1
|
Gattan HS, Fouad SS, Ellisy RA, Elshazly H, El-kady AM. Eugenol: effective complementary treatment for cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected mice. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:370-380. [PMID: 38840881 PMCID: PMC11147982 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic, globally distributed parasitic disease. Whereas Cryptosporidium causes asymptomatic infection and diarrhea in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited, effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in those categories of patients. So, we are in urgent need of better drugs for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Fifty male Swiss albino mice were used. Mice were grouped into five groups of ten mice each. Group I was left uninfected, and four groups were infected with 1000 oocysts of cryptosporidium. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three-infected groups received nitazoxanide (NTZ), eugenol, and eugenol + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post infection (dpi) for five days. Mice were sacrificed on the 30th dpi. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated using parasitological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. Combination therapy of eugenol with NTZ caused a significant reduction of the number of oocysts secreted in stool and improved cryptosporidiosis-induced liver injury manifested by the restoration of normal levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST). Treatment with eugenol-NTZ combination maintained a well-balanced antioxidant status, as evidenced by a reduced level of nitric oxide (NO) and increased antioxidant Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity. Moreover, the combination of eugenol with NTZ resulted in the restoration of the normal morphology of intestinal villi, crypts, and muscularis mucosa. Based on the findings extracted from the present work, we can conclude that eugenol is a complementary therapeutic when used with NTZ in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. The addition of eugenol to NTZ in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis synergized the effect of NTZ, causing a greater reduction of the number of shedded oocysts, improving liver enzyme levels, and restoring normal intestinal pathology. Therefore, we presume that eugenol's antioxidant capacity accounts for the protective effect seen in the current study. We suggest eugenol as a supplemental chemotherapeutic agent with good therapeutic potential and high levels of safety in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis based on the findings of the current study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samer S. Fouad
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523 Egypt
| | - Reham A. Ellisy
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, 52571 Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62521 Egypt
| | - Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523 Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gattan HS, Wakid MH, Qahwaji RM, Altwaim S, Mahjoub HA, Alfaifi MS, Elshazly H, Al-Megrin WAI, Alshehri EA, Elshabrawy HA, El-kady AM. In silico and in vivo evaluation of the anti-cryptosporidial activity of eugenol. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374116. [PMID: 38515537 PMCID: PMC10954888 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic disease widely distributed worldwide. Although Cryptosporidium sp. causes asymptomatic infection in healthy people, it may lead to severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. Limited effective therapeutic alternatives are available against cryptosporidiosis in this category of patients. So, there is an urgent need for therapeutic alternatives for cryptosporidiosis. Recently, the potential uses of Eugenol (EUG) have been considered a promising novel treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections. Consequently, it is suggested to investigate the effect of EUG as an option for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Materials and methods The in silico bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and determine the binding affinities and intermolecular interactions of EUG and Nitazoxanide (NTZ) toward several Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) lowa II target proteins. For animal study, five groups of immunosuppressed Swiss albino mice (10 mice each) were used. Group I was left uninfected (control), and four groups were infected with 1,000 oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. The first infected group was left untreated. The remaining three infected groups received NTZ, EUG, and EUG + NTZ, respectively, on the 6th day post-infection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed 30 dpi. The efficacy of the used formulas was assessed by counting the number of C. parvum oocysts excreted in stool of infected mice, histopathological examination of the ileum and liver tissues and determination of the expression of iNOS in the ileum of mice in different animal groups. Results treatment with EUG resulted in a significant reduction in the number of oocysts secreted in stool when compared to infected untreated mice. In addition, oocyst excretion was significantly reduced in mice received a combination therapy of EUG and NTZ when compared with those received NTZ alone. EUG succeeded in reverting the histopathological alterations induced by Cryptosporidium infection either alone or in combination with NTZ. Moreover, mice received EUG showed marked reduction of the expression of iNOS in ileal tissues. Conclusion Based on the results, the present study signified a basis for utilizing EUG as an affordable, safe, and alternative therapy combined with NTZ in the management of cryptosporidiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hattan S. Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed H. Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowaid M. Qahwaji
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Altwaim
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifaa A. Mahjoub
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Sciences and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael S. Alfaifi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayam Elshazly
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Scientific Departments, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Wafa Abdullah I. Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hatem A. Elshabrawy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX, United States
| | - Asmaa M. El-kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hamdy DA, Ismail MAM, El-Askary HM, Abdel-Tawab H, Ahmed MM, Fouad FM, Mohamed F. Newly fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded materials for therapeutic nano delivery in experimental cryptosporidiosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19650. [PMID: 37949873 PMCID: PMC10638360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46260-3] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a global health problem that threatens the lives of immunocompromised patients. This study targets to fabricate and investigate the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), nitazoxanide (NTZ)-loaded ZnO-NPs, and Allium sativum (A. sativum)-loaded ZnO-NPs in treating cryptosporidiosis. Further FTIR, SEM, XRD, and zeta analysis were used for the characterization of ZnO-NPs and loaded materials. The morphology of loaded materials for ZnO-NPs changed into wrapped layers and well-distributed homogenous particles, which had a direct effect on the oocyst wall. The charge surface of all particles had a negative sign, which indicated well distribution into the parasite matrix. For anti-cryptosporidiosis efficiency, thirty immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice, classified into six groups, were sacrificed on the 21st day after infection with an evaluation of parasitological, histopathological, and oxidative markers. It was detected that the highest reduction percent of Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding was (81.5%) in NTZ, followed by (71.1%) in A. sativum-loaded ZnO-NPs-treated groups. Also, treatment with A. sativum and NTZ-loaded ZnO-NPs revealed remarkable amelioration of the intestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary histopathological lesions. Furthermore, they significantly produced an increase in GSH values and improved the changes in NO and MDA levels. In conclusion, this study is the first to report ZnO-NPs as an effective therapy for treating cryptosporidiosis, especially when combined with other treatments that enhance their antioxidant activity. It provides an economical and environment-friendly approach to novel delivery synthesis for antiparasitic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mousa A M Ismail
