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Larocca L, Stolowicz FG, Vojnov AA, Cano Suarez F, Salvá L, Meli S, Carbajal-de-la-Fuente AL, Carrillo C. A simplified molecular tool for detecting the Chagas etiological agent using a vector feces sample in field conditions. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108161. [PMID: 38914370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Triatomine bugs are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease in the American continent. Here, we have tested a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for a direct detection of T. cruzi in feces of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of this parasite in the Southern Cone of America. The analytical evaluation showed positive results with samples of triatomine feces artificially inoculated with DNA from strains of T. cruzi corresponding to each Discrete Typing Units (I-VI), with a sensitivity of up to one parasite per reaction. Conversely, the reaction yielded negative results when tested with DNA from Trypanosoma rangeli and other phylogenetically related and unrelated organisms. In triatomines captured under real field conditions (from urban households), and defined as positive or negative for T. cruzi using the reference microscopy technique, the LAMP test achieved a concordance of 100 %. Our results demonstrate that this LAMP reaction exhibits excellent analytical specificity and sensitivity without interference from the fecal matrix, since all the reactions were conducted without purification steps. This simple molecular diagnostic technique can be easily used by vector control agencies under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Larocca
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein CONICET (ICT Milstein, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Fundación Cassará), Saladillo 2468, C1440FFX Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiana G Stolowicz
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein CONICET (ICT Milstein, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Fundación Cassará), Saladillo 2468, C1440FFX Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrian A Vojnov
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein CONICET (ICT Milstein, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Fundación Cassará), Saladillo 2468, C1440FFX Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Cano Suarez
- Ministerio de Salud Pública de San Juan, Programa de Control de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores, Santa Fe Este 950, J5402AAT San Juan, Argentina
| | - Liliana Salvá
- Ministerio de Salud Pública de San Juan, Programa de Control de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores, Santa Fe Este 950, J5402AAT San Juan, Argentina
| | - Sergio Meli
- Ministerio de Salud Pública de San Juan, Programa de Control de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores, Santa Fe Este 950, J5402AAT San Juan, Argentina
| | - Ana Laura Carbajal-de-la-Fuente
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigación en Endemo-Epidemias (CeNDIE)-Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos Malbrán" (ANLIS), Av. Paseo Colón 568 1er. Piso, C1063 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein CONICET (ICT Milstein, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Fundación Cassará), Saladillo 2468, C1440FFX Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Schaub GA. Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, Triatomines and the Microbiota of the Vectors-A Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:855. [PMID: 38792688 PMCID: PMC11123833 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, its vectors, triatomines, and the diverse intestinal microbiota of triatomines, which includes mutualistic symbionts, and highlights open questions. T. cruzi strains show great biological heterogeneity in their development and their interactions. Triatomines differ from other important vectors of diseases in their ontogeny and the enzymes used to digest blood. Many different bacteria colonize the intestinal tract of triatomines, but only Actinomycetales have been identified as mutualistic symbionts. Effects of the vector on T. cruzi are indicated by differences in the ability of T. cruzi to establish in the triatomines and in colonization peculiarities, i.e., proliferation mainly in the posterior midgut and rectum and preferential transformation into infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes in the rectum. In addition, certain forms of T. cruzi develop after feeding and during starvation of triatomines. Negative effects of T. cruzi on the triatomine vectors appear to be particularly evident when the triatomines are stressed and depend on the T. cruzi strain. Effects on the intestinal immunity of the triatomines are induced by ingested blood-stage trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and affect the populations of many non-symbiotic intestinal bacteria, but not all and not the mutualistic symbionts. After the knockdown of antimicrobial peptides, the number of non-symbiotic bacteria increases and the number of T. cruzi decreases. Presumably, in long-term infections, intestinal immunity is suppressed, which supports the growth of specific bacteria, depending on the strain of T. cruzi. These interactions may provide an approach to disrupt T. cruzi transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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3
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Silvestrini MMA, Alessio GD, Frias BED, Sales Júnior PA, Araújo MSS, Silvestrini CMA, Brito Alvim de Melo GE, Martins-Filho OA, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins HR. New insights into Trypanosoma cruzi genetic diversity, and its influence on parasite biology and clinical outcomes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1342431. [PMID: 38655255 PMCID: PMC11035809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1342431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health problem worldwide. The parasite was subdivided into six distinct genetic groups, called "discrete typing units" (DTUs), from TcI to TcVI. Several studies have indicated that the heterogeneity of T. cruzi species directly affects the diversity of clinical manifestations of Chagas disease, control, diagnosis performance, and susceptibility to treatment. Thus, this review aims to describe how T. cruzi genetic diversity influences the biology of the parasite and/or clinical parameters in humans. Regarding the geographic dispersion of T. cruzi, evident differences were observed in the distribution of DTUs in distinct areas. For example, TcII is the main DTU detected in Brazilian patients from the central and southeastern regions, where there are also registers of TcVI as a secondary T. cruzi DTU. An important aspect observed in previous studies is that the genetic variability