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Trujillo EN, Flores BA, Romero IV, Moran JA, Leka A, Ramirez AD, Ear J, Mercer F. Complement receptor 3 is required for maximum in vitro trogocytic killing of the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis by human neutrophil-like cells. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13025. [PMID: 38372623 PMCID: PMC11090219 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually-transmitted infection. Neutrophils are found at the site of infection, and can rapidly kill the parasite in vitro, using trogocytosis. However, the specific molecular players in neutrophil killing of Tv are unknown. Here, we show that complement proteins play a role in Tv killing by human neutrophil-like cells (NLCs). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated NLCs deficient in each of three complement receptors (CRs) known to be expressed on human neutrophils: CR1, CR3, and CR4. Using in vitro trogocytosis assays, we found that CR3, but not CR1 or CR4 is required for maximum trogocytosis of the parasite by NLCs, with NLCs lacking CR3 demonstrating ~40% reduction in trogocytosis, on average. We also observed a reduction in NLC killing of Tv in CR3 knockout, but not CR1 or CR4 knockout NLCs. On average, NLCs lacking CR3 had ~50% reduction in killing activity. We also used a parallel approach of pre-incubating NLCs with blocking antibodies against CR3, which similarly reduced NLC killing of parasites. These data support a model in which Tv is opsonized by the complement protein iC3b, and bound by neutrophil CR3 receptor, to facilitate trogocytic killing of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma N. Trujillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Barbara A. Flores
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Isabel V. Romero
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Jose A. Moran
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Aljona Leka
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Ashley D. Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Jason Ear
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
| | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768
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2
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Zhao W, Bu X, Zhou W, Zeng Q, Qin T, Wu S, Li W, Zou H, Li M, Wang G. Interactions between Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni and microbiota reveal its low pathogenicity in the hindgut of grass carp. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:7. [PMID: 38172646 PMCID: PMC10762984 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hosts, parasites, and microbiota interact with each other, forming a complex ecosystem. Alterations to the microbial structure have been observed in various enteric parasitic infections (e.g. parasitic protists and helminths). Interestingly, some parasites are associated with healthy gut microbiota linked to the intestinal eubiosis state. So the changes in bacteria and metabolites induced by parasite infection may offer benefits to the host, including protection from other parasitesand promotion of intestinal health. The only ciliate known to inhabit the hindgut of grass carp, Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni, does not cause obvious damage to the intestinal mucosa. To date, its impact on intestinal microbiota composition remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the microbial composition in the hindgut of grass carp infected with B. ctenopharyngodoni, as well as the changes of metabolites in intestinal contents resulting from infection. RESULTS Colonization by B. ctenopharyngodoni was associated with an increase in bacterial diversity, a higher relative abundance of Clostridium, and a lower abundance of Enterobacteriaceae. The family Aeromonadaceae and the genus Citrobacter had significantly lower relative abundance in infected fish. Additionally, grass carp infected with B. ctenopharyngodoni exhibited a significant increase in creatine content in the hindgut. This suggested that the presence of B. ctenopharyngodoni may improve intestinal health through changes in microbiota and metabolites. CONCLUSIONS We found that grass carp infected with B. ctenopharyngodoni exhibit a healthy microbiota with an increased bacterial diversity. The results suggested that B. ctenopharyngodoni reshaped the composition of hindgut microbiota similarly to other protists with low pathogenicity. The shifts in the microbiota and metabolites during the colonization and proliferation of B. ctenopharyngodoni indicated that it may provide positive effects in the hindgut of grass carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishan Zhao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xialian Bu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weitian Zhou
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qingwen Zeng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tian Qin
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shangong Wu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Wenxiang Li
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Hong Zou
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ming Li
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Guitang Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
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3
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Margarita V, Carboni G, Diaz N, Rappelli P, Fiori PL. Patterns of antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma hominis endosymbiont of Trichomonas vaginalis and the influence of bacterial intracellular location on drug susceptibility. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023; 35:210-215. [PMID: 37816433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.09.021] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogen of the human lower urogenital tract, can survive and replicate within the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, establishing an endosymbiotic relationship. The intracellular location may provide a means for the bacteria to evade the immune system and protection from antimicrobial activities. Our aim was to investigate the influence of the endosymbiotic association of M. hominis with trichomonad cells on bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. METHODS We evaluated antibiotic resistance patterns in a group of M. hominis isolated from T. vaginalis clinical specimens as well as in M. hominis isolated from patients without trichomoniasis. Using an experimental model system, we compared the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and lethal concentration (MLC) of tetracycline on M. hominis endosymbionts of T. vaginalis and extracellular bacteria. RESULTS The incidence rate of M. hominis strains resistant to C14 and C15 macrolide antibiotics was higher in intracellular strains associated with T. vaginalis compared with extracellular bacteria isolated from women not affected by trichomoniasis. However, sensitivity to tetracycline and quinolones was similar in both groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that M. hominis strains, when isolated as endosymbionts from T. vaginalis, exhibited reduced sensitivity to tetracycline when cultured extracellularly for at least eight weeks. CONCLUSION The intracellular localization of bacteria within trichomonad cells may affect antibiotic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gavino Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera (AOU) Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera (AOU) Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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4
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Tuzlak L, Alves-Ferreira EVC, Schwartz CL, Kennard A, Leung JM, Shehata C, Grigg ME. Fine structure and molecular characterization of two new parabasalid species that naturally colonize laboratory mice, Tritrichomonas musculus and Tritrichomonas casperi. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2023; 70:e12989. [PMID: 37300520 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12989] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas muris is a common flagellated protist isolated from the cecum of wild rodents. This commensal protist has been shown previously to alter immune phenotypes in laboratory mice. Other trichomonads, referred to as Tritrichomonas musculis and Tritrichomonas rainier, also naturally colonize laboratory mice and cause immune alterations. This report formally describes two new trichomonads, Tritrichomonas musculus n. sp., and Tritrichomonas casperi n. sp., at the ultrastructural and molecular level. These two protists were isolated from laboratory mice and were differentiated by their size and the structure of their undulating membrane and posterior flagellum. Analysis at the 18S rRNA and trans-ITS genetic loci supported their designation as distinct species, related to T. muris. To assess the true extent of parabasalid diversity infecting laboratory mice, 135 mice bred at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were screened using pan-parabasalid primers that amplify the trans-ITS region. Forty-four percent of mice were positive for parabasalids, encompassing a total of eight distinct sequence types. Tritrichomonas casperi and Trichomitus-like protists were dominant. T. musculus and T. rainier were also detected, but T. muris was not. Our work establishes a previously underappreciated diversity of commensal trichomonad flagellates that naturally colonize the enteric cavity of laboratory mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Tuzlak
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eliza V C Alves-Ferreira
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cindi L Schwartz
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Andrea Kennard
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Leung
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Christina Shehata
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Piazzesi A, Pane S, Russo A, Del Chierico F, Francalanci P, Cotugno N, Rossi P, Locatelli F, Palma P, Putignani L. Case Report: The impact of severe cryptosporidiosis on the gut microbiota of a pediatric patient with CD40L immunodeficiency. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1281440. [PMID: 37965266 PMCID: PMC10641285 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1281440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite and one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in the world, primarily affecting very young children and immunocompromised patients. While infection is usually self-limiting, it can become chronic and even lethal in these vulnerable populations, in whom Cryptosporidium treatments are generally ineffective, due to their acting in concert with a functioning immune system. Here, we describe a case of chronic cryptosporidiosis in a European child with severe CD40L immunodeficiency infected with Cryptosporidium parvum of the IIa20G1 subgenotype, a lineage which has thus far only ever been described in the Middle East. After years of on-off treatment with conventional and non-conventional anti-parasitic drugs failed to clear parasitosis, we performed targeted metagenomics to observe the bacterial composition of the patient's gut microbiota (GM), and to evaluate fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential treatment option. We found that C. parvum infection led to significant shifts in GM bacterial composition in our patient, with consequent shifts in predicted intestinal functional signatures consistent with a state of persistent inflammation. This, combined with the patient's poor prognosis and increasing parasitic burden despite many rounds of anti-parasitic drug treatments, made the patient a potential candidate for an experimental FMT procedure. Unfortunately, given the many comorbidities that were precipitated by the patient's immunodeficiency and chronic C. parvum infection, FMT was postponed in favor of more urgently necessary liver and bone marrow transplants. Tragically, after the first liver transplant failed, the patient lost his life before undergoing FMT and a second liver transplant. With this case report, we present the first description of how cryptosporidiosis can shape the gut microbiota of a pediatric patient with severe immunodeficiency. Finally, we discuss how both our results and the current scientific literature suggest that GM modulations, either by probiotics or FMT, can become novel treatment options for chronic Cryptosporidium infection and its consequent complications, especially in those patients who do not respond to the currently available anti-parasitic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Piazzesi
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Pane
- Unit of Microbiomics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Russo
- Unit of Microbiomics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Francalanci
- Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Cotugno
- Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unit of Microbiomics and Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Hong S, Choi JH, Oh S, Yi MH, Kim SL, Kim M, Lee CW, Yang HJ, Chai JY, Yong TS, Jung BK, Kim JY. Gut microbiota differences induced by Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in stray cats in South Korea. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2413-2421. [PMID: 37596434 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07943-y] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
T. gondii is a highly prevalent parasite worldwide, with cats serving as its final host. However, few studies have investigated the impact of T. gondii infection on cat gut microbiota. Therefore, this study examined the influence of T. gondii infection on the gut microbiota of stray cats and identified potential pathogens in their feces. This study examined T. gondii infection through blood of stray cats and the influence of microbiota in their feces using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between the T. gondii seropositive and seronegative groups. Seropositive samples displayed a lower number of operational taxonomic units and reduced Shannon index than the seronegative samples. The seropositive and seronegative groups exhibited enrichment of taxa, including Escherichia and Enterobacteriaceae and Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, and Roseburia, respectively. Furthermore, potential pathogen species, including Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Streptococcus, were identified in the fecal samples. These findings suggest that T. gondii infection significantly impacts gut microbiota composition and diversity in stray cats. Additionally, an increased potential pathogen load, represented by Escherichia spp., was observed. These results underscore the importance of monitoring the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in stray cats, as they can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooji Hong
- MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, 07649, Korea
- Department of Parasitology and Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, 07084, Korea
| | - Jun Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Yi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Soo Lim Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myungjun Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | | | - Hyun-Jong Yang
- Department of Parasitology and Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, 07084, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- MediCheck Research Institute, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, 07649, Korea.
| | - Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
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Lozano-Mendoza J, Ramírez-Montiel F, Rangel-Serrano Á, Páramo-Pérez I, Mendoza-Macías CL, Saavedra-Salazar F, Franco B, Vargas-Maya N, Jeelani G, Saito-Nakano Y, Anaya-Velázquez F, Nozaki T, Padilla-Vaca F. Attenuation of In Vitro and In Vivo Virulence Is Associated with Repression of Gene Expression of AIG1 Gene in Entamoeba histolytica. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030489. [PMID: 36986411 PMCID: PMC10051847 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica virulence results from complex host-parasite interactions implicating multiple amoebic components (e.g., Gal/GalNAc lectin, cysteine proteinases, and amoebapores) and host factors (microbiota and immune response). UG10 is a strain derived from E. histolytica virulent HM-1:IMSS strain that has lost its virulence in vitro and in vivo as determined by a decrease of hemolytic, cytopathic, and cytotoxic activities, increased susceptibility to human complement, and its inability to form liver abscesses in hamsters. We compared the transcriptome of nonvirulent UG10 and its parental HM-1:IMSS strain. No differences in gene expression of the classical virulence factors were observed. Genes downregulated in the UG10 trophozoites encode for proteins that belong to small GTPases, such as Rab and AIG1. Several protein-coding genes, including iron-sulfur flavoproteins and heat shock protein 70, were also upregulated in UG10. Overexpression of the EhAIG1 gene (EHI_180390) in nonvirulent UG10 trophozoites resulted in augmented virulence in vitro and in vivo. Cocultivation of HM-1:IMSS with E. coli O55 bacteria cells reduced virulence in vitro, and the EhAIG1 gene expression was downregulated. In contrast, virulence was increased in the monoxenic strain UG10, and the EhAIG1 gene expression was upregulated. Therefore, the EhAIG1 gene (EHI_180390) represents a novel virulence determinant in E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeth Lozano-Mendoza
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Fátima Ramírez-Montiel
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Rangel-Serrano
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Itzel Páramo-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | | | - Faridi Saavedra-Salazar
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Bernardo Franco
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Naurú Vargas-Maya
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Ghulam Jeelani
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0052, Japan
| | - Fernando Anaya-Velázquez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0052, Japan
| | - Felipe Padilla-Vaca
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
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8
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Tuzlak L, Alves-Ferreira EV, Kennard A, Shehata C, Schwartz CL, Grigg ME. Ultrastructural identification and molecular characterization of two new parabasalid species that naturally colonize laboratory mice, Tritrichomonas musculus and Tritrichomonas casperi. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.20.524969. [PMID: 36789430 PMCID: PMC9928039 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas muris is a flagellated protist isolated from the cecum of wild mice in the Czech Republic. This commensal protist has been shown previously to alter immune phenotypes in laboratory mice. Other trichomonads, previously referred to as Tritrichomonas musculis and Tritrichomonas rainier , also naturally colonize laboratory mice and cause immune alterations. This report formally describes two new trichomonads, Tritrichomonas musculus n. sp., and Tritrichomonas casperi n. sp., at the ultrastructural and molecular level. These two protists were isolated from laboratory mice, and were differentiated by their size and the structure of their undulating membrane and posterior flagellum. Analysis at the 18S rRNA and trans- ITS genetic loci supported their designation as distinct species, related to T. muris . To further assess the true extent of parabasalid diversity infecting laboratory mice, 135 mice were screened at the NIH using pan-parabasalid primers that amplify the trans- ITS region. Forty-four percent of mice were positive for parabasalids, encompassing a total of 8 distinct sequence types. Tritrichomonas casperi and Trichomitus- like protists were dominant. T. musculus and T. rainier were also detected, but T. muris was not. Our work establishes a previously underappreciated diversity of commensal trichomonad protists that naturally colonize the enteric cavity of laboratory mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Tuzlak
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Eliza V.C. Alves-Ferreira
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Andrea Kennard
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Christina Shehata
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Cindi L. Schwartz
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Research Technologies Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, USA
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
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Landim de Barros T, Vuong CN, Tellez-Isaias G, Hargis BM. Uncontroversial facts and new perspectives on poultry histomonosis: a review. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2022.2119915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine N. Vuong
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | | | - Billy M. Hargis
- Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Caudet J, Trelis M, Cifre S, Soriano JM, Rico H, Merino-Torres JF. Interplay between Intestinal Bacterial Communities and Unicellular Parasites in a Morbidly Obese Population: A Neglected Trinomial. Nutrients 2022; 14:3211. [PMID: 35956387 PMCID: PMC9370494 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is an epidemic causing a metabolic health crisis. Herein, the interactions between the gut prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities, metabolic comorbidities and diet were studied. Stool samples from 56 subjects, 47 with type III obesity and 9 with type II obesity and cardiovascular risk or metabolic disease, were assessed for the richness, diversity and ecology of the bacterial gut community through metagenomics, together with the study of the presence of common unicellular eukaryote parasites (Blastocystis sp., Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia intestinalis) by qPCR. Clinical information regarding metabolic comorbidities and non-alcoholic hepatic fatty liver disease was gathered. To assess the quality of the patients' diet, each participant filled in three dietary questionnaires. The most prevalent parasite Blastocystis sp. (46.4%), together with D. fragilis (8.9%), was found to be associated with higher mean diversity indexes regarding non-colonized subjects; the opposite of that which was observed in those with G. intestinalis (16.1%). In terms of phyla relative abundance, with Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis, very slight differences were observed; on the contrary, G. intestinalis was related to an increase in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, and a decrease in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, presenting the lowest Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. At genus level, Blastocystis sp. and/or D. fragilis was accompanied with an increase in Lactobacillus spp., and a decrease in Akkermansia spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Escherichia spp., while G. intestinalis was associated with an increase in Bacteroides spp., and a decrease in Faecalibacterium spp., Prevotella spp. and Lactobacillus spp., and the highest Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. ratio. Participants with non-alcoholic hepatic fatty liver presented a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and those with type 2 diabetes displayed a significantly lower Faecalibacterium spp./Escherichia spp. ratio, due to an overrepresentation of the genus Escherichia spp. The presence of parasites was associated with variations in the richness, diversity and distribution of taxa in bacterial communities, confirming a gain in diversity associated with Blastocystis sp. and providing different functioning of the microbiota with a potential positive effect on comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Future basic and clinical studies should assess the beneficial or pathogenic effect of these eukaryotes on obese subjects and focus on deciphering whether they may imply a healthier metabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Caudet
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Trelis
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Area of Parasitology, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Susana Cifre
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Soriano
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Hortensia Rico
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Area of Microbiology, Department of Microbiology and Ecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan F. Merino-Torres
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Margarita V, Bailey NP, Rappelli P, Diaz N, Dessì D, Fettweis JM, Hirt RP, Fiori PL. Two Different Species of Mycoplasma Endosymbionts Can Influence Trichomonas vaginalis Pathophysiology. mBio 2022; 13:e0091822. [PMID: 35608298 PMCID: PMC9239101 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00918-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis can host the endosymbiont Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium capable of modulating T. vaginalis pathobiology. Recently, a new noncultivable mycoplasma, "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii," has been shown to be closely associated with women affected by trichomoniasis, suggesting a biological association. Although several features of "Ca. M. girerdii" have been investigated through genomic analysis, the nature of the potential T. vaginalis-"Ca. M. girerdii" consortium and its impact on the biology and pathogenesis of both microorganisms have not yet been explored. Here, we investigate the association between "Ca. M. girerdii" and T. vaginalis isolated from patients affected by trichomoniasis, demonstrating their intracellular localization. By using an in vitro model system based on single- and double-Mycoplasma infection of Mycoplasma-free isogenic T. vaginalis, we investigated the ability of the protist to establish a relationship with the bacteria and impact T. vaginalis growth. Our data indicate likely competition between M. hominis and "Ca. M. girerdii" while infecting trichomonad cells. Comparative dual-transcriptomics data showed major shifts in parasite gene expression in response to the presence of Mycoplasma, including genes associated with energy metabolism and pathogenesis. Consistent with the transcriptomics data, both parasite-mediated hemolysis and binding to host epithelial cells were significantly upregulated in the presence of either Mycoplasma species. Taken together, these results support a model in which this microbial association could modulate the virulence of T. vaginalis. IMPORTANCE T. vaginalis and M. hominis form a unique case of endosymbiosis that modulates the parasite's pathobiology. Recently, a new nonculturable mycoplasma species ("Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii") has been described as closely associated with the protozoon. Here, we report the characterization of this endosymbiotic relationship. Clinical isolates of the parasite demonstrate that mycoplasmas are common among trichomoniasis patients. The relationships are studied by devising an in vitro system of single and/or double infections in isogenic protozoan recipients. Comparative growth experiments and transcriptomics data demonstrate that the composition of different microbial consortia influences the growth of the parasite and significantly modulates its transcriptomic profile, including metabolic enzymes and virulence genes such as adhesins and pore-forming proteins. The data on modulation from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) correlated closely with those of the cytopathic effect and adhesion to human target cells. We propose the hypothesis that the presence and the quantitative ratios of endosymbionts may contribute to modulating protozoan virulence. Our data highlight the importance of considering pathogenic entities as microbial ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of the development of integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas P. Bailey
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Sassari, Italy
| | - Jennifer M. Fettweis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Sassari, Italy
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Sarid L, Zanditenas E, Ye J, Trebicz-Geffen M, Ankri S. Insights into the Mechanisms of Lactobacillus acidophilus Activity against Entamoeba histolytica by Using Thiol Redox Proteomics. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:814. [PMID: 35624678 PMCID: PMC9137826 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis is an intestinal disease transmitted by the protist parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a common inhabitant of healthy human gut and a probiotic that has antimicrobial properties against a number of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The aim of this study was to investigate the amebicide activity of L. acidophilus and its mechanisms. For this purpose, E. histolytica and L. acidophilus were co-incubated and the parasite's viability was determined by eosin dye exclusion. The level of ozidized proteins (OXs) in the parasite was determined by resin-assisted capture RAC (OX-RAC). Incubation with L. acidophilus for two hours reduced the viability of E. histolytica trophozoites by 50%. As a result of the interaction with catalase, an enzyme that degrades hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water and oxygen, this amebicide activity is lost, indicating that it is mediated by H2O2 produced by L. acidophilus. Redox proteomics shows that L. acidophilus triggers the oxidation of many essential amebic enzymes such as pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase, the lectin Gal/GalNAc, and cysteine proteases (CPs). Further, trophozoites of E. histolytica incubated with L. acidophilus show reduced binding to mammalian cells. These results support L. acidophilus as a prophylactic candidate against amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 31096, Israel; (L.S.); (E.Z.); (J.Y.); (M.T.-G.)
