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Krishnan D, Pandey M, Nayak S, Ghosh SK. Novel Insights into the Wattle and Daub Model of Entamoeba Cyst Wall Formation and the Importance of Actin Cytoskeleton. Pathogens 2023; 13:20. [PMID: 38251328 PMCID: PMC10818507 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The "Wattle and Daub" model of cyst wall formation in Entamoeba invadens has been used to explain encystment in Entamoeba histolytica, the causal agent of amoebiasis, and this process could be a potential target for new antiamoebic drugs. In this study, we studied the morphological stages of chitin wall formation in E. invadens in more detail using fluorescent chitin-binding dyes and the immunolocalization of cyst wall proteins. It was found that chitin deposition was mainly initiated on the cell surface at a specific point or at different points at the same time. The cystic wall grew outward and gradually covered the entire surface of the cyst over time, following the model of Wattle and Daub. The onset of chitin deposition was guided by the localization of chitin synthase 1 to the plasma membrane, occurring on the basis of the Jacob lectin in the cell membrane. During encystation, F-actin was reorganized into the cortical region within the early stages of encystation and remained intact until the completion of the chitin wall. The disruption of actin polymerization in the cortical region inhibited proper wall formation, producing wall-less cysts or cysts with defective chitin walls, indicating the importance of the cortical actin cytoskeleton for proper cyst wall formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sudip K. Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, West Bengal, India; (D.K.); (M.P.); (S.N.)
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CAUSES OF MORTALITY AND COMORBIDITIES IN CAIMAN LIZARDS ( DRACAENA GUIANENSIS) AT SIX ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 53:714-721. [PMID: 36640073 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the main causes of mortality in caiman lizards (Dracaena guianensis) under managed care is imperative to promote optimal husbandry, health, and welfare. A retrospective review of morbidity and mortality in caiman lizards from North American zoological institutions between 2005 and 2020 was conducted. Postmortem data, including gross necropsy and histopathology findings, were available for 32 caiman lizards (n = 12 subadults, n = 20 adults) from six zoological institutions. Necropsy reports were evaluated to collect general demographic data, categorize cause of death (accident/trauma, congenital/genetic, degenerative/geriatric, infectious, deposition disease, neoplastic, unknown, and multifactorial), and assess common comorbidities. Infectious disease was the most common cause of mortality in adult lizards (8/20; 40%) with amoebiasis and bacterial etiologies being overrepresented. Demise due to traumatic/accidental injury was the second most common cause of death in adult lizards (3/20;15%) and included blunt force trauma or suspected drowning. Infectious disease (4/12; 33.3%) and trauma/accidental injury (4/12; 33.3%) were also the most common causes of death in subadults. The most common comorbidities or other incidental findings identified during necropsy included trematode parasitism (15/32; 46.9%), arteriosclerosis (11/32; 34.4%), and adrenocortical hyperplasia (6/32; 18.8%). This retrospective review suggests that management practices to prevent and control infectious diseases and mitigate traumatic injury play a pivotal role in the long-term care and survival of caiman lizards in managed care.
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Briggs-Gonzalez V, Evans P, Klovanish C, Mazzotti FJ. A Species Bioprofile for the Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator). SOUTHEAST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/058.021.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
| | - Paul Evans
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
| | - Cassidy Klovanish
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
| | - Frank J. Mazzotti
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
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RNA Sequencing Reveals Widespread Transcription of Natural Antisense RNAs in Entamoeba Species. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020396. [PMID: 35208849 PMCID: PMC8874941 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba is a genus of Amoebozoa that includes the intestine-colonizing pathogenic species Entamoeba histolytica. To understand the basis of gene regulation in E. histolytica from an evolutionary perspective, we have profiled the transcriptomes of its closely related species E. dispar, E. moshkovskii and E. invadens. Genome-wide identification of transcription start sites (TSS) and polyadenylation sites (PAS) revealed the similarities and differences of their gene regulatory sequences. In particular, we found the widespread initiation of antisense transcription from within the gene coding sequences is a common feature among all Entamoeba species. Interestingly, we observed the enrichment of antisense transcription in genes involved in several processes that are common to species infecting the human intestine, e.g., the metabolism of phospholipids. These results suggest a potentially conserved and compact gene regulatory system in Entamoeba.
