertebrate and invertebrate species. Herein, we applied the sensitive and specific methodology of DNA barcoding and molecular cloning to study triatomines found in a coati nest to access the diversity of mammal species that explore this structure, and therefore, may be involved in the parasite transmission network. METHODS Twenty-three Triatoma sordida were collected in one coati's nest in the subregion of Nhecolândia, Pantanal. The DNA isolated from the gut of insects was subjected to BMS detection by PCR using universal primers that flank variable regions of the cytochrome b (cytb) and 12S rDNA mitochondrial genes from vertebrates. The Trypanosoma spp. diagnosis and DTU genotyping were based on an 18S rDNA molecular marker and also using new cytb gene primers designed in this study. Phylogenetic analyses and chord diagrams were constructed to visualize BMS haplotypes, DTU lineages detected on vectors, and their interconnections. RESULTS Twenty of 23 triatomines analyzed were PCR-positive (86.95%) showing lineages T. cruzi DTU TcI (n = 2), TcII (n = 6), and a predominance of TcI/TcII (n = 12) mixed infection. Intra-DTU diversity was observed mainly from different TcI haplotypes. Genetic analyses revealed that the southern anteater, Tamandua tetradactyla, was the unique species detected as the BMS of triatomines collected from the coati's nest. At least three different individuals of T. tetradactyla served as BMS of 21/23 bugs studied, as indicated by the cytb and 12S rDNA haplotypes identified. CONCLUSIONS The identification of multiple BMS, and importantly, different individuals of the same species, was achieved by the methodology applied. The study demonstrated that the southern anteaters can occupy the South American coati's nest, serving as the BMS of T. sordida specimens. Since anteaters have an individualist nonsocial behavior, the three individuals detected as BMS stayed at the coati's nest at different times, which added a temporal character to BMS detection. The TcI and TcII infection, and significantly, a predominance of TcI/TcII mixed infection profile with different TcI and TcII haplotypes was observed, due to the discriminatory capacity of the methodology applied. Tamandua tetradactyla, a host which has been little studied, may have an important role in the T. cruzi transmission in that Pantanal subregion. The data from the present study indicate the sharing of coatis' nests by other mammal species, expanding the possibilities for T. cruzi transmission in the canopy strata. We propose that coatis' nests can act as the true hubs of the T. cruzi transmission web in Pantanal, instead of the coatis themselves, as previously suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaíla Santos Pessanha
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Laboratório de Biologia em Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brasil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- grid.442132.20000 0001 2111 5825Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso Do Sul Brasil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Laboratório de Biologia em Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brasil
| | - Alena Mayo Iñiguez
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Laboratório de Biologia em Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brasil
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10
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De Bona S, Correa JP, San Juan E, Estay-Olea D, Quiroga N, Bacigalupo A, Araya-Donoso R, Botto-Mahan C. Opportunistic or selective? Stage-dependent feeding behavior in a wild vector of Chagas disease. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:55-64. [PMID: 36462561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The composition and contribution of different host species in the dynamics of vector-borne zoonotic parasites are particularly relevant for public health. Hence, the study of host selection by vectors is fundamental. Developmental stage and infection status are factors that may modulate vector feeding behavior. In the semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystem of South America, the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causing Chagas disease, includes the triatomine vector Mepraia spinolai and several vertebrate species. In this field study, we examined whether M. spinolai exhibits an opportunistic feeding behavior dependent upon developmental stage and/or infection status. We found that M. spinolai does not feed according to the relative availability of vertebrate species. In addition, early stage nymphs (first/second instars) fed on twice as many different species as middle (third/fourth instars) and late (fifth instars and adults) M. spinolai, with the former feeding on native rodents and lizards and the latter mostly on rabbits. Infected and uninfected M. spinolai showed similar feeding profiles. Wild triatomine species might be described as stage-dependent selective blood feeders, as a consequence of the temporal and spatial scale at which host-vector interactions occur, highlighting that all developmental stages might be infected and capable of transmitting T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie De Bona
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juana P Correa
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Esteban San Juan
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Estay-Olea
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando, Chile
| | - Nicol Quiroga
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonella Bacigalupo
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Carezza Botto-Mahan
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, P.O. Box 653, Santiago, Chile.