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13
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Ulusan Bagci O, Caner A. The interaction of gut microbiota with parasitic protozoa. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:8-11. [PMID: 35299914 PMCID: PMC8901934 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01443-5] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human intestinal microbiota is composed of a complex combination of microorganisms including bacteria, virus, and eukaryotes. The microbiota plays a critical role in homeostasis through creating a mucosal barrier, providing protective responses to pathogens, and affecting the immune system and metabolism of the host. Molecules secreted by parasites can alter composition of microbiota both by acting directly on the microbial community and indirectly by affecting the host physiology. On the other hand, the microbiota composition can affect the survival, physiology, and virulence of many parasitic protozoa. Explanation of possible interactions between the microbiota, immune response, and protozoa may further clarify the underlying mechanisms of infectivity, clinical variations, and life-cycle of protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ulusan Bagci
- grid.8302.90000 0001 1092 2592Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Caner
- grid.8302.90000 0001 1092 2592Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University Medical School, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey ,grid.8302.90000 0001 1092 2592Cancer Research Center, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Departments of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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Caudet J, Trelis M, Cifre S, Soriano JM, Merino-Torres JF. Presence and significance of intestinal unicellular parasites in a morbidly obese population. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:220-227. [PMID: 34650200 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a chronic disease whose pathogenesis has been related to changes in the intestinal microbiota. Yet, the role of protozoa and other unicellular eukaryotic parasites in this microenvironment is still largely unknown. Their presence within the gut ecosystem in obese subjects warrants further study, as well as their influence on the host metabolism and comorbidities. METHODS Herein, a single center, cross-sectional study of 104 obese individuals was performed to assess the presence of six intestinal unicellular parasites in stool using a commercially available kit, and to evaluate its relationship with the presence of abdominal symptoms, metabolic comorbidities, variations in body composition and nutritional deficiencies. RESULTS The overall parasitic colonization rate was 51%, with Blastocystis sp., identified as the most frequent (44.2%), followed by Dientamoeba fragilis (11.5%) and Giardia intestinalis (8.7%), and significantly related to the consumption of ecological fruits and vegetables. Contrary to what previous studies pointed out, colonization with parasites species was significantly associated with fewer abdominal symptoms and depositions per day. The presence of parasites did not correlate with any nutritional deficiencies nor differences in body composition, while it did with significant lower HOMA-IR levels and a lower trend towards metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION Obese subjects frequently harbor unicellular enteric parasites, apparently without clinical nor nutritional harm. This evidence suggests that carrying these microorganisms, from an endocrinological perspective, has a beneficial effect, especially on insulin resistance and possibly on the development of related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Caudet
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Trelis
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain. .,Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - S Cifre
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - J M Soriano
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - J F Merino-Torres
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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15
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Achasova KM, Kozhevnikova EN, Borisova MA, Litvinova EA. Fucose Ameliorates Tritrichomonas sp.-Associated Illness in Antibiotic-Treated Muc2-/- Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910699. [PMID: 34639039 PMCID: PMC8509520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mucus layer in the intestine plays a critical role in regulation of host–microbe interactions and maintaining homeostasis. Disruptions of the mucus layer due to genetic, environmental, or immune factors may lead to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD frequently are accompanied with infections, and therefore are treated with antibiotics. Hence, it is important to evaluate risks of antibiotic treatment in individuals with vulnerable gut barrier and chronic inflammation. Mice with a knockout of the Muc2 gene, encoding the main glycoprotein component of the mucus, demonstrate a close contact of the microbes with the gut epithelium which leads to chronic inflammation resembling IBD. Here we demonstrate that the Muc2−/− mice harboring a gut protozoan infection Tritrichomonas sp. are susceptible to an antibiotic-induced depletion of the bacterial microbiota. Suppression of the protozoan infection with efficient metronidazole dosage or L-fucose administration resulted in amelioration of an illness observed in antibiotic-treated Muc2−/− mice. Fucose is a monosaccharide presented abundantly in gut glycoproteins, including Mucin2, and is known to be involved in host–microbe interactions, in particular in microbe adhesion. We suppose that further investigation of the role of fucose in protozoan adhesion to host cells may be of great value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniya M. Achasova
- Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630501 Krasnoobsk, Russia; (K.M.A.); (E.N.K.)
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, 630117 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena N. Kozhevnikova
- Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630501 Krasnoobsk, Russia; (K.M.A.); (E.N.K.)
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, 630117 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- The Laboratory of Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mariya A. Borisova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina A. Litvinova
- Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630501 Krasnoobsk, Russia; (K.M.A.); (E.N.K.)
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, 630117 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-923-147-94-64
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First Metabolic Insights into Ex Vivo Cryptosporidium parvum-Infected Bovine Small Intestinal Explants Studied under Physioxic Conditions. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100963. [PMID: 34681062 PMCID: PMC8533177 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary As the most relevant zoonotic cause of cryptosporidiosis, C. parvum infects cattle worldwide. In vitro studies on C. parvum are absent on the most important animal host under physiological oxygen conditions of the intestine. The aim of this study was to rectify this lack of knowledge, and to deliver a practical model to study C. parvum–host cell–intestinal microbiome interactions in the metabolic context. The present metabolic analyses of C. parvum-infected bovine small intestinal (BSI)-explants revealed a parasite-dependent reduction in important metabolic activities (e.g., glycolysis, glutaminolysis) at 3 hpi (hours post-infection) followed by striking increases in the same metabolic functions at 6 hpi, thus paralleling previously reported metabolic impacts of C. parvum on humans. In addition, PCA analysis confirmed physiological oxygen concentrations as a driving factor of metabolic responses in infected BSI explants. The present model allows the study of C. parvum-triggered metabolic modulation of intestinal cells. Moreover, this realistic platform offers the possibility to address pending questions regarding C. parvum–host cell–intestinal microbiome interactions. Thus, the present approach may deliver important insights into how to promote the innate immune system–intestinal microbiome alliances, which maintain the epithelial integrity of the gut thereby supporting human and animal health. Abstract The apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum causes thousands of human deaths yearly. Since bovines represent the most important reservoir of C. parvum, the analysis of infected bovine small intestinal (BSI) explants cultured under physioxia offers a realistic model to study C. parvum–host cell–microbiome interactions. Here, C. parvum-infected BSI explants and primary bovine small intestinal epithelial cells were analysed for parasite development and metabolic reactions. Metabolic conversion rates in supernatants of BSI explants were measured after infection, documenting an immediate parasite-driven metabolic interference. Given that oxygen concentrations affect cellular metabolism, measurements were performed at both 5% O2 (physiological intestinal conditions) and 21% O2 (commonly used, hyperoxic lab conditions). Overall, analyses of C. parvum-infected BSI explants revealed a downregulation of conversion rates of key metabolites—such as glucose, lactate, pyruvate, alanine, and aspartate—at 3 hpi, followed by a rapid increase in the same conversion rates at 6 hpi. Moreover, PCA revealed physioxia as a driving factor of metabolic responses in C. parvum-infected BSI explants. Overall, the ex vivo model described here may allow scientists to address pending questions as to how host cell–microbiome alliances influence intestinal epithelial integrity and support the development of protective intestinal immune reactions against C. parvum infections in a realistic scenario under physioxic conditions.
