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Fang W, Zhou L, Deng B, Guo B, Chen X, Chen P, Lu C, Dong Z, Pan M. Establishment of a Secretory Protein-Inducible CRISPR/Cas9 System for Nosema bombycis in Insect Cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:13175-13185. [PMID: 38817125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing techniques are widely and effectively used for the control of pathogens, but it is difficult to directly edit the genes of Microsporidia due to its unique spore wall structure. Innovative technologies and methods are urgently needed to break through this limitation of microsporidia therapies. Here, we establish a microsporidia-inducible gene editing system through core components of microsporidia secreted proteins, which could edit target genes after infection with microsporidia. We identified that Nosema bombycis NB29 is a secretory protein and found to interact with itself. The NB29-N3, which lacked the nuclear localization signal, was localized in the cytoplasm, and could be tracked into the nucleus after interacting with NB29-B. Furthermore, the gene editing system was constructed with the Cas9 protein expressed in fusion with the NB29-N3. The system could edit the exogenous gene EGFP and the endogenous gene BmRpn3 after overexpression of NB29 or infection with N. bombycis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Boyuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Binyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Peng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zhanqi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Minhui Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
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Sak B, Mansfeldová K, Brdíčková K, Gottliebová P, Nyčová E, Holubová N, Fenclová J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Microsporidia in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Immunocompetent Patients, Czech Republic. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1263-1266. [PMID: 38782145 PMCID: PMC11138996 DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.231585] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed of 211 frozen cerebrospinal fluid samples from immunocompetent persons in the Czech Republic and detected 6 Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive samples. Microsporidiosis is generally underestimated and patients are not usually tested for microsporidia, but latent infection in immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients can cause serious complications if not detected and treated.
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Sak B, Gottliebová P, Nyčová E, Holubová N, Fenclová J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in Patients with Degenerative Hip and Knee Disease, Czech Republic. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:469-477. [PMID: 38289719 PMCID: PMC10902539 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231263] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Total joint arthroplasty is a commonly used surgical procedure in orthopedics. Revision surgeries are required in >10% of patients mainly because of prosthetic joint infection caused by bacteria or aseptic implant loosening caused by chronic inflammation. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidium, an obligate intracellular parasite, capable of exploiting migrating proinflammatory immune cells for dissemination within the host. We used molecular detection methods to evaluate the incidence of E. cuniculi among patients who had total hip or knee arthroplasty revision. Out of 49 patients, E. cuniculi genotypes I, II, or III were confirmed in joint samples from 3 men and 2 women who had implant loosening. Understanding the risks associated with the presence of microsporidia in periprosthetic joint infections is essential for proper management of arthroplasty. Furthermore, E. cuniculi should be considered a potential contributing cause of joint inflammation and arthrosis.
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Ulusan Bagci O, Muftuoglu C, Guldaval F, Serce Unat D, Mert U, Polat G, Toz SO, Moon MH, Caner A. Molecular Prevalence of Microsporidia Infection in Patients with Lung Cancer. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:895-900. [PMID: 36940670 PMCID: PMC10160897 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections are still among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with lung cancer, which has the highest rate of cancer-related deaths in the world. Microsporidia, which are opportunistic parasitic fungi, primarily localize to the intestine by ingestion but can disseminate to the respiratory tract or can be acquired by spore inhalation. Cancer patients are at higher risk for microsporidia, a life-threatening infection, than the normal population is. We aimed to characterize the prevalence of microsporidia infection for the first time by evaluating the intestinal and respiratory tracts of patients with lung cancer. In this study, we investigated 98 patients with lung cancer and 103 healthy individuals for microsporidia infection and evaluated the clinical findings of patients who were found to be positive. Sputum and stool samples were tested by microscopic examination, in addition to pan-microsporidia and genus-specific polymerase chain reactions. Nine patients with lung cancer had positive results for microsporidia (9.2%), which was significantly higher than the rate in healthy individuals (P = 0.008), and most of them had clinical findings. Among these positive patients, polymerase chain reaction revealed microsporidia in the sputum samples of seven patients, the stool sample of one patient, and both the sputum and stool samples of one patient. Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified as the predominant pathogen in 87.5% (7/8) of positive sputum samples. Microsporidia infection was significantly associated with advanced stages of cancer. However, in the control group, Encephalitozoon intestinalis was detected in the stool sample of an individual without clinical symptoms. Microsporidia, especially E. cuniculi, should be considered as a cause of respiratory tract infection as well as intestinal infection in cancer patients and should be screened in respiratory samples of these patients when they have pulmonary symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ulusan Bagci
- Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Microbiology Laboratory, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Can Muftuoglu
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Translational Pulmonary Research Center, Ege University (EgeSAM), Izmir, Turkey
| | - Filiz Guldaval
- Chest Disease Department, Izmir Dr. Suat Seren Chest Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Damla Serce Unat
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Chest Disease Department, Izmir Dr. Suat Seren Chest Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ufuk Mert
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Translational Pulmonary Research Center, Ege University (EgeSAM), Izmir, Turkey
- Ataturk Health Care Vocational School, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulru Polat
- Chest Disease Department, Izmir Dr. Suat Seren Chest Disease and Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Seray Ozensoy Toz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Myeong Hee Moon
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ayse Caner
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Translational Pulmonary Research Center, Ege University (EgeSAM), Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Magalhães TR, Pinto FF, Queiroga FL. A multidisciplinary review about Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2463-2479. [PMID: 35840730 PMCID: PMC9286959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite mostly associated with its natural host, the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, other animals can be infected, like other mammals, birds, and even humans. Although it usually causes subclinical infection, it can also lead to encephalitozoonosis, a clinical disease characterized by neurological, ocular, and/or renal signs that can be even fatal, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, this multidisciplinary review contributes with updated information about the E. cuniculi, deepening in its molecular and genetic characterization, its mechanisms of infection and transmission, and its prevalence among different species and geographic locations, in a One Health perspective. Recent information about the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the main host species and the prophylaxis and infection control measures currently suggested are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Fontes Pinto
- HIPRA, Malveira, Portugal