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11
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Castillo-Castañeda AC, Patiño LH, Zuñiga MF, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ayala MS, Segura M, Bautista J, Urbano P, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Ramírez JD. An overview of the trypanosomatid (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) parasites infecting several mammal species in Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:471. [PMID: 36522757 PMCID: PMC9756507 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomatids are among the most critical parasites for public health due to their impact on human, animal, and plant health. Diseases associated with these pathogens manifest mainly in poor and vulnerable populations, where social, environmental, and biological factors modulate the case incidence and geographical distribution. METHODS We used Sanger and amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) in samples from different mammals to identify trypanosomatid infections in several departments in Colombia. A total of 174 DNA samples (18 humans, 83 dogs, and 73 wild mammals) were analyzed by conventional PCR using a fragment of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene and Sanger sequenced the positive samples. Twenty-seven samples were sent for amplicon-based NGS using the same gene fragment. Data obtained were used to perform diversity analyses. RESULTS One hundred and thirteen samples were positive for PCR by Hsp70 fragment; these corresponded to 22.1% Leishmania spp., 18.6% L. amazonensis, 9.7% L. braziliensis, 14.2% L. infantum, 8% L. panamensis, and 27.4% Trypanosoma cruzi. Comparison of the identified species by the two sequencing technologies used resulted in 97% concordance. Alpha and beta diversity indices were significant, mainly for dogs; there was an interesting index of coinfection events in the analyzed samples: different Leishmania species and the simultaneous presence of T. cruzi and even T. rangeli in one of the samples analyzed. Moreover, a low presence of L. braziliensis was observed in samples from wild mammals. Interestingly, to our knowledge, this is the first report of Leishmania detection in Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris (capybara) in Colombia. CONCLUSIONS The Hsp70 fragment used in this study is an optimal molecular marker for trypanosomatid identification in many hosts and allows the identification of different species in the same sample when amplicon-based sequencing is used. However, the use of this fragment for molecular diagnosis through conventional PCR should be carefully interpreted because of this same capacity to identify several parasites. This point is of pivotal importance in highly endemic countries across South America because of the co-circulation of different genera from the Trypanosomatidae family. The findings show an interesting starting point for One Health approaches in which coevolution and vector-host interactions can be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C. Castillo-Castañeda
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luz H. Patiño
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maria Fernanda Zuñiga
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.412881.60000 0000 8882 5269Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Martha S. Ayala
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maryi Segura
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jessica Bautista
- grid.419226.a0000 0004 0614 5067Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de La Orinoquía, Universidad Internacional del Trópico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- grid.442158.e0000 0001 2300 1573Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- grid.412191.e0000 0001 2205 5940Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
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12
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Medina M, Zuluaga S, Martínez MF, Bermúdez JC, Hernández C, Beltrán V, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD, Triana O, Cantillo-Barraza O. Interrogating the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida, Trypanosomatidae) by Triatoma venosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) after the elimination of vector transmission by Rhodnius prolixus in Boyacá eastern Colombia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:998202. [PMID: 36275020 PMCID: PMC9582133 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.998202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic zoonosis (Trypanosoma cruzi) that is endemic in Colombia. Vector control of Rhodnius prolixus, the main domestic T. cruzi vector, has been achieved in a large part of the area with historically vector transmission of CD. It is necessary to understand the ecological behavior characteristics of local native vectors to ensure sustainability of the vector control programs. To evaluate the long-term success of a recent vector control campaign in the Boyacá department (Colombia), we used a combined strategy of entomological surveillance with co-existing canine surveillance from ten rural villages within six municipalities of the Tenza valley region (Boyacá, Colombia): Chinavita, Garagoa, Guateque, Somondoco, Sutatenza and Tenza, with historical reports of R. prolixus and secondary vectors. Collected triatomines and canine whole blood were analyzed for T. cruzi infection and genotyping. Triatomine bugs specimens were evaluated for blood meal source. Canine serology was performed using two distinct antibody assays. In total, 101 Triatoma venosa were collected by active search in domestic and peridomestic habitats. A natural infection prevalence of 13.9% (14/101) and four feeding sources were identified: human, dog, rat, and hen. A frequency infection of 46.5% (40/87) was observed from two independent serological tests and T. cruzi DNA was detected in 14 dogs (16.4%). Only TcIsylvatic DTU was detected. The results suggest that T. venosa present eco-epidemiological characteristics to maintain the transmission of T. cruzi in Tenza valley. This species has reinfested the intervened households and it has an active role in domestic and peridomestic transmission of T. cruzi due to their infection rates and feeding behavior. Therefore, this species should be considered as epidemiologically relevant for vector control strategies. Moreover, there is a need for human serological studies to have a close up of risk they are exposed to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Sara Zuluaga