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Exposure to Parasitic Protists and Helminths Changes the Intestinal Community Structure of Bacterial Communities in a Cohort of Mother-Child Binomials from a Semirural Setting in Mexico. mSphere 2021; 6:e0008321. [PMID: 34406855 PMCID: PMC8386383 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00083-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 3.5 billion people are colonized by intestinal parasites worldwide. Intestinal parasitic eukaryotes interact not only with the host but also with the intestinal microbiota. In this work, we studied the relationship between the presence of multiple enteric parasites and the community structures of gut bacteria and eukaryotes in an asymptomatic mother-child cohort from a semirural community in Mexico. Fecal samples were collected from 46 mothers and their respective children, with ages ranging from 2 to 20 months. Mothers and infants were found to be multiparasitized by Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba dispar, Endolimax nana, Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butshlii, Entamoeba coli, Hymenolepis nana, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and eukaryotic 18S rRNA genes showed a significant effect of parasite exposure on bacterial beta-diversity, which explained between 5.2% and 15.0% of the variation of the bacterial community structure in the cohort. Additionally, exposure to parasites was associated with significant changes in the relative abundances of multiple bacterial taxa, characterized by an increase in Clostridiales and decreases in Actinobacteria and Bacteroidales. Parasite exposure was not associated with changes in intestinal eukaryote relative abundances. However, we found several significant positive correlations between intestinal bacteria and eukaryotes, including Oscillospira with Entamoeba coli and Prevotella stercorea with Entamoeba hartmanni, as well as the co-occurrence of the fungus Candida with Bacteroides and Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella copri and the fungus Pichia with Oscillospira. The parasitic exposure-associated changes in the bacterial community structure suggest effects on microbial metabolic routes, host nutrient uptake abilities, and intestinal immunity regulation in host-parasite interactions. IMPORTANCE The impact of intestinal eukaryotes on the prokaryotic microbiome composition of asymptomatic carriers has not been extensively explored, especially in infants and mothers with multiple parasitic infections. In this work, we studied the relationship between protist and helminth parasite colonization and the intestinal microbiota structure in an asymptomatic population of mother-child binomials from a semirural community in Mexico. We found that the presence of parasitic eukaryotes correlated with changes in the bacterial gut community structure in the intestinal microbiota in an age-dependent way. Parasitic infection was associated with an increase in the relative abundance of the class Clostridia and decreases of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidia. Parasitic infection was not associated with changes in the eukaryote community structure. However, we observed strong positive correlations between bacterial and other eukaryote taxa, identifying novel relationships between prokaryotes and fungi reflecting interkingdom interactions within the human intestine.
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Benchimol M. Giardia intestinalis can interact, change its shape and internalize large particles and microorganisms. Parasitology 2021; 148:500-510. [PMID: 33280628 PMCID: PMC11010223 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is a parasitic protozoan that inhabits its vertebrate hosts' upper small intestine and is the most common cause of waterborne diarrhoea worldwide. Giardia trophozoites present few organelles, and among them, they possess peripheral vesicles (PVs), which are considered an endosomal-lysosomal system. All experimental procedures carried out until now indicate that Giardia ingests macromolecules by fluid-phase and receptor-mediated endocytic pathways. Still, there is no description concerning the interaction and ingestion of large materials. Here, we tested Giardia's capacity to interact with large particles; once, in vivo, it inhabits an environment with a microbiota. We tested protozoan interaction with yeasts, bacteria, latex beads, ferritin and albumin, in different times of interaction and used several microscopy techniques (light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) to follow their fate. Giardia interacted with all of the materials we tested. Projections of the plasma membrane similar to pseudopods were seen. As albumin, small markers were found in the PVs while the larger materials were not seen there. Large vacuoles containing large latex beads were detected intracellularly. Thus, we observed that: (1) Giardia interacts with large materials; (2) Giardia can display an amoeboid shape and exhibit membrane projections when in contact with microorganisms and large inorganic materials; (3) the region of the exit of the ventral flagella is very active when in contact with large materials, although all cell surface also present activity in the interactions; (4) intracellular vacuoles, which are not the PVs, present ingested large beads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Benchimol
- UNIGRANRIO-Universidade do Grande Rio-Duque de Caxias-Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- UFRJ-Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho-Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia-INBEB, Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens-CENABIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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Rubel MA, Abbas A, Taylor LJ, Connell A, Tanes C, Bittinger K, Ndze VN, Fonsah JY, Ngwang E, Essiane A, Fokunang C, Njamnshi AK, Bushman FD, Tishkoff SA. Lifestyle and the presence of helminths is associated with gut microbiome composition in Cameroonians. Genome Biol 2020; 21:122. [PMID: 32450885 PMCID: PMC7249393 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African populations provide a unique opportunity to interrogate host-microbe co-evolution and its impact on adaptive phenotypes due to their genomic, phenotypic, and cultural diversity. We integrate gut microbiome 16S rRNA amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequence data with quantification of pathogen burden and measures of immune parameters for 575 ethnically diverse Africans from Cameroon. Subjects followed pastoralist, agropastoralist, and hunter-gatherer lifestyles and were compared to an urban US population from Philadelphia. RESULTS We observe significant differences in gut microbiome composition across populations that correlate with subsistence strategy and country. After these, the variable most strongly associated with gut microbiome structure in Cameroonians is the presence of gut parasites. Hunter-gatherers have high frequencies of parasites relative to agropastoralists and pastoralists. Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis soil-transmitted helminths ("ANTS" parasites) significantly co-occur, and increased frequency of gut parasites correlates with increased gut microbial diversity. Gut microbiome composition predicts ANTS positivity with 80% accuracy. Colonization with ANTS, in turn, is associated with elevated levels of TH1, TH2, and proinflammatory cytokines, indicating an association with multiple immune mechanisms. The unprecedented size of this dataset allowed interrogation of additional questions-for example, we find that Fulani pastoralists, who consume high levels of milk, possess an enrichment of gut bacteria that catabolize galactose, an end product of lactose metabolism, and of bacteria that metabolize lipids. CONCLUSIONS These data document associations of bacterial microbiota and eukaryotic parasites with each other and with host immune responses; each of these is further correlated with subsistence practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan A. Rubel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Present Address: Department of Radiology, Center for Translational Imaging and Precision Medicine, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Arwa Abbas
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Present Address: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Louis J. Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Andrew Connell
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Ceylan Tanes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Kyle Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Valantine N. Ndze
- Johns Hopkins Cameroon Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology, Hematology, Parasitology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Julius Y. Fonsah
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Eric Ngwang
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Letters and Social Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 755, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Charles Fokunang
- Department of Pharmacotoxicology and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Alfred K. Njamnshi
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Frederic D. Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Sarah A. Tishkoff
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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20
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Abstract
Microbial parasites adapted to thrive at mammalian mucosal surfaces have evolved multiple times from phylogenetically distant lineages into various extracellular and intracellular life styles. Their symbiotic relationships can range from commensalism to parasitism and more recently some host-parasites interactions are thought to have evolved into mutualistic associations too. It is increasingly appreciated that this diversity of symbiotic outcomes is the product of a complex network of parasites-microbiota-host interactions. Refinement and broader use of DNA based detection techniques are providing increasing evidence of how common some mucosal microbial parasites are and their host range, with some species being able to swap hosts, including from farm and pet animals to humans. A selection of examples will illustrate the zoonotic potential for a number of microbial parasites and how some species can be either disruptive or beneficial nodes in the complex networks of host-microbe interactions disrupting or maintaining mucosal homoeostasis. It will be argued that mucosal microbial parasitic diversity will represent an important resource to help us dissect through comparative studies the role of host-microbe interactions in both human health and disease.
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21
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Allain T, Buret AG. Pathogenesis and post-infectious complications in giardiasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 107:173-199. [PMID: 32122529 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Giardia is an important cause of diarrhoea, and results in post-infectious and extra-intestinal complications. This chapter presents a state-of-the art of our understanding of how this parasite may cause such abnormalities, which appear to develop at least in part in Assemblage-dependent manner. Findings from prospective longitudinal cohort studies indicate that Giardia is one of the four most prevalent enteropathogens in early life, and represents a risk factor for stunting at 2 years of age. This may occur independently of diarrheal disease, in strong support of the pathophysiological significance of the intestinal abnormalities induced by this parasite. These include epithelial malabsorption and maldigestion, increased transit, mucus depletion, and disruptions of the commensal microbiota. Giardia increases epithelial permeability and facilitates the invasion of gut bacteria. Loss of intestinal barrier function is at the core of the acute and post-infectious complications associated with this infection. Recent findings demonstrate that the majority of the pathophysiological responses triggered by this parasite can be recapitulated by the effects of its membrane-bound and secreted cysteine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Allain
- University of Calgary, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Inflammation Research Network, Department of Biological Sciences, Calgary, Canada
| | - André G Buret
- University of Calgary, Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Inflammation Research Network, Department of Biological Sciences, Calgary, Canada.