- Cytology Diagnostic Services, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Lin J, Nell B, Horikawa T, Zarfoss M. Feline intralenticular Encephalitozoon cuniculi: three cases from California. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221106721. [PMID: 35935143 PMCID: PMC9350498 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221106721] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary Three domestic shorthair cats from California presented to veterinary ophthalmologists with immature cataracts. Other presenting clinical signs included corneal edema, anisocoria, anterior uveitis, elevated intraocular pressure, blepharospasm and/or lethargy. All patients were immunocompromised due to concurrent diseases and/or immunomodulatory drugs. Diagnostics included serial comprehensive ophthalmic examinations with tonometry, ocular ultrasound, electroretinogram and testing for other causes of feline uveitis. Testing for Encephalitozoon cuniculi included serology, histopathology and/or PCR of aqueous humor, lens material or paraffin-embedded whole eye. Treatments included antiparasitic medication, anti-inflammatory medication and supportive care in all three cases. Surgical treatment included enucleation (one case), bilateral phacoemulsification and unilateral intraocular lens placement (one case) and bilateral phacoemulsification with bilateral endolaser ciliary body ablation and bilateral intraocular lens implantation (one case). Both cats for which serologic testing for E cuniculi was performed were positive (1:64-1:4096). In all cats, diagnosis of intraocular E cuniculi was based on at least one of the following: lens histopathology or PCR of aqueous humor, lens material or paraffin-embedded ocular tissue. The clinical visual outcome was best in the patient undergoing phacoemulsification at the earliest stage of the cataract. Relevance and novel information Encephalitozoon cuniculi should be considered as a differential cause of cataracts and uveitis in cats in California, the rest of the USA and likely worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joie Lin
- School of Veterinary Medicine,
University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Nell
- Department for Small Animals and
Horses, Veterinary University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Microsporidia: a new taxonomic, evolutionary, and ecological synthesis. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:642-659. [PMID: 35667993 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidian diversity is vast. There is a renewed drive to understand how microsporidian pathological, genomic, and ecological traits relate to their phylogeny. We comprehensively sample and phylogenetically analyse 125 microsporidian genera for which sequence data are available. Comparing these results with existing phylogenomic analyses, we suggest an updated taxonomic framework to replace the inconsistent clade numbering system, using informal taxonomic names: Glugeida (previously clades 5/3), Nosematida (4a), Enterocytozoonida (4b), Amblyosporida (3/5), Neopereziida (1), and Ovavesiculida (2). Cellular, parasitological, and ecological traits for 281 well-defined species are compared with identify clade-specific patterns across long-branch Microsporidia. We suggest that future taxonomic circumscriptions of Microsporidia should involve additional markers (SSU/ITS/LSU), and that a comprehensive suite of phenotypic and ecological traits help to predict broad microsporidian functional and lineage diversity.
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Encephalitozoon spp. as a potential human pathogen. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2022-0005] [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
Encephalitzoon spp. are microsporidia, and intracellular opportunistic pathogens. The hosts of these pathogens include vertebrates, invertebrates, and certain protozoa. In people microsporidia may be opportunistic pathogens for immunocompromised patients (with AIDS or after organ transplantation). Infection with these microorganisms was also described in persons with diarrhea and corneal diseases.
The species causing rare infections in humans, Encephalitozooncuniculi, had previously been described from animal hosts. However, several new microsporidial species, including E. intestinalis and E. hellem, have been discovered in humans, raising the question of their natural origin. Vertebrate animals are now identified as hosts for all three microsporidial species infecting humans, implying a zoonotic nature of these microorganisms. Molecular studies have identified phenotypic and/or genetic variability within these species, indicating that they are not uniform, and have allowed the question of their zoonotic potential to be addressed. The focus of this review is to present the zoonotic potential of E. intestinalis, E. cuniculi, and E. hellem.
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Sak B, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Tinavská J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Comparison of the Concentration of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotypes I and III in Inflammatory Foci Under Experimental Conditions. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2721-2730. [PMID: 35502243 PMCID: PMC9056047 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s363509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: Bohumil Sak, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Tel +420387775421, Fax +420385310388, Email
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Tinavská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Figuerêdo Moreira I, Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva A, Cristin Pérez E, Guilherme Xavier J, Denelle Spadacci-Morena D, Silva de Araújo R, Ricardo Dell'Armelina Rocha P, Anete Lallo M. Opportunistic pneumonia caused by E. cuniculi in mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Moretto MM, Khan IA. Immune Response to Microsporidia. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:373-388. [PMID: 35544009 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of pathogens, which can pose severe risks to the immunocompromised population, such as HIV-infected individuals or organ transplant recipients. Adaptive immunity has been reported to be critical for protection, and mice depleted of T cells are unable to control these infections. In a mouse model of infection, CD8 T cells have been found to be the primary effector cells and are responsible for protecting the infected host. Also, as infection is acquired via a peroral route, CD8 T cells in the gut compartment act as a first line of defense against these pathogens. Thus, generation of a robust CD8 T-cell response exhibiting polyfunctional ability is critical for host survival. In this chapter, we describe the effector CD8 T cells generated during microsporidia infection and the factors that may be essential for generating protective immunity against these understudied but significant pathogens. Overall, this chapter will highlight the necessity for a better understanding of the development of CD8 T-cell responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and provide some insights into therapies that may be used to restore defective CD8 T-cell functionality in an immunocompromised situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali M Moretto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Imtiaz A Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Abstract
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Sparse Evidence for Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia Infections in Humans, Domesticated Animals and Wild Nonhuman Primates Sharing a Farm-Forest Mosaic Landscape in Western Uganda. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080933. [PMID: 34451397 PMCID: PMC8398676 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic pathogen transmission is considered a leading threat to the survival of non-human primates and public health in shared landscapes. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are unicellular parasites spread by the fecal-oral route by environmentally resistant stages and can infect humans, livestock, and wildlife including non-human primates. Using immunoassay diagnostic kits and amplification/sequencing of the region of the triosephosphate isomerase, small ribosomal subunit rRNA and the internal transcribed spacer genes, we investigated Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and microsporidia infections, respectively, among humans, domesticated animals (livestock, poultry, and dogs), and wild nonhuman primates (eastern chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys) in Bulindi, Uganda, an area of remarkably high human-animal contact and spatial overlap. We analyzed 137 fecal samples and revealed the presence of G. intestinalis assemblage B in two human isolates, G. intestinalis assemblage E in one cow isolate, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II in two humans and one goat isolate. None of the chimpanzee and colobus monkey samples were positive for any of the screened parasites. Regular distribution of antiparasitic treatment in both humans and domestic animals in Bulindi could have reduced the occurrence of the screened parasites and decreased potential circulation of these pathogens among host species.
