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Li J, Sun L, Xie F, Shao T, Wu S, Li X, Zhang L, Wang R. MiR-3976 regulates HCT-8 cell apoptosis and parasite burden by targeting BCL2A1 in response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:221. [PMID: 37415254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05826-w] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is second only to rotavirus as a cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in young children. There are currently no fully effective drug treatments or vaccines for cryptosporidiosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the innate immune response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR-3976 in regulating HCT-8 cell apoptosis induced by C. parvum infection. METHODS Expression levels of miR-3976 and C. parvum burden were estimated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The interaction between miR-3976 and B-cell lymphoma 2-related protein A1 (BCL2A1) was studied by luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. RESULTS Expression levels of miR-3976 were decreased at 8 and 12 h post-infection (hpi) but increased at 24 and 48 hpi. Upregulation of miR-3976 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited the parasite burden in HCT-8 cells after C. parvum infection. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that BCL2A1 was a target gene of miR-3976. Co-transfection with miR-3976 and a BCL2A1 overexpression vector revealed that miR-3976 targeted BCL2A1 and suppressed cell apoptosis and promoted the parasite burden in HCT-8 cells. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicated that miR-3976 regulated cell apoptosis and parasite burden in HCT-8 cells by targeting BCL2A1 following C. parvum infection. Future study should determine the role of miR-3976 in hosts' anti-C. parvum immunity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanfeng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Fujie Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Tianren Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Shanbo Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Tras B, Ok M, Parlak TM, Ider M, Yildiz R, Eser Faki H, Ozdemir Kutahya Z, Uney K. Can diarrhea affect the pharmacokinetics of racecadotril in neonatal calves? J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2022; 45:426-431. [PMID: 35706330 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of antisecretory-acting racecadotril, used in the treatment of diarrhea in humans and dogs, following oral administration in both neonatal calves with healthy and neonatal calves with infectious diarrhea. The study was carried out on a total of 24 Holstein calves (2-20 days), of which 6 were healthy and 18 were infectious diarrhea. Calves with infectious diarrhea were divided into 3 groups according to the infectious agent (Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium parvum, and rotavirus/coronavirus). Racecadotril was administered orally at 2.5 mg/kg dose to calves. The plasma concentrations of racecadotril and its main active metabolite (thiorphan) were determined using HPLC-UV. The pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using the non-compartmental method. In healthy calves, the t1/2ʎz , Cmax , Tmax, and AUC0-12 of racecadotril were determined 4.70 h, 377 ng/ml, 0.75 h, and 1674 h × ng/ml, respectively. In the plasma of calves with infectious diarrhea, racecadotril and thiorphan were only detected at the sampling time from 0.25 to 1.5 h. As in calves with infectious diarrhea, thiorphan in plasma was only detected in healthy calves from 0.25 to 1.5 h. Racecadotril showed a large distribution volume, rapid elimination, and low metabolism to thiorphan in healthy calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bunyamin Tras
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Mahmut Ok
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Tugba Melike Parlak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Merve Ider
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Ramazan Yildiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Burdur, Turkiye
| | - Hatice Eser Faki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Zeynep Ozdemir Kutahya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkiye
| | - Kamil Uney
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Konya, Turkiye
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Prasad N, Bansal S, Akhtar S. Cryptosporidium infection in solid organ transplant recipients in South Asia - Expert group opinion for diagnosis and management. INDIAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ijot.ijot_80_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Witto SG, Kankya C, Akurut G, Mugasa CM, Kazibwe A, Ochwo S. The prevalence and genetic characterisation of Cryptosporidium isolates from cattle in Kiruhura district, South Western Uganda. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:778-789. [PMID: 34475660 PMCID: PMC8368637 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01361-6] [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: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an emerging opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrheal illness in a wide range of hosts including livestock and humans. This study set out to establish the prevalence of Cryptosporidium as well as the circulating genotypes in order to elucidate the potential role of cattle in the spread of human cryptosporidiosis. Rectal coprological samples from 363 cattle in 11 households in Kiruhura district, Southwestern Uganda were collected and screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts using the phenol auramine staining method followed by fluorescent microscopy. DNA was extracted from the microscopy positive samples and the COWP gene amplified using PCR. PCR products were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Additionally a multiplex realtime PCR was used to identify the Cryptosporidium spp. Multivariable mixed effect logistic regression models were used to identify potential risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 7.7% (95% CI 5.1-10.9), and herd level prevalence was 33.3% (95% CI 18.5-52.2). We found a statistically significant difference (OR = 30.78, 95% CI 4.31-219.95, p = 0.001) between infection in bulls as compared to cows. There was no significant difference in the prevalence among the different cattle breeds sampled. All the sequenced COWP gene DNA amplicons were confirmed to be C. hominis, with 93%-100% identity to sequences in the GenBank. The amplification of the small subunit rRNA by multiplex realtime PCR further established that the isolates in this study are C. hominis. This study represents the first time naturally occurring C. hominis has been detected from cattle in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gift Witto
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University-Western Campus, P. O. Box 71, Ishaka, Uganda
| | - Clovice Kankya
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gloria Akurut
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claire Mack Mugasa
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Kazibwe
- Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvester Ochwo
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Vinayak S, Jumani RS, Miller P, Hasan MM, McLeod BI, Tandel J, Stebbins EE, Teixeira JE, Borrel J, Gonse A, Zhang M, Yu X, Wernimont A, Walpole C, Eckley S, Love MS, McNamara CW, Sharma M, Sharma A, Scherer CA, Kato N, Schreiber SL, Melillo B, Striepen B, Huston CD, Comer E. Bicyclic azetidines kill the diarrheal pathogen Cryptosporidium in mice by inhibiting parasite phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/563/eaba8412. [PMID: 32998973 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba8412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and a leading cause of diarrheal disease and mortality in young children. Currently, there are no fully effective treatments available to cure infection with this diarrheal pathogen. In this study, we report a broad drug repositioning effort that led to the identification of bicyclic azetidines as a new anticryptosporidial series. Members of this series blocked growth in in vitro culture of three Cryptosporidium parvum isolates with EC50 's in 1% serum of <0.4 to 96 nM, had comparable potencies against Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum, and was effective in three of four highly susceptible immunosuppressed mice with once-daily dosing administered for 4 days beginning 2 weeks after infection. Comprehensive genetic, biochemical, and chemical studies demonstrated inhibition of C. parvum phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (CpPheRS) as the mode of action of this new lead series. Introduction of mutations directly into the C. parvum pheRS gene by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing resulted in parasites showing high degrees of compound resistance. In vitro, bicyclic azetidines potently inhibited the aminoacylation activity of recombinant ChPheRS. Medicinal chemistry optimization led to the identification of an optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile for this series. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bicyclic azetidines are a promising series for anticryptosporidial drug development and establish a broad framework to enable target-based drug discovery for this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiti Vinayak
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rajiv S Jumani
- Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Peter Miller
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Muhammad M Hasan
- Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Briana I McLeod
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jayesh Tandel
