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Alobaidii WA, Abdullah DA, Alkatab YNM, Ali SA, Ola-Fadunsin SD, Gimba FI. The first molecular investigation of Besnoitia besnoiti infections among cattle in Mosul, Iraq. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:585. [PMID: 38683464 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09377-w] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine besnoitiosis (elephant skin disease) caused by Besnoitia besnoiti is a costly endemic disease in the Middle East, Asia, and tropical and subtropical Africa and is also emerging as a significant problem in Europe. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of B. besnoiti in blood and skin biopsies of cattle as well as evaluating the risk factors associated with the infection among cattle in Mosul, Iraq. METHODS AND RESULTS To achieve this aim, four hundred and sixty apparently healthy cattle of different breeds, ages, and sexes were sampled from seven different locations in Mosul, Iraq. Blood and skin biopsies were carefully collected from each cattle, and these samples were subjected to molecular analysis. The detection of B. besnoiti was molecularly confirmed by the presence of 231 bp of ITS-1 in the rDNA gene of the protozoan. Besnoitia besnoiti DNA was present in 74 (16.09%; 95% CI = 13.01-19.72) and 49 (10.65%; 95% CI = 8.15-13.80) of the blood and skin biopsies, respectively, that were analyzed. Age, breed, and sex were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of B. besnoiti among cattle in the study area. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study will serve as baseline data in the epidemiology, prevention, and control of the protozoan among cattle in Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasan Amjad Alobaidii
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Donea Abdulrazak Abdullah
- Department of Animal Production Techniques, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
- Center of Technical Research, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
| | | | - Shahad Abbas Ali
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Shola David Ola-Fadunsin
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
| | - Fufa Ido Gimba
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
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Cesarani A, Corte Pause F, Hidalgo J, Garcia A, Degano L, Vicario D, Macciota NPP, Stradaioli G. Genetic background of semen parameters in Italian Simmental bulls. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2160665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cesarani
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Francesca Corte Pause
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Jorge Hidalgo
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andre Garcia
- Angus Genetics Inc. - American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, MO, USA
| | - Lorenzo Degano
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Pezzata Rossa Italiana (ANAPRI), Udine, Italy
| | - Daniele Vicario
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Pezzata Rossa Italiana (ANAPRI), Udine, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Hernández-Delgado P, Felix-Portillo M, Martínez-Quintana JA. ADAMTS Proteases: Importance in Animal Reproduction. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1181. [PMID: 37372361 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many reproductive physiological processes, such as folliculogenesis, ovulation, implantation, and fertilization, require the synthesis, remodeling, and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs) family genes code for key metalloproteinases in the remodeling process of different ECM. Several genes of this family encode for proteins with important functions in reproductive processes; in particular, ADAMTS1, 4, 5 and 9 are genes that are differentially expressed in cell types and the physiological stages of reproductive tissues. ADAMTS enzymes degrade proteoglycans in the ECM of the follicles so that the oocytes can be released and regulate follicle development during folliculogenesis, favoring the action of essential growth factors, such as FGF-2, FGF-7 and GDF-9. The transcriptional regulation of ADAMTS1 and 9 in preovulatory follicles occurs because of the gonadotropin surge in preovulatory follicles, via the progesterone/progesterone receptor complex. In addition, in the case of ADAMTS1, pathways involving protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) might contribute to ECM regulation. Different Omic studies indicate the importance of genes of the ADAMTS family from a reproductive aspect. ADAMTS genes could serve as biomarkers for genetic improvement and contribute to enhance fertility and animal reproduction; however, more research related to these genes, the synthesis of proteins encoded by these genes, and regulation in farm animals is needed.
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Fernández-Álvarez M, Horcajo P, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Pastor-Fernández I, Miguel Ortega-Mora L, Álvarez-García G. Transcriptional changes associated with apoptosis and Type I IFN underlie the early interaction between Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites and monocyte-derived macrophages. Int J Parasitol 2023:S0020-7519(23)00094-2. [PMID: 37207972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti-infected bulls may develop severe systemic clinical signs and orchitis that may ultimately cause sterility during the acute infection. Macrophages might play a relevant role in pathogenesis of the disease and the immune response raised against B. besnoiti infection. This study aimed to dissect the early interaction between B. besnoiti tachyzoites and primary bovine monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro. First, the B. besnoiti tachyzoite lytic cycle was characterized. Next, dual transcriptomic profiling of B. besnoiti tachyzoites and macrophages was conducted at early infection (4 h and 8 h p.i. by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Macrophages inoculated with heat-killed tachyzoites (MO-hkBb) and non-infected macrophages (MO) were used as controls. Besnoitia besnoiti was able to invade and proliferate in macrophages. Upon infection, macrophage activation was demonstrated by morphological and transcriptomic changes. Infected macrophages were smaller, round and lacked filopodial structures, which might be associated with a migratory phenotype demonstrated in other apicomplexan parasites. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased substantially during infection. In B. besnoiti-infected macrophages (MO-Bb), apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were regulated at 4 h p.i., and apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL assay. The Herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathway was the only significantly enriched pathway in MO-Bb at 8 h p.i. Relevant DEGs of the Herpes simplex virus 1 infection (IFNα) and the apoptosis pathways (CHOP-2) were also significantly regulated in the testicular parenchyma of naturally infected bulls. Furthermore, the parasite transcriptomic analysis revealed DEGs mainly related to host cell invasion and metabolism. These results provide a deep overview of the earliest macrophage modulation by B. besnoiti that may favour parasite survival and proliferation in a specialized phagocytic immune cell. Putative parasite effectors were also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández-Álvarez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