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Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens identified ∼150 years ago as the cause of pébrine, an economically important infection in silkworms. There are about 220 genera and 1,700 species of microsporidia, which are classified based on their ultrastructural features, developmental cycle, host-parasite relationship, and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that microsporidia are related to the fungi, being grouped with the Cryptomycota as a basal branch or sister group to the fungi. Microsporidia can be transmitted by food and water and are likely zoonotic, as they parasitize a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Infection in humans occurs in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, e.g., in patients with organ transplantation, patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and patients receiving immune modulatory therapy such as anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody. Clusters of infections due to latent infection in transplanted organs have also been demonstrated. Gastrointestinal infection is the most common manifestation; however, microsporidia can infect virtually any organ system, and infection has resulted in keratitis, myositis, cholecystitis, sinusitis, and encephalitis. Both albendazole and fumagillin have efficacy for the treatment of various species of microsporidia; however, albendazole has limited efficacy for the treatment of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. In addition, immune restoration can lead to resolution of infection. While the prevalence rate of microsporidiosis in patients with AIDS has fallen in the United States, due to the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), infection continues to occur throughout the world and is still seen in the United States in the setting of cART if a low CD4 count persists.
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Gaafar MR, Gomaa MM, Khedr SI, Achy SXANXAE. Encephalitozoon intestinalis: A new target for auranofin in a mice model. Med Mycol 2021; 58:810-819. [PMID: 31868212 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that many approaches have been developed over years to find efficient and well-tolerated therapeutic regimens for microsporidiosis, the effectiveness of current drugs remains doubtful, and effective drugs against specific targets are still scarce. The present study is the first that was designed to evaluate the potency of auranofin, an anti-rheumatoid FDA approved drug, against intestinal Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Evaluation of the drug was achieved through counting of fecal and intestinal spores, studying the intestinal histopathological changes, measuring of intestinal hydrogen peroxide level, and post therapy follow-up of mice for 2 weeks for detection of relapse. Results showed that auranofin has promising anti-microsporidia potential. It showed a promising efficacy in mice experimentally infected with E. intestinalis. It has revealed an obvious reduction in fecal spore shedding and intestinal tissue spore load, amelioration of intestinal tissue pathological changes, and improvement of the local inflammatory infiltration without significant changes in hydrogen peroxide level. Interestingly, auranofin prevented the relapse of infection. Thus, considering the results of the present work, auranofin could be considered a therapeutic alternative for the gold standard drug 'albendazole' against the intestinal E. intestinalis infection especially in relapsing cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Abou-El-Naga
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - M R Gaafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - M M Gomaa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - S I Khedr
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Shehab AY, Moneer EA, Allam AF, Khalil SS, Tolba MM. Intestinal Microsporidia Infection in Leukemic Children: Microscopic and Molecular Detection. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:346-353. [PMID: 32996015 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microsporidia infection was originally described as an immunocompromised associated pathogen. Limitations to correct microscopic diagnosis of microsporidia include size of the organism presenting a challenge even to a highly competent laboratory expert. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to detect microsporidia infection among leukemic children. The performance of modified trichrome stain and PCR in the diagnosis of microsporidia was evaluated with further speciation. METHODS Stool samples of 100 leukemic children on chemotherapy were examined microscopically for microsporidia. DNA was extracted from all samples. Amplification was performed by conventional and nested PCR. Sequencing of amplified products was performed on unspeciated samples. RESULTS Microsporidia were detected in 23% of the children by MTS and 29% by PCR. The 29 positive samples were subjected to PCR for speciation. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found to predominate in 20 cases, Encephalitozoon intestinalis in three cases, two cases had co-infection, and the remaining four samples were not amplified with either E. bieneusi or E. intestinalis specific primers. By DNA sequencing of the unspeciated samples, three samples shared high homology with Encephalitozoon hellem and one sample with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Referring to PCR as a gold standard, MTS exhibited 72.4% sensitivity and 97.2% specificity with 90% accuracy. Among a number of studied variables, diarrhea and colic were significantly associated with microsporidia infection when diagnosed by either technique. CONCLUSION The use of sensitive and discriminative molecular tools will contribute to determining the true prevalence of microsporidiosis and possibly their potential transmission source depending on species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Youssef Shehab
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Esraa Abdelhamid Moneer
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Pharos University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amal Farahat Allam
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safia Saleh Khalil
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona Mohamed Tolba
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
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Vecková T, Sak B, Samková E, Holubová N, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Hlásková L, Květoňová D, Kváč M. Raw Goat's Milk, Fresh and Soft Cheeses as a Potential Source of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:661-667. [PMID: 33978456 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0017] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of pasteurization and coagulation during goat cheese production on the infectivity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi spores for immunodeficient (SCID, CD4-/-, and CD8-/-) and immunocompetent (BALB/c and C57BL/6) mice. Goat milk and fecal samples were screened for the presence and quantity of microsporidial DNA using molecular methods. Experimentally produced cheese from E. cuniculi-enriched goat milk or goat cheese purchased from retail producers was fed with experimental mice susceptible to E. cuniculi infection. The mice were sacrificed in the presumed acute phase of infection and samples of their tissues were subject to molecular detection of specific E. cuniculi DNA. Specific DNA of E. cuniculi genotype II was detected in feces and milk of three out of 99 goats kept on 6 farms in the Czech Republic. Under experimental conditions, spores of E. cuniculi genotype II remained viable in artificially enriched fresh cheese and were able to cause infection in laboratory mice. E. cuniculi genotype I and II DNA were detected in eight of the nine goat cheeses purchased from various producers/breeders in the Czech Republic and these cheeses were able to develop infection in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice. The results of these experiments showed that spores of E. cuniculi genotype I and II are able to remain viable after cheese processing and thus fresh and soft cheeses should be considered a potential source of microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Vecková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Samková
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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18
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Birckhead A, Combs M, Croser E, Montgomery A, Peters A, Stark D, Malik R. Presumptive neural microsporidiosis in a young adult German Shepherd dog from rural Australia. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:351-355. [PMID: 33904161 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13071] [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: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CASE REPORT A 1-year-old, neutered male German Shepherd was presented with a 5-month history of episodic lethargy, intermittent fever, weight loss and a hunched posture. The dog was diagnosed with presumptive microsporidian meningoencephalitis based on cytological findings on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and a positive PCR test. The dog initially responded favourably to a 4-week course of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and fenbendazole, and remained well for 12 weeks following cessation of treatment. Disease then recurred, and despite an initial positive response to treatment, he deteriorated and was euthanased 11 weeks later, 7.5 months after definitive diagnosis and 13 months after clinical signs were first reported. CONCLUSION To the authors knowledge, this is the first case of canine microsporidiosis in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Birckhead
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - M Combs
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - E Croser