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erin E Stebbins
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Jose E Teixeira
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Julien Borrel
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Arthur Gonse
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- International Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - Xianshui Yu
- International Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - Amy Wernimont
- Structural Genomics Consortium, MaRS Building, South Tower, 101 College Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Chris Walpole
- Structural Genomics Consortium, MaRS Building, South Tower, 101 College Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Melissa S Love
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Case W McNamara
- Calibr, a division of The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Manmohan Sharma
- Structural Parasitology, Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Structural Parasitology, Molecular Medicine Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Christina A Scherer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nobutaka Kato
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Boris Striepen
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Christopher D Huston
- Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Eamon Comer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Abuseir S. Meat-borne parasites in the Arab world: a review in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4153-4166. [PMID: 33856533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Meat-borne parasitic zoonoses are generally not well-monitored, and so understanding extent and overall prevalence is problematic. Without sufficient attention, their prevalence can become unexpectedly and unacceptably high. This review sheds light on meat-borne parasites in the Arab world, which includes all the Arab countries situated in the continents of Asia and Africa, with more than 400 million inhabitants distributed in 22 countries. Meat-borne parasites can be divided into two main categories-helminths and protozoa. The main helminths included in this review are Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Taenia asiatica, Echinococcus spp., Fasciola spp., and Trichinella spiralis, while the meat-borne protozoan parasites are Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., and Sarcocystis spp. In addition, Linguatula serrata, which belongs to the class Pentastomida, was included. Among those, the genus Taenia is the most frequently reported in the Arab world, particularly T. saginata. Many parasitic infections that are mainly transmitted through pork, although widespread in many parts of the world, are rare in the Arab countries, primarily due to religious proscriptions. The majority of the publications concerning meat-borne parasites were from Egypt, which contains the largest population in the Arab world and the highest population density, in addition to various economic, social, and environmental reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Abuseir
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, P. O. Box 7, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine.
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7
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Kwon J, Stancampiano FF. 56-Year-Old Man With Profuse Diarrhea. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:478-482. [PMID: 33549265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kwon
- Resident in Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Fernando F Stancampiano
- Advisor to resident and Consultant in Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
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Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in the Global Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:882-889. [PMID: 32514837 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00230-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that can infect both humans and animals and cause cryptosporidiosis. We aimed to estimate the global prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection. METHODS In this study, Web of Science, Medline and PubMed were searched for relative articles, published between January 1, 1960 and January 1, 2018. Included articles were restricted to English language and that sample size of articles was not less than 50. Studies with no information on the study period, location, method of diagnosis, sample size and number of infected people were excluded. Studies about outbreak, laboratory report or immunocompromised population were excluded as well. The quality of the included publications was assessed. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was estimated by DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model, after converting by the Freeman-Tukey type double arcsine transformation. FINDINGS From 13,064 publications selected by literature search, 221 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The global pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 7.6 % (95% CI: 6.9-8.5). The highest estimated prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was in Mexico (69.6%, 95% CI 66.3-72.8), Nigeria (34.0%, 95% CI 12.4-60.0), Bangladesh (42.5%, 95% CI 36.1-49.0) and Republic of Korea (8.3%, 95% CI 4.4-13.2) among general residents, patients, school children and healthy population, respectively. The estimated prevalence was high in people from low-income country, people with gastrointestinal symptoms, people younger than 5 years old and residents not living in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS These estimates indicate the substantial prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in the world, which may provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of the prevention strategy about Cryptosporidium.
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Rajapandi T. Apicomplexan lineage-specific polytopic membrane proteins in Cryptosporidium parvum. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:467-471. [PMID: 32508425 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01209-5] [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: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are a group of parasitic protozoans, including Plasmodium and Cryptosporidium species, which harbor a specialized organelle called an apicoplast. Of the 145-apicomplexan lineage-specific proteins identified in Cryptosporidium parvum, 30 are surface proteins. In Plasmodium falciparum, a heteromeric complex of three related apicomplexan lineage-specific membrane proteins containing 6 transmembrane domains (m6t) have been identified. These proteins are Pfm6t α, Pfm6t β, and Pfm6t γ and these proteins are localized on merozoite as an inner membrane complex (Rayavara et al. in Mol Biochem Parasitol 167(2):135-143, 2009). In C. parvum, homologs of these proteins are identified and are Cpm6t α, Cpm6t β, and Cpm6t γ. Mass spectrometric analysis of C. parvum (Iowa II) protein extracts of oocyst, sporozoite and soluble and insoluble fractions of cytoplasm identified the presence of Cpm6t α, Cpm6t β, and Cpm6t γ specific peptides in these fractions. The expression of Cpm6t α, Cpm6t β, and Cpm6t γ proteins on various developmental stages of C. parvum suggests that this novel group of apicomplexan lineage-specific proteins in Cryptosporidium may be involved in multiple cellular processes apart from the invasion into host epithelial cells as suggested for P. falciparum merozoites onto host erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thavamani Rajapandi
- Department of Natural Sciences, Science and Technology Center, Coppin State University, Room # 204, 2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216-3698 USA
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Chattopadhyay S, Mahapatra RK. Identification of adaptive inhibitors of Cryptosporidium parvum fatty acyl-coenzyme A synthetase isoforms by virtual screening. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3159-3171. [PMID: 31486948 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06445-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of gastroenteritis in both humans and livestock in developing countries. The only FDA-approved drug available against the same is nitazoxanide, with questionable efficacy in malnourished children and immunocompromised patients. Recent in vitro studies have indicated the viability of Triacsin C as a potential drug candidate, which targets the parasite's long-chain fatty acyl coenzyme A synthetase enzyme (LC-FACS), a critical component of the fatty acid metabolism pathway. We have used this molecule as a baseline to propose more potent versions thereof. We have applied a combined approach of substructure replacement, literature search, and database screening to come up with 514 analogs of Triacsin C. A virtual screening protocol was carried out which lead us to identify a potential hit compound. This was further subjected to a 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation in complex to determine its stability and binding characteristics. After which, the ADME/tox properties were predicted to assess its viability as a drug. The molecule R134 was identified as the best hit due to its highest average binding affinity, stability in complex when subjected to MD simulations, and reasonable predicted ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) properties comparable to those of the Triacsin C parent molecule. We have proposed R134 as a putative drug candidate against the Cryptosporidium parvum LC-FACS enzyme isoforms, following an in silico protocol. We hope the results will be helpful when planning future in vitro experiments for identifying drugs against Cryptosporidium.