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hala M El-Askary
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Fouad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Fatma Mohamed
- Nanophotonics and Applications (NPA) Lab, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
- Materials Science Lab, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beshay EVN, Nassef NE, El Shafei OK, Saleh MM, Kora MA, Shalaan FH. Therapeutic efficacy of proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) on cryptosporidiosis parvum in immunosuppressed experimental mice. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:535-549. [PMID: 37520212 PMCID: PMC10382457 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01592-9] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most frequent food and water-borne diseases. The disease might be life-threatening in immunosuppressed patients. Unfortunately, the only approved drug, nitazoxanide, is with variable efficacies, particularly in malnourished children and immunocompromised patients. Therefore, there is a need to discover an alternative treatment that could be achieved by targeting the metabolic pathways. One of the important enzymes in the glycolysis pathway of C. parvum is triosephosphate isomerase, which could be hindered by the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole. In this study, omeprazole was repurposed against C. parvum infection in experimentally immunosuppressed mice. This study was conducted on five mice groups (n = 10). Group I (Normal Control), group II (Infected Control): Mice were infected orally with 1 × 105 C. parvum oocysts on the 15th day of DEX induced immunosuppression. Group III (NTZ-treated): infected and treated by NTZ. Group IV (Omeprazole-treated), and lastly, Group V (NTZ + Omeprazole-treated). The result obtained with omeprazole alone was better than nitazoxanide regarding oocyst shedding reduction percentages (84.9% & 56.1%, respectively). Also, it was better regarding restoration of histopathological and ultrastructural architectures, improvement of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and renal functions (urea and creatinine), and the reduction of C. parvum triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) gene expression by RT-PCR. However, the best results were obtained with the combined treatment. Hence, omeprazole could be considered a novel drug option to treat this life-threatening parasitic infection either alone or combined with NTZ, especially in immunosuppressed patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Engy V. N. Beshay
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassin Abdel Gaffar St. from Gamal Abdel Nasser St., Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Nashaat E. Nassef
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassin Abdel Gaffar St. from Gamal Abdel Nasser St., Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Omaima K. El Shafei
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassin Abdel Gaffar St. from Gamal Abdel Nasser St., Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mona M. Saleh
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassin Abdel Gaffar St. from Gamal Abdel Nasser St., Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Mona A. Kora
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Egypt
| | - Fatma H. Shalaan
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassin Abdel Gaffar St. from Gamal Abdel Nasser St., Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang B, Yan Y, Wang D, Zhang Y, Yin J, Zhu G. On-target inhibition of Cryptosporidium parvum by nitazoxanide (NTZ) and paclitaxel (PTX) validated using a novel MDR1-transgenic host cell model and algorithms to quantify the effect on the parasite target. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011217. [PMID: 36972284 PMCID: PMC10079235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes moderate to severe, sometime deadly, watery diarrhea in humans and animals, for which fully effective treatments are yet unavailable. In studying the mechanism of action of drugs against intracellular pathogens, it is important to validate whether the observed anti-infective activity is attributed to the drug action on the pathogen or host target. For the epicellular parasite Cryptosporidium, we have previously developed a concept that the host cells with significantly increased drug tolerance by transient overexpression of the multidrug resistance protein-1 (MDR1) could be utilized to evaluate whether and how much the observed anti-cryptosporidial activity of an inhibitor was attributed to the inhibitor’s action on the parasite target. However, the transient transfection model was only applicable to evaluating native MDR1 substrates. Here we report an advanced model using stable MDR1-transgenic HCT-8 cells that allows rapid development of novel resistance to non-MDR1 substrates by multiple rounds of drug selection. Using the new model, we successfully validated that nitazoxanide, a non-MDR1 substrate and the only FDA-approved drug to treat human cryptosporidiosis, killed C. parvum by fully (100%) acting on the parasite target. We also confirmed that paclitaxel acted fully on the parasite target, while several other inhibitors including mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, vincristine and ivermectin acted partially on the parasite targets. Additionally, we developed mathematical models to quantify the proportional contribution of the on-parasite-target effect to the observed anti-cryptosporidial activity and to evaluate the relationships between several in vitro parameters, including antiparasitic efficacy (ECi), cytotoxicity (TCi), selectivity index (SI) and Hill slope (h). Owning to the promiscuity of the MDR1 efflux pump, the MDR1-transgenic host cell model could be applied to assess the on-parasite-target effects of newly identified hits/leads, either substrates or non-substrates of MDR1, against Cryptosporidium or other epicellular pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, the Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yueyang Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, the Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, the Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, the Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jigang Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, the Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, the Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johansen ØH, Abdissa A, Zangenberg M, Mekonnen Z, Eshetu B, Sharew B, Moyo S, Sommerfelt H, Langeland N, Robertson LJ, Hanevik K. A comparison of risk factors for cryptosporidiosis and non-cryptosporidiosis diarrhoea: A case-case-control study in Ethiopian children. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010508. [PMID: 35666717 PMCID: PMC9203008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of diarrhoea in young children in low-and-middle-income countries. New interventions should be informed by evidence pertaining to risk factors and their relative importance. Inconsistencies in the literature may to some extent be explained by choice of methodology, furthermore, most previous risk factor studies compared cryptosporidiosis cases to diarrhoea cases of other aetiologies rather than with controls without diarrhoea.