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Juan Carlos Bermúdez
- Programa de Control de Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Virgilio Beltrán
- Programa de Control de Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología – UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- 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, United States
| | - Omar Triana
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas (BCEI), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Omar Cantillo-Barraza,
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13
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Identification of blood meal sources in species of genus Rhodnius in four different environments in the Brazilian amazon. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106486. [PMID: 35525313 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted primarily by triatomine vectors. Triatomines are hematophagous insects that feed on a variety of vertebrate hosts. The Chagas disease transmission cycle is closely related to the interactions between vectors, parasites, and vertebrate hosts. Knowledge of triatomine food sources is critical to understanding Chagas disease transmission dynamics. The aim of this study was to identify blood meal sources used by triatomines from different environments in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 25 captures were conducted in four environments. Triatomine specimens were captured on palm trees and were identified by morphological and morphometric characters. Blood meal sources identification was conducted using a traditional PCR followed by Sanger sequencing of mtDNA cytb gene. Sequencing was successful in 167 specimens and a total of 21 blood meal sources were identified: two reptilians, six birds, and 13 mammals. Among these 21 species, three (Tamandua tetradactyla, Didelphis marsupialis and Rattus rattus) are considered reservoir of T. cruzi. Knowledge of the relationship between triatomines and possible reservoirs can help to elucidate the enzootic cycle of T. cruzi in the Amazon region and guide control strategies for Chagas disease transmission in that region.
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Pessanha TS, Pires M, Iñiguez AM. Molecular detection of blood meal source up to three months since the last meal: Experimental starvation resistance in triatomines. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106507. [PMID: 35568070 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106507] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The identification of Blood Meal Source (BMS) in hematophagous vectors contributes to a better understanding of the ecology of hemoparasite transmission. Those insects can endure long periods without feeding, waiting for a favorable setting. Although this represents an important behavior observed in those groups, such as triatomines, little is known about how time can affect BMS detection, especially considering extended periods. To comprehend to which extent this behavioral phenomenon can impact molecular detection, we submitted two groups of Rhodnius robustus to increasing periods of starvation under experimental conditions. It was possible to recover the BMS until the 12th week of the starvation process. Nymphs were more resistant to prolonged periods of starvation (up to more than 189 days) than adults (maximum of 137 days), with no significant difference between their weights after being fed. The study brought new insights to the understanding of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by R. robustus in the nature, with a temporal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaila Santos Pessanha
- Laboratorio de Biologia de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pires
- Laboratorio de Biologia de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alena Mayo Iñiguez
- Laboratorio de Biologia de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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15
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Velásquez-Ortiz N, Hernández C, Cantillo-Barraza O, Medina M, Medina-Alfonso M, Suescún-Carrero S, Muñoz M, Vega L, Castañeda S, Cruz-Saavedra L, Ballesteros N, Ramírez JD. Estimating the genetic structure of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in Boyacá, eastern Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010534. [PMID: 35816541 PMCID: PMC9302734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is considered a public health issue in Colombia, where many regions are endemic. Triatoma dimidiata is an important vector after Rhodnius prolixus, and it is gaining importance in Boyacá, eastern Colombia. Following the recent elimination of R. prolixus in the region, it is pivotal to understand the behavior of T. dimidiata and the transmission dynamics of T. cruzi. We used qPCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to evaluate T. cruzi infection, parasite load, feeding profiles, and T. cruzi genotyping for T. dimidiata specimens collected in nine municipalities in Boyacá and explored T. dimidiata population genetics. We found that T. dimidiata populations are composed by a single population with similar genetic characteristics that present infection rates up to 70%, high parasite loads up to 1.46 × 109 parasite-equivalents/mL, a feeding behavior that comprises at least 17 domestic, synanthropic and sylvatic species, and a wide diversity of TcI genotypes even within a single specimen. These results imply that T. dimidiata behavior is similar to other successful vectors, having a wide variety of blood sources and contributing to the circulation of different genotypes of the parasite, highlighting its importance for T. cruzi transmission and risk for humans. In the light of the elimination of R. prolixus in Boyacá and the results we found, we suggest that T. dimidiata should become a new target for vector control programs. We hope this study provides enough information to enhance surveillance programs and a future effective interruption of T. cruzi vector transmission in endemic