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Intestinal parasitism in pediatric oncology children receiving chemotherapy: unexpected low prevalence. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02228. [PMID: 31453397 PMCID: PMC6702426 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children with underlying malignancies and those on chemotherapy are at risk for having intestinal parasitic infections, which can lead to a severe course and death. This cross-sectional study was done to assess the copro-parasitological and copro-molecular prevalence of entero-parasites in children with malignancies and those on chemotherapy. Procedure Stool samples were collected from 137 Egyptian hospitalized cancerous children with different malignancies in the National Cancer Institute, and receiving chemotherapy. Faecal samples were examined microscopically. Genomic copro-DNA was extracted from fecal samples and amplified by 3 separate nPCR assays targeting Cryptosporidium, G. intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica complex. Result The overall prevalence of enteroparasites was 6.6 % (9 cases). Only Giardia copro-DNA was encountered in 2 (1.4%) faecal samples of patients. Coproscopy detected parasites in 7 cases: Blastocystis spp. in 5 cases (3.6%), Hymenolepis nana in 1 case (0.7%) and Ascaris lumbericoides in 1 case (0.7%). Conclusion Low prevalence may be due to patient's use of prophylactic anti-parasitic and anti-fungal drugs, a standard protocol, basic hygienic practices and good nursing all of which are preventive against enteroparasites transmission. Among studied variables only diarrhoeic individuals who had a solid tumor, and soft/liquid stool with mucus and blood were predictors of intestinal parasitism.
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12
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Toro-Londono MA, Bedoya-Urrego K, Garcia-Montoya GM, Galvan-Diaz AL, Alzate JF. Intestinal parasitic infection alters bacterial gut microbiota in children. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6200. [PMID: 30643702 PMCID: PMC6327884 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the burden that parasites can exert upon the bacterial gut microbiota was restricted by the available technologies and their costs. Currently, next-generation sequencing coupled with traditional methodologies allows the study of eukaryotic parasites (protozoa and helminths) and its effects on the human bacterial gut microbiota diversity. This diversity can be altered by a variety of factors such as age, diet, genetics and parasitic infections among others. The disturbances of the gut microbiota have been associated with a variety of illnesses. Children population in developing countries, are especially susceptible to parasitic infections because of the lack of proper sanitation and undernutrition, allowing both, the thriving of intestinal parasites and profound alteration of the gut microbiota. In this work, we have sampled the stool of 23 children from four different children's care-centers in Medellin, Colombia, and we have identified the eukaryotic parasites by traditional and molecular methodologies coupled with microbial profiling using 16S rDNA sequencing. This mixed methodology approach has allowed us to establish an interesting relationship between Giardia intestinalis and helminth infection, having both effects upon the bacterial gut microbiota enterotypes, causing a switch from a type I to a type II enterotype upon infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Toro-Londono
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica—CNSG, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Katherine Bedoya-Urrego
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica—CNSG, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
- Parasitology group, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | | | - Ana L. Galvan-Diaz
- Environmental Microbiology Group, School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica—CNSG, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
- Parasitology group, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
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Bouzid M, Kintz E, Hunter PR. Risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in low and middle income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006553. [PMID: 29879110 PMCID: PMC6014672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium infection causes gastrointestinal disease and has a worldwide distribution. The highest burden is in developing countries. OBJECTIVES We sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify Cryptosporidium risk factors in Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs). METHODS Medline Ovid and Scopus databases were searched with no restriction on year or language of publication. All references were screened independently in duplicate and were included if they presented data on at least 3 risk factors. Meta-analyses using random effects models were used to calculate overall estimates for each exposure. RESULTS The most frequently reported risk factors in the 15 included studies were overcrowding, household diarrhoea, poor quality drinking water, animal contact, open defecation/ lack of toilet and breastfeeding. The combined odds ratio for animal contact was 1.98 (95%CI: 1.11-3.54) based on 11 studies and for diarrhoea in the household 1.98 (95%CI: 1.13-3.49) based on 4 studies. Open defecation was associated with a pooled odds ratio of 1.82 (95%CI: 1.19-2.8) based on 5 studies. Poor drinking water quality was not associated with a significant Cryptosporidium risk, odds ratio 1.06 (95%CI: 0.77-1.47). Breastfeeding was protective with pooled odds ratio 0.4 (95%CI: 0.13-1.22), which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Based on the included studies, crowded living conditions, animal contact and open defecation are responsible for the majority of Cryptosporidium cases in LMICs. Future studies investigating Cryptosporidium risk factors should have a good study design and duration, include appropriate number of cases, select suitable controls, investigate multiple relevant risk factors, fully report data and perform multivariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Bouzid
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Erica Kintz
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Hunter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Moreira ADS, Baptista CT, Brasil CL, Valente JDSS, Bruhn FRP, Pereira DIB. Risk factors and infection due to Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and cats in southern Rio Grande do Sul. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract This study investigated the frequency of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in feces from dogs and cats in five municipalities in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The risk factors associated with infection were also investigated. Feces samples from 110 dogs and 18 cats were stained using the auramine method. At the time of feces sampling, a questionnaire with semi-open-ended questions was applied to the animal guardians and all data obtained underwent statistical analysis. The real frequency of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. was 24.63% (27 dogs and two cats). Only four samples of dog feces were diarrheic and no presence of oocysts was observed in any of them. Variables that represented risk factors for infection were: homemade food, untreated water, circulation of animals on grassy terrain and living in the same environment as other animals (cattle). The results made it possible to inferring that within the population studied, the frequency of parasitism due to Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs was relevant and emphasize the asymptomatic nature of this infection. The adopting control measures are highlighted, particularly in relation to variables that represent risk factors for this infection.