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - A Montgomery
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - A Peters
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia
| | - D Stark
- Microbiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
| | - R Malik
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2650, Australia.,Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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19
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. The course of infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in mice possess combination of features reported in genotypes II and III. Exp Parasitol 2021; 224:108101. [PMID: 33773998 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108101] [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] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Out of three genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (I-III) available for experimental studies, E. cuniculi genotype I remains the less characterized. This study describes for the first time individual phases of microsporidiosis caused by E. cuniculi genotype I and efficacy of albendazole treatment in immunocompetent BALB/c and C57Bl/6 mice and immunodeficient SCID, CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice using molecular detection and quantification methods. We demonstrate asymptomatic infection despite an intense dissemination of microsporidia into most organs within the first weeks post infection, followed by a chronic infection characterized by significant microsporidia persistence in immunocompetent, CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice and a lethal outcome for SCID mice. Albendazole application led to loss E. cuniculi genotype I infection in immunocompetent mouse strains, decreased spore burden by half in CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice, and prolongation of survival of SCID mice. These results showed Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I infection extend and albendazole sensitivity was comparable to E. cuniculi genotype II, but the infection onset speed and mortality rate was similar to E. cuniculi genotype III. These imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on immunological status of the host, but also on the genotype causing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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20
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An G, Tang Y, Mo B, Ran M, He X, Bao J, Zhou Z. Characterization of a Murine Model for Encephalitozoon hellem Infection after Dexamethasone Immunosuppression. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1891. [PMID: 33260440 PMCID: PMC7761425 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitozoon hellem (E. hellem) belongs to a group of opportunistic pathogens called microsporidia. Microsporidia infection symptoms vary and include diarrhea, ocular disorders and systemic inflammations. Traditionally, immunodeficient animals were used to study microsporidia infection. To overcome the difficulties in maintenance and operation using immunodeficient mice, and to better mimic natural occurring microsporidia infection, this study aims to develop a pharmacologically immunosuppressed murine model of E. hellem infection. METHODS Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone (Dex) and then E. hellem spores were inoculated into the mice intraperitoneally. Control groups were the Dex-immunosuppressed but noninoculated mice, and the Dex-immunosuppressed then lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. Mice body weights were monitored and all animals were sacrificed at the 15th day after inoculation. Tissue fragments and immune cells were collected and processed. RESULTS Histopathological analysis demonstrated that E. hellem inoculation resulted in a disseminated nonlethal infection. Interestingly, E. hellem infection desensitized the innate immunity of the host, as shown by cytokine expressions and dendritic cell maturation. We also found that E. hellem infection greatly altered the composition of host gut microbiota. (4) Conclusions: Dex-immunosuppressed mice provide a useful tool for study microsporidiosis and the interactions between microsporidia and host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozhen An
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yunlin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Biying Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Maoshuang Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiao He
- College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China;
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (G.A.); (Y.T.); (B.M.); (M.R.); (Z.Z.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
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21
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Brdíčková K, Sak B, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kicia M, Kopacz Ż, Kváč M. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype II Concentrates in Inflammation Foci. J Inflamm Res 2020; 13:583-593. [PMID: 33061524 PMCID: PMC7524191 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s271628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon are generally connected with severe infections with lethal outcome in immunodeficient hosts. In immunocompetent hosts, microsporidiosis typically establishes a balanced host–parasite relationship that produces minimal clinically overt disease. Although the alimentary tract represents one of the main primary target tissues, the mechanisms of reaching other tissues during systemic microsporidian infections remain unclear. Methods In the present study, we tested the relation between inflammation induction in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and the presence of spores of E. cuniculi genotype II in selected organs and in fecal specimens by using molecular and histology methods. Results We reported the positive connection between inflammation induction and the significant increase of E. cuniculi genotype II occurrence in inflammation foci in both immunocompetent BALB/c and immunodeficient severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice in the acute phase of infection and the re-activation of latent microsporidial infection following inflammation induction in immunocompetent mice. Conclusion The results imply possible involvement of immune cells serving as vehicles transporting E. cuniculi genotype II purposefully across the whole host body towards inflammation. With increasing number of records of infections, it is necessary to reconsider microsporidia as agents responsible for various pathologies. The elucidation of possible connection with pro-inflammatory immune responses represents an important challenge with consequences for human health and development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Brdíčková
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Bulovka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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22
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Han Y, Gao H, Xu J, Luo J, Han B, Bao J, Pan G, Li T, Zhou Z. Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses Against Microsporidia Infection in Mammals. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1468. [PMID: 32670257 PMCID: PMC7332555 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular and eukaryotic pathogens that can infect immunocompromised and immunocompetent mammals, including humans. Both innate and adaptive immune systems play important roles against microsporidian infection. The innate immune system can partially eliminate the infection by immune cells, such as gamma delta T cell, natural killer cells (NKs), macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), and present the pathogens to lymphocytes. The innate immune cells can also prime and enhance the adaptive immune response via surface molecules and secreted cytokines. The adaptive immune system is critical to eliminate microsporidian infection by activating cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and humoral immune responses, and feedback regulation of the innate immune mechanism. In this review, we will discuss the cellular and molecular responses and functions of innate and adaptive immune systems against microsporidian infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinze Han
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hailong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinzhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. A massive systematic infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III in mice does not cause clinical signs. Microbes Infect 2020; 22:467-473. [PMID: 32579904 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.06.004] [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] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III disseminated intensively into most of the organs in all strains of mice, followed by a chronic infection with massive microsporidia persistence in immunodeficient mice and a partial decrease in C57Bl/6 mice. Treatment with 0.2 mg Albendazole/mouse/day temporarily reduces the number of affected organs in immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mice, but not in CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice. The application of medication temporarily decreased the spore burden at least by one order of magnitude in all groups. These results demonstrate that the E. cuniculi genotype III infection had a progressive course and surprisingly, Albendazole treatment had only a minimal effect. The E. cuniculi genotype III spore burden in individual organs reached up to 108 or 109 in immunocompetent or immunodeficient mice, respectively; however, these mice did not demonstrate any obvious clinical signs of microsporidiosis, and the immunodeficient mice survived longer. Our findings clearly show that the survival of mice does not correspond to spore burden, which provides new insight into latent microsporidiosis from an epidemiological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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24