of T. cruzi can impact parasite infectivity, reproduction, and differentiation in the vectors. It has been proposed that T. cruzi DTU influences the host immune response and affects disease progression. Genetic aspects of the parasite play an important role in determining which host tissues will be infected, thus heavily influencing Chagas disease's pathogenesis. Several teams have investigated the correlation between T. cruzi DTU and the reactivation of Chagas disease. In agreement with these data, it is reasonable to suppose that the immunological condition of the patient, whether or not associated with the reactivation of the T. cruzi infection and the parasite strain, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. In this context, understanding the genetics of T. cruzi and its biological and clinical implications will provide new knowledge that may contribute to additional strategies in the diagnosis and clinical outcome follow-up of patients with Chagas disease, in addition to the reactivation of immunocompromised patients infected with T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glaucia Diniz Alessio
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Estefânia Diniz Frias
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Policarpo Ademar Sales Júnior
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Márcio Sobreira Silva Araújo
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
- Integrated Biomarker Research Group, René Rachou Institute, Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helen Rodrigues Martins
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Gutiérrez SA, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernández C, Cantillo-Barraza O, Álvarez F, Blanco M, Leal B, Martínez L, Medina M, Medina M, Valdivieso S, Ramírez JD. An Outbreak of Acute Chagas Disease Possibly Spread through Oral Transmission Involving Animal Reservoirs in Eastern Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:36-39. [PMID: 37956445 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Reports of CD cases associated with oral transmission have increased, particularly in Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela. In this investigation, parasitological, serological, and molecular tests were conducted on samples obtained from humans, mammal reservoirs, and hosts involved in the assessment of a suspected oral transmission outbreak in Cubara, Boyaca, Colombia. Seropositivity was observed in 60% (3 of 5) of index patients and 6.4% (5 of 78) of close contacts. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 100% of index cases, 6.4% (5 of 78) of close contacts, 60% (6 of 10) of canines, and 100% (5 of 5) of opossums. In all index cases, the TcI lineage was identified, along with two cases of mixed infection (TcI/TcII-TcVI). Hemoculture revealed a flagellate presence in 80% of opossums, whereas all triatomine bugs tested negative. Our findings suggest a potential oral transmission route through contamination with opossum secretions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stivenn A Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Lissa Cruz-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Centro de Tecnología en Salud, Innovaseq SAS, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - Francisco Álvarez
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Blanco
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud de Arauca, Arauca, Colombia
| | - Bernardo Leal
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Lida Martínez
- Grupo de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Medina
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Mabel Medina
- Programa de Control de ETV, Secretaría de Salud de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | | | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Shelton WJ, Gonzalez JM. Outcomes of patients in Chagas disease of the central nervous system: a systematic review. Parasitology 2024; 151:15-23. [PMID: 37987164 PMCID: PMC10941035 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. One of the complications of the disease is the infection of the central nervous system (CNS), as it can result from either the acute phase or by reactivation during the chronic phase, exhibiting high mortality in immunocompromised patients. This systematic review aimed to determine clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with Chagas disease in the CNS. Articles were searched from PubMed, Scopus and LILACS until January 2023. From 2325 articles, 59 case reports and 13 case series of patients with Chagas in the CNS were retrieved from which 138 patients were identified. In this population, 77% of the patients were male, with a median age of 35 years old, from which most of them came from Argentina and Brazil. Most of the individuals were immunocompromised from which 89% were HIV-positive, and 54 patients had an average of 48 cells per mm3 CD4+ T cells. Motor deficits and seizures were the most common manifestation of CNS compromise. Furthermore, 90 patients had a documented CNS lesion by imaging from which 89% were supratentorial and 86% were in the anterior/middle cranial fossa. The overall mortality was of 74%. Among patients who were empirically treated with anti-toxoplasma drugs, 70% died. This review shows how Chagas disease in the CNS is a devastating complication requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve patients’ outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Shelton
- Grupo de Ciencias Básicas Medicas, School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - John M. Gonzalez
- Grupo de Ciencias Básicas Medicas, School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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6
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Kaufman CD, Farré C, Biscari L, Pérez AR, Alloatti A. Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas disease and cancer: putting together the pieces of a complex puzzle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1260423. [PMID: 38188016 PMCID: PMC10768204 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1260423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the extensive and widespread impact on individuals, cancer can presently be categorized as a pandemic. In many instances, the development of tumors has been linked to endemic microbe infections. Among parasitic infections, Trypanosoma cruzi stands out as one of the most extensively discussed protozoans in the literature that explores the association between diseases of parasite origin and cancer. However, the effective association remains an unsolved paradox. Both the parasite, along with protozoan-derived molecules, and the associated antiparasitic immune response can induce alterations in various host cell pathways, leading to modifications in cell cycle, metabolism, glycosylation, DNA mutations, or changes in neuronal signaling. Furthermore, the presence