regions. Chagas disease is a complex zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. This pathology is endemic in the Americas and causes a tremendous burden in terms of public health. The feces of triatomine bugs mainly transmit this parasite. A massive diversity of triatomines can be found in the north of South America, where Rhodnius is considered the most epidemiologically relevant genus. However, government efforts have attempted to control the vector transmission of specific regions. That is the case of Boyaca in eastern Colombia, which has several municipalities certified as free of R. prolixus transmission of the parasite. However, other species such as Triatoma dimidiata can occupy the left niche due to R. prolixus elimination. We explored the infection rate, parasite load, feeding preferences, and T. cruzi diversity in T. dimidiata specimens collected in municipalities with no R. prolixus infestation. Our results highlight the preponderant need for increasing serological surveillance and prevention in those communities due to the risk of a plausible reactivation of T. cruzi vector transmission due to T. dimidiata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo BCEI Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores, Secretaría de Salud Departamental, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Mabel Medina-Alfonso
- Grupo de Investigación del Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Boyacá, Secretaria de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Sandra Suescún-Carrero
- Grupo de Investigación del Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Boyacá, Secretaria de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- 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 city, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
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16
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Kim JY, Choi JH, Nam SH, Fyumagwa R, Yong TS. Parasites and blood-meal hosts of the tsetse fly in Tanzania: a metagenomics study. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:224. [PMID: 35733222 PMCID: PMC9215111 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tsetse flies can transmit various Trypanosoma spp. that cause trypanosomiasis in humans, wild animals, and domestic animals. Amplicon deep sequencing of the 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene can be used to detect mammalian tsetse hosts, and the 18S rRNA gene can be used to detect all associated eukaryotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma spp. Methods Tsetse flies were collected from the Serengeti National Park (n = 48), Maswa Game Reserve (n = 42), and Tarangire National Park (n = 49) in Tanzania in 2012–13. Amplicon deep sequencing targeting mammal-specific 12S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes was performed to screen the blood-feeding sources of tsetse flies and eukaryotic parasites in tsetse flies, respectively. Results 12S rRNA gene deep sequencing revealed that various mammals were blood-feeding sources of the tsetse flies, including humans, common warthogs, African buffalos, mice, giraffes, African elephants, waterbucks, and lions. Genes of humans were less frequently detected in Serengeti (P = 0.0024), whereas African buffaloes were detected more frequently as a blood-feeding source (P = 0.0010). 18S rRNA gene deep sequencing showed that six tsetse samples harbored the Trypanosoma gene, which was identified as Trypanosoma godfreyi and Trypanosoma simiae in subsequent ITS1 gene sequencing. Conclusions Through amplicon deep sequencing targeting the 12S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes, various mammalian animals were identified as blood-meal sources, and two Trypanosoma species were detected in tsetse flies collected from the Maswa Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. This study illustrates the patterns of parasitism of tsetse fly, wild animals targeted by the fly, and Trypanosoma spp. carried by the fly in Tanzania. It may provide essential data for formulating better strategies to control African trypanosomes. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05344-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hyun Nam
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert Fyumagwa
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P.O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Characterization of triatomine bloodmeal sources using direct Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing methods. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10234. [PMID: 35715521 PMCID: PMC9205944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14208-8] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of host associations of blood-feeding vectors may afford insights into managing disease systems and protecting public health. However, the ability of methods to distinguish bloodmeal sources varies widely. We used two methods—Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing—to target a 228 bp region of the vertebrate Cytochrome b gene and determine hosts fed upon by triatomines (n = 115) collected primarily in Texas, USA. Direct Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was successful for 36 samples (31%). Sanger sequencing revealed 15 distinct host species, which included humans, domestic animals (Canis lupus familiaris, Ovis aries, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, Felis catus, and Capra hircus), wildlife (Rattus rattus, Incilius nebulifer, Sciurus carolinensis, Sciurus niger, and Odocoileus virginianus), and captive animals (Panthera tigris, Colobus spp., and Chelonoidis carbonaria). Samples sequenced by the Sanger method were also subjected to Illumina MiSeq amplicon deep sequencing. The amplicon deep sequencing results (average of 302,080 usable reads per sample) replicated the host community revealed using Sanger sequencing, and detected additional hosts in five triatomines (13.9%), including two additional blood sources (Procyon lotor and Bassariscus astutus). Up to four bloodmeal sources were detected in a single triatomine (I. nebulifer, Homo sapiens, C. lupus familiaris, and S. carolinensis). Enhanced understanding of vector-host-parasite networks may allow for integrated vector management programs focusing on highly-utilized and highly-infected host species.