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15
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Ogendo A, Obonyo M, Wasswa P, Bitek A, Mbugua A, Thumbi SM. Cryptosporidium infection in calves and the environment in Asembo, Western Kenya: 2015. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 28:9. [PMID: 30167034 PMCID: PMC6113697 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.28.1.9313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryptosporidium species, a zoonotic enteric coccidian parasite, is among the leading causes of diarrhea in children. We evaluated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in calves, factors associated with calf infection, environmental contamination of manure by Cryptosporidium and factors that expose humans to zoonotic transmission in Asembo. Methods in a cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2015, we collected fecal specimens from 350 randomly selected calves aged ≤ 6 months old and 187 manure samples from the same farms. We assessed farmers’ knowledge about Cryptosporidium and collected data on characteristics using structured questionnaires. Modified Ziehl Nielsen staining was used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts from calves’ stool and manure. The prevalence of infected calves and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% (CI) were calculated to identify possible factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection; multivariable logistic regression performed to identify factors independently associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium. Results calves’ fecal Cryptosporidium prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI: 5.7-11.8) and 7.5% (95% CI: 4.2-12.2) in manure. Odds of infection was higher in calves with loose stool compared to those with normal stool (AOR = 6.1, 95% C.I: 2.2-16.9), calves ≤ 2 months old compared to older calves (AOR=12.7, 95% C.I: 4.5-35.8) and calves in poor sanitation compared to calves in good hygienic conditions (AOR = 9.9, 95% C.I: 3.1-30.7). Conclusion presence of Cryptosporidium species in calves and environment and reported human contact with animals increases zoonotic risk. We recommend further studies that determine specific Cryptosporidium species infecting animals and humans which would better estimate risk of disease transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Ogendo
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Kenya.,Ministry of Health, Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Kenya
| | - Mark Obonyo
- Ministry of Health, Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Kenya.,Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kenya
| | - Peter Wasswa
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Austine Bitek
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kenya.,Kenya Zoonotic Disease Unit, Kenya
| | - Amos Mbugua
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Kenya
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Cable J, Barber I, Boag B, Ellison AR, Morgan ER, Murray K, Pascoe EL, Sait SM, Wilson AJ, Booth M. Global change, parasite transmission and disease control: lessons from ecology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:20160088. [PMID: 28289256 PMCID: PMC5352815 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections are ubiquitous in wildlife, livestock and human populations, and healthy ecosystems are often parasite rich. Yet, their negative impacts can be extreme. Understanding how both anticipated and cryptic changes in a system might affect parasite transmission at an individual, local and global level is critical for sustainable control in humans and livestock. Here we highlight and synthesize evidence regarding potential effects of 'system changes' (both climatic and anthropogenic) on parasite transmission from wild host-parasite systems. Such information could inform more efficient and sustainable parasite control programmes in domestic animals or humans. Many examples from diverse terrestrial and aquatic natural systems show how abiotic and biotic factors affected by system changes can interact additively, multiplicatively or antagonistically to influence parasite transmission, including through altered habitat structure, biodiversity, host demographics and evolution. Despite this, few studies of managed systems explicitly consider these higher-order interactions, or the subsequent effects of parasite evolution, which can conceal or exaggerate measured impacts of control actions. We call for a more integrated approach to investigating transmission dynamics, which recognizes these complexities and makes use of new technologies for data capture and monitoring, and to support robust predictions of altered parasite dynamics in a rapidly changing world.This article is part of the themed issue 'Opening the black box: re-examining the ecology and evolution of parasite transmission'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Iain Barber
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Brian Boag
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Amy R Ellison
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Eric R Morgan
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Kris Murray
- Grantham Institute - Climate Change and the Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Emily L Pascoe
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Centre for Research and Innovation, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 S. Michele all'Adige, Trentino, Italy
| | - Steven M Sait
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Anthony J Wilson
- Vector-borne Viral Diseases Programme, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Mark Booth
- School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University, Durham TS17 6BH, UK
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17
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Molecular Study of Cryptosporidium spp. in Dogs from Southwest of Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.43412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Bamaiyi PH, Redhuan NEM. Prevalence and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis: a global, emerging, neglected zoonosis. ASIAN BIOMED 2017. [DOI: 10.5372/1905-7415.1004.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the important parasitic diarrheal agent Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidiosis occurs in all classes of animals and man with a rapidly expanding host range and increased importance since the occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in man.
Objectives
To review the global picture of cryptosporidiosis in man and animals with emphasis on prevalence and risk factors.
Methods
Current relevant literature on cryptosporidiosis was reviewed.
Results
Cryptosporidiosis is widely distributed and the risk factors vary from one region to another with hygiene and immune status as important risk factors.
Conclusions
Cryptosporidium spp. associated mortality has not only been reported in immune-compromised patients, but also in immune-competent patients. Yet in many countries not much attention is paid to the control and prevention of this infection in animals and man. The neglect of this disease despite the serious threat it poses to animals, their husbandry, and humans, has led the World Health Organization to list it among globally neglected diseases. To control and prevent this infection more effort needs to be directed at controlling the risk factors of the infection in man and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pwaveno Huladeino Bamaiyi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Universiti Malaysia Kelantan , Kelantan 16100 , Malaysia
- Department of Public Health , School of Allied Health Sciences , Kampala International University , Kampala Uganda
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19
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Hanson KE, Couturier MR. Multiplexed Molecular Diagnostics for Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Central Nervous System Infections. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:1361-1367. [PMID: 27444411 PMCID: PMC5091344 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of highly multiplexed molecular diagnostic tests have allowed clinical microbiology laboratories to more rapidly and sensitively detect a variety of pathogens directly in clinical specimens. Current US Food and Drug Administration-approved multiplex panels target multiple different organisms simultaneously and can identify the most common pathogens implicated in respiratory viral, gastrointestinal, or central nervous system infections. This review summarizes the test characteristics of available assays, highlights the advantages and limitations of multiplex technology for infectious diseases, and discusses potential utilization of these new tests in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly E Hanson
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases.,Clinical Microbiology, University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City
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The Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Oocysts in Birds in Zaria, Nigeria. BORNEO JOURNAL OF RESOURCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.33736/bjrst.278.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in birds in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 890 faecal samples comprising 132, 305 and 453 from wild, local and exotic birds respectively from different parts of Zaria were examined using the formol-ether concentration technique with safranin–methylene blue stain and auramine phenol stain using light microscopy and fluorescent microscopy respectively. The total prevalence rate was 7.4%. However, Samaru had the highest prevalence rate of 20.6% and Tudun Wada the lowest rate of 2.8%. The difference in the prevalence rates between the different localities of Zaria was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). Among the different birds sampled, local birds had the highest prevalence rate of 9.5% followed by exotic birds 6.6% and the wild ones with 5.3%. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In Tudun Wada, where the different sexes were noted, there was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05) in the prevalence rate between male and female birds and none between the different species of wild birds sampled (P>0.05). This study confirms the presence of avian Cryptosporidium in Zaria, Nigeria and indicates that whereas location may influence infection, breed, sex and species of birds may not be significant factors in the epidemiology of the infection.