of the parasite can trigger cell death or a senescent phenotype and modulate the immune system, the metastatic cascade, and the formation of new blood vessels. The interaction among the parasite (and its molecules), the host, and cancer undoubtedly encompasses various mechanisms that operate differentially depending on the context. Remarkably, contrary to expectations, the evidence tilts the balance toward inhibiting tumor growth or resisting tumor development. This effect is primarily observed in malignant cells, rather than normal cells, indicating a selective or specific component. Nevertheless, nonspecific bystander mechanisms, such as T. cruzi's adjuvancy or the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, may also play a significant role in this phenomenon. This work aims to elucidate this complex scenario by synthesizing the main findings presented in the literature and by proposing new questions and answers, thereby adding pieces to this challenging puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Daniela Kaufman
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Farré
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Lucía Biscari
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrés Alloatti
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario (IDICER), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
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Zingales B, Macedo AM. Fifteen Years after the Definition of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs: What Have We Learned? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2339. [PMID: 38137940 PMCID: PMC10744745 DOI: 10.3390/life13122339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causative of Chagas disease (ChD), exhibits striking genetic and phenotypic intraspecific diversity, along with ecoepidemiological complexity. Human-pathogen interactions lead to distinct clinical presentations of ChD. In 2009, an international consensus classified T. cruzi strains into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI to TcVI, later including TcBat, and proposed reproducible genotyping schemes for DTU identification. This article aims to review the impact of classifying T. cruzi strains into DTUs on our understanding of biological, ecoepidemiological, and pathogenic aspects of T. cruzi. We will explore the likely origin of DTUs and the intrinsic characteristics of each group of strains concerning genome organization, genomics, and susceptibility to drugs used in ChD treatment. We will also provide an overview of the association of DTUs with mammalian reservoirs, and summarize the geographic distribution, and the clinical implications, of prevalent specific DTUs in ChD patients. Throughout this review, we will emphasize the crucial roles of both parasite and human genetics in defining ChD pathogenesis and chemotherapy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa M. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
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8
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Morales-Velásquez M, Barón-Vera JP, Pulgarín-Osorio MI, Sánchez-Jiménez MM, Ospina-Villa JD. Identification of the ATPase alpha subunit of Trypanosoma cruzi as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of Chagas disease. Biomarkers 2023; 28:599-607. [PMID: 37667642 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2023.2255756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD) is considered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) a neglected disease endemic to the Americas, but it has spread throughout the world due to migrations. The disease is almost 100% curable if detected in time. Still, the lack of rapid diagnostic tests with sufficient sensitivity and specificity leads to a chronic phase with a mortality of about 50,000 people worldwide per year. METHODS Using the total proteins extracted from serum samples of patients confirmed with chronic phase CD; we performed the Bio-SELEX strategy. The best aptamers were selected using next-generation sequencing (NGS) based on their most abundant sequences (reads and rpm). Then, selected aptamers were used to isolate potential biomarkers directly from serum samples of patients with chronic phase CD using pull-down and mass spectrometry experiments. RESULTS CH1 aptamer was the aptamer selected after the NGS results analysis. The pull-down and mass spectrometry experiments identified the presence of the ATPase alpha subunit of T. cruzi circulating in serum samples of patients with chronic phase CD. CONCLUSIONS We report the ATPase alpha subunit of T. cruzi as a potential biomarker for chronic phase CD and CH1 aptamer as a potential tool for diagnosing CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morales-Velásquez
- Tropical Medicine, Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical - ICMT, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - J P Barón-Vera
- Tropical Medicine, Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical - ICMT, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - M I Pulgarín-Osorio
- Tropical Medicine, Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical - ICMT, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - M M Sánchez-Jiménez
- Tropical Medicine, Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical - ICMT, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - J D Ospina-Villa
- Tropical Medicine, Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical - ICMT, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
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Correia N, Paschoaletto L, Reigada C, Gonçalves TCM, Moreira CJDC, Costa J. Experimental Hybrids of the Triatoma brasiliensis Species Complex Show Higher Susceptibility to the Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Than Their Parentals. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2850. [PMID: 38137994 PMCID: PMC10745812 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122850] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Triatoma brasiliensis species complex is a monophyletic group encompassing two subspecies and six species. Recently, a hybrid zone of members of this complex was recorded in the state of Pernambuco. Questions concerning the capability of the hybrids to become infected with Trypanosoma cruzi have been raised. This study aimed to compare the susceptibility of Triatoma b. brasiliensis, Triatoma juazeirensis, and their experimental hybrids to infection with T. cruzi. We infected the parentals and their experimental hybrids (obtained through reciprocal crosses) through artificial feeding with citrated rabbit blood, to which the TcI 0354 strain of T. cruzi had been added. The insects were weighed before and after feeding on the rabbit blood, and then they were dissected on the 10th, 20th, and 30th day after infection. Both the hybrids and the parentals remained infected throughout the experiment. The parasite was mostly found in the epimastigote form. The number of epimastigotes was significantly lower in the stomach and small intestine of T. juazeirensis than in the hybrids or in T. b. brasiliensis. A significantly higher percentage of metacyclic trypomastigotes was detected in the small intestine and rectum of the hybrids. Hybrids demonstrated higher susceptibility to the TcI 0354 strain than their parentals, opening up new avenues to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Correia