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Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the wild Chagas disease vector, Mepraia spinolai: Parasitic load, discrete typing units, and blood meal sources. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106365. [PMID: 35150641 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mepraia spinolai, a wild vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Chile, is an abundant triatomine species that is frequently infected by the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to determine if the parasitic load of T. cruzi in M. spinolai is related to its blood meal source and the infecting DTUs of T. cruzi. METHODS The vector was captured in rural areas. In the laboratory, DNA was extracted from its abdomen and T. cruzi was quantified using qPCR. Real time PCR assays for four T. cruzi DTUs were performed. Blood meal sources were identified by real-time PCR amplification of vertebrate cytochrome b gene sequences coupled with high resolution melting (HRM). RESULTS Trypanosoma cruzi was detected in 735 M. spinolai; in 484 we identified one blood meal source, corresponding to human, sylvatic, and domestic species. From these, in 224 we were able to discriminate the infecting DTU. When comparing the parasitic loads between the unique blood meal sources, no significant differences were found, but infections with more than one DTU showed higher parasitic loads than single infections. DTU TcI was detected in a high proportion of the samples. CONCLUSIONS Higher parasitic loads are related to a greater number of T. cruzi DTUs infecting M. spinolai, and this triatomine seems to have a wide span of vertebrate species in its diet.
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Alarcón de Noya B, Díaz-Bello Z, Ruiz-Guevara R, Noya O. Chagas Disease Expands Its Epidemiological Frontiers From Rural to Urban Areas. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.799009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The infection with the hemoflagellate parasite Trypanosoma cruzi originates from America where the wildlife cycle remains to alternate between mammals and hematophagous triatomines. Transmission through contamination of the bite site by vector feces containing highly infectious forms of parasite or direct ingestion of T. cruzi-infected triatomines appear to be the dominant transmission mechanisms. Man joins the transmission when he enters this wild environment or takes the leaves of palms carrying vectors to build houses. Rural Chagas disease develops associated with populations of low economic resources, with infection and reinfection of vector bites since childhood, and the consequent evolution toward chronic cases in adults, when there is little therapeutic benefit to infected people. The progressive migration of people from rural to urban areas and the adaptation of vectors to the peripheries of cities due to displacement caused by deforestation or urbanization that has favored the presence of enzootic cycles with Panstrongylus geniculatus as the most widely distributed species and mammals (synanthropic and domestic) allow vector transmission by ingestion of food contaminated with excrements containing infectious trypomastigotes as the dominant transmission mechanism in the urban environment. Human-to-human transmissions through vertical mother–child infection, transfusions, organ transplants, and the possibility of sexual transmission, transform the epidemiology and the clinical evolution of Chagas disease in the urban environment. Vectors of American trypanosomiasis are no longer restricted to the endemic area, but its presence has been demonstrated in nonendemic areas of the United States, Asia, and other latitudes. The worldwide plague of bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) threatens the possibility of expansion of transmission since they are vectors susceptible to infection, transmission to mammals, trans-stadial penetration, and not being affected by T. cruzi infection at least experimentally. These factors, added to the presence of an unknown number of migrating Latin American asymptomatic carriers together with the presence of triatomines in other continents, have initiated the globalization of a pathology originating in the American continent. Only with an integrative approach, based on new and better tolerated and efficient drugs, vaccines and residual action insecticides, all of them included in an epidemiological surveillance program.