Methodology/Principal findings
We investigated a broad set of factors in under-2-year-olds presenting with diarrhoea to a hospital and a health center in southwestern Ethiopia. We applied quantitative cut-offs to distinguish between cryptosporidiosis and incidental Cryptosporidium infection or carriage, a hierarchical causal framework to minimize confounding and overadjustment, and a case-case-control design, to describe risk factors for both cryptosporidiosis and non-cryptosporidiosis diarrhoea. Moderate and severe acute malnutrition were strongly associated with both cryptosporidiosis and non-cryptosporidiosis diarrhoea. Previous healthcare attendance and low maternal education were only associated with cryptosporidiosis, whereas unsafe child stool disposal, prematurity and early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with non-cryptosporidiosis diarrhoea only. By estimation of population attributable fractions, socioeconomic factors—specifically low maternal education—and public tap water use, were apparently more important risk factors for cryptosporidiosis than for non-cryptosporidiosis diarrhoea.
Conclusions/Significance
Nutritional management of moderate acute malnutrition may be an effective intervention against cryptosporidiosis, particularly if combined with targeted therapy for cryptosporidiosis which, again, may mitigate nutritional insult. Focused caregiver education in healthcare settings and follow-up of children with acute malnutrition may prevent or improve outcomes of future episodes of cryptosporidiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Haarklau Johansen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mike Zangenberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Beza Eshetu
- Department of Paediatrics, Jimma Medical Centre, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Bizuwarek Sharew
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sabrina Moyo
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Halvor Sommerfelt
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Cluster for Global Health, Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Langeland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
RNA-Based Therapy for Cryptosporidium parvum Infection: Proof-of-Concept Studies. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0019622. [PMID: 35647663 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00196-22] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in children, which is one of the major causes of death in children under 5 years old. Nitazoxanide is the only FDA-approved treatment for cryptosporidiosis. However, it has limited efficacy in immunosuppressed patients and malnourished children. Therefore, it is urgent to develop novel therapies against this parasite. RNA interference-mediated therapies are emerging as novel approaches for the treatment of infectious diseases. We have developed a novel method to silence essential genes in Cryptosporidium using single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)/Argonaute (Ago) complexes. In this work we conducted proof-of-concept studies to test the anticryptosporidial activity of these complexes by silencing Cryptosporidium parvum nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) using in vitro and in vivo models. We demonstrated that a 3-day treatment with anti-sense NDK ssRNA/Ago decreased parasite burden by ~98% on infected cells. In vivo studies showed that ssRNA/Ago complexes encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles can be delivered onto intestinal epithelial cells of mice treated orally. In addition a cryptosporidiosis-mouse model showed that treatment with NDK ssRNA/Ago complexes reduced oocyst shedding in 4/5 SCID/beige mice during the acute phase of the infection. Our findings highlight the potential use of antisense RNA-based therapy as an alternative approach to cryptosporidiosis treatment.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cryptosporidium and colorectal cancer: a review of epidemiology and possible association. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fco-2021-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an important protozoan disease with serious public health implications. The contribution of Cryptosporidium to colorectal cancer is still vaguely studied, but little evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies has suggested a possible association. This review discusses the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and colorectal cancer and attempts to unravel the possible link between the two diseases using epidemiological, pathological, molecular, and immunological evidence. The review stressed the need to undertake more studies in this relatively neglected field.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hatalova E, Guman T, Bednarova V, Simova VT, Logoida M, Halanova M. Occurrence of cryptosporidium parvum IIaA17G1R1 in hospitalized hemato-oncological patients in Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:471-476. [PMID: 34735628 PMCID: PMC8566659 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07294-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the presence of cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed patients hospitalized at the Clinic of Haematology and Oncohaematology in a form of routine screening. Samples were collected from November 2019 to February 2020, when the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic occurred in Slovakia. A total of 36 samples were collected from patients hospitalized at the Clinic of Haematology and Oncohaematology, both from the open ward and the intensive care unit. For the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis, a nested PCR targeting the gp60 gene and the SSU rRNA locus was used. From the 36 samples, Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIaA17G1R1 was diagnosed in 9 patients (7 from the open ward and 2 from the intensive care unit), all hospitalized at the clinic at the same time, in February 2020. The occurrence of the same species and subtype, Cryptosporidium parvum IIaA17G1R1, in 9 patients hospitalized at the same time, both at the open ward and the intensive care unit may suggest a possible transmission occurred at the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hatalova
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Trieda SNP1, 040 11, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Guman
- Clinic of Haematology and Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11, Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Veronika Bednarova
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Trieda SNP1, 040 11, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Vladimira Turcok Simova
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Trieda SNP1, 040 11, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Mariia Logoida