- Entomology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil;
| | - Letícia Paschoaletto
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil;
| | - Carolina Reigada
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, São Carlos University, UFSCAR, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil;
| | - Teresa Cristina Monte Gonçalves
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Entomological Surveillance of Diptera and Hemiptera, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil;
| | | | - Jane Costa
- National and International Reference Laboratory in Taxonomy of Triatomines, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
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Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Skjefte M, Longhi S, Escabia E, García LJ, Ros-Lucas A, Martínez-Peinado N, Muñoz-Calderón A, Gascón J, Schijman AG, Alonso-Padilla J. Practical diagnostic algorithms for Chagas disease: a focus on low resource settings. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:1287-1299. [PMID: 37933443 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2279110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease, caused by parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is the most important neglected tropical disease in the Americas. Two drugs are available for treatment, but access to them is challenging, in part due to complex diagnostic algorithms. These are stage-dependent, involve multiple tests, and are ill-adapted to the reality of vast areas where the disease is endemic. Molecular and serologic tools are used to detect acute and chronic infections, with the performance of the latter showing geographic differences. Breakthroughs in the development of new diagnostic tools include the validation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for acute infections (T. cruzi-LAMP), and the regional validation of several rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for chronic infection, which simplify testing in resource-limited settings. The literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE database until 1 August 2023. AREAS COVERED This review outlines existing algorithms, and proposes new ones focused on point-of-care testing. EXPERT OPINION Integrating point-of-care testing into existing diagnostic algorithms in certain endemic areas will increase access to timely diagnosis and treatment. However, additional research is needed to validate the use of these techniques across a wider geography, and to better understand the cost-effectiveness of their large-scale implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malia Skjefte
- Population Services International (PSI), Washington, MA, USA
| | - Silvia Longhi
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr Héctor Torres", INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lady Juliette García
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr Héctor Torres", INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nieves Martínez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arturo Muñoz-Calderón
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr Héctor Torres", INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquim Gascón
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gabriel Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr Héctor Torres", INGEBI-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Marin-Neto JA, Rassi A, Oliveira GMM, Correia LCL, Ramos Júnior AN, Luquetti AO, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Sousa ASD, Paola AAVD, Sousa ACS, Ribeiro ALP, Correia Filho D, Souza DDSMD, Cunha-Neto E, Ramires FJA, Bacal F, Nunes MDCP, Martinelli Filho M, Scanavacca MI, Saraiva RM, Oliveira Júnior WAD, Lorga-Filho AM, Guimarães ADJBDA, Braga ALL, Oliveira ASD, Sarabanda AVL, Pinto AYDN, Carmo AALD, Schmidt A, Costa ARD, Ianni BM, Markman Filho B, Rochitte CE, Macêdo CT, Mady C, Chevillard C, Virgens CMBD, Castro CND, Britto CFDPDC, Pisani C, Rassi DDC, Sobral Filho DC, Almeida DRD, Bocchi EA, Mesquita ET, Mendes FDSNS, Gondim FTP, Silva GMSD, Peixoto GDL, Lima GGD, Veloso HH, Moreira HT, Lopes HB, Pinto IMF, Ferreira JMBB, Nunes JPS, Barreto-Filho JAS, Saraiva JFK, Lannes-Vieira J, Oliveira JLM, Armaganijan LV, Martins LC, Sangenis LHC, Barbosa MPT, Almeida-Santos MA, Simões MV, Yasuda MAS, Moreira MDCV, Higuchi MDL, Monteiro MRDCC, Mediano MFF, Lima MM, Oliveira MTD, Romano MMD, Araujo NNSLD, Medeiros PDTJ, Alves RV, Teixeira RA, Pedrosa RC, Aras Junior R, Torres RM, Povoa RMDS, Rassi SG, Alves SMM, Tavares SBDN, Palmeira SL, Silva Júnior TLD, Rodrigues TDR, Madrini Junior V, Brant VMDC, Dutra WO, Dias JCP. SBC Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Cardiomyopathy of Chagas Disease - 2023. Arq Bras Cardiol 2023; 120:e20230269. [PMID: 37377258 PMCID: PMC10344417 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Marin-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | - Anis Rassi
- Hospital do Coração Anis Rassi , Goiânia , GO - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Alejandro Ostermayer Luquetti
- Centro de Estudos da Doença de Chagas , Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás , Goiânia , GO - Brasil
| | | | - Andréa Silvestre de Sousa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Antônio Carlos Sobral Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe , São Cristóvão , SE - Brasil
- Hospital São Lucas , Rede D`Or São Luiz , Aracaju , SE - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade, São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Felix Jose Alvarez Ramires
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Fernando Bacal
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Martino Martinelli Filho
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Maurício Ibrahim Scanavacca
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Roberto Magalhães Saraiva
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Adalberto Menezes Lorga-Filho
- Instituto de Moléstias Cardiovasculares , São José do Rio Preto , SP - Brasil
- Hospital de Base de Rio Preto , São José do Rio Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Adriana Sarmento de Oliveira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Ana Yecê das Neves Pinto
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Andre Schmidt
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | - Andréa Rodrigues da Costa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | - Barbara Maria Ianni