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00058-20. [PMID: 32152088 PMCID: PMC7179643 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00058-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported. This study determined the effect of a 100× recommended daily dose of albendazole on an Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III course of infection in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and compared the results with those from experiments performed with a lower dose of albendazole and E. cuniculi genotype II. The administration of the regular dose of abendazole during the acute phase of infection reduced the number of affected organs in all strains of mice and absolute counts of spores in screened organs. However, the effect on genotype III was minor. Surprisingly, no substantial effect was recorded after the use of a 100× dose of albendazole, with larger reductions seen only in the number of affected organs and absolute counts of spores in all strains of mice, implying variations in albendazole resistance between these Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes. These results imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on the immunological status of the host but also on the genotype causing the infection. Understanding how microsporidia survive in hosts despite targeted antimicrosporidial treatment could significantly contribute to research related to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Soto-Domínguez A, Dávila-Martínez C, Castillo-Velázquez U, Nevárez-Garza A, Rodríguez-Rocha H, Saucedo-Cárdenas O, Arce Mendoza A, Zarate-Ramos J, Rodríguez-Tovar L. Variation of the CD4, CD8, and MHC II cell population in granulomas of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rabbits in Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 68:101387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abou-El-Naga IF, Said DE, Gaafar MR, Ahmed SM, El-Deeb SA. A new scope for orlistat: Effect of approved anti-obesity drug against experimental microsporidiosis. Med Mycol 2019. [PMID: 29529254 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As the current therapies for intestinal microsporidiosis are either inconsistent in their efficacies or hampered by several adverse effects, alternative antimicrosporidial agents are being sought. The present study is the first that was designed to evaluate the potency of orlistat, an approved anti-obesity drug, against intestinal microsporidiosis caused by both Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Results were assessed through studying fecal and intestinal spore load, intestinal histopathological changes, viability, and infectivity of spores from treated animals. Results showed that orlistat has promising antimicrosporidia potential, with better results in E. intestinalis than E. bieneusi. The animals that received orlistat showed statistically significant decrease in the fecal and intestinal spore load, when compared to the corresponding control infected nontreated mice. The results were insignificant compared to fumagillin and albendazole. Light microscopic examination of stained intestinal sections revealed amelioration of the pathological changes and decreased inflammatory cells detected in the control infected nontreated mice. Spores encountered from stool of orlistat-treated E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis mice showed low viability and significant reduction of infectivity versus their control. Thus, considering the results of the present work, orlistat proved its effectiveness against the intestinal microsporidial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D E Said
- Department of Medical Parasitology
| | | | - S M Ahmed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Sak B, Vecková T, Brdíčková K, Smetana P, Hlásková L, Kicia M, Holubová N, McEvoy J, Kváč M. ExperimentalEncephalitozoon cuniculiInfection Acquired from Fermented Meat Products. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2019; 16:394-398. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2018.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Vecková
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Smetana
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - John McEvoy
- Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Duzlu O, Yildirim A, Onder Z, Ciloglu A, Yetismis G, Inci A. Prevalence and Genotyping of Microsporidian Parasites in Dogs in Turkey: Zoonotic Concerns. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 66:771-777. [PMID: 30849216 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens that infect a wide range of invertebrates and vertebrates. To assess the potential role of dogs in the transmission of these zoonotic pathogens, a total of 282 fecal samples from dogs in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey were analyzed by utilizing species specific polymerase chain reaction for the four most frequent human microsporidia. Two microsporidia species were recognized in 41 samples (14.5%). Encephalitozoon intestinalis was detected in 35 samples (12.4%) and it was the most common microsporidium. The second microsporidium, E. cuniculi, was identified in six (2.1%) of the samples. Sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer of the ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene revealed the presence of three E. intestinalis haplotypes closely associated with each other. No polymorphic region was found among the ITS sequences of E. cuniculi isolates and they were characterized as genotype III. This study provides the first data on the zoonotic microsporidia species from dogs in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onder Duzlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Alparslan Yildirim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Onder
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Arif Ciloglu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gamze Yetismis
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Inci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey.,Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, 38280, Kayseri, Turkey
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Kicia M, Szydłowicz M, Cebulski K, Jakuszko K, Piesiak P, Kowal A, Sak B, Krajewska M, Hendrich AB, Kváč M, Kopacz Ż. Symptomatic respiratory Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in renal transplant recipients. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 79:21-25. [PMID: 30391325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are intracellular parasitic fungi from the phylum Microsporidia, which initially localize to the intestine. As opportunistic pathogens, Encephalitozoon spp. in particular can disseminate to the respiratory tract, among other locations. Patients on life-long immunosuppression are at higher risk of such infections, mostly symptomatic. METHODS Sputum samples and bronchial washings from 72 renal transplant recipients and 105 patients with various respiratory diseases were screened for Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested PCR followed by genotyping. RESULTS A total of 8.3% (6/72) of immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients and 1.9% (2/105) of patients with various respiratory diseases, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed, were positive for respiratory microsporidial infection. All six transplant recipients were Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive by PCR/sequencing and five of them suffered from respiratory symptoms. The presence of microsporidial spores was also confirmed microscopically in three of the transplant recipients. Of the two immunocompetent patients with various respiratory diseases, one had an E. cuniculi infection, while the second had an E. bieneusi infection. CONCLUSIONS Life-long immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients increases the risk of respiratory infection by E. cuniculi. Microsporidia should be screened in respiratory samples of these patients, particularly when they have respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Szydłowicz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Cebulski
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jakuszko
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Piesiak
- Department of Pulmonology and Lung Cancer, Wroclaw Medical University, Grabiszyńska 105, 53-439 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Kowal
- Department of Pulmonology and Lung Cancer, Wroclaw Medical University, Grabiszyńska 105, 53-439 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej B Hendrich
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, Branišovská 31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Żaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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Kotková M, Sak B, Hlásková L, Květoňová D, Kváč M. Evidence of transplacental transmission of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II in murine model. Exp Parasitol 2018; 193:51-57. [PMID: 30201451 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellurar unicellular parasite of wide range of vertebrates. Although ingestion or inhalation of microsporidian spores is the main route of infection, assumed vertical transmission was described in some mammals. The present study was focused on proof of vertical transmission in mice under experimental conditions. Mice were infected with E. cuniculi genotype II intraperitoneally after mating, or perorally followed by mating in acute or chronic phase of infection. Fetuses were delivered by Caesarean section or mice were kept up to the parturition. Some of cubs were immediately after birth transferred to uninfected surrogate mothers. Group of cubs was immunosuppressed. All cubs were examined using polymerase chain reaction for the presence of Encephalitozoon after birth or in their age of 3 or 6 weeks, respectively. All fetuses delivered by Caesarean section, which were intraperitoneally or perorally infected were negative as well as all neonatal mice and youngsters tested in age of 6 weeks. Only immunosuppressed cubs and cubs of immunodeficient mice in age of 21 days were positive for Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II. Present results provided the evidence that transplacental transmission of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in mice occurs, but the mechanism of these transport is still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kotková