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Judice CC, Bourgard C, Kayano ACAV, Albrecht L, Costa FTM. MicroRNAs in the Host-Apicomplexan Parasites Interactions: A Review of Immunopathological Aspects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:5. [PMID: 26870701 PMCID: PMC4735398 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding regulatory RNAs, have been detected in a variety of organisms ranging from ancient unicellular eukaryotes to mammals. They have been associated with numerous molecular mechanisms involving developmental, physiological and pathological changes of cells and tissues. Despite the fact that miRNA-silencing mechanisms appear to be absent in some Apicomplexan species, an increasing number of studies have reported a role for miRNAs in host-parasite interactions. Host miRNA expression can change following parasite infection and the consequences can lead, for instance, to parasite clearance. In this context, the immune system signaling appears to have a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla C Judice
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Catarina Bourgard
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana C A V Kayano
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio T M Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
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22
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Huang MZ, Li J, Guan L, Li DQ, Nie XM, Gui R, Chen X. Therapeutic effects of acetylspiramycin and garlicin on cryptosporidiosis among drug users. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2015; 5:185-90. [PMID: 27120065 PMCID: PMC4846998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis affects humans of all ages, particularly malnourished children and those with compromised immune systems such as HIV/AIDS. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of acetylspiramycin and garlicin on Cryptosporidium infection in institutionalized male drug users receiving rehabilitative treatment. Examination of stool specimens from 903 drug users via modified acid-fast bacilli staining resulted in 172 positive cases. Among them 151 subjects consented to participate in a randomized trial of acetylspiramycin and garlicin in four groups: acetylspiramycin plus garlicin, acetylspiramycin only, garlicin only, and placebo control. The cryptosporidiosis rate was higher in younger subjects with longer drug use history than subjects who are older with shorter history of drug use. After two segments of treatments, 76.2% of the cases achieved negative test results, with the four groups achieving the rates of 92.1%, 76.7%, 72.2%, and 61.8%, respectively (χ(2) = 9.517, P = 0.023). These results indicate clinical potential of garlicin in conjunction with acetylspiramycin in treating cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Zhu Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China.
| | - Jin Li
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Lan Guan
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Deng-Qing Li
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Xin-Min Nie
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Rong Gui
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China.
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Abebe LS, Su YH, Guerrant RL, Swami NS, Smith JA. Point-of-Use Removal of Cryptosporidium parvum from Water: Independent Effects of Disinfection by Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Ions and by Physical Filtration in Ceramic Porous Media. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:12958-12967. [PMID: 26398590 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ceramic water filters (CWFs) impregnated with silver nanoparticles are a means of household-level water treatment. CWFs remove/deactivate microbial pathogens by employing two mechanisms: metallic disinfection and physical filtration. Herein we report on the independent effects of silver salt and nanoparticles on Cryptosporidium parvum and the removal of C. parvum by physical filtration in porous ceramic filter media. Using a murine (mouse) model, we observed that treatment of oocysts with silver nitrate and proteinate-capped silver nanoparticles resulted in decreased infection relative to untreated oocysts. Microscopy and excystation experiments were conducted to support the disinfection investigation. Heat and proteinate-capped silver-nanoparticle treatment of oocysts resulted in morphological modifications and decreased excystation rates of sporozoites. Subsequently, disk-shaped ceramic filters were produced to investigate the transport of C. parvum. Two factors were varied: sawdust size and clay-to-sawdust ratio. Five disks were prepared with combinations of 10, 16, and 20 mesh sawdust and sawdust percentage that ranged from 9 to 11%. C. parvum removal efficiencies ranged from 1.5 log (96.4%) to 2.1 log (99.2%). The 16-mesh/10% sawdust had the greatest mean reduction of 2.1-log (99.2%), though there was no statistically significant difference in removal efficiency. Based on our findings, physical filtration and silver nanoparticle disinfection likely contribute to treatment of C. parvum for silver impregnated ceramic water filters, although the contribution of physical filtration is likely greater than silver disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia S Abebe
- Environmental Sciences and Engineering Department, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7400, United States
| | - Yi-Hsuan Su
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia , P.O. Box 400743 Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4742, United States
| | - Richard L Guerrant
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia , P.O. Box 801379 Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4742, United States
| | - Nathan S Swami
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia , P.O. Box 400743 Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4742, United States
| | - James A Smith
- University of Virginia , Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4742, United States
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Sonzogni-Desautels K, Renteria AE, Camargo FV, Di Lenardo TZ, Mikhail A, Arrowood MJ, Fortin A, Ndao M. Oleylphosphocholine (OlPC) arrests Cryptosporidium parvum growth in vitro and prevents lethal infection in interferon gamma receptor knock-out mice. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:973. [PMID: 26441906 PMCID: PMC4585137 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a species of protozoa that causes cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal disease affecting many mammals including humans. Typically, in healthy individuals, cryptosporidiosis is a self-limiting disease. However, C. parvum can cause a severe and persistent infection that can be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals, such as AIDS patients. As there are no available treatments for these patients that can cure the disease, there is an urgent need to identify treatment options. We tested the anti-parasitic activity of the alkylphosphocholine oleylphosphocholine (OlPC), an analog of miltefosine, against C. parvum in in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro experiments using C. parvum infected human ileocecal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8 cells) showed that OlPC has an EC50 of 18.84 nM. Moreover, no cell toxicity has been seen at concentrations ≤50 μM. C57BL/6 interferon gamma receptor knock-out mice, were infected by gavage with 4000 C. parvum oocysts on Day 0. Oral treatments, with OlPC, miltefosine, paromomycin or PBS, began on Day 3 post-infection for 10 days. Treatment with OlPC, at 40 mg/kg/day resulted in 100% survival, complete clearance of parasite in stools and a 99.9% parasite burden reduction in the intestines at Day 30. Doses of 30 and 20 mg/kg/day also demonstrated an increased survival rate and a dose-dependent parasite burden reduction. Mice treated with 10 mg/kg/day of miltefosine resulted in 50% survival at Day 30. In contrast, control mice, treated with PBS or 100 mg/kg/day of paromomycin, died or had to be euthanized between Days 6 and 13 due to severe illness. Results of parasite burden were obtained by qPCR and cross-validated by both flow cytometry of stool oocysts and histological sections of the ileum. Together, our results strongly support that OlPC represents a potential candidate for the treatment of C. parvum infections in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Sonzogni-Desautels
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, Canada ; Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Axel E Renteria
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, Canada ; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Fabio V Camargo
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Mikhail
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Michael J Arrowood
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Anny Fortin
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada ; Dafra Pharma R&D Turnhout, Belgium
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, Canada ; Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada ; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