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Carlos Eduardo Rochitte
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
- Hcor , Associação Beneficente Síria , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Charles Mady
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Christophe Chevillard
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Marselha - França
| | | | | | | | - Cristiano Pisani
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Edimar Alcides Bocchi
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Evandro Tinoco Mesquita
- Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Faculdade Federal Fluminense , Niterói , RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Henrique Horta Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | - Henrique Turin Moreira
- Hospital das Clínicas , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - João Paulo Silva Nunes
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
- Fundação Zerbini, Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Cláudio Martins
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Faculdade de Ciências Médicas , Campinas , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Vinicius Simões
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia (INC), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | - Mayara Maia Lima
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde , Ministério da Saúde , Brasília , DF - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Renato Vieira Alves
- Instituto René Rachou , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , MG - Brasil
| | - Ricardo Alkmim Teixeira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Roberto Coury Pedrosa
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho , Instituto do Coração Edson Saad - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Marinho Martins Alves
- Ambulatório de Doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico Universitário da Universidade de Pernambuco (PROCAPE/UPE), Recife , PE - Brasil
| | | | - Swamy Lima Palmeira
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde , Ministério da Saúde , Brasília , DF - Brasil
| | | | | | - Vagner Madrini Junior
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Pinto Dias
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
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12
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Talvani A, Teixeira MM. Experimental Trypanosoma cruzi Infection and Chagas Disease-A Word of Caution. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1613. [PMID: 37375115 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physician Carlos Chagas (1879-1934) described the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and discovered a new illness named American trypanosomiases or Chagas disease (Chagas, 1909) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- André Talvani
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia da Inflamação, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, ICEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-136, MG, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Nutrição, Escola de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-145, MG, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
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13
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Morales ME, Campo Verde Arbocco F, Muñoz-San Martín C, Abba AM, Ríos TA, Cassini GH, Cattan PE, Jahn GA, Superina M. High Trypanosoma cruzi prevalence in armadillo (Zaedyus pichiy; Xenarthra: Chlamyphoridae) populations from Mendoza, Argentina. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07861-z. [PMID: 37184599 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Armadillos are considered important reservoir hosts for Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The first report of T. cruzi infection in pichis (Zaedyus pichiy), a small armadillo species endemic to central Argentina and Chile, dates back to 1935. However, more recent reports on T. cruzi in this species are scarce. The objective of this study was to assess T. cruzi infection and parasite load in Z. pichiy from Mendoza Province, an area endemic to human Chagas disease. Blood samples were obtained in 2014-2016 from pichis from Lavalle (low Monte), Malargüe (Patagonian steppe), and San Carlos (ecotone) departments, Mendoza Province, Argentina. The detection and quantification of T. cruzi was performed through qPCR amplification using satellite primers. Of the 265 analyzed samples, 201 (76%) were positive for T. cruzi. Parasite loads varied between < 0.1-55.8 parasite-equivalents/mL (par-eq/mL), with a median of 1.1 par-eq/mL in quantifiable samples. The prevalence was similar in Malargüe and Lavalle (85-94%), but significantly lower in pichis from San Carlos (50%). Animals from Lavalle captured after hibernation had significantly higher parasite loads (median 2.0 par-eq/mL). In Malargüe, T. cruzi infection and parasite loads were significantly lower before than after hibernation in 2016. The high prevalence and low median parasite load suggest a chronic and persistent infection of T. cruzi in pichis. Regional differences and a marked increase in precipitation during 2015-2016 could have influenced annual and seasonal infection rates of this vector-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa E Morales
- Laboratorio de Medicina Y Endocrinología de La Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU, UNCuyo - CONICET, Av. Dr. Adrian Ruiz Leal S/N, Parque General San Martín, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arbocco
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Y Lactancia, IMBECU, UNCuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Catalina Muñoz-San Martín
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias Y Agronómicas, Universidad de Las Américas, Campus Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Agustín M Abba
- CEPAVE, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Tatiana A Ríos
- CEPAVE, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - CONICET, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Guillermo H Cassini
- División Mastozoología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" (MACN-BR - CONICET), Av. Angel Gallardo 490, C1405DJR, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Ruta 5 Y Av. Constitución, Luján (B), 6700, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro E Cattan
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Graciela A Jahn
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Y Lactancia, IMBECU, UNCuyo - CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Mariella Superina
- Laboratorio de Medicina Y Endocrinología de La Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU, UNCuyo - CONICET, Av. Dr. Adrian Ruiz Leal S/N, Parque General San Martín, Mendoza, Argentina.