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22
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Hooks KB, O'Malley MA. Contrasting Strategies: Human Eukaryotic Versus Bacterial Microbiome Research. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 67:279-295. [PMID: 31583780 PMCID: PMC7154641 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Most discussions of human microbiome research have focused on bacterial investigations and findings. Our target is to understand how human eukaryotic microbiome research is developing, its potential distinctiveness, and how problems can be addressed. We start with an overview of the entire eukaryotic microbiome literature (578 papers), show tendencies in the human‐based microbiome literature, and then compare the eukaryotic field to more developed human bacterial microbiome research. We are particularly concerned with problems of interpretation that are already apparent in human bacterial microbiome research (e.g. disease causality, probiotic interventions, evolutionary claims). We show where each field converges and diverges, and what this might mean for progress in human eukaryotic microbiome research. Our analysis then makes constructive suggestions for the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna B Hooks
- CBiB, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 33076, France.,CNRS/LaBRI, University of Bordeaux, Talence, 33405, France
| | - Maureen A O'Malley
- School of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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23
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Oliveira BCM, Bresciani KDS, Widmer G. Deprivation of dietary fiber enhances susceptibility of mice to cryptosporidiosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007411. [PMID: 31560681 PMCID: PMC6785118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on our initial observations showing that mice consuming a probiotic product develop more severe cryptosporidiosis, we investigated the impact of other dietary interventions on the intracellular proliferation of Cryptosporidium parvum and C. tyzzeri in the mouse. Mice were orally infected with oocysts and parasite multiplication measured by quantifying fecal oocyst output. High-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons was used to correlate oocyst output with diet and with the composition of the intestinal microbiota. On average, mice fed a diet without fiber (cellulose, pectin and inulin) developed more severe infections. As expected, a diet without fibers also significantly altered the fecal microbiota. Consistent with these observations, mice fed a prebiotic product sold for human consumption excreted significantly fewer oocysts. The fecal microbiota of mice consuming no plant polysaccharides was characterized by a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes bacteria. Since bacterial metabolites play an important role in the physiology of intestinal enterocytes, we hypothesize based on these observations that the impact of diet on parasite proliferation is mediated primarily by the metabolic activity of the anaerobic microbiota, specifically by the effect of certain metabolites on the host. This model is consistent with the metabolic dependence of intracellular stages of the parasite on the host cell. These observations underscore the potential of dietary interventions to alleviate the impact of cryptosporidiosis, particularly in infants at risk of recurrent enteric infections. The infection with Cryptosporidium parasite, a condition known as cryptosporidiosis, is a common cause of infant diarrhea in developing countries. We have previously shown that mice infected with C. parvum, one of the main cause of human cryptosporidiosis, develop a more severe infection if given probiotics. To investigate the mechanism of this effect, we fed mice prebiotics and diet lacking plant fiber. We found that fermentable fiber, whether administered as a prebiotic supplement or as part of the diet, has a protective effect against cryptosporidiosis in mice. We also observed a significant association between the severity of infection and the composition of the gut microbiota. A significant inverse correlation was found between severity of cryptosporidiosis and the ratio between the abundance of bacteria belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes and the abundance of Firmicutes bacteria. This ratio is frequently viewed as a marker of a healthy microbiota. These results raise the possibility that dietary interventions could be used to alleviate the impact of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno César Miranda Oliveira
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Araçatuba, Brasil
| | | | - Giovanni Widmer
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
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24
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Teotônio IMSN, Dias N, Hagström-Bex L, Nitz N, Francisco AF, Hecht M. Intestinal microbiota - A modulator of the Trypanosoma cruzi-vector-host triad. Microb Pathog 2019; 137:103711. [PMID: 31491548 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease affects millions of people, and it is a major cause of death in Latin America. Prevention and development of an effective treatment for this infection can be favored by a more thorough understanding of T. cruzi interaction with the microbiome of vectors and hosts. Next-generation sequencing technology vastly broadened the knowledge about intestinal bacteria composition, showing that microbiota within each host (triatomines and mammals) is composed by high diversity of species, although few dominant phyla. This fact may represent an ecological balance that was acquired during the evolutionary process of the microbiome-host complex, and that serves to perpetuate this system. In this context, commensal microbiota is also essential to protect hosts, conferring them resistance to pathogens colonization. However, in some situations, the microbiota is not able to prevent infection but only modulate it. Here we will review the role of the microbiota on the parasite-vector-host triad with a focus on the kinetoplastida of medical importance Trypanosoma cruzi. Novel strategies to control Chagas disease based on intestinal microbiome will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nayra Dias
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Luciana Hagström-Bex
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Nadjar Nitz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Amanda Fortes Francisco
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Hecht
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil.
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25
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Diversity profiling of xenic cultures of Dientamoeba fragilis following systematic antibiotic treatment and prospects for genome sequencing. Parasitology 2019; 147:29-38. [PMID: 31452478 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The presence of bacterial DNA in Dientamoeba fragilis DNA extracts from culture poses a substantial challenge to sequencing the D. fragilis genome. However, elimination of bacteria from D. fragilis cultures has proven difficult in the past, presumably due to its dependence on some unknown prokaryote/s. This study explored options for removal of bacteria from D. fragilis cultures and for the generation of genome sequence data from D. fragilis. DNA was extracted from human faecal samples and xenic D. fragilis cultures. Extracts were subjected to 16S ribosomal DNA bacterial diversity profiling. Xenic D. fragilis cultures were then subject to antibiotic treatment regimens that systematically removed bacterial species depending on their membrane structure (Gram-positive or Gram-negative) and aerobic requirements. The impact of these treatments on cultures was assessed by 16S amplicon sequencing. Prior to antibiotic treatment, the cultures were dominated by Gram-negative bacteria. Addition of meropenem to cultures eliminated anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, but it also led to protozoan death after 5 days incubation. The seeding of meropenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain KPC-2 into cultures before treatment by meropenem prevented death of D. fragilis cells beyond this 5 day period, suggesting that one or more species of Gram-negative bacteria may be an essential nutritional requirement for D. fragilis. Gram-positive cells were completely eliminated using vancomycin without affecting trophozoite growth. Finally, this study shows that genome sequencing of D. fragilis is feasible following bacterial elimination from cultures as the result of the major advances occurring in bioinformatics. We provide evidence on this fact by successfully sequencing the D. fragilis 28S large ribosomal DNA subunit gene using culture-derived DNA.
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26
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Handrich MR, Garg SG, Sommerville EW, Hirt RP, Gould SB. Characterization of the BspA and Pmp protein family of trichomonads. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:406. [PMID: 31426868 PMCID: PMC6701047 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3660-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trichomonas vaginalis is a human-infecting trichomonad and as such the best studied and the only for which the full genome sequence is available considering its parasitic lifestyle, T. vaginalis encodes an unusually high number of proteins. Many gene families are massively expanded and some genes are speculated to have been acquired from prokaryotic sources. Among the latter are two gene families that harbour domains which share similarity with proteins of Bacteroidales/Spirochaetales and Chlamydiales: the BspA and the Pmp proteins, respectively. Results We sequenced the transcriptomes of five trichomonad species and screened for the presence of BspA and Pmp domain-containing proteins and characterized individual candidate proteins from both families in T. vaginalis. Here, we demonstrate that (i) BspA and Pmp domain-containing proteins are universal to trichomonads, but specifically expanded in T. vaginalis; (ii) in line with a concurrent expansion of the endocytic machinery, there is a high number of BspA and Pmp proteins which carry C-terminal endocytic motifs; and (iii) both families traffic through the ER and have the ability to increase adhesion performance in a non-virulent T. vaginalis strain and Tetratrichomonas gallinarum by a so far unknown mechanism. Conclusions Our results initiate the functional characterization of these two broadly distributed protein families and help to better understand the origin and evolution of BspA and Pmp domains in trichomonads. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3660-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Handrich
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sriram G Garg
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ewen W Sommerville
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Robert P Hirt
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Sven B Gould
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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27
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Amato KR, Maurice CF, Guillemin K, Giles-Vernick T. Multidisciplinarity in Microbiome Research: A Challenge and Opportunity to Rethink Causation, Variability, and Scale. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900007. [PMID: 31099415 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This essay, written by a biologist, a microbial ecologist, a biological anthropologist, and an anthropologist-historian, examines tensions and translations in microbiome research on animals in the laboratory and field. The authors trace how research questions and findings in the laboratory are extrapolated into the field and vice versa, and the shifting evidentiary standards that these research settings require. Showing how complexities of microbiomes challenge traditional standards of causation, the authors contend that these challenges require new approaches to inferences used in ecology, anthropology, and history. As social scientists incorporate investigations of microbial life into their human studies, microbiome researchers venture into field settings to develop mechanistic understandings about the functions of complex microbial communities. These efforts generate new possibilities for cross-fertilizations and inference frameworks to interpret microbiome findings. Microbiome research should integrate multiple scales, levels of variability, and other disciplinary approaches to tackle questions spanning conditions from the laboratory to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Amato
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 505, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z8, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, 1810 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Corinne F Maurice
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 505, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z8, Canada.,Microbiology and Immunology Department, McGill University, Room 332, Bellini Building, Life Sciences Complex, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Karen Guillemin
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 505, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z8, Canada.,Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, 1318 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Tamara Giles-Vernick
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 505, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z8, Canada.,Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
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28
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Nagaraja S, Ankri S. Target identification and intervention strategies against amebiasis. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 44:1-14. [PMID: 31112766 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the etiological agent of amebiasis, which is an endemic parasitic disease in developing countries and is the cause of approximately 70,000 deaths annually. E. histolytica trophozoites usually reside in the colon as a non-pathogenic commensal in most infected individuals (90% of infected individuals are asymptomatic). For unknown reasons, these trophozoites can become virulent and invasive, cause amebic dysentery, and migrate to the liver where they cause hepatocellular damage. Amebiasis is usually treated either by amebicides which are classified as (a) luminal and are active against the luminal forms of the parasite, (b) tissue and are effective against those parasites that have invaded tissues, and (c) mixed and are effective against the luminal forms of the parasite and those forms which invaded the host's tissues. Of the amebicides, the luminal amebicide, metronidazole (MTZ), is the most widely used drug to treat amebiasis. Although well tolerated, concerns about its adverse effects and the possible emergence of MTZ-resistant strains of E. histolytica have led to the development of new therapeutic strategies against amebiasis. These strategies include improving the potency of existing amebicides, discovering new uses for approved drugs (repurposing of existing drugs), drug rediscovery, vaccination, drug targeting of essential E. histolytica components, and the use of probiotics and bioactive natural products. This review examines each of these strategies in the light of the current knowledge on the gut microbiota of patients with amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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29