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Malatji MP, Tembe D, Mukaratirwa S. An update on epidemiology and clinical aspects of besnoitiosis in livestock and wildlife in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 21:e00284. [PMID: 36793766 PMCID: PMC9922981 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Besnoitiosis is a parasitic disease of economic importance caused by cyst-forming protozoa from the genus Besnoitia. The disease affects the skin, subcutis, blood vessels, and mucous membranes of the animals. It is traditionally endemic in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, and causes enormous economic loss associated with impaired productivity and reproduction, as well as skin lesions. Therefore, knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease, including the current Besnoitia species occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, the wide range of mammalian species hosts they use as intermediate hosts, and the clinical signs manifested by infected animals is crucial in developing effective prevention and control measures. This review collected information from peer-reviewed publications involving the epidemiology and clinical signs of besnoitiosis in sub-Saharan Africa using four electronic databases. Results showed that B. besnoiti, B. bennetti, B. caprae, B. darlingi-like and unidentified Besnoitia spp. were found naturally infecting livestock and wildlife across nine reviewed sub-Saharan African countries. Besnoitia besnoiti was the most common species, occurring in all nine reviewed countries, and utilised a wide range of mammalian species as intermediate hosts. Prevalence of B. besnoiti ranged from 2.0 to 80.3%, and B. caprae 5.45-46.53%. Infection rate was high with serology compared to other techniques. Some of the typical signs of besnoitiosis included sand-like cysts on the sclera conjunctiva, nodules in the skin, thickening and wrinkling of the skin and alopecia. Inflammation, thickening and wrinkling of the scrotum were observed in bulls, and lesions on the scrotum deteriorated progressively and became generalized in some cases in spite of treatment. There is still a need for surveys focusing on detecting and identifying Besnoitia spp. using molecular techniques in combination with serological, histology and visual observation, and scoping their natural intermediate and definitive hosts, as well as assessing the burden of the disease animals reared on different husbandry systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokgadi Pulane Malatji
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Foundational Research & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa,Corresponding author at: School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Danisile Tembe
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Dissection of Besnoitia besnoiti intermediate host life cycle stages: From morphology to gene expression. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010955. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyst-forming Apicomplexa (CFA) of the Sarcocystidae have a ubiquitous presence as pathogens of humans and farm animals transmitted through the food chain between hosts with few notable exceptions. The defining hallmark of this family of obligate intracellular protists consists of their ability to remain for very long periods as infectious tissue cysts in chronically infected intermediate hosts. Nevertheless, each closely related species has evolved unique strategies to maintain distinct reservoirs on global scales and ensuring efficient transmission to definitive hosts as well as between intermediate hosts. Here, we present an in-depth comparative mRNA expression analysis of the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages of Besnoitia besnoiti strain Lisbon14 isolated from an infected farm animal based on its annotated genome sequence. The B. besnoiti genome is highly syntenic with that of other CFA and also retains the capacity to encode a large majority of known and inferred factors essential for completing a sexual cycle in a yet unknown definitive host. This work introduces Besnoitia besnoiti as a new model for comparative biology of coccidian tissue cysts which can be readily obtained in high purity. This model provides a framework for addressing fundamental questions about the evolution of tissue cysts and the biology of this pharmacologically intractable infectious parasite stage.
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Rhodes V, Hayes CJ, Sánchez‐Miguel C, O'Donovan J, Ryan EG. An investigation into bovine besnoitiosis (
Besnoitia besnoiti
) in an Irish pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Rhodes
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry School of Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Belfield Dublin Ireland
| | - Ciara J. Hayes
- Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Cork Ireland
| | - Cosme Sánchez‐Miguel
- Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Cork Ireland
| | - James O'Donovan
- Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Cork Ireland
| | - Eoin G. Ryan
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry School of Veterinary Medicine University College Dublin Belfield Dublin Ireland
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González-Barrio D, Huertas-López A, Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Cerón JJ, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Changes in serum biomarkers of inflammation in bovine besnoitiosis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:488. [PMID: 34551803 PMCID: PMC8459460 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute and chronic besnoitiosis in extensive natural-service herds can have relevant effects in the health of bulls and negative consequences in their productive performance. Recent progress has been made in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease. In this context, the study of biomarkers of inflammation in serum would contribute to gaining knowledge about the physiopathology of bovine besnoitiosis. Serological biomarkers could help in early diagnosis and prognosis, as seropositive bulls may have mild or severe testicular lesions. Methods Herein, we have investigated the diagnostic and/or prognostic value of a panel of serum (serological) biomarkers related to inflammation, including total protein, globulin and albumin, haptoglobin (Hp), adenosine deaminase (ADA) paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in naturally and experimentally B. besnoiti-infected males classified according to different clinical phases of the disease (acute, chronic and subclinical besnoitiosis). Results Results showed a similar response pattern in these biomarkers for naturally and experimentally infected cattle, with a few relevant variations. Most significant changes occurred during the acute phase of infection, although significant changes in a few biomarkers were also observed during the chronic infection. Haptoglobin, albumin, PON-1 and ADA were identified as the biomarkers that showed changes of higher magnitude in the acute phase of the infection, whereas high total protein and globulin values were found in chronically infected cattle. We have described the changes of a panel of inflammatory biomarkers of acute and chronic bovine besnoitiosis. Conclusions In summary, several biomarkers with promising diagnostic value have been identified. The biomarkers associated with acute infection are related to previously reported molecular biomarkers in testicular parenchyma of infected bulls and could help in the diagnosis of early infections and complement results from specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence Mare Nostrum, Espinardo, 30100, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence Mare Nostrum, Espinardo, 30100, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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