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Kotková M, Sak B, Kváč M. Differences in the intensity of infection caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II and III - Comparison using quantitative real-time PCR. Exp Parasitol 2018; 192:93-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kicia M, Wesolowska M, Kopacz Z, Kváč M, Sak B, Sokulska M, Cebulski K, Hendrich AB, Pozowski A. Disseminated Infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Associated With Osteolysis of Hip Periprosthetic Tissue. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 67:1228-1234. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Maria Wesolowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Zaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Sokulska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Kamil Cebulski
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Andrzej B Hendrich
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pozowski
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Nonresident Department of Traumatic-Orthopedic Surgery, Provincial Specialist Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
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Langanke dos Santos D, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Xavier JG, Spadacci-Morena DD, Peres GB, Dell'Armelina Rocha PR, Perez EC, Lallo MA. B-1 cells upregulate CD8 T lymphocytes and increase proinflammatory cytokines serum levels in oral encephalitozoonosis. Microbes Infect 2018; 20:196-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kotková M, Sak B, Hlásková L, Kváč M. The course of infection caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Exp Parasitol 2017; 182:16-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sak B, Kotková M, Hlásková L, Kváč M. Limited effect of adaptive immune response to control encephalitozoonosis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Sak
- Institute of Parasitology; BC CAS, v.v.i.; České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - M. Kotková
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice; České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - L. Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology; BC CAS, v.v.i.; České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - M. Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology; BC CAS, v.v.i.; České Budějovice Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice; České Budějovice Czech Republic
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Piekarska J, Kicia M, Wesołowska M, Kopacz Ż, Gorczykowski M, Szczepankiewicz B, Kváč M, Sak B. Zoonotic microsporidia in dogs and cats in Poland. Vet Parasitol 2017; 246:108-111. [PMID: 28969771 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic concerns of microsporidia in household dogs and cats in Poland. A total of 126 (82 dogs and 44 cats) fecal specimens were analyzed for the presence of specific DNA of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. using a nested PCR protocol amplifying the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene. Microsporidia were found in 10 (7.9%) out of the 126 examined stool samples. Of the 82 dogs, 4 (4.9%) and 2 (2.4%) were positive for E. bieneusi (genotypes D and PtEbIX) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II, respectively. Of the 44 cats, 4 (9.1%) were positive for E. bieneusi (genotypes PtEbIX and eb52). Additionally, one cat (2.3%) was concurrently infected with E. bieneusi (PtEbIX) and E. cuniculi (genotype II). Considering that all detected microsporidia in dogs and cats have been previously associated with human microsporidiosis, companion animals may be a potential source of microsporidia infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Piekarska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maria Wesołowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kopacz
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 9, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michał Gorczykowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Szczepankiewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the AS CR, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the AS CR, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
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Sak B, Jandová A, Doležal K, Kváč M, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Rost M, Olšanský M, Nurcahyo W, Foitová I. Effects of selected Indonesian plant extracts on E. cuniculi infection in vivo. Exp Parasitol 2017; 181:94-101. [PMID: 28779899 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the methanolic extracts from several plant leaves widely used in traditional medicine to cure digestive tract disorders and in the self-medication of wild animals such as non-human primates, namely Archidendron fagifolium, Diospyros sumatrana, Shorea sumatrana, and Piper betle leaves, with regard to their antimicrosporidial activity against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in immunocompetent BALB/c mice determined using molecular detection of microsporidial DNA (qPCR) in various tissues and body fluids of infected, treated mice. Of the plant extracts tested, Diospyros sumatrana provided the most promising results, reducing spore shedding by 88% compared to untreated controls. Moreover, total burden per 1 g of tissue in the D. sumatrana extract-treated group reached 87% reduction compared to untreated controls, which was comparable to the effect of the standard drug, Albendazole. This data represents the baseline necessary for further research focused on determining the structure, activity and modes of action of the active compounds, mainly of D. sumatrana, enabling subsequent development of antimicrosporidial remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Anna Jandová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Doležal
- Department of Chemical Biology and Genetics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacky University & Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Olšanský
- UMI - Saving of Pongidae Foundation, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Wisnu Nurcahyo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ivona Foitová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Abu-Akkada SS, Oda SS. Prevention and treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in immunosuppressed rabbits with fenbendazole. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2016; 17:98-105. [PMID: 27822234 PMCID: PMC5090138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of fenbendazole (20 mg/kg body weight) prior to and after experimental infection of immunosuppressed rabbits with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. A total of thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: NN (non-immunosuppressed; non-infected), IN (immunosuppressed; non-infected), IPI (immunosuppressed; protected-infected), ITI (immunosuppressed; treated-infected), and II (immunosuppressed; infected) groups. Fenbendazole was administered as a prophylactic for seven successive days before infection with E. cuniculi and as a treatment for four weeks initiated on the 28th day post-challenge (PC). Experimental rabbits were infected with intraperitoneal injection of 2 × 105E. cuniculi spores. Parameters evaluated were body weight, detection of spores in urine, serum antibody assay, hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. The IPI and ITI groups showed a significant better final bwt than the II group. Spores were detected in urine of all infected rabbits from the 28th day PC until the end of the study. The IPI group showed the least values of antibodies (IgG) compared to the ITI and II groups. Concerning histopathological changes, the intensity of the lesions was marked particularly in the II rabbits and to a lesser extent in the ITI rabbits. Noticeable improvement was found in the IPI rabbits. It could be concluded that fenbendazole was effective to some extent in protection of rabbits against E. cuniculi infection, while when administered as a therapeutic no significant effects were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. S. Abu-Akkada
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Behera, Egypt
| | - S. S. Oda
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Behera, Egypt
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Microsporidiosis in Vertebrate Companion Exotic Animals. J Fungi (Basel) 2015; 2:jof2010003. [PMID: 29376921 PMCID: PMC5753084 DOI: 10.3390/jof2010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians caring for companion animals may encounter microsporidia in various host species, and diagnosis and treatment of these fungal organisms can be particularly challenging. Fourteen microsporidial species have been reported to infect humans and some of them are zoonotic; however, to date, direct zoonotic transmission is difficult to document versus transit through the digestive tract. In this context, summarizing information available about microsporidiosis of companion exotic animals is relevant due to the proximity of these animals to their owners. Diagnostic modalities and therapeutic challenges are reviewed by taxa. Further studies are needed to better assess risks associated with animal microsporidia for immunosuppressed owners and to improve detection and treatment of infected companion animals.