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Communitywide cryptosporidiosis outbreak associated with a surface water-supplied municipal water system--Baker City, Oregon, 2013. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 144:274-84. [PMID: 26264893 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268815001831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium, a parasite known to cause large drinking and recreational water outbreaks, is tolerant of chlorine concentrations used for drinking water treatment. Human laboratory-based surveillance for enteric pathogens detected a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Baker City, Oregon during July 2013 associated with municipal drinking water. Objectives of the investigation were to confirm the outbreak source and assess outbreak extent. The watershed was inspected and city water was tested for contamination. To determine the community attack rate, a standardized questionnaire was administered to randomly sampled households. Weighted attack rates and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Water samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium species; a Cryptosporidium parvum subtype common in cattle was detected in human stool specimens. Cattle were observed grazing along watershed borders; cattle faeces were observed within watershed barriers. The city water treatment facility chlorinated, but did not filter, water. The community attack rate was 28·3% (95% CI 22·1-33·6), sickening an estimated 2780 persons. Watershed contamination by cattle probably caused this outbreak; water treatments effective against Cryptosporidium were not in place. This outbreak highlights vulnerability of drinking water systems to pathogen contamination and underscores the need for communities to invest in system improvements to maintain multiple barriers to drinking water contamination.
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Challenges and Innovative Strategies to Interrupt Cryptosporidium Transmission in Resource-Limited Settings. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-015-0057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Aquino MCC, Widmer G, Zucatto AS, Viol MA, Inácio SV, Nakamura AA, Coelho WMD, Perri SHV, Meireles MV, Bresciani KDS. First Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. Infecting Buffalo Calves in Brazil. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 62:657-61. [PMID: 25941018 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of determining the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp., 222 fecal samples were collected from Murrah buffalo calves aged up to 6 mo. Fecal DNA was genotyped with a nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sequencing of the amplified fragment. Nested 18S PCR was positive for 48.2% of the samples. Sequence analysis showed that the most frequent species in these animals was Cryptosporidium ryanae, which was present in buffalo calves as young as 5 d. The zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in one animal. An uncommon Cryptosporidium 18S genotype was found in buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monally C C Aquino
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Disease & Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anaiza S Zucatto
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena A Viol
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra V Inácio
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alex A Nakamura
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Willian M D Coelho
- UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia H V Perri
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Meireles
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia D S Bresciani
- UNESP, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ras R, Huynh K, Desoky E, Badawy A, Widmer G. Perturbation of the intestinal microbiota of mice infected with Cryptosporidium parvum. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:567-73. [PMID: 25913477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the interaction between the intestinal microbiota (microbiome) and enteric pathogens is of interest in the development of alternative treatments that do not rely on chemotherapy and do not lead to drug resistance. We undertook research in a rodent model of cryptosporidiosis to assess whether the bacterial gut microbiota is impacted by infection with the protozoan pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum. The profile of the faecal bacterial microbiota in infected and uninfected animals was compared using 16S amplicon sequencing. In four independent experiments, the intestinal microbiota of infected mice differed from that of uninfected animals, regardless of the C. parvum isolate used to infect mice. The use of replicated treatment groups demonstrated that microbiota divergence between treatments was driven by the infection and did not result from spontaneous changes in the intestinal ecosystem unrelated to the infection. Microbiota perturbation induced by C. parvum appeared to be reversible, as we observed a tendency for the phylogenetic distance between infected and uninfected mice to diminish after mice cleared the infection. As mice infected with C. parvum do not develop diarrhoea, these observations indicate that microbiota perturbation results from other mechanisms than an accelerated movement of gut content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refaat Ras
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA; Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Kevin Huynh
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Enas Desoky
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Badawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
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Bhadauria D, Goel A, Kaul A, Sharma RK, Gupta A, Ruhela V, Gupta A, Vardhan H, Prasad N. Cryptosporidium infection after renal transplantation in an endemic area. Transpl Infect Dis 2015; 17:48-55. [PMID: 25620388 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is one of the common causes of infective diarrhea in post-transplant patients in endemic areas. However, data are limited on Cryptosporidium infection in recipients of solid organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, disease manifestation, management, and outcome of Cryptosporidium infection in living-donor renal transplant recipients (RTR). METHODS We performed a detailed retrospective review of the data on all RTR who had diarrheal illness requiring evaluation and hospitalization, and Cryptosporidium infection. RESULTS During the study period, 119/1235 (8.98%) RTR developed diarrhea, and Cryptosporidium was found in 34/119 (28.5%). Nine of 680 (1.3%) patients were on a cyclosporine (CSA)-based regimen, and 25/643 (3.8%) patients were on a tacrolimus (Tac)-based regimen. The relative risk of developing Cryptosporidium infection was lower on the CSA-based regimen, compared with the Tac-based regimen (odds ratio [OR]: 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.72, P = 0.003). Twelve of the 34 patients had acute graft dysfunction, mainly caused by combined Tac toxicity and dehydration. Mean serum creatinine and trough Tac level were 2.04 ± 0.65 mg/dL and 8.24 ± 1.19 ng/dL, respectively. Nitazoxanide alone was used in 13 patients, and nitazoxanide in combination with fluoroquinolone in 21 patients, with duration of treatment ranging from 16 to 60 days. Tac was changed to CSA in 8/11 patients. The clearance of cysts and response to nitazoxanide alone were significantly lower, compared with combination therapy (61.53% vs. 95.23%, P = 0.01, 38.46 vs. 85.71%, P = 0.004, respectively). The OR for cyst clearance and response was also significantly lower with nitazoxanide alone, in comparison with combination therapy (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.34-0.92, P = 0.01, OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21-0.81, respectively). Four (16%) of 24 patients with response had relapse. CONCLUSION Patients with Tac and mycophenolate mofetil combination therapy had a significantly high risk of Cryptosporidium infection. Cryptosporidial infection may require prolonged nitazoxanide therapy, either alone or in combination, with or without reduction in immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bhadauria
- Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight new findings on the relevance of gastrointestinal protozoan infections to global public health in low-income and middle-income countries and suggest new large-scale interventions. RECENT FINDINGS New disease burden assessments and epidemiological studies highlight the role of the major intestinal protozoa as important etiologic disease agents in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite their prevalence and adverse health impact, such information has not yet translated to the implementation of large-scale interventions as exist for helminth infections and other neglected tropical diseases. There are also several key research and development questions that must be addressed for intestinal protozoan infections and the potential need for new tools, for example, drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines. Additional studies have identified new and emerging species of intestinal protozoa relevant to global public health such as Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis and how they too might emerge as important gastrointestinal pathogens in the coming years. SUMMARY New and emerging information on intestinal protozoa are reviewed with emphasis on aspects considered relevant to global health policymakers including prospects for scaling up interventions against intestinal protozoan infections in resource-poor countries.