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14
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Garcez EM, Gomes N, Moraes AS, Pogue R, Uenishi RH, Hecht M, Carvalho JL. Extracellular vesicles in the context of Chagas Disease - A systematic review. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106899. [PMID: 36935050 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicle (EVs) traffic is considered an important cellular communication process between cells that can be part of a single organism or belong to different living beings. The relevance of EV-mediated cellular communication is increasingly studied and appreciated, especially in relation to pathological conditions, including parasitic disorders, in which the EV release and uptake processes have been documented. In the context of Chagas Disease (CD), EVs have been explored, however, current data have not been systematically revised in order to provide an overview of the published literature and the main results obtained thus far. In this systematic review, 25 studies involving the investigation of EVs in CD were identified. The studies involved Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc)-derived EVs (Tc-EVs), as well as EVs derived from T. cruzi-infected mammalian cells-derived EVs, mainly isolated by ultracentrifugation and poorly characterized. The objectives of the identified studies included the characterization of the protein and RNA cargo of Tc-EVs, as well as investigation of EVs in parasitic infections and immune-related processes. Overall, our systematic review reveals that EVs play critical roles in several mechanisms related to the interaction between T. cruzi and mammalian hosts, their contribution to immune system evasion by the parasite, and to chronic inflammation in the host. Future studies will benefit from the consolidation of isolation and characterization methods, as well as the elucidation of the role of EVs in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emãnuella Melgaço Garcez
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nélio Gomes
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Aline Silva Moraes
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Robert Pogue
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program. Catholic University of Brasília, 71966-700, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Rosa Harumi Uenishi
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Mariana Hecht
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program. Catholic University of Brasília, 71966-700, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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15
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Resisting an invasion: A review of the triatomine vector (Kissing bug) defense strategies against a Trypanosoma sp infection. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106745. [PMID: 36375520 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106745] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Triatomines are an important group of insects in the Americas. They serve as transmission vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent responsible for the deadly Chagas disease in humans. The digenetic parasite has a complex life cycle, alternating between mammalian and insect hosts, facing different environments. In the insect vector, the metacyclic trypomastigote (non-replicative) and epimastigote (replicative) stages face a set of insect-mediated environmental changes, such as intestinal pH, body temperature, nutrient availability, and vector immune response. These insects have the ability to differentiate between self and non-self-particles using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodules and encapsulation), humoral factors, including effector mechanisms (antimicrobial peptides and prophenoloxidase cascade) and the intestinal microbiota. Here, we consolidate and synthesize the available literature to describe the defense mechanisms deployed by the triatomine vector against the parasite, as documented in recent years, the possible mechanisms developed by the parasite to protect against the insect's specific microenvironment and innate immune responses, and future perspectives on the Triatomine-Trypanosome interaction.
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16
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Development and Application of an Assay to Evaluate the Anti-Parasitic Effect of Humoral Responses against Trypanosoma cruzi. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020241. [PMID: 36838206 PMCID: PMC9966445 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting a balanced and robust humoral immune response is of utmost importance for reducing the infectivity of Trypanosoma cruzi. While the role of such a response in controlling the infection is well known, there is a lack of tools that can be used to quickly evaluate it. We developed a serum parasite inhibition assay (to evaluate changes in the parasite infection after exposing infective T. cruzi trypomastigotes to serum samples from infected patients). It is based on Vero cells as the hosts and the Tulahuen β-galactosidase parasite strain, genetically engineered to be quantifiable by spectrophotometry. In parallel, we developed an in-house ELISA to correlate the anti-T. cruzi antibody titres of the clinical samples with their observed anti-parasitic effect in the serum parasite inhibition assay. Serum samples from chronically T. cruzi-infected patients significantly inhibited parasite invasion in a titre-dependant manner, regardless of the patient's clinical status, compared to samples from the non-infected controls. In addition, there was a clear correlation between the reactivity of the samples to the whole-parasite lysates by ELISA and the inhibitory effect. The results of this work confirm the previously described anti-parasitic effect of the serum of individuals exposed to T. cruzi and present a framework for its large-scale evaluation in further studies. The serum parasite inhibition assay represents a reproducible way to evaluate the intensity and anti-parasitic effect of humoral responses against T. cruzi, which could be applied to the evaluation of candidate antigens/epitopes in the design of Chagas disease vaccine candidates.
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Pimenta BL, Menezes TP, Louise V, Dias FCR, Machado BAA, Ribeiro L, Pinto KMDC, Talvani A. Protective effects of Theracurmin treatment during experimental infection of the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi at the testicular site. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1143360. [PMID: 37033490 PMCID: PMC10079985 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1143360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas' disease is a tropical neglected illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and remains one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in South and Central Americas. The disease is caused by a moderate to intense and persistent inflammatory response characterized by local upregulated expression and production of inflammatory mediators that favors the activation and recruitment of distinct cells of the immune system into different tissues to eliminate the parasites. Theracurmin is a curcumin's derived formulation of nanoparticles. Its anti-inflammatory properties make this bioactive compound a mitigating factor in pathological cases after an overwhelming inflammatory response. Methods Our research focused on the testicular investigation in 28 mice infected by 103 trypomastigote forms of Colombian strain of T. cruzi and preventively treated with Theracurmin. The mice were treated with 30 mg/Kg of Theracurmin during the period of 30 days. At the 30th day post infection animals were euthanized, and its testicles were collected to morphological and immunological assays. Results The animals infected and treated with Theracurmin presented a reduction in the testicular levels of IL-15 and IL-6. The volume density (%) of the tunica propria was also higher in all infected animals, but Theracurmin decreased this parameter in the treated animals. In the intertubular area, the percentage of some intertubular components was decreased in the infected animals such as the percentage and volume of Leydig cells, connective tissue, and macrophages. Discussion Furthermore, our data pointed to the daily use of Theracurmin in the diet as a protective element of the testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Luiz Pimenta