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Trieda SNP1, 040 11, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Halanova
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Trieda SNP1, 040 11, Kosice, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang B, Wang D, Liu M, Wu X, Yin J, Zhu G. Host cells with transient overexpression of MDR1 as a novel in vitro model for evaluating on-target effect for activity against the epicellular Cryptosporidium parasite. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 77:124-134. [PMID: 34648615 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To rapidly generate host cells with resistance to multiple compounds for differentiating drug action on parasite target or the host cell target (i.e. on-target or off-target effect) against the zoonotic enteric parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. METHODS Transient overexpression of a multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) gene in host cells (HCT-8 cell line) was explored to increase drug tolerance of the host cells to selected anti-cryptosporidial leads. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-cryptosporidial efficacy of selected compounds were evaluated on the parasite grown in WT parental and transiently transfected HCT-8 cells. The approach was based on the theory that, for an epicellular parasite receiving consistent exposure to compounds in culture medium, overexpressing MDR1 in HCT-8 cells would increase drug tolerance of host cells to selected compounds but would not affect the anti-cryptosporidial efficacy if the compounds acted solely on the parasite target and the drug action on host cell target played no role on the antiparasitic efficacy. RESULTS Six known anti-cryptosporidial leads were tested. Transient overexpression of MDR1 increased drug tolerance of HCT-8 cells on paclitaxel, doxorubicin HCl and vincristine sulphate (2.11- to 2.27-fold increase), but not on cyclosporin A, daunorubicin HCl and nitazoxanide. Increased drug tolerance in host cells had no effect on antiparasitic efficacy of paclitaxel, but affected that of doxorubicin HCl. CONCLUSIONS Data confirmed that, at efficacious concentrations, paclitaxel acted mainly on the parasite target, while doxorubicin might act on both parasite and host cell targets. This model can be employed for studying the action of additional anti-cryptosporidial leads, and adapted to studying drug action in other epicellular pathogens. The limitation of the model is that the anti-cryptosporidial leads/hits need to be MDR1 substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Dongqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Mingxiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jigang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hajare R, Labhasetwar P, Nagarnaik P. Evaluation of pathogen risks using QMRA to explore wastewater reuse options: A case study from New Delhi in India. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 83:543-555. [PMID: 33600360 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Selecting appropriate reuse for treated wastewater is a challenge. The current investigation outlines the utilization of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to assist Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) management to determine the best-possible reuse of treated wastewater from 11 ETPs in Delhi. Four representative pathogens: pathogenic Escherichia coli spp., Salmonella spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. were selected to characterize microbial water quality. Reuse options selected based on the survey and interaction with ETP managers include crop irrigation, garden irrigation, toilet flush and industrial applications. The probability of infection was characterized for two exposure groups: workers and children. Water quality monitoring indicates the occurrence of pathogenic E. coli spp. (100%), Salmonella spp. (63%), Cryptosporidium spp. (81%) and Giardia spp. (45%) in the treated wastewater. QMRA reveals the annual median-probability of infection above acceptable limits for pathogenic E. coli spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Salmonella spp. The probabilities of Giardia-associated infections were low. Adults showed a 1.24 times higher probability of infection compared to children. Sensitivity analysis indicated pathogen concentration as the most critical factor. The study highlights that the existing plans for chlorination-based treatment technology may prove insufficient in reducing the risk for selected reuse options; but, alternate on-site control measures and up-grading water reuse protocol may be effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajashree Hajare
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan Labhasetwar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India E-mail:
| | - Pranav Nagarnaik
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur 440 020, Maharashtra, India E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Johansen ØH, Abdissa A, Zangenberg M, Mekonnen Z, Eshetu B, Bjørang O, Alemu Y, Sharew B, Langeland N, Robertson LJ, Hanevik K. Performance and operational feasibility of two diagnostic tests for cryptosporidiosis in children (CRYPTO-POC): a clinical, prospective, diagnostic accuracy study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:722-730. [PMID: 33278916 PMCID: PMC8064915 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30556-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of diarrhoea in young children (aged younger than 24 months) in low-resource settings but is currently challenging to diagnose. Light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy with auramine-phenol staining (LED-AP), recommended for tuberculosis testing, can also detect Cryptosporidium species. A lateral-flow test not requiring refrigerator storage (by contrast with most immunochromatographic lateral-flow assays) has also recently been developed for Cryptosporidium spp detection. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and operational feasibility of LED-AP and the lateral-flow test strip for cryptosporidiosis in children. Methods We did a prospective diagnostic accuracy study in two health-care facilities in Ethiopia, in a consecutive series of children younger than 5 years of age with diarrhoea (three or more loose stools within the previous 24 h) or dysentery (at least one loose stool with stains of blood within the previous 24 h). Stool samples were tested for Cryptosporidium spp by LED-AP and the lateral-flow test strip; accuracy of each test was estimated by independent and blind comparison with a composite reference standard comprising quantitative immunofluorescent antibody test (qIFAT), ELISA, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Quantitative cutoff values for diarrhoea-associated infection were established in an embedded case-control substudy, with cases of cryptosporidiosis coming from the 15 districts in and around Jimma and the eight districts surrounding Serbo, and community controls without diarrhoea in the previous 48 h recruited by weekly frequency matching by geographical district of the household, age group, and enrolment week. Findings Stool samples from 912 children with diarrhoea or dysentery and 706 controls from the case-control substudy were tested between Dec 22, 2016, and July 6, 2018. Estimated reference-standard cutoff values for cryptosporidiosis positivity were 2·3 × 105 DNA copies per g of wet stool for qPCR, and 725 oocysts per g for qIFAT. LED-AP had a sensitivity for cryptosporidiosis of 88% (95% CI 79–94; 66 of 75 samples) and a specificity of 99% (98–99; 717 of 726 samples); the lateral-flow test strip had a sensitivity of 89% (79–94; 63 of 71 samples) and a specificity of 99% (97–99; 626 of 635 samples). Interpretation LED-AP has high sensitivity and specificity for cryptosporidiosis and should be considered as a dual-use technology that can be easily integrated with existing laboratory infrastructures in low-resource settings. The lateral-flow test strip has similar sensitivity and specificity and provides an alternative that does not require microscopy, although purchase cost of the test strip is unknown as it is not yet available on the market. Funding Norwegian Research Council GLOBVAC fund, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Norwegian Society for Medical Microbiology, University of Bergen, and Vestfold Hospital Trust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Øystein H Johansen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mike Zangenberg
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Beza Eshetu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Jimma Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Ola Bjørang
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Yonas Alemu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Bizuwarek Sharew
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Nina Langeland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Elmahallawy EK, Elshopakey GE, Saleh AA, Agil A, El-Morsey A, EL-shewehy DMM, Sad AS, Yanai T, Abdo W. S-Methylcysteine (SMC) Ameliorates Intestinal, Hepatic, and Splenic Damage Induced by Cryptosporidium parvum Infection Via Targeting Inflammatory Modulators and Oxidative Stress in Swiss Albino Mice. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100423. [PMID: 33076496 PMCID: PMC7602666 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis has been proposed to be one of the major causes of diarrhoeal disease in humans worldwide that possesses zoonotic concern. Thereby, this study investigated the potential effects of s-Methylcysteine (SMC) on the parasite in vivo followed by the measurement of cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and an investigation of the major histopathological changes. Sixty male Swiss albino mice weighing 20-25 g were allocated equally into five groups and orally administered saline only (control), SMC only (SMC50) (50 mg/kg b.w.), and 104Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts per mouse via an esophageal tube (C + ve untreated). The fourth and fifth groups (C + SMC25, C + SMC50) administrated 104C. parvum oocysts combined with SMC25 (low dose) and 50 (high dose) mg/kg b.w., respectively. At days 7 and 14 post-infection (PI), the feces was collected from each group in order to count C. parvum oocysts. After two weeks of treatment, the animals were euthanized and the serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Next, the intestinal, spleen, and liver sections were dissected for histopathological examination. The results revealed lower oocyst numbers in the C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups compared to the infected untreated group. Moreover, higher doses of SMC treatment significantly reduced the enteritis induced by C. parvum in a dose-dependent manner. The hepatic lesions were also mitigated as demonstrated in C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups unlike the infected group via lowering the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes and increasing albumin and globulin serum levels. SMC administration also reduced cytokines production (SAP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) mediated by Cryptosporidium infection in contrast to the infected untreated group. There were marked lymphoid depletion and amyloidosis observed in the infected untreated group, while the treated groups showed obvious increase in the lymphoid elements. Moreover, the scoring of intestinal parasites, hepatic, and splenic lesions in the SMC-treated groups exhibited significantly lower pathological lesions in different organs in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the infected untreated group. Our results also revealed a significant change in the malondialdehyde content with an elevation of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the intestines collected from C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 mice relative to the untreated group. Taken together, our results indicated that SMC could be a promising effective compound for treating and declining C. parvum infestation via restoring structural alterations in different tissues, enhancing antioxidant enzymes, and suppressing the cytokines liberation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of León (ULE), 24071 León, Spain
| | - Gehad E. Elshopakey
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Amira A. Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt;
| | - Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Ahmed El-Morsey
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St. (former El-Tahrir St.), Dokki, P.O., Giza 18010, Egypt;
| | | | - Ahmed S. Sad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Fuad 42526, Egypt;
| | - Tokuma Yanai