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Moretto MM, Khan IA. IL-21 Is Important for Induction of KLRG1+ Effector CD8 T Cells during Acute Intracellular Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 196:375-84. [PMID: 26597007 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia, a latent opportunistic infection associated with mild inflammation, is characterized by a strong CD8 T cell response, which has been shown to be CD4 T cell dependent. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that CD4 help is provided via IL-21 production, a common γ-chain cytokine closely related to IL-2. The peak of IL-21 expression, observed during the acute infection, is associated with an elevated IL-21(+) CD4 T subset, and these cells bear a phenotypic resemblance to T follicular helper cells. We observed that, during per-oral microsporidial infection, IL-21 was critical for the generation of an optimal effector CD8 T cell immunity. Sharply decreased effector KLRG1(+) CD8 response was observed in IL-21R knockout mice, and although these cells exhibited reduced functional properties, they retained the ability to proliferate. The role of IL-21 in the generation of CD8 effectors was cell intrinsic, as stronger defects were observed in the IL-21-deficient compartment from the bone marrow chimeric mice (IL-21R knockout/wild-type). These findings are different from those reported for viral infections in which IL-21 has been primarily associated with the generation and maintenance of CD8 memory response. To the best of our knowledge, this report demonstrates a critical role for IL-21 in the generation of a primary effector CD8 T cell response to an infectious disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali M Moretto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037
| | - Imtiaz A Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037
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Mumcuoglu I, Cetin F, Dogruman Al F, Oguz I, Aksu N. Prevalence of microsporidia in healthy individuals and immunocompetent patients with acute and chronic diarrhea. Infect Dis (Lond) 2015; 48:133-7. [DOI: 10.3109/23744235.2015.1094572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Mumcuoglu
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and
| | - Feyza Cetin
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and
| | - Funda Dogruman Al
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ilkiz Oguz
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Neriman Aksu
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and
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Interleukin-12-producing CD103+ CD11b- CD8+ dendritic cells are responsible for eliciting gut intraepithelial lymphocyte response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Infect Immun 2015; 83:4719-30. [PMID: 26416905 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00820-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia, which belong to the kingdom Fungi, are important opportunistic pathogens in HIV-infected populations and organ transplant recipients that are often associated with a broad range of symptoms, such as diarrhea, nephritis, and encephalitis. Natural infection occurs via the oral route, and as a consequence, gut immunity plays an important role in restricting the dissemination of these pathogens. Studies from our laboratory have reported that the pathogens induce a rapid intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) response important for host protection. Although mucosal dendritic cells (DC) are likely involved in triggering an antigen-specific IEL response, the specific subset(s) responsible has yet to be identified. Toward this goal, we demonstrate a very important role for mucosal CD11b(-) CD8(+) DC in the initiation of an antigen-specific IEL in vivo. Effectively, after Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection, CD11b(-) CD8(+) DC were activated in the lamina propria (LP) and acquired the ability to process retinoic acid (RA). However, this subset did not produce interleukin 12 (IL-12) but upregulated CD103, which is essential for migration to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Interestingly, CD103(+) CD11b(-) CD8(+) DC in the MLN, in addition to processing RA, also secreted IL-12 and were responsible for gut imprinting specificity on mucosal CD8 T cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the importance of MLN CD103(+) CD11b(-) CD8(+) DC isolated from infected animals in the generation of an IEL response against a live pathogen.
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Effector CD8 T cell immunity in microsporidial infection: a lone defense mechanism. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 37:281-7. [PMID: 25860800 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0482-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia is a group of pathogens, which can pose severe risks to the immunocompromised population such as HIV-infected individuals. The expertise to diagnose these pathogens is limited and therefore their prevalence is believed to be much higher than what is currently known. In a mouse model of infections, it has been reported that CD8 T cells are the primary effector cells responsible for protecting the infected host. As the infection is acquired via per-oral route, CD8 T cells in the gut compartment apparently act as a first line of defense against the pathogens. Thus, generation of a robust CD8 T cell response that exhibits polyfunctional ability is critical for host survival. In this review, we describe the effector CD8 T cells generated during microsporidial infection and underline the factors that may be essential for the elicitation of protective immunity against this understudied but significant pathogen. Overall, this review will highlight the necessity for a better understanding of the development of the CD8 T cell response in gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and provide some insights into therapies that may be used to restore defective CD8 T cell functionality in an immunocompromised situation.
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Microsporidia-host interactions. Curr Opin Microbiol 2015; 26:10-6. [PMID: 25847674 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia comprise one of the largest groups of obligate intracellular pathogens and can infect virtually all animals, but host response to these fungal-related microbes has been poorly understood. Several new studies of the host transcriptional response to microsporidia infection have found infection-induced regulation of genes involved in innate immunity, ubiquitylation, metabolism, and hormonal signaling. In addition, microsporidia have recently been shown to exploit host recycling endocytosis for exit from intestinal cells, and to interact with host degradation pathways. Microsporidia infection has also been shown to profoundly affect behavior in insect hosts. Altogether, these and other recent findings are providing much-needed insight into the underlying mechanisms of microsporidia interaction with host animals.