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prata Menezes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Andre Talvani, ; Tatiana Prata Menezes,
| | - Vitória Louise
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Bianca Alves Almeida Machado
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lais Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratory of Physiology of Exercise, School of Physical Education, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andre Talvani
- Laboratory of Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Post-Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Health and Nutrition Post-Graduate Program, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Andre Talvani, ; Tatiana Prata Menezes,
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18
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Vásconez-González J, Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Fernandez-Naranjo R, Gamez-Rivera E, Tello-De-la-Torre A, Guerrero-Castillo GS, Ruiz-Sosa C, Ortiz-Prado E. Severe Chagas disease in Ecuador: a countrywide geodemographic epidemiological analysis from 2011 to 2021. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1172955. [PMID: 37143984 PMCID: PMC10151800 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1172955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a neglected and often forgotten tropical disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite can be transmitted through the direct contact of human skin with feces and urine of the triatomine insect. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 6-7 million people are infected worldwide, killing at least 14,000 every year. The disease has been reported in 20 of the 24 provinces of Ecuador, with El Oro, Guayas, and Loja being the most affected. Methodology We analyzed the morbidity and mortality rates of severe Chagas disease in Ecuador on a nationwide, population-based level. Hospitalization cases and deaths were also examined based on altitude, including low (< 2,500 m) and high (> 2,500 m) altitudes, according to the International Society. Data was retrieved from the National Institute of Statistics and Census hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality databases from 2011 to 2021. Results A total of 118 patients have been hospitalized in Ecuador since 2011 due to Chagas disease. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 69.4% (N = 82). Men have a higher incidence rate (4.8/1,000,000) than women, although women have a significantly higher mortality rate than men (6.9/1,000,000). Conclusion Chagas disease is a severe parasitic condition that primarily affects rural and poorer areas of Ecuador. Men are more likely to be infected due to differences in work and sociocultural activities. Using average elevation data, we conducted a geodemographic analysis to assess incidence rates by altitude. Our findings indicate that the disease is more common at low and moderate altitudes, but recent increases in cases at higher altitudes suggest that environmental changes, such as global warming, could be driving the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors in previously unaffected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Vásconez-González
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Raul Fernandez-Naranjo
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Esteban Gamez-Rivera
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Tello-De-la-Torre
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Carlos Ruiz-Sosa
- Postgraduate in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: Esteban Ortiz-Prado,
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Limeira CH, Oliveira MD, Júnior JPA, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, Silva MLCR, Azevedo SS, Alves CJ. Molecular detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in equids in a semiarid zone of Pernambuco - Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 37:100815. [PMID: 36623895 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100815] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected and frequently occurring zoonosis in Central and South American countries. Wild mammals and domestic dogs are the main reservoirs of the parasite in the wild and domestic cycles, respectively. The vectors have a wide variety of food sources that can influence transmission cycles. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in donkeys (Equus asininos) and mules (Equus mulus) living in rural areas of the Brazilian semi-arid region. Whole-blood samples from 72 equids (65 donkeys and 7 mules) were analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR). A total of 51.39% of the samples (37/72) were positive. Phylogenetic analysis identified discrete typing units TcI and TcII, which suggested the possibility that donkeys and mules might be participating in domestic/peridomestic and wild transmission cycles. This was the first report of T. cruzi infection in donkeys and mules in Brazil, with high prevalence of positive animals. This places these animals as potential reservoirs for the parasite and the particular features of these hosts, the presence of vectors and the socioeconomic characteristics of the population under semiarid conditions create interactions that may favor transmission and overlapping T. cruzi infection cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clécio Henrique Limeira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Av. Universitária s/n, CEP 58708-110 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | - Murilo Duarte Oliveira
- Instituto Federal de Educação do Sertão Pernambucano, Rodovia BR 232, km 508, Salgueiro, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
- Instituto de Biotecnologia (IBTEC), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Alameda das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, CEP 18607-440 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Dantas Malossi
- Instituto de Biotecnologia (IBTEC), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Alameda das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, CEP 18607-440 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Instituto de Biotecnologia (IBTEC), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Alameda das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, CEP 18607-440 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Avenida Senador Filinto Müller, 2443, Pioneiros, CEP 79070-900 Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Av. Universitária s/n, CEP 58708-110 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Av. Universitária s/n, CEP 58708-110 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Av. Universitária s/n, CEP 58708-110 Patos, Paraíba, Brazil