- Laboratory of Wildlife and Forensic Pathology, Biomedical Science Examination and Research Center, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3, Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-0085, Ehime, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Walied Abdo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh 33516, Egypt;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang B, Castellanos-Gonzalez A, White AC. Novel drug targets for treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:915-922. [PMID: 32552166 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1785432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidium species are protozoan parasites that are important causes of diarrheal disease including waterborne outbreaks, childhood diarrhea in resource-poor countries, and diarrhea in compromised hosts worldwide. Recent studies highlight the importance of cryptosporidiosis in childhood diarrhea, malnutrition, and death in resource-poor countries. Despite this, only a single drug, nitazoxanide, has demonstrated efficacy in human cryptosporidiosis and its efficacy is limited in malnourished children and patients with HIV. Areas covered In this review, we highlight work on potential targets for chemotherapy and review progress on drug development. A number of new targets have been identified for chemotherapy and progress has been made at developing drugs for these targets. Targets include parasite kinases, nucleic acid synthesis and processing, proteases, and lipid metabolism. Other groups have performed high-throughput screening to identify potential drugs. Several compounds have advanced to large animal studies. Expert opinion Development of drugs for cryptosporidiosis has been plagued by a lack of success. Barriers have included poor correlations between in vitro activity and clinical success as well as frequent unanticipated adverse effects. Without a clear pathway forward, it is wise to maintain a diverse development pipeline. Drug developers should also realize that success will likely require a sustained, methodical effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beilin Wang
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - A Clinton White
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jumani RS, Spector JM, Izadnegahdar R, Kelly P, Diagana TT, Manjunatha UH. Innovations in Addressing Pediatric Diarrhea in Low Resource Settings. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:14-24. [PMID: 31612701 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Diarrhea has long been recognized as an important cause of mortality during childhood. In parallel with ensuring access to proven care practices is the imperative to apply modern advances in medicine, science, and technology to accelerate progress against diarrheal disease, particularly in developing countries where the burden of avoidable harm is the greatest. In order to highlight achievements and identify outstanding areas of need, we reviewed the landscape of recent innovations that have significance for the study and clinical management of pediatric diarrhea in low resource settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv S. Jumani
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Spector
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Rasa Izadnegahdar
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 440 5th Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Paul Kelly
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Turner Street, London E1 2AD, United Kingdom
- Tropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Nationalist Road, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Thierry T. Diagana
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Ujjini H. Manjunatha
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shakoor S, Platts-Mills JA, Hasan R. Antibiotic-Resistant Enteric Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2019; 33:1105-1123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
17
|
Gerace E, Lo Presti VDM, Biondo C. Cryptosporidium Infection: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Differential Diagnosis. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2019; 9:119-123. [PMID: 31934363 PMCID: PMC6945992 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2019.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan that infects a wide variety of vertebrates, including humans, causing acute gastroenteritis. The disease manifests with abdominal pain and diarrhea similar to that of choleric infection. In the immunocompromised hosts, the parasite causes prolonged infections that can also be fatal. For this reason, cryptosporidiosis is considered one of riskiest opportunistic infections for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The best way to control the infection in these patients is setting up sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for epidemiological surveillance and morbidity reduction. Here, we summarized the general aspects of Cryptosporidium infection focusing on available diagnostic tools used for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. Molecular methods currently available for its detection and progress in the development of new diagnostics for cryptosporidiosis are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmelo Biondo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Departments of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kumar A, Jayawardena D, Anbazhagan AN, Chatterjee I, Priyamvada S, Alrefai WA, Borthakur A, Dudeja PK. Decreased SLC26A3 expression and function in intestinal epithelial cells in response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C1205-C1212. [PMID: 31483700 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00278.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum (CP) causes cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease worldwide. Infection in immunocompetent hosts typically results in acute, self-limiting, or recurrent diarrhea. However, in immunocompromised individuals infection can cause fulminant diarrhea, extraintestinal manifestations, and death. To date, the mechanisms underlying CP-induced diarrheal pathogenesis are poorly understood. Diarrheal diseases most commonly involve increased secretion and/or decreased absorption of fluid and electrolytes. We and others have previously shown impaired chloride absorption in infectious diarrhea due to dysregulation of SLC26A3 [downregulated in adenoma (DRA)], the human intestinal apical membrane Cl-/HCO3- exchanger protein. However, there are no studies on the effects of CP infection on DRA activity. Therefore, we examined the expression and function of DRA in intestinal epithelial cells in response to CP infection in vitro and in vivo. CP infection (0.5 × 106 oocysts/well in 24-well plates, 24 h) of Caco-2 cell monolayers significantly decreased Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity (measured as DIDS-sensitive 125I uptake) as well as DRA mRNA and protein levels. Substantial downregulation of DRA mRNA and protein was also observed following CP infection ex vivo in mouse enteroid-derived monolayers and in vivo in the ileal and jejunal mucosa of C57BL/6 mice for 24 h. However, at 48 h after infection in vivo, the effects on DRA mRNA and protein were attenuated and at 5 days after infection DRA returned to normal levels. Our results suggest that impaired chloride absorption due to downregulation of DRA could be one of the contributing factors to CP-induced acute, self-limiting diarrhea in immunocompetent hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Kumar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dulari Jayawardena
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Arivarasu N Anbazhagan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ishita Chatterjee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shubha Priyamvada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Waddah A Alrefai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alip Borthakur