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Manocha H, Dua S, Chander Y, Tailang M. Cryptosporidiosis, whether it is more prevalent in Southern India. Trop Parasitol 2014; 4:125-7. [PMID: 25250236 PMCID: PMC4166799 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.138543] [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] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species is identified as an important cause of morbidity in children and adults. Prevalence rate as reported from various studies in India is much lower when compared to developed word. Present study was designed to analyze the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. Stool samples from 306 patients suffering with gastrointestinal symptoms were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts. A higher prevalence (25%) was found when compared to reports from north east and western India. Cryptosporidium was prevalent in 35-36% of adults, 17% of children and 20% of infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmesh Manocha
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Seema Dua
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yogesh Chander
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Megha Tailang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Sarkar R, Tate JE, Ajjampur SSR, Kattula D, John J, Ward HD, Kang G. Burden of diarrhea, hospitalization and mortality due to cryptosporidial infections in Indian children. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3042. [PMID: 25058664 PMCID: PMC4109911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. is a common, but under-reported cause of childhood diarrhea throughout the world, especially in developing countries. A comprehensive estimate of the burden of cryptosporidiosis in resource-poor settings is not available. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We used published and unpublished studies to estimate the burden of diarrhea, hospitalization and mortality due to cryptosporidial infections in Indian children. Our estimates suggest that annually, one in every 6-11 children <2 years of age will have an episode of cryptosporidial diarrhea, 1 in every 169-633 children will be hospitalized and 1 in every 2890-7247 children will die due to cryptosporidiosis. Since there are approximately 42 million children <2 years of age in India, it is estimated that Cryptosporidium results in 3.9-7.1 million diarrheal episodes, 66.4-249.0 thousand hospitalizations, and 5.8-14.6 thousand deaths each year. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The findings of this study suggest a high burden of cryptosporidiosis among children <2 years of age in India and makes a compelling case for further research on transmission and prevention modalities of Cryptosporidium spp. in India and other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Sarkar
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jacqueline E. Tate
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jacob John
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Honorine D. Ward
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gagandeep Kang
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail:
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A Microbial Who's Who. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2014. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555816186.app1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Ndao M, Nath-Chowdhury M, Sajid M, Marcus V, Mashiyama ST, Sakanari J, Chow E, Mackey Z, Land KM, Jacobson MP, Kalyanaraman C, McKerrow JH, Arrowood MJ, Caffrey CR. A cysteine protease inhibitor rescues mice from a lethal Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:6063-73. [PMID: 24060869 PMCID: PMC3837922 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00734-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, can stunt infant growth and can be lethal in immunocompromised individuals. The most widely used drugs for treating cryptosporidiosis are nitazoxanide and paromomycin, although both exhibit limited efficacy. To investigate an alternative approach to therapy, we demonstrate that the clan CA cysteine protease inhibitor N-methyl piperazine-Phe-homoPhe-vinylsulfone phenyl (K11777) inhibits C. parvum growth in mammalian cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, using the C57BL/6 gamma interferon receptor knockout (IFN-γR-KO) mouse model, which is highly susceptible to C. parvum, oral or intraperitoneal treatment with K11777 for 10 days rescued mice from otherwise lethal infections. Histologic examination of untreated mice showed intestinal inflammation, villous blunting, and abundant intracellular parasite stages. In contrast, K11777-treated mice (210 mg/kg of body weight/day) showed only minimal inflammation and no epithelial changes. Three putative protease targets (termed cryptopains 1 to 3, or CpaCATL-1, -2, and -3) were identified in the C. parvum genome, but only two are transcribed in infected mammals. A homology model predicted that K11777 would bind to cryptopain 1. Recombinant enzymatically active cryptopain 1 was successfully targeted by K11777 in a competition assay with a labeled active-site-directed probe. K11777 exhibited no toxicity in vitro and in vivo, and surviving animals remained free of parasites 3 weeks after treatment. The discovery that a cysteine protease inhibitor provides potent anticryptosporidial activity in an animal model of infection encourages the investigation and development of this biocide class as a new, and urgently needed, chemotherapy for cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Milli Nath-Chowdhury
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mohammed Sajid
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Victoria Marcus
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Susan T. Mashiyama
- Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Judy Sakanari
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Eric Chow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zachary Mackey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kirkwood M. Land
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA
| | - Matthew P. Jacobson
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chakrapani Kalyanaraman
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael J. Arrowood
- Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and Department of Pathology, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Vadlamudi N, Maclin J, Dimmitt RA, Thame KA. Cryptosporidial infection in children with inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohns Colitis 2013; 7:e337-43. [PMID: 23415795 DOI: 10.1016/j.crohns.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cryptosporidiosis is usually a self-limiting illness in healthy patients. However, it can cause severe life threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. The effect of cryptosporidial infection on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been well studied and available literature is largely restricted to adult case reports. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of cryptosporidial infection in children with IBD. METHODS Stool studies from children with IBD presenting with presumed relapse during the period 2005-2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Cryptosporidial infection was diagnosed by stool enzyme immunoassay. An age matched control group of IBD patients without cryptosporidial infection was used for comparison. RESULTS Medical records of 170 IBD patients were reviewed and a total of 149 presumed relapses were identified. Cryptosporidial infection was found in seven of the 39 patients with positive stool studies (four ulcerative colitis/three Crohn's disease) presenting with relapse. The median age was 13 years (range: 3-17) and five patients were female. The median duration of the IBD was 18 months (range 2-48 months). All but one patient had stable disease prior to acquiring infection. Five patients required hospitalization due to significant dehydration. Three of the five patients treated with nitazoxanide had significant clinical improvement in 3 days. All patients had complete resolution of symptoms by three weeks and no infection related complications were noted. In comparison to patients with cryptosporidial infection, the control group required an increased need for escalation of therapy (71% vs. 0.0%, p=001) and higher re-hospitalization rates (24% Vs.0.0%, p=0.54) within 6 months following indexed relapse. CONCLUSION In IBD patients, cryptosporidiosis can cause significant illness leading to increased need for hospitalization. In the absence of appropriate stool studies, cryptosporidiosis can be misdiagnosed as disease relapse and lead to inappropriate therapy. Nitazoxanide appears to be effective along with supportive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Vadlamudi