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Pandiyan P, Bhaskaran N, Zou M, Schneider E, Jayaraman S, Huehn J. Microbiome Dependent Regulation of T regs and Th17 Cells in Mucosa. Front Immunol 2019; 10:426. [PMID: 30906299 PMCID: PMC6419713 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals co-exist with resident microbial ecosystem that is composed of an incredible number and diversity of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Owing to direct contact between resident microbes and mucosal surfaces, both parties are in continuous and complex interactions resulting in important functional consequences. These interactions govern immune homeostasis, host response to infection, vaccination and cancer, as well as predisposition to metabolic, inflammatory and neurological disorders. Here, we discuss recent studies on direct and indirect effects of resident microbiota on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells at the cellular and molecular level. We review mechanisms by which commensal microbes influence mucosa in the context of bioactive molecules derived from resident bacteria, immune senescence, chronic inflammation and cancer. Lastly, we discuss potential therapeutic applications of microbiota alterations and microbial derivatives, for improving resilience of mucosal immunity and combating immunopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Pandiyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Natarajan Bhaskaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Mangge Zou
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Schneider
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sangeetha Jayaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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30
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Rowan-Nash AD, Korry BJ, Mylonakis E, Belenky P. Cross-Domain and Viral Interactions in the Microbiome. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:e00044-18. [PMID: 30626617 PMCID: PMC6383444 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00044-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the microbiome to human health is increasingly recognized and has become a major focus of recent research. However, much of the work has focused on a few aspects, particularly the bacterial component of the microbiome, most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract. Yet humans and other animals can be colonized by a wide array of organisms spanning all domains of life, including bacteria and archaea, unicellular eukaryotes such as fungi, multicellular eukaryotes such as helminths, and viruses. As they share the same host niches, they can compete with, synergize with, and antagonize each other, with potential impacts on their host. Here, we discuss these major groups making up the human microbiome, with a focus on how they interact with each other and their multicellular host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislinn D Rowan-Nash
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benjamin J Korry
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Peter Belenky
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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31
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Iyer LR, Verma AK, Paul J, Bhattacharya A. Phagocytosis of Gut Bacteria by Entamoeba histolytica. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:34. [PMID: 30863724 PMCID: PMC6399400 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The protist parasite Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebiasis, a major public health problem in developing countries. Only a small fraction of patients infected with the parasite display invasive disease involving colon or extra intestinal tissues such as liver. E. histolytica exists as two distinct forms, cysts, the infective form, and trophozoites, that are responsible for disease pathology. The latter multiply in the large intestine occasionally causing disease. The large intestine in humans is populated by a number of different bacterial communities and amoebic cells grow in their midst using some as food material. Several studies have shown relationship between bacteria and E. histolytica growth and virulence. However, an understanding of this relationship in human gut environment is not clear. We have investigated the possibility that there may be specific interaction of amoeba with different bacteria present in the gut environment by using a metagenomic pipe line. This was done by incubating bacteria isolated from human fecal material with E. histolytica and then identifying the bacterial population isolated from amoebic cells using a rRNA based metagenomic approach. Our results show that the parasite prefers a few bacterial species. One of these species is Lactobacillus ruminus which has never shown to be associated with E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Rani Iyer
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Kumar Verma
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Jaishree Paul
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok Bhattacharya
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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32
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Abstract
Parasites undergo complex life cycles that comprise a wide variety of cellular differentiation events in different host compartments and transmission across multiple hosts. As parasites depend on host resources, it is not surprising they have developed efficient mechanisms to sense alterations and adapt to the available resources in a wide range of environments. Here we provide an overview of the nutritional needs of different parasites throughout their diverse life stages and highlight recent insights into strategies that both hosts and parasites have developed to meet these nutritional requirements needed for defense, survival, and replication. These studies will provide the foundation for a systems-level understanding of host-parasite interactions, which will require the integration of molecular, epidemiologic, and mechanistic data and the application of interdisciplinary approaches to model parasite regulatory networks that are triggered by alterations in host resources.
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic protist, responsible for the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection in humans. One of the most intriguing aspects of T. vaginalis pathobiology is the complex relationship with intracellular microbial symbionts: a group of dsRNA viruses belonging to family of Totiviridae (T. vaginalis virus), and eubacteria belonging to the Mycoplasma genus, in particular Mycoplasma hominis. Both microorganisms seem to strongly influence the lifestyle of T. vaginalis, suggesting a role of the symbiosis in the high variability of clinical presentation and sequelae during trichomoniasis. In the last few years many aspects of this unique symbiotic relationship have been investigated: M. hominis resides and replicates in the protozoan cell, and T. vaginalis is able to pass the bacterial infection to both mycoplasma-free protozoan isolates and human epithelial cells; M. hominis synergistically upregulates the proinflammatory response of human monocytes to T. vaginalis. Furthermore, the influence of M. hominis over T. vaginalis metabolism and physiology has been characterized. The identification of a novel species belonging to the class of Mollicutes (Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii) exclusively associated to T. vaginalis opens new perspectives in the research of the complex series of events taking place in the multifaceted world of the vaginal microbiota, both under normal and pathological conditions.
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Toro-Londono MA, Bedoya-Urrego K, Garcia-Montoya GM, Galvan-Diaz AL, Alzate JF. Intestinal parasitic infection alters bacterial gut microbiota in children. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6200. [PMID: 30643702 PMCID: PMC6327884 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the burden that parasites can exert upon the bacterial gut microbiota was restricted by the available technologies and their costs. Currently, next-generation sequencing coupled with traditional methodologies allows the study of eukaryotic parasites (protozoa and helminths) and its effects on the human bacterial gut microbiota diversity. This diversity can be altered by a variety of factors such as age, diet, genetics and parasitic infections among others. The disturbances of the gut microbiota have been associated with a variety of illnesses. Children population in developing countries, are especially susceptible to parasitic infections because of the lack of proper sanitation and undernutrition, allowing both, the thriving of intestinal parasites and profound alteration of the gut microbiota. In this work, we have sampled the stool of 23 children from four different children's care-centers in Medellin, Colombia, and we have identified the eukaryotic parasites by traditional and molecular methodologies coupled with microbial profiling using 16S rDNA sequencing. This mixed methodology approach has allowed us to establish an interesting relationship between Giardia intestinalis and helminth infection, having both effects upon the bacterial gut microbiota enterotypes, causing a switch from a type I to a type II enterotype upon infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Toro-Londono
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica—CNSG, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Katherine Bedoya-Urrego
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica—CNSG, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
- Parasitology group, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | | | - Ana L. Galvan-Diaz
- Environmental Microbiology Group, School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica—CNSG, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
- Parasitology group, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
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Pinheiro J, Biboy J, Vollmer W, Hirt RP, Keown JR, Artuyants A, Black MM, Goldstone DC, Simoes-Barbosa A. The Protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis Targets Bacteria with Laterally Acquired NlpC/P60 Peptidoglycan Hydrolases. mBio 2018; 9:e01784-18. [PMID: 30538181 PMCID: PMC6299479 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01784-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eukaryotic pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. This extracellular protozoan is intimately associated with the human vaginal mucosa and microbiota, but key aspects of the complex interactions between the parasite and the vaginal bacteria remain elusive. We report that T. vaginalis has acquired, by lateral gene transfer from bacteria, genes encoding peptidoglycan hydrolases of the NlpC/P60 family. Two of the T. vaginalis enzymes were active against bacterial peptidoglycan, retaining the active-site fold and specificity as dl-endopeptidases. The endogenous NlpC/P60 genes are transcriptionally upregulated in T. vaginalis in the presence of bacteria. The overexpression of an exogenous copy enables the parasite to outcompete bacteria from mixed cultures, consistent with the biochemical activity of the enzyme. Our study results highlight the relevance of the interactions of this eukaryotic pathogen with bacteria, a poorly understood aspect of the biology of this important human parasite.IMPORTANCETrichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan of the human urogenital tract that causes trichomoniasis, a very common sexually transmitted disease. Despite residing extracellularly and in close association with the vaginal bacteria (i.e., the microbiota), very little is known about the nature of the parasite-bacterium interactions. Our study showed that this parasite had acquired genes from bacteria which retained their original function. They produce active enzymes capable of degrading peptidoglycan, a unique polymer of the bacterial cell envelope, helping the parasite to outcompete bacteria in mixed cultures. This study was the first to show that a laterally acquired group of genes enables a eukaryotic mucosal pathogen to control bacterial population. We highlight the importance of understanding the interactions between pathogens and microbiota, as the outcomes of these interactions are increasingly understood to have important implications on health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jully Pinheiro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jacob Biboy
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Hirt
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy R Keown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Moyra M Black
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David C Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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A Cell Surface Aggregation-Promoting Factor from Lactobacillus gasseri Contributes to Inhibition of Trichomonas vaginalis Adhesion to Human Vaginal Ectocervical Cells. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00907-17. [PMID: 29784856 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00907-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, is commonly symptomatic in women. The causative agent is Trichomonas vaginalis, an extracellular protozoan parasite. The host-protective mechanisms and molecules of vaginal lactobacilli that counteract this pathogen are largely unknown. This study examines the inhibition promoted by Lactobacillus gasseri against the adhesion of T. vaginalis to host cells, a critical virulence aspect of this pathogen. We observed that the vaginal strain L. gasseri ATCC 9857 is highly inhibitory by various contact-dependent mechanisms and that surface proteins are largely responsible for this inhibitory phenotype. We found that the aggregation-promoting factor APF-2 from these bacteria significantly contributes to inhibition of the adhesion of T. vaginalis to human vaginal ectocervical cells. Understanding the molecules and mechanisms used by lactobacilli to protect the host against T. vaginalis might help in the development of novel and specific therapeutic strategies that take advantage of the natural microbiota.