- Department of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia
| | - Pradeep K Dudeja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kumar A, Chatterjee I, Anbazhagan AN, Jayawardena D, Priyamvada S, Alrefai WA, Sun J, Borthakur A, Dudeja PK. Cryptosporidium parvum disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier function via altering expression of key tight junction and adherens junction proteins. Cell Microbiol 2018; 20:e12830. [PMID: 29444370 PMCID: PMC5980709 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum (CP) causes cryptosporidiosis, a widespread diarrhoeal disease. Impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function and increased permeability are most commonly associated with diarrhoeal diseases caused by enteric infections. However, studies on barrier disruption and underlying mechanisms in cryptosporidiosis are extremely limited. Epithelial tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) are important in maintaining barrier integrity. Therefore, we examined the effects of CP infection on paracellular permeability and on the expression of the major TJ and AJ proteins utilising in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. CP infection (0.5 × 106 oocysts/well in Transwell inserts, 24 hr) increased paracellular permeability (FITC-dextran flux) in Caco-2 cell monolayers and substantially decreased the protein levels of occludin, claudin 4, and E-cadherin. Claudin 3, zonula occludens-1 (ZO1) and α-catenin were also significantly decreased, whereas claudins 1 and 2 and β-catenin were not altered. Substantial downregulation of occludin, claudin 4, and E-cadherin was also observed in response to CP infection ex vivo in mouse enteroid-derived monolayers and in vivo in the ileal and jejunal mocosa of C57BL/6 mice. The mRNA levels of these proteins were also significantly decreased in CP-infected mouse ileum and jejunum but were unaltered in Caco-2 cells. Further, bafilomycin-A, an inhibitor of lysosomal proton pump, partially abrogated CP effects on occludin expression in Caco-2 cells, suggesting a potential role of posttranslational mechanisms, such as induction of protein degradation pathways, in mediating the effects of the parasite. Our studies suggest that disruption of barrier function via downregulation of specific key components of TJ and AJ could be a major mechanism underlying CP infection-induced diarrhoea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Kumar
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Ishita Chatterjee
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Arivarasu N. Anbazhagan
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Dulari Jayawardena
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Shubha Priyamvada
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Waddah A. Alrefai
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Jun Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Alip Borthakur
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| | - Pradeep K. Dudeja
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, UIC, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago IL 60612
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Robertson LJ. Parasites in Food: From a Neglected Position to an Emerging Issue. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2018; 86:71-113. [PMID: 30077225 PMCID: PMC7129657 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne parasites have long been a neglected group of pathogens, as they often have insidious, chronic effects, rather than being acute diseases, and they are often associated with impoverished or marginalized populations. In addition, due to the long incubation period for most foodborne parasites, source attribution is often difficult, if not impossible. However, global trends have enabled foodborne parasites to emerge in different populations in new locations, transmitted through different food types, and sometimes with unexpected symptoms. This emergence of foodborne parasites has brought them into focus. In this chapter, six foodborne parasites are used as examples on emergence: Echinococcus multilocularis is spreading to new locations; Cryptosporidium spp. are beginning to be associated not only with water, but also with salads; Trypanosoma cruzi is being manifest with acute disease due to foodborne transmission, particularly transmitted with juices; Trichinella spp. have become less of a burden regarding transmission via pork in many countries, but now game animals are becoming a concern; anisakiasis is becoming a global problem as the world develops a taste for sushi, and similarly for opisthorchiasis, which is increasingly being associated with cholangiocarcinoma. However, the emergence of these foodborne parasites provides an incentive for increased efforts being made toward control. In this chapter, having described how the parasites are emerging from their neglected position, the focus turns toward control. In addition to considering control measures that may be applied to the specific parasites, an overview is provided of some of the organized collaborations, projects, and consortia, as well as some of their outputs, that have in focus the control of these emerging and important pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Robertson
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The apicomplexan protozoan parasites include the causative agents of animal and human diseases ranging from malaria (Plasmodium spp.) to toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii). The complex life cycle of T. gondii is regulated by a unique family of calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) that have become the target of intensive efforts to develop new therapeutics. In this review, we will summarize structure-based strategies, recent successes and future directions in the pursuit of specific and selective inhibitors of T. gondii CDPK1.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gaviria LM, Soscue D, Campo-Polanco LF, Cardona-Arias J, Galván-Díaz AL. Prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal, anemia y desnutrición en niños de un resguardo indígena Nasa, Cauca, Colombia, 2015. REVISTA FACULTAD NACIONAL DE SALUD PÚBLICA 2017. [DOI: 10.17533/udea.rfnsp.v35n3a09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
23
|
Madbouly Taha N, Salah A. Yousof HA, El-Sayed SH, Younis AI, Ismail Negm MS. Atorvastatin repurposing for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in experimentally immunosuppressed mice. Exp Parasitol 2017; 181:57-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
24
|
