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Kenarkoohi A, Abdoli A, Rostamzad A, Rashnavadi M, Naserifar R, Abdi J, Shams M, Bozorgomid A, Saeb S, Al-Fahad D, Khezri K, Falahi S. Presence of CRISPR CAS-Like Sequences as a Proposed Mechanism for Horizontal Genetic Exchanges between Trichomonas vaginalis and Its Associated Virus: A Comparative Genomic Analysis with the First Report of a Putative CRISPR CAS Structures in Eukaryotic Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:8069559. [PMID: 38058394 PMCID: PMC10696477 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8069559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Trichomonas vaginalis genome is among the largest genome size and coding capacities. Combinations of gene duplications, transposon, repeated sequences, and lateral gene transfers (LGTs) have contributed to the unexpected large genomic size and diversity. This study is aimed at investigating genomic exchange and seeking for presence of the CRISPR CAS system as one of the possible mechanisms for some level of genetic exchange. Material and Methods. In this comparative analysis, 398 publicly available Trichomonas vaginalis complete genomes were investigated for the presence of CRISPR CAS. Spacer sequences were also analyzed for their origin using BLAST. Results We identified a CRISPR CAS (Cas3). CRISPR spacers are highly similar to transposable genetic elements such as viruses of protozoan parasites, especially megavirals, some transposons, and, interestingly, papillomavirus and HIV-1 in a few cases. Discussion. There is a striking similarity between the prokaryotes/Archaean CRISPR and what we find as eukaryotic CRISPR. About 5-10% of the 398 T. vaginalis possess a CRISPR structure. Conclusion According to sequences and their organization, we assume that these repeated sequences and spacer, along with their mentioned features, could be the eukaryotic homolog of prokaryotes and Archaean CRISPR systems and may involve in a process similar to the CRISPR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Kenarkoohi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Centre, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Arman Rostamzad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Razi Naserifar
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Jahangir Abdi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Arezoo Bozorgomid
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sepideh Saeb
- Qaen School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Dhurgham Al-Fahad
- Pharmaceutical Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Kosar Khezri
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Shahab Falahi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Alikhani M, Akhoundi M, Sereno D, Abdi J, Naserifar R, Mahmoudi MR, Mirzaei A. Molecular characterization of Trichomonas infections in women of Ilam City, southwestern Iran. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1631-1638. [PMID: 35332380 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07492-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the flagellated protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Little information is available on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. vaginalis in Ilam City, southwestern Iran. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out between July 2017 and December 2018 on the suspected women patients referred to eight gynecology clinics of Ilam City for probable Trichomonas infection. They were undergone a set of clinical, parasitological, and molecular examinations. During clinical consultation, posterior vaginal fornix secretions and urine samples were gathered from the participants. For the reasons such as physical conditions and cultural and religious constraints, most of participating women, especially young girls due to their virginity, preferred to give urine samples instead of vaginal discharge. The presence of Trichomonas was diagnosed by microscopic examination and molecular detection using conventional PCR targeting ITS1-rDNA. A total of 1765 suspected individuals were examined clinically via vaginal secretions (495 specimens) and urine samples (1270 specimens). Of them, 21 (1.18%) cases, including 13 vaginal secretions and 8 urine samples, were positive for Trichomonas infection by microscopy. Slightly more than half of the patients (11/21, 52.4%) complained of vulvar itching, burning, and frequent urination. Cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and vaginal discharge were recorded in 28.6%, 23.8%, and 19% of the patients respectively. All patients with positive microscopic identification were confirmed by amplification of 450-bp fragment of ITS1-rDNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high rate of genetic homogeneity in which all our isolates together with homologous sequences from China, Philippines, Austria, and USA were clustered within the same clade. A statistically significant relationship was recorded between the patients positive for trichomoniasis and the presence of chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, immune system deficiency).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alikhani
- Parasitology Department, Paramedical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Akhoundi
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France.
| | - Denis Sereno
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier University, MIVEGEC, 34032, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier University, InterTryp, 34032, Montpellier, France
| | - Jahangir Abdi
- Parasitology Department, Paramedical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Razi Naserifar
- Parasitology Department, Paramedical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Asad Mirzaei
- Parasitology Department, Paramedical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
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Xu S, Wang Z, Zhou H, Fu Y, Feng M, Cheng X. High Co-Infection Rate of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candidatus Mycoplasma Girerdii in Gansu Province, China. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060706. [PMID: 34200661 PMCID: PMC8227175 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a flagellated protist parasite that infects the human urogenital tract. The symbiotic relationship between Tv and Mycoplasma hominis has been reported. Recent studies have identified a new Mycoplasma strain, Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii (Ca. M. girerdii), present in the vaginal secretions of women and have shown that this strain may be related to trichomoniasis. Here, we evaluated the presence of Tv, M. hominis and Ca. M. girerdii in 312 clinical samples from adult women diagnosed with vaginitis in Zhangye, Gansu province, China. Among these samples, 94, 153, and 48 were Tv, M. hominis and Ca. M. girerdii positive, respectively. Moreover, Tv was highly frequent in 17–30-year-old women in this region. Forty samples (83.3%) positive for Ca. M. girerdii were also positive for Tv. Six Tv isolates were successfully cultured, including five isolates that showed symbiotic relationships with Mycoplasma. This is the first report to evaluate the genetic characteristics of Ca. M. girerdii in China and may therefore provide insights into the effects of Ca. M. girerdii on the reproductive health of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Xu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (S.X.); (Z.W.); (H.Z.); (Y.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical College of He Xi University, Zhangye 734000, China
| | - Zhixin Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (S.X.); (Z.W.); (H.Z.); (Y.F.)
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (S.X.); (Z.W.); (H.Z.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yongfeng Fu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (S.X.); (Z.W.); (H.Z.); (Y.F.)
| | - Meng Feng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (S.X.); (Z.W.); (H.Z.); (Y.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (X.C.); Tel.: +86-21-54237750 (M.F.); +86-21-54237359 (X.C.)
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (S.X.); (Z.W.); (H.Z.); (Y.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (X.C.); Tel.: +86-21-54237750 (M.F.); +86-21-54237359 (X.C.)
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