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37
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Reda AA. Probiotics for the Control of Helminth Zoonosis. J Vet Med 2018; 2018:4178986. [PMID: 29666821 PMCID: PMC5831688 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4178986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is a comprehensive, concise, and an up to date review about probiotics effect and mechanisms against helminth infections of zoonotic importance. Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans in a reversible way. Despite zoonotic helminth diseases being still a challenge to the public health and the agriculture industries globally, they were still neglected in both human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, the increasing emergence of anthelmintic drug resistance constitutes failures of most disease control strategies, alarming for a quest to new alternative control approaches. Consequently, the use of beneficial microorganisms, probiotics, is becoming interesting for its prophylactic or therapeutic application against several diseases including helminths. Recent studies on probiotics against parasites and the interactions between bacteria, parasites, and the immune system in the gut draw much attention. However, the effects of these beneficial microorganisms in helminth infections remain largely unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to raise attention and to summarize recent findings on probiotics research against helminth parasites of zoonotic significance. State-of-the-art research on beneficial effects of bacteria on helminth infections and their proposed mechanisms of action is thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abadi Amare Reda
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia
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38
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Tabor AE, Ali A, Rehman G, Rocha Garcia G, Zangirolamo AF, Malardo T, Jonsson NN. Cattle Tick Rhipicephalus microplus-Host Interface: A Review of Resistant and Susceptible Host Responses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:506. [PMID: 29322033 PMCID: PMC5732177 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are able to transmit tick-borne infectious agents to vertebrate hosts which cause major constraints to public and livestock health. The costs associated with mortality, relapse, treatments, and decreased production yields are economically significant. Ticks adapted to a hematophagous existence after the vertebrate hemostatic system evolved into a multi-layered defense system against foreign invasion (pathogens and ectoparasites), blood loss, and immune responses. Subsequently, ticks evolved by developing an ability to suppress the vertebrate host immune system with a devastating impact particularly for exotic and crossbred cattle. Host genetics defines the immune responsiveness against ticks and tick-borne pathogens. To gain an insight into the naturally acquired resistant and susceptible cattle breed against ticks, studies have been conducted comparing the incidence of tick infestation on bovine hosts from divergent genetic backgrounds. It is well-documented that purebred and crossbred Bos taurus indicus cattle are more resistant to ticks and tick-borne pathogens compared to purebred European Bos taurus taurus cattle. Genetic studies identifying Quantitative Trait Loci markers using microsatellites and SNPs have been inconsistent with very low percentages relating phenotypic variation with tick infestation. Several skin gene expression and immunological studies have been undertaken using different breeds, different samples (peripheral blood, skin with tick feeding), infestation protocols and geographic environments. Susceptible breeds were commonly found to be associated with the increased expression of toll like receptors, MHC Class II, calcium binding proteins, and complement factors with an increased presence of neutrophils in the skin following tick feeding. Resistant breeds had higher levels of T cells present in the skin prior to tick infestation and thus seem to respond to ticks more efficiently. The skin of resistant breeds also contained higher numbers of eosinophils, mast cells and basophils with up-regulated proteases, cathepsins, keratins, collagens and extracellular matrix proteins in response to feeding ticks. Here we review immunological and molecular determinants that explore the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus-host resistance phenomenon as well as contemplating new insights and future directions to study tick resistance and susceptibility, in order to facilitate interventions for tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala E Tabor
- Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan.,Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gauhar Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Gustavo Rocha Garcia
- Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Malardo
- Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nicholas N Jonsson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Chabé M, Lokmer A, Ségurel L. Gut Protozoa: Friends or Foes of the Human Gut Microbiota? Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:925-934. [PMID: 28870496 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the gut microbiota for human health has sparked a strong interest in the study of the factors that shape its composition and diversity. Despite the growing evidence suggesting that helminths and protozoa significantly interact with gut bacteria, gut microbiome studies remain mostly focused on prokaryotes and on populations living in industrialized countries that typically have a low parasite burden. We argue that protozoa, like helminths, represent an important factor to take into account when studying the gut microbiome, and that their presence - especially considering their long coevolutionary history with humans - may be beneficial. From this perspective, we examine the relationship between the protozoa and their hosts, as well as their relevance for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Chabé
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Ana Lokmer
- UMR 7206 Eco-anthropologie et ethnobiologie, CNRS - MNHN - Paris Diderot University - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laure Ségurel
- UMR 7206 Eco-anthropologie et ethnobiologie, CNRS - MNHN - Paris Diderot University - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
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40
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Fink MY, Singer SM. The Intersection of Immune Responses, Microbiota, and Pathogenesis in Giardiasis. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:901-913. [PMID: 28830665 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is one of the most common infectious protozoans in the world. Giardia rarely causes severe life-threatening diarrhea, and may even have a slight protective effect in this regard, but it is a major contributor to malnutrition and growth faltering in children in the developing world. Giardia infection also appears to be a significant risk factor for postinfectious irritable bowel and chronic fatigue syndromes. In this review we highlight recent work focused on the impact of giardiasis and the mechanisms that contribute to the various outcomes of this infection, including changes in the composition of the microbiota, activation of immune responses, and immunopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Y Fink
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Steven M Singer
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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41
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Burgess SL, Gilchrist CA, Lynn TC, Petri WA. Parasitic Protozoa and Interactions with the Host Intestinal Microbiota. Infect Immun 2017; 85:e00101-17. [PMID: 28584161 PMCID: PMC5520446 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00101-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic protozoan infections represent a major health burden in the developing world and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. These infections are often associated with considerable variability in clinical presentation. An emerging body of work suggests that the intestinal microbiota may help to explain some of these differences in disease expression. The objective of this minireview is to synthesize recent progress in this rapidly advancing field. Studies of humans and animals and in vitro studies of the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to infectious disease are discussed. We hope to provide an understanding of the human-protozoal pathogen-microbiome interaction and to speculate on how that might be leveraged for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Burgess
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tucker C Lynn
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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42
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Dos Santos CS, de Jesus VLT, McIntosh D, Carreiro CC, Batista LCO, do Bomfim Lopes B, Neves DM, Lopes CWG. Morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular characterization of intestinal tetratrichomonads isolated from non-human primates in southeastern Brazil. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2479-2488. [PMID: 28702802 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5552-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-human primates are our closest relatives and represent an interesting model for comparative parasitological studies. However, research on this topic particularly in relation to intestinal parasites has been fragmentary and limited mainly to animals held in captivity. Thus, our knowledge of host-parasite relationships in this species-rich group of mammals could be considered rudimentary. The current study combined morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses to characterize isolates of intestinal tetratrichomonads recovered from the feces of three species of South American, non-human primates. Fecal samples were collected from 16 animals, representing 12 distinct species. Parabasalid-like organisms were evident in five samples (31%) of feces: two from Alouatta sara, two from Callithrix penicillata, and one from Sapajus apella. The five samples presented morphologies consistent with the description of Tetratrichomonas sp., with four anterior flagella of unequal length, a well-developed undulating membrane, and a long recurrent flagellum. Sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 region demonstrated that the isolates from A. sara, and C. penicillata were closely related and highly similar to isolates of Tetratrichomonas brumpti, recovered previously from tortoises (Geochelone sp.). The flagellate recovered from S. apella demonstrated a similar morphology to those of the other isolates, however, sequence analysis showed it to be identical to an isolate of Tetratrichomonas sp. recovered from white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari). The findings of this study extend and enhance our knowledge of parasitism of non-human primates by members of the genus Tetratrichomonas and indicate that the host range of these parasites is broader than previously believed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Spitz Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Anexo 1, Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ, 23897-970, Brazil.