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Accessing the Variability of Multicopy Genes in Complex Genomes using Unassembled Next-Generation Sequencing Reads: The Case of Trypanosoma cruzi Multigene Families. mBio 2022; 13:e0231922. [PMID: 36264102 PMCID: PMC9765020 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02319-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive elements cause assembly fragmentation in complex eukaryotic genomes, limiting the study of their variability. The genome of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, has a high repetitive content, including multigene families. Although many T. cruzi multigene families encode surface proteins that play pivotal roles in host-parasite interactions, their variability is currently underestimated, as their high repetitive content results in collapsed gene variants. To estimate sequence variability and copy number variation of multigene families, we developed a read-based approach that is independent of gene-specific read mapping and de novo assembly. This methodology was used to estimate the copy number and variability of MASP, TcMUC, and Trans-Sialidase (TS), the three largest T. cruzi multigene families, in 36 strains, including members of all six parasite discrete typing units (DTUs). We found that these three families present a specific pattern of variability and copy number among the distinct parasite DTUs. Inter-DTU hybrid strains presented a higher variability of these families, suggesting that maintaining a larger content of their members could be advantageous. In addition, in a chronic murine model and chronic Chagasic human patients, the immune response was focused on TS antigens, suggesting that targeting TS conserved sequences could be a potential avenue to improve diagnosis and vaccine design against Chagas disease. Finally, the proposed approach can be applied to study multicopy genes in any organism, opening new avenues to access sequence variability in complex genomes. IMPORTANCE Sequences that have several copies in a genome, such as multicopy-gene families, mobile elements, and microsatellites, are among the most challenging genomic segments to study. They are frequently underestimated in genome assemblies, hampering the correct assessment of these important players in genome evolution and adaptation. Here, we developed a new methodology to estimate variability and copy numbers of repetitive genomic regions and employed it to characterize the T. cruzi multigene families MASP, TcMUC, and transsialidase (TS), which are important virulence factors in this parasite. We showed that multigene families vary in sequence and content among the parasite's lineages, whereas hybrid strains have a higher sequence variability that could be advantageous to the parasite's survivability. By identifying conserved sequences within multigene families, we showed that the mammalian host immune response toward these multigene families is usually focused on the TS multigene family. These TS conserved and immunogenic peptides can be explored in future works as diagnostic targets or vaccine candidates for Chagas disease. Finally, this methodology can be easily applied to any organism of interest, which will aid in our understanding of complex genomic regions.
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Carvalho AMRS, Ferraz IDA, Hojo-Souza NS, Medeiros FAC, Viana LA, Bartholomeu DC, Chaves AT, de Souza TM, Costa e Silva MF, Mendes TADO, Duarte MC, Rocha MODC, Menezes-Souza D. Chagas cardiomyopathy is associated with a high susceptibility to T. cruzi infection in monocyte-derived macrophages and a predominance of CD4+CD45RO+ T-cells with immunoregulatory patterns. Acta Trop 2022; 237:106749. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Parasitemia and Differential Tissue Tropism in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Isolates Obtained from Meccus phyllosoma in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101141. [PMID: 36297198 PMCID: PMC9607563 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101141] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasite transmitted by the feces of triatomines. Many triatomine species are found in Mexico, and various T. cruzi variants have been isolated from these species, each showing very different virulence and cell tropism. The isolates were obtained from Meccus phyllosoma specimens in three localities in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico: Tehuantitla, Vixhana, and Guichivere. The virulence of each isolate was assessed by quantifying parasitemia, survival, and histopathologic findings. The lineage of each isolate was identified using the mini-exon gene. The expression of the tssa gene during infection was detected in the heart, esophagus, gastrocnemius, and brain. Our results show that the maximum post-infection parasitemia was higher for the Tehuantitla isolate. On genotyping, all isolates were identified as T. cruzi I. The amastigotes in the heart and gastrocnemius were verified for all isolates, but in the brain only for Tehuantitla and Vixhana. The tssa expression allowed us to detect T. cruzi isolates, for Tehuantitla, predominantly in the heart. For Vixhana, a higher tssa expression was detected in gastrocnemius, and for Guichivere, it was higher in the esophagus. Results show that virulence, tropism, and tssa expression can vary, even when the isolates are derived from the same vector species, in the same region, and at similar altitudes.
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23
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Atella T, Bittencourt-Cunha PR, Araujo MFC, Silva-Cardoso L, Maya-Monteiro CM, Atella GC. Trypanosoma cruzi modulates lipid metabolism and highjacks phospholipids from the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106552. [PMID: 35671784 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is potentially life-threatening and caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite cannot synthesize some lipids and depends on the uptake of these lipids from its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. To achieve this, T. cruzi may need to modify the physiology of the insect host for its own benefit. In this study, we investigated the interaction of T. cruzi (Y strain) with its insect vector Rhodnius prolixus and how it manipulates the vector lipid metabolism. We observed a physiological change in lipid flux in of infected insects. In the fat body of infected insects, triacylglycerol levels decreased by 80.6% and lipid storage droplet-1(LSD-1) mRNA levels were lower, when compared to controls. Lipid sequestration by infected midguts led to increased levels of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and activation in the fat body, inhibiting the synthesis of fatty acids and stimulating their oxidation. This led to reduced lipid levels in the fat body of infected insets, despite the fact that T. cruzi does not colonize this tissue. There was a 3-fold increase, in lipid uptake and synthesis in the midgut of infected insects. Finally, our results suggest that the parasite modifies the lipid flux and metabolism of its vector R. prolixus through the increase in lipid delivery from the fat body to midgut that are then scavenge by T cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 343 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941902, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - P R Bittencourt-Cunha
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 343 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - M F C Araujo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 343 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L Silva-Cardoso
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 343 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C M Maya-Monteiro
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - G C Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 343 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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