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RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF HISTOLOGIC FINDINGS IN CAPTIVE GILA MONSTERS ( HELODERMA SUSPECTUM) AND BEADED LIZARDS ( HELODERMA HORRIDUM). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:166-175. [PMID: 33827173 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective study was performed by reviewing all Heloderma spp. submissions to Northwest ZooPath from 1996 to 2019. Necropsy and biopsy specimens from 106 captive Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) and 49 captive beaded lizards (Heloderma horridum) were reviewed. Inflammatory diseases were the most frequently diagnosed condition in Heloderma spp., and were diagnosed in 72% of all animals examined, including 76% of Gila monsters and 63% of beaded lizards. The most common cause of inflammation was bacterial infection, which was present in 52% of all Heloderma spp. with inflammation. Enterocolitis was common in Gila monsters (20%) and beaded lizards (14%), but the underlying causes were different for each species. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most common cause of enterocolitis in Gila monsters (36%) but was not identified in beaded lizards. Amoebiasis was a common cause of enterocolitis in Gila monsters (27%) and was the most common cause of enterocolitis in beaded lizards (57%). Deposition diseases were diagnosed in 34% of all Heloderma spp. The most frequently diagnosed deposition disease in beaded lizards was urolithiasis-nephrolithiasis (12%). This disease was not diagnosed in Gila monsters. Deposition diseases that were common in Gila monsters and beaded lizards included hepatic lipidosis and renal gout. Neoplasia was diagnosed in 17% of all Heloderma spp., including 17% of Gila monsters and 18% of beaded lizards. The most common neoplasm of Heloderma spp. was renal adenocarcinoma, which was equally common in Gila monsters and beaded lizards. Less common diagnoses included degenerative diseases, trauma, nutritional disease, nonneoplastic proliferative disease, nondegenerative cardiovascular disease, and congenital malformation.
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A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF AMOEBIASIS IN REPTILES IN A ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTION. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:232-240. [PMID: 33827181 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis is a significant protozoal disease of reptiles causing nonspecific clinical signs including diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy. It frequently results in acute death. Investigation of the pathophysiology of amoebiasis in reptiles has been hampered by the inability to accurately identify amoeba to the species level using conventional techniques. This study reviewed reptile medical records from the Wildlife Conservation Society's archives from 1998 to 2017. Amoebae were identified histologically in 54 cases in 31 different species. Of these, amoebiasis was the cause of death in 32 (18 chelonians, 7 lizards, and 7 snakes), a significant co-morbidity in 14 (six chelonians, two lizards, and six snakes), and seen incidentally in eight cases (one chelonian, six lizards, and one snake). Relocation from one enclosure to another was also evaluated and 65% of cases had been moved within 180 days of death (median 46 days). Frozen tissue samples from 19 of these cases were tested via an Entamoeba (genus-specific) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. PCR products were sequenced and Entamoeba species were identified. Six individuals were positive for Entamoeba invadens (three chelonians, two snakes, one lizard), two for Entamoeba ranarum (both snakes), and one for Entamoeba terrapinae (chelonian); the other 10 cases were negative via PCR. Entamoeba ranarum has typically been considered a disease of amphibians with only one report of disease in a snake. Entamoeba terrapinae has only been reported without associated disease in chelonians. These results suggest that amoebiasis is a complicated and nuanced disease of reptiles, and warrants additional study.
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7
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Entamoeba ranarum Infection in a Ball Python (Python regius). J Comp Pathol 2020; 179:74-78. [PMID: 32958152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.07.008] [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: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic Entamoeba species in snakes is widely regarded to be Entamoeba invadens, which can cause severe amoebiasis with up to 100% mortality. In this case report, we describe a ball python (Python regius) that died after short-term weight loss. Necropsy revealed severe necrotizing colitis with large numbers of intralesional Entamoeba trophozoites. Molecular genetic analysis identified these trophozoites as Entamoeba ranarum, a parasite more usually found in amphibians. Furthermore, the extended history revealed that toads (Rhinella marina) had been housed together with the python. This report illustrates the danger of protozoal cross-infections in exotic animals as well as the importance of molecular genetic tools in Entamoeba diagnosis.