Ryan U, Zahedi A, Paparini A. Cryptosporidium in humans and animals-a one health approach to prophylaxis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 38:535-47. [PMID: 27454991 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a major cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea in humans worldwide, second only to rotavirus. Due to the wide host range and environmental persistence of this parasite, cryptosporidiosis can be zoonotic and associated with foodborne and waterborne outbreaks. Currently, 31 species are recognized as valid, and of these, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are responsible for the majority of infections in humans. The immune status of the host, both innate and adaptive immunity, has a major impact on the severity of the disease and its prognosis. Immunocompetent individuals typically experience self-limiting diarrhoea and transient gastroenteritis lasting up to 2 weeks and recover without treatment, suggesting an efficient host antiparasite immune response. Immunocompromised individuals can suffer from intractable diarrhoea, which can be fatal. Effective drug treatments and vaccines are not yet available. As a result of this, the close cooperation and interaction between veterinarians, health physicians, environmental managers and public health operators is essential to properly control this disease. This review focuses on a One Health approach to prophylaxis, including the importance of understanding transmission routes for zoonotic Cryptosporidium species, improved sanitation and better risk management, improved detection, diagnosis and treatment and the prospect of an effective anticryptosporidial vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - A Zahedi
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - A Paparini
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rafferty ER, Schurer JM, Arndt MB, Choy RKM, de Hostos EL, Shoultz D, Farag M. Pediatric cryptosporidiosis: An evaluation of health care and societal costs in Peru, Bangladesh and Kenya. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182820. [PMID: 28832624 PMCID: PMC5568228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of pediatric diarrhea in resource-limited settings; yet, few studies report the health care costs or societal impacts of this protozoan parasite. Our study examined direct and indirect costs associated with symptomatic cryptosporidiosis in infants younger than 12 months in Kenya, Peru and Bangladesh. Inputs to the economic burden model, such as disease incidence, population size, health care seeking behaviour, hospital costs, travel costs, were extracted from peer-reviewed literature, government documents, and internationally validated statistical tools for each country. Indirect losses (i.e. caregiver income loss, mortality, and growth faltering) were also estimated. Our findings suggest that direct treatment costs per symptomatic cryptosporidiosis episode were highest in Kenya ($59.01), followed by Peru ($23.32), and Bangladesh ($7.62). The total annual economic impacts for the 0-11 month cohorts were highest in Peru ($41.5M; range $0.88-$599.3M), followed by Kenya ($37.4M; range $1.6-$804.5M) and Bangladesh ($9.6M, range $0.28-$91.5M). For all scenarios, indirect societal costs far outweighed direct treatment costs. These results highlight the critical need for innovative improvements to current prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies available in resource poor settings, as well as the need for solutions that span multiple disciplines including food and water safety, sanitation and livestock production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen R. Rafferty
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- * E-mail: (ER); (JMS)
| | - Janna M. Schurer
- Center for One Health Research, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ER); (JMS)
| | - Michael B. Arndt
- PATH, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | | | - David Shoultz
- PATH, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Marwa Farag
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Paredes JL, Sparks H, White AC, Martinez-Traverso G, Ochoa T, Castellanos-González A. Killing of Cryptosporidium sporozoites by Lactoferrin. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:774-776. [PMID: 28722573 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal infection caused by Cryptosporidium is a major contributor to diarrhea morbidity and mortality in young children around the world. Current treatments for children suffering from cryptosporidiosis are suboptimal. Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein found in breast milk. It has showed bacteriostatic and antimicrobial activity in the intestine. However, the effects of lactoferrin on the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium have not been reported. In this study, we investigated the anticryptosporidial activity of human lactoferrin on different stages of Cryptosporidium. Physiologic concentrations of lactoferrin killed Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoites, but had no significant effect on oocysts viability or parasite intracellular development. Since sporozoites are essential for the infection process, our data reinforce the importance of breastfeeding and point to the potential of lactoferrin as a novel therapeutic agent for cryptosporidiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayley Sparks
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - A Clinton White
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Griselle Martinez-Traverso
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Manjunatha UH, Chao AT, Leong FJ, Diagana TT. Cryptosporidiosis Drug Discovery: Opportunities and Challenges. ACS Infect Dis 2016; 2:530-7. [PMID: 27626293 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.6b00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium is the second most important diarrheal pathogen causing life-threatening diarrhea in children, which is also associated with long-term growth faltering and cognitive deficiency. Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease of public health concern caused by Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis. Currently, nitazoxanide is the only approved treatment for cryptosporidium infections. Unfortunately, it has limited efficacy in the most vulnerable patients, thus there is an urgent need for a safe and efficacious cryptosporidiosis drug. In this work, we present our current perspectives on the target product profile for novel cryptosporidiosis therapies and the perceived challenges and possible mitigation plans at different stages in the cryptosporidiosis drug discovery process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ujjini H. Manjunatha
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore 138670
| | - Alexander T. Chao
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore 138670
| | - F. Joel Leong
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore 138670
| | - Thierry T. Diagana
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore 138670
| |
Collapse
|