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Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
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21
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Development of an Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Protocol to Identify Leishmania Species and Other Trypanosomatids in Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0065221. [PMID: 34643453 PMCID: PMC8515931 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00652-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid infections are an important public health threat affecting many low-income countries across the tropics, particularly in the Americas. Trypanosomatids can infect many vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant species and play an important role as human pathogens. Among these clinically relevant pathogens are species from the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma. Mixed trypanosomatid infections remain a largely unexplored phenomenon. Herein, we describe the application of an amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay to detect and identify trypanosomatid species in mammalian reservoirs, human patients, and sand fly vectors throughout regions of Leishmania endemicity. Sixty-five samples from different departments of Colombia, including two samples from Venezuela, were analyzed: 49 samples from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients, 8 from sand flies, 2 from domestic reservoirs (Canis familiaris), and 6 from wild reservoirs (Phyllostomus hastatus). DNA from each sample served to identify the presence of trypanosomatids through conventional PCR using heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene as the target. PCR products underwent sequencing by Sanger sequencing and NGS, and trypanosomatid species were identified by using BLASTn against a reference database built from trypanosomatid-derived HSP70 sequences. The alpha and beta diversity indexes of amplicon sequence variants were calculated for each group. The results revealed the presence of mixed infections with more than two Leishmania species in 34% of CL samples analyzed. Trypanosoma cruzi was identified in samples from wild reservoirs, as well as in sand fly vectors. Coinfection events with three different Leishmania species were identified in domestic reservoirs. These findings depose the traditional paradigm of leishmaniasis as being a single-species-driven infection and redraw the choreography of host-pathogen interaction in the context of multiparasitism. Further research is needed to decipher how coinfections may influence disease progression. This knowledge is key to developing an integrated approach for diagnosis and treatment. IMPORTANCE Traditionally, there has been a frequent, yet incorrect assumption that phlebotomine vectors, animal reservoirs, and human hosts are susceptible to Leishmania infection by a single parasite species. However, current evidence supports that these new vector-parasite-reservoir associations lend vectors and reservoirs greater permissiveness to certain Leishmania species, thus promoting the appearance of coinfection events, particularly in disease-endemic regions. The present study describes the application of an amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay to detect and identify trypanosomatid species in mammalian reservoirs, human patients, and sand fly vectors from regions of endemicity for leishmaniasis. This changes our understanding of the clinical course of leishmaniasis in areas of endemicity.
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22
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Higuera A, Herrera G, Jimenez P, García-Corredor D, Pulido-Medellín M, Bulla-Castañeda DM, Pinilla JC, Moreno-Pérez DA, Maloney JG, Santín M, Ramírez JD. Identification of Multiple Blastocystis Subtypes in Domestic Animals From Colombia Using Amplicon-Based Next Generation Sequencing. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:732129. [PMID: 34504891 PMCID: PMC8421793 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.732129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is frequently reported in fecal samples from animals and humans worldwide, and a variety of subtypes (STs) have been observed in wild and domestic animals. In Colombia, few studies have focused on the transmission dynamics and epidemiological importance of Blastocystis in animals. In this study, we characterized the frequency and subtypes of Blastocystis in fecal samples of domestic animals including pigs, minipigs, cows, dogs, horses, goats, sheep, and llama from three departments of Colombia. Of the 118 fecal samples included in this study 81.4% (n = 96) were positive for Blastocystis using a PCR that amplifies a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. PCR positive samples were sequenced by next generation amplicon sequencing (NGS) to determine subtypes. Eleven subtypes were detected, ten previously reported, ST5 (50.7%), ST10 (47.8%), ST25 (34.3%), ST26 (29.8%), ST21 (22.4%), ST23 (22.4%), ST1 (17.9%), ST14 (16.4%), ST24 (14.9%), ST3 (7.5%), and a novel subtype, named ST32 (3.0%). Mixed infection and/or intra -subtype variations were identified in most of the samples. Novel ST32 was observed in two samples from a goat and a cow. To support novel subtype designation, a MinION based sequencing strategy was used to generate the full-length of the SSU rRNA gene. Comparison of full-length nucleotide sequences with those from current valid subtypes supported the designation of ST32. This is the first study in Colombia using NGS to molecularly characterize subtypes of Blastocystis in farm animals. A great diversity of subtypes was observed in domestic animals including subtypes previously identified in humans. Additionally, subtype overlap between the different hosts examined in this study were observed. These findings highlight the presence of Blastocystis subtypes with zoonotic potential in farm animals indicating that farm animals could play a role in transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Higuera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paula Jimenez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego García-Corredor
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martin Pulido-Medellín
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana M Bulla-Castañeda
- Grupo de Investigación en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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23
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Austen JM, Barbosa AD. Diversity and Epidemiology of Bat Trypanosomes: A One Health Perspective. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091148. [PMID: 34578180 PMCID: PMC8465530 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and veterinary importance such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi (aetiological agents of Chagas disease and Surra, respectively). This review synthesises current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, evolution and epidemiology of bat trypanosomes based on both molecular studies and morphological records. In addition, we use a One Health approach to discuss the significance of bats as reservoirs (and putative vectors) of T. cruzi, with a focus on the complex associations between intra-specific genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of T. cruzi in sylvatic and domestic ecosystems. This article also highlights current knowledge gaps on the biological implications of trypanosome co-infections in a single host, as well as the prevalence, vectors, life-cycle, host-range and clinical impact of most bat trypanosomes recorded to date. Continuous research efforts involving molecular surveillance of bat trypanosomes are required for improved disease prevention and control, mitigation of biosecurity risks and potential spill-over events, ultimately ensuring the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M. Austen
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Amanda D. Barbosa
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia 70040-020, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (A.D.B.)