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Wilson IW, Weedall GD, Lorenzi H, Howcroft T, Hon CC, Deloger M, Guillén N, Paterson S, Clark CG, Hall N. Genetic Diversity and Gene Family Expansions in Members of the Genus Entamoeba. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:688-705. [PMID: 30668670 PMCID: PMC6414313 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis is the third-most common cause of mortality worldwide from a parasitic disease. Although the primary etiological agent of amoebiasis is the obligate human parasite Entamoeba histolytica, other members of the genus Entamoeba can infect humans and may be pathogenic. Here, we present the first annotated reference genome for Entamoeba moshkovskii, a species that has been associated with human infections, and compare the genomes of E. moshkovskii, E. histolytica, the human commensal Entamoeba dispar, and the nonhuman pathogen Entamoeba invadens. Gene clustering and phylogenetic analyses show differences in expansion and contraction of families of proteins associated with host or bacterial interactions. They intimate the importance to parasitic Entamoeba species of surface-bound proteins involved in adhesion to extracellular membranes, such as the Gal/GalNAc lectin and members of the BspA and Ariel1 families. Furthermore, E. dispar is the only one of the four species to lack a functional copy of the key virulence factor cysteine protease CP-A5, whereas the gene's presence in E. moshkovskii is consistent with the species' potentially pathogenic nature. Entamoeba moshkovskii was found to be more diverse than E. histolytica across all sequence classes. The former is ∼200 times more diverse than latter, with the four E. moshkovskii strains tested having a most recent common ancestor nearly 500 times more ancient than the tested E. histolytica strains. A four-haplotype test indicates that these E. moshkovskii strains are not the same species and should be regarded as a species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Wilson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth D Weedall
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.,School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timothy Howcroft
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chung-Chau Hon
- Unité Biologie Cellulaire du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Marc Deloger
- Unité Biologie Cellulaire du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Nancy Guillén
- Unité Biologie Cellulaire du Parasitisme, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Steve Paterson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - C Graham Clark
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Hall
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ United Kingdom
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9
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Nurkanto A, Jeelani G, Yamamoto T, Hishiki T, Naito Y, Suematsu M, Hashimoto T, Nozaki T. Biochemical, Metabolomic, and Genetic Analyses of Dephospho Coenzyme A Kinase Involved in Coenzyme A Biosynthesis in the Human Enteric Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2902. [PMID: 30555442 PMCID: PMC6284149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential cofactor for numerous cellular reactions in all living organisms. In the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, CoA is synthesized in a pathway consisting of four enzymes with dephospho-CoA kinase (DPCK) catalyzing the last step. However, the metabolic and physiological roles of E. histolytica DPCK remain elusive. In this study, we took biochemical, reverse genetic, and metabolomic approaches to elucidate role of DPCK in E. histolytica. The E. histolytica genome encodes two DPCK isotypes (EhDPCK1 and EhDPCK2). Epigenetic gene silencing of Ehdpck1 and Ehdpck2 caused significant reduction of DPCK activity, intracellular CoA concentrations, and also led to growth retardation in vitro, suggesting importance of DPCK for CoA synthesis and proliferation. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis showed that suppression of Ehdpck gene expression also caused decrease in the level of acetyl-CoA, and metabolites involved in amino acid, glycogen, hexosamine, nucleic acid metabolisms, chitin, and polyamine biosynthesis. The kinetic properties of E. histolytica and human DPCK showed remarkable differences, e.g., the Km values of E. histolytica and human DPCK were 58-114 and 5.2 μM toward dephospho-CoA and 15-20 and 192 μM for ATP, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis also supported the uniqueness of the amebic enzyme compared to the human counterpart. These biochemical, evolutionary features, and physiological importance of EhDPCKs indicate that EhDPCK represents the rational target for the development of anti-amebic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Nurkanto
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Research Center for Biology, Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Hishiki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Naito