| | - Vera Lúcia Teixeira de Jesus
- Departamento de Avaliação e Reprodução Animal, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ, 23897-970, Brazil
| | - Douglas McIntosh
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, IV, UFRRJ, BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ, 23897-970, Brazil
| | - Caroline Cunha Carreiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Anexo 1, Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ, 23897-970, Brazil
| | - Lilian Cristina Oliveira Batista
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Anexo 1, Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ, 23897-970, Brazil
| | - Bruno do Bomfim Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação Agropecuária, Anexo 1, Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR-465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ, 23897-970, Brazil
| | - Daniel Marchesi Neves
- Horto Florestal Mário Xavier, Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres, Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis/IBAMA/Ministério do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Renováveis, Seropédica, RJ, 23835-400, Brazil
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43
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Aivelo T, Norberg A. Parasite-microbiota interactions potentially affect intestinal communities in wild mammals. J Anim Ecol 2017; 87:438-447. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Aivelo
- Institute of Biotechnology; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Anna Norberg
- Mathematical Biology Group; Metapopulation Research Centre; Department of Biosciences; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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Ryan U, Paparini A, Oskam C. New Technologies for Detection of Enteric Parasites. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:532-546. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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45
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Ioannidis A, Papaioannou P, Magiorkinis E, Magana M, Ioannidou V, Tzanetou K, Burriel AR, Tsironi M, Chatzipanagiotou S. Detecting the Diversity of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Endosymbionts Hosted by Trichomonas vaginalis Isolates. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1188. [PMID: 28702014 PMCID: PMC5487939 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The symbiosis of Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis is the first described association between two obligate human parasites. Trichomonas is the niche and the vector for the transmission of M. hominis infection. This clinically significant symbiosis may affect T. vaginalis virulence and susceptibility to treatment. The aims of this study were to investigate the intracellularly present Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species in T. vaginalis strains isolated from the vaginal discharge of infected women as well as to trace the diversity pattern among the species detected in the isolated strains. Methods: Hundred pure T. vaginalis cultures were isolated from ~7,500 patient specimens presented with clinical purulent vaginitis. PCR and sequencing for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma spp. were performed in DNA extracted from the pure cultures. In addition, vaginal discharge samples were cultured for the presence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum. Phylogenetic analysis assisted the identification of interspecies relationships between the Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma isolates. Results: Fifty four percentage of T. vaginalis isolates were harboring Mycoplasma spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clusters, two with already characterized M. hominis and Ureaplasma spp. (37% of total Mycoplasma spp.), whereas one group formed a distinct cluster matched with the newly identified species Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii (59.3%) and one or more unknown Mycoplasma spp. (3.7%). Conclusions:T. vaginalis strains associated with vaginal infection might host intracellular mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas. Intracellular Mollicutes that remain undetected in the extracellular environment when conventional diagnostic methods are implemented may comprise either novel species, such as Candidatus M. giredii, or unknown species with yet unexplored clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Ioannidis
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Papaioannou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of AthensAthens, Greece
| | - Maria Magana
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Ioannidou
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki R. Burriel
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
| | - Maria Tsironi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
| | - Stylianos Chatzipanagiotou
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
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46
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Certad G, Viscogliosi E, Chabé M, Cacciò SM. Pathogenic Mechanisms of Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:561-576. [PMID: 28336217 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal protozoa are important etiological agents of diarrhea, particularly in children, yet the public health risk they pose is often neglected. Results from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) showed that Cryptosporidium is among the leading causes of moderate to severe diarrhea in children under 2 years. Likewise, Giardia infects approximately 200 million individuals worldwide, and causes acute diarrhea in children under 5 years. Despite this recognized role as pathogens, the question is why and how these parasites cause disease in some individuals but not in others. This review focuses on known pathogenic mechanisms of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and infection progress towards disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Certad
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France; Medical Research Department, Hospital Group of the Catholic Institute of Lille, Faculty of Medicine and Maieutics, Catholic University of Lille, Lille, France.
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL, Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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47
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Mercer F, Diala FGI, Chen YP, Molgora BM, Ng SH, Johnson PJ. Leukocyte Lysis and Cytokine Induction by the Human Sexually Transmitted Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004913. [PMID: 27529696 PMCID: PMC4986988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is an extracellular protozoan parasite that causes the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection: trichomoniasis. While acute symptoms in women may include vaginitis, infections are often asymptomatic, but can persist and are associated with medical complications including increased HIV susceptibility, infertility, pre-term labor, and higher incidence of cervical cancer. Heightened inflammation resulting from Tv infection could account for these complications. Effective cellular immune responses to Tv have not been characterized, and re-infection is common, suggesting a dysfunctional adaptive immune response. Using primary human leukocyte components, we have established an in vitro co-culture system to assess the interaction between Tv and the cells of the human immune system. We determined that in vitro, Tv is able to lyse T-cells and B-cells, showing a preference for B-cells. We also found that Tv lysis of lymphocytes was mediated by contact-dependent and soluble factors. Tv lysis of monocytes is far less efficient, and almost entirely contact-dependent. Interestingly, a common symbiont of Tv, Mycoplasma hominis, did not affect cytolytic activity of the parasite, but had a major impact on cytokine responses. M. hominis enabled more diverse inflammatory cytokine secretion in response to Tv and, of the cytokines tested, Tv strains cleared of M. hominis induced only IL-8 secretion from monocytes. The quality of the adaptive immune response to Tv is therefore likely influenced by Tv symbionts, commensals, and concomitant infections, and may be further complicated by direct parasite lysis of effector immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Mercer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Fitz Gerald I. Diala
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yi-Pei Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Brenda M. Molgora
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shek Hang Ng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Patricia J. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica, the etiological agent of amebiasis, is a significant cause of pediatric diarrhea in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical outcome of an E. histolytica exposure varies enormously and can present as diarrhea, dysentery, or amebic liver abscess. Host and parasite factors likely contribute to the outcome of infection with the parasite, but do not explain the wide variation in presentation of disease. This suggests that other environmental factors affect disease. An emerging body of work suggests that the host intestinal bacterial microbiome may have a significant influence on the development and outcome of amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Burgess
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - William A. Petri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA USA
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49
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Margarita V, Rappelli P, Dessì D, Pintus G, Hirt RP, Fiori PL. Symbiotic Association with Mycoplasma hominis Can Influence Growth Rate, ATP Production, Cytolysis and Inflammatory Response of Trichomonas vaginalis. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:953. [PMID: 27379081 PMCID: PMC4913105 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The symbiosis between the parasitic protist Trichomonas vaginalis and the opportunistic bacterium Mycoplasma hominis is the only one currently described involving two obligate human mucosal symbionts with pathogenic capabilities that can cause independent diseases in the same anatomical site: the lower urogenital tract. Although several aspects of this intriguing microbial partnership have been investigated, many questions on the influence of this symbiosis on the parasite pathobiology still remain unanswered. Here, we examined with in vitro cultures how M. hominis could influence the pathobiology of T. vaginalis by investigating the influence of M. hominis on parasite replication rate, haemolytic activity and ATP production. By comparing isogenic mycoplasma-free T. vaginalis and parasites stably associated with M. hominis we could demonstrate that the latter show a higher replication rate, increased haemolytic activity and are able to produce larger amounts of ATP. In addition, we demonstrated in a T. vaginalis-macrophage co-culture system that M. hominis could modulate an aspect of the innate immuno-response to T. vaginalis infections by influencing the production of nitric oxide (NO) by human macrophages, with the parasite-bacteria symbiosis outcompeting the human cells for the key substrate arginine. These results support a model in which the symbiosis between T. vaginalis and M. hominis influences host-microbes interactions to the benefit of both microbial partners during infections and to the detriment of their host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari Sassari, Italy
| | - Robert P Hirt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Pier L Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari Sassari, Italy
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50
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Toledo DAM, D'Avila H, Melo RCN. Host Lipid Bodies as Platforms for Intracellular Survival of Protozoan Parasites. Front Immunol 2016; 7:174. [PMID: 27199996 PMCID: PMC4853369 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens induce several changes in the host cell signaling and trafficking mechanisms in order to evade and manipulate the immune response. One prominent pathogen-mediated change is the formation of lipid-rich organelles, termed lipid bodies (LBs) or lipid droplets, in the host cell cytoplasm. Protozoan parasites, which contribute expressively to the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, are able to induce LB genesis in non-immune and immune cells, mainly macrophages, key players in the initial resistance to the infection. Under host–parasite interaction, LBs not only accumulate in the host cytoplasm but also relocate around and move into parasitophorous vacuoles. There is increasing evidence that protozoan parasites may target host-derived LBs either for gaining nutrients or for escaping the host immune response. Newly formed, parasite-induced LBs may serve as lipid sources for parasite growth and also produce inflammatory mediators that potentially act in the host immune response deactivation. In this mini review, we summarize current knowledge on the formation and role of host LBs as sites exploited by intracellular protozoan parasites as a strategy to maintain their own survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A M Toledo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) , Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Heloísa D'Avila
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) , Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Rossana C N Melo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) , Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais , Brazil
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