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Busselman RE, Olson MF, Martinez V, Davila E, Briggs C, Eldridge DS, Higgins B, Bass B, Cropper TL, Casey TM, Edwards T, Teel PD, Hamer SA, Hamer GL. Host Bloodmeal Identification in Cave-Dwelling Ornithodoros turicata Dugès (Ixodida: Argasidae), Texas, USA. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:639400. [PMID: 33659288 PMCID: PMC7917080 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.639400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-host bloodmeal associations are important factors when characterizing risks of associated pathogen transmission and applying appropriate management strategies. Despite their biological importance, comparatively little is known about soft tick (Argasidae) host associations in the United States compared to hard ticks (Ixodidae). In this study, we evaluated a PCR and direct Sanger sequencing method for identifying the bloodmeal hosts of soft ticks. We collected 381 cave-associated Ornithodoros turicata near San Antonio, Texas, USA, and also utilized eight colony-reared specimens fed artificially on known host blood sources over 1.5 years ago. We correctly identified the vertebrate host bloodmeals of two colony-reared ticks (chicken and pig) up to 1,105 days post-feeding, and identified bloodmeal hosts from 19 out of 168 field-collected soft ticks, including raccoon (78.9%), black vulture (10.5%), Texas black rattlesnake (5.3%), and human (5.3%). Our results confirm the retention of vertebrate blood DNA in soft ticks and advance the knowledge of argasid host associations in cave-dwelling O. turicata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mark F. Olson
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Viridiana Martinez
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Edward Davila
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Cierra Briggs
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Devon S. Eldridge
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Bailee Higgins
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Brittany Bass
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Thomas L. Cropper
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Theresa M. Casey
- 59th Medical Wing, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Theresa Edwards
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Government Canyon State Natural Area, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Pete D. Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
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Arias-Giraldo LM, Muñoz M, Hernández C, Herrera G, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Cantillo-Barraza O, Urbano P, Ramírez JD. Species-dependent variation of the gut bacterial communities across Trypanosoma cruzi insect vectors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240916. [PMID: 33180772 PMCID: PMC7660481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) are the insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The gut bacterial communities affect the development of T. cruzi inside the vector, making the characterization of its composition important in the understanding of infection development. We collected 54 triatomine bugs corresponding to four genera in different departments of Colombia. DNA extraction and PCR were performed to evaluate T. cruzi presence and to determine the discrete typing unit (DTU) of the parasite. PCR products of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were pooled and sequenced. Resulting reads were denoised and QIIME 2 was used for the identification of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Diversity (alpha and beta diversity) and richness analyses, Circos plots, and principal component analysis (PCA) were also performed. The overall T. cruzi infection frequency was 75.9%, with TcI being the predominant DTU. Approximately 500,000 sequences were analyzed and 27 bacterial phyla were identified. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria (33.9%), Actinobacteria (32.4%), Firmicutes (19.6%), and Bacteroidetes (7.6%), which together accounted for over 90% of the gut communities identified in this study. Genera were identified for these main bacterial phyla, revealing the presence of important bacteria such as Rhodococcus, Serratia, and Wolbachia. The composition of bacterial phyla in the gut of the insects was significantly different between triatomine species, whereas no significant difference was seen between the state of T. cruzi infection. We suggest further investigation with the evaluation of additional variables and a larger sample size. To our knowledge, this study is the first characterization of the gut bacterial structure of the main triatomine genera in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa M Arias-Giraldo
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Giovanny Herrera
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Velásquez-Ortiz
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biológicas de la Orinoquia, Fundación Universidad del Trópico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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