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Nurkanto A, Jeelani G, Yamamoto T, Naito Y, Hishiki T, Mori M, Suematsu M, Shiomi K, Hashimoto T, Nozaki T. Characterization and validation of Entamoeba histolytica pantothenate kinase as a novel anti-amebic drug target. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 8:125-136. [PMID: 29518650 PMCID: PMC6114107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Coenzyme A (CoA), as a cofactor involved in >100 metabolic reactions, is essential to the basic biochemistry of life. Here, we investigated the CoA biosynthetic pathway of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), an enteric protozoan parasite responsible for human amebiasis. We identified four key enzymes involved in the CoA pathway: pantothenate kinase (PanK, EC 2.7.1.33), bifunctional phosphopantothenate-cysteine ligase/decarboxylase (PPCS-PPCDC), phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase (PPAT) and dephospho-CoA kinase (DPCK). Cytosolic enzyme PanK, was selected for further biochemical, genetic, and phylogenetic characterization. Since E. histolytica PanK (EhPanK) is physiologically important and sufficiently divergent from its human orthologs, this enzyme represents an attractive target for the development of novel anti-amebic chemotherapies. Epigenetic gene silencing of PanK resulted in a significant reduction of PanK activity, intracellular CoA concentrations, and growth retardation in vitro, reinforcing the importance of this gene in E. histolytica. Furthermore, we screened the Kitasato Natural Products Library for inhibitors of recombinant EhPanK, and identified 14 such compounds. One compound demonstrated moderate inhibition of PanK activity and cell growth at a low concentration, as well as differential toxicity towards E. histolytica and human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Nurkanto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan; Research Center for Biology, Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Naito
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takako Hishiki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; Clinical and Translational Research Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mihoko Mori
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuro Shiomi
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
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Jacob AS, Busby EJ, Levy AD, Komm N, Clark CG. Expanding the Entamoeba Universe: New Hosts Yield Novel Ribosomal Lineages. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 63:69-78. [PMID: 26130044 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Removing the requirement for cell culture has led to a substantial increase in the number of lineages of Entamoeba recognized as distinct. Surveying the range of potential host species for this parasite genus has barely been started and it is clear that additional sampling of the same host in different locations often identifies additional diversity. In this study, using small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, we identify four new lineages of Entamoeba, including the first report of Entamoeba from an elephant, and extend the host range of some previously described lineages. In addition, examination of microbiome data from a number of host animals suggests that substantial Entamoeba diversity remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Jacob
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Eloise J Busby
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail D Levy
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Komm
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - C Graham Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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12
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Gardhouse S. Diagnostic Challenge. J Exot Pet Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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14
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García G, Ramos F, Pérez RG, Yañez J, Estrada MS, Mendoza LH, Martinez-Hernandez F, Gaytán P. Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of Entamoeba species in a chelonian collection. J Med Microbiol 2013; 63:271-283. [PMID: 24194557 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.061820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary medicine has focused recently on reptiles, due to the existence of captive collections in zoos and an increase in the acquisition of reptiles as pets. The protozoan parasite, Entamoeba can cause amoebiasis in various animal species and humans. Although amoebiasis disease is remarkably rare in most species of chelonians and crocodiles, these species may serve as Entamoeba species carriers that transmit parasites to susceptible reptile species, such as snakes and lizards, which can become sick and die. In this study, we identified the Entamoeba species in a population of healthy (disease-free) chelonians, and evaluated their diversity through the amplification and sequencing of a small subunit rDNA region. Using this procedure, three Entamoeba species were identified: Entamoeba invadens in 4.76 % of chelonians, Entamoeba moshkovskii in 3.96 % and Entamoeba terrapinae in 50 %. We did not detect mixed Entamoeba infections. Comparative analysis of the amplified region allowed us to determine the intra-species variations. The E. invadens and E. moshkovskii strains isolated in this study did not exhibit marked differences with respect to the sequences reported in GenBank. The analysis of the E. terrapinae isolates revealed three different subgroups (A, B and C). Although subgroups A and C were very similar, subgroup B showed a relatively marked difference with respect to subgroups A and C (Fst = 0.984 and Fst = 1.000, respectively; 10-14 % nucleotide variation, as determined by blast) and with respect to the sequences reported in GenBank. These results suggested that E. terrapinae subgroup B may be either in a process of speciation or belong to a different lineage. However, additional research is necessary to support this statement conclusively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela García
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Fernando Ramos
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Rodrigo Gutiérrez Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Jorge Yañez
- Unidad de Síntesis y Secuenciación de DNA, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, CP 62210, México
| | - Mónica Salmerón Estrada
- Herpetario de la Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Lilian Hernández Mendoza