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ABU-AKKADA SS, EL KERDANY EDH, MADY RF, DIAB RG, KHEDR GAE, ASHMAWY KI, LOTFY WM. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection among immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans in Egypt. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 10:561-70. [PMID: 26811722 PMCID: PMC4724832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitozoon cuniculi infects a wide range of homoeothermic animals, including man. Complications due to this microsporidian have been reported only in immunocompromised patients. Reports on E. cuniculi in immunocompetent humans are lacking, most probably, because it is not linked to any clinical manifestations in such hosts. The present work was carried out with the aim of studying, for the first time in Egypt, the prevalence of E. cuniculi infection of urinary tract among non-HIV immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent individuals. It tested also the influence of some factors on the risk of infection. METHODS Blood and urine samples were collected from 88 persons (44 non-HIV immunocompromised patients and 44 subjects as immunocompetent control group). IFAT serological assay and Weber's green modified trichrome stain (MTS) urine smears were carried out. Molecular study by PCR was also performed to detect DNA of E. cuniculi in urine samples. A full history sheet was fulfilled for each subject to test the suspected risk factors. RESULTS The IFAT examination confirmed the presence of antibodies against E. cuniculi in 44.3% of the human subjects. The seroprevalence of E. cuniculi was significantly higher in the immunocompromised patients compared with the immunocompetent individuals (77.3% versus 11.4%). Compared with IFAT (the gold standard), the sensitivity and specificity of Weber's green MTS smears were 69.23% and 89.80%. By using PCR, no positive cases were detected among human subjects. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of E. cuniculi infection in the studied individuals was noted. Although infection was found in some immunocompetent individuals, the immune status of the host remains the corner stone for occurrence of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rasha Fadly MADY
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Radwa Galal DIAB
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | | | - Karam Imam ASHMAWY
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Wael Mohamed LOTFY
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt,Correspondence:
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Sak B, Petrželková KJ, Květoňová D, Mynářová A, Pomajbíková K, Modrý D, Cranfield MR, Mudakikwa A, Kváč M. Diversity of microsporidia, Cryptosporidium and Giardia in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109751. [PMID: 25386754 PMCID: PMC4227647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases represent the greatest threats to endangered species, and transmission from humans to wildlife under increased anthropogenic pressure has been always stated as a major risk of habituation. AIMS To evaluate the impact of close contact with humans on the occurrence of potentially zoonotic protists in great apes, one hundred mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) from seven groups habituated either for tourism or for research in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda were screened for the presence of microsporidia, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. using molecular diagnostics. RESULTS The most frequently detected parasites were Enterocytozoon bieneusi found in 18 samples (including genotype EbpA, D, C, gorilla 2 and five novel genotypes gorilla 4-8) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi with genotype II being more prevalent (10 cases) compared to genotype I (1 case). Cryptosporidium muris (2 cases) and C. meleagridis (2 cases) were documented in great apes for the first time. Cryptosporidium sp. infections were identified only in research groups and occurrence of E. cuniculi in research groups was significantly higher in comparison to tourist groups. No difference in prevalence of E. bieneusi was observed between research and tourist groups. CONCLUSION Although our data showed the presence and diversity of important opportunistic protists in Volcanoes gorillas, the source and the routes of the circulation remain unknown. Repeated individual sampling, broad sampling of other hosts sharing the habitat with gorillas and quantification of studied protists would be necessary to acquire more complex data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic
- Liberec Zoo, Liberec, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Mynářová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Pomajbíková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael R. Cranfield
- Gorilla Doctors, Karen C Drayer Wildlife Health Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Ladapo TA, Nourse P, Pillay K, Frean J, Birkhead M, Poonsamy B, Gajjar P. Microsporidiosis in pediatric renal transplant patients in Cape Town, South Africa: two case reports. Pediatr Transplant 2014; 18:E220-6. [PMID: 25132634 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are an emerging group of pathogens associated with life-threatening opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts, particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. There have, however, been recent reports of infection in adult solid organ transplant recipients. We report two cases in children, to our knowledge the first in the paediatric literature. Two 13-yr-old, HIV-seronegative females received deceased donor renal transplants from the same donor. Both patients suffered acute cell-mediated rejection and CMV infection reactivation, managed with intensified immunosuppression and ganciclovir. Pyrexia of unknown origin and intermittent diarrhea in both prompted extensive investigations. In both patients, numerous spores of a microsporidial species were demonstrated in renal tissue on biopsy and in the urine, using modified trichrome and quick-hot Gram-chromotrope staining. Electron microscopy and PCR confirmed Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections. Both patients were successfully treated with 400 mg twice daily of albendazole, with sustained clinical improvement. We recommend that microsporidiosis be considered in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin in severely immunocompromised pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, particularly when associated with diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo A Ladapo
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
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Seguel M, Howerth EW, Ritter J, Paredes E, Colegrove K, Gottdenker N. Encephalitozoonosis in 2 South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis) Pups. Vet Pathol 2014; 52:720-3. [PMID: 25248519 DOI: 10.1177/0300985814551424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral and disseminated encephalitozoonosis was diagnosed by histopathology, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry in 2 free-ranging South American fur seal pups found dead at Guafo Island (43°33'S 74°49'W) in southern Chile. In the brain, lesions were characterized by random foci of necrosis with large numbers of macrophages containing numerous microsporidial organisms within parasitophorous vacuoles. In addition, occasional histiocytes loaded with numerous mature and immature microsporidia spores consistent with Encephalitozoon sp were observed in pulmonary alveolar septa, splenic red pulp, glomerular capillaries, and proximal renal tubules by Gram and immunohistochemical stains. To our knowledge, microsporidial infection in a marine mammal species has not been previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seguel
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - E W Howerth
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - J Ritter
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E Paredes
- Department of Animal Pathology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - K Colegrove
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - N Gottdenker
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Hofmannová L, Sak B, Jekl V, Mináriková A, Škorič M, Kváč M. Lethal Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III infection in Steppe lemmings (Lagurus lagurus). Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:357-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Pathology of Experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Mice in Iraq. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:857036. [PMID: 24772366 PMCID: PMC3977525 DOI: 10.1155/2014/857036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate pathology of experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi (Iraqi isolate) infection in normal and immunosuppressed mice. Pathological changes were not seen in negative control mice while secondary bacterial infections were noted in the lungs, kidneys, and heart of mice given dexamethasone. Typical E. cuniculi infection lesions were found in brain, livers, lungs, and kidneys of mice given 10(7) E. cuniculi spores/mouse orally. These lesions were in the form of nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with vasculitis in brain, interstitial inflammation with infiltration of both lymphocytes and plasma cells in lung tissue, and nonsuppurative interstitial (focal and diffuse) nephritis, presence of vacuole containing mature and immature spores in enterocytes within the tips of villi, and lymphoiod hyperplasia of the white pulp and vasculitis of the intratrabecular vessels. Mice that were given 10(7) E. cuniculi spores/mouse orally showed lesions similar to those observed in the previous group (vasculitis and granulomas) but the lesions were more severe and widespread. In conclusion, this is the first report of experimental E. cuniculi infection induced by E. cuniculi isolated from a naturally infected rabbit in Iraq and that infection became more severe and widespread upon the administration of dexaethasone.
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