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Colonia Copilco Universidad, Delegación Coyoacan, México DF, CP 04510, México
| | - Fernando Martinez-Hernandez
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General Doctor Manuel Gea González, Calz de Tlalpan 4800, Tlalpan, México DF, CP 14000, México
| | - Paul Gaytán
- Unidad de Síntesis y Secuenciación de DNA, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Morelos, CP 62210, México
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15
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De Cádiz AE, Jeelani G, Nakada-Tsukui K, Caler E, Nozaki T. Transcriptome analysis of encystation in Entamoeba invadens. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74840. [PMID: 24040350 PMCID: PMC3770568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Encystation is an essential differentiation process for the completion of the life cycle of a group of intestinal protozoa including Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. However, regulation of gene expression during encystation is poorly understood. To comprehensively understand the process at the molecular level, the transcriptomic profiles of E. invadens, which is a related reptilian species that causes an invasive disease similar to that of E. histolytica, was investigated during encystation. Using a custom-generated Affymetrix platform microarray, we performed time course (0.5, 2, 8, 24, 48, and 120 h) gene expression analysis of encysting E. invadens. ANOVA analysis revealed that a total of 1,528 genes showed ≥3 fold up-regulation at one or more time points, relative to the trophozoite stage. Of these modulated genes, 8% (116 genes) were up-regulated at the early time points (0.5, 2 and 8h), while 63% (962 genes) were up-regulated at the later time points (24, 48, and 120 h). Twenty nine percent (450 genes) are either up-regulated at 2 to 5 time points or constitutively up-regulated in both early and late stages. Among the up-regulated genes are the genes encoding transporters, cytoskeletal proteins, proteins involved in vesicular trafficking (small GTPases), Myb transcription factors, cysteine proteases, components of the proteasome, and enzymes for chitin biosynthesis. This study represents the first kinetic analysis of gene expression during differentiation from the invasive trophozoite to the dormant, infective cyst stage in Entamoeba. Functional analysis on individual genes and their encoded products that are modulated during encystation may lead to the discovery of targets for the development of new chemotherapeutics that interfere with stage conversion of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyla Escueta De Cádiz
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao, Philippines
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elisabet Caler
- J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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16
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Mans C. Clinical Update on Diagnosis and Management of Disorders of the Digestive System of Reptiles. J Exot Pet Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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17
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Mendyk RW, Newton AL, Baumer M. A retrospective study of mortality in varanid lizards (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae) at the Bronx Zoo: implications for husbandry and reproductive management in zoos. Zoo Biol 2012; 32:152-62. [PMID: 22997089 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Varanid lizards have been maintained in zoological parks for more than a century, yet few studies to date have attempted to pinpoint significant health issues affecting their management or areas of captive husbandry that are in need of improvement. In an effort to identify and better understand some of the husbandry-related challenges and health issues specifically affecting varanids in zoos, this study examined mortality in 16 species maintained at the Bronx Zoo between 1968 and 2009. Out of 108 records reviewed, complete necropsy reports were available for 85 individuals. Infection-related processes including bacterial (15.3%), protozoal (12.9%), nematode (9.4%), and fungal (3.5%) infections accounted for the greatest number of deaths (47.1%). Noninfectious diseases including female reproductive disorders (7.1%), neoplasia (7.1%), gout (10.8%), and hemipenal prolapse (1.3%) accounted for 29.4% of deaths. Multiple disease agents were responsible for 5.9% of deaths, and a cause for death could not be determined for 17.7% of individuals. Reproductive complications accounted for 11.5% of female deaths, but were identified in 23.1% of females. Although not necessarily the cause for death, gout was present in 18.8% of individuals. Differences in mortality between species, genders, and origin (captive-bred vs. wild-caught) were also evaluated. The results of this study corroborate earlier findings that identify bacterial infections, neoplasia, female reproductive disorders, gout, and endoparasitism as major sources of mortality in captive varanids. In light of these results, we discuss potential etiologies and offer recommendations for improving captive management practices in zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Mendyk
- Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, USA.
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18
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Rowland MN. Fibrosing myopathy of the temporal muscles causing lockjaw in a veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Vet Rec 2011; 169:527. [PMID: 21949086 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d5048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M N Rowland
- Trinity Vet Centre, Hermitage Walk, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9NZ, UK.
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