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Saksirisampant W, Prownebon J, Saksirisampant P, Mungthin M, Siripatanapipong S, Leelayoova S. Intestinal parasitic infections: prevalences in HIV/AIDS patients in a Thai AIDS-care centre. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2013; 103:573-81. [DOI: 10.1179/000349809x12502035776072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Desai NT, Sarkar R, Kang G. Cryptosporidiosis: An under-recognized public health problem. Trop Parasitol 2013; 2:91-8. [PMID: 23767015 PMCID: PMC3680871 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. is under recognized as an important pathogen causing diarrhea in children and HIV-infected individuals with associated high morbidity and mortality. In endemic areas, most symptomatic infections are in childhood and in immunocompromised adults. The immune status of the host plays a critical role in determining the severity of cryptosporidiosis. Infection is self-limited in immunocompetent hosts, but can be severe and persistent in the immunocompromised such as AIDS patients or malnourished children. Cryptosporidiosis in developing countries is a major cause of acute and persistent diarrhea in children and is associated with subsequent impairment in growth, physical fitness, and cognitive function. Despite recognition of the importance of immune status, the correlates of protective immunity in cryptosporidiosis in humans are poorly understood, and treatment modalities are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati T Desai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary importance that causes gastroenteritis in a variety of vertebrate hosts. Several studies have reported different degrees of pathogenicity and virulence among Cryptosporidium species and isolates of the same species as well as evidence of variation in host susceptibility to infection. The identification and validation of Cryptosporidium virulence factors have been hindered by the renowned difficulties pertaining to the in vitro culture and genetic manipulation of this parasite. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made in identifying putative virulence factors for Cryptosporidium. This progress has been accelerated since the publication of the Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis genomes, with the characterization of over 25 putative virulence factors identified by using a variety of immunological and molecular techniques and which are proposed to be involved in aspects of host-pathogen interactions from adhesion and locomotion to invasion and proliferation. Progress has also been made in the contribution of host factors that are associated with variations in both the severity and risk of infection. Here we provide a review comprised of the current state of knowledge on Cryptosporidium infectivity, pathogenesis, and transmissibility in light of our contemporary understanding of microbial virulence.
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Maikai B, Baba-Onoja E, Elisha I. Contamination of raw vegetables with Cryptosporidium oocysts in markets within Zaria metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Food Control 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2012.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Khan I, Khan AM, Ayaz S, Khan S, Anees M, Khan SA, Ullah F. Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in water sources of district Nowshehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:837-841. [PMID: 24053360 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.821962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is spread through contamination of water sources and results in morbidity globally. In the current study 300 water samples were processed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Toxoplasma gondii. The overall prevalence in different water sources was 6.6% (17/300). Among different water sources the highest prevalence was recorded in drain water at 7% (7/100), followed by tube well water at 7.5% (3/40) and open well water at 5% (5/100) ,and the lowest was recorded in tap water at 3.33% (2/60). The highest prevalence was recorded in summer. Evidence indicates that cleaning and filtration need to be adopted to avoid the health hazards of waterborne zoonotic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- a Department of Zoology , Kohat University of Science and Technology , Kohat , Pakistan
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Zhou W, Scocchera EW, Wright DL, Anderson AC. Antifolates as effective antimicrobial agents: new generations of trimethoprim analogs. MEDCHEMCOMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00104k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Colwell RK, Dunn RR, Harris NC. Coextinction and Persistence of Dependent Species in a Changing World. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2012. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110411-160304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The extinction of a single species is rarely an isolated event. Instead, dependent parasites, commensals, and mutualist partners (affiliates) face the risk of coextinction as their hosts or partners decline and fail. Species interactions in ecological networks can transmit the effects of primary extinctions within and between trophic levels, causing secondary extinctions and extinction cascades. Documenting coextinctions is complicated by ignorance of host specificity, limitations of historical collections, incomplete systematics of affiliate taxa, and lack of experimental studies. Host shifts may reduce the rate of coextinctions, but they are poorly understood. In the absence of better empirical records of coextinctions, statistical models estimate the rates of past and future coextinctions, and based on primary extinctions and interactions among species, network models explore extinction cascades. Models predict and historical evidence reveals that the threat of coextinction is influenced by both host and affiliate traits and is exacerbated by other threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K. Colwell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
- University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | | | - Nyeema C. Harris
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
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Hassan A, Farouk H, Abdul-Ghani R, Hassanein F. Contamination of irrigation systems of dental units with Cryptosporidium species in Alexandria, Egypt: a neglected disinfection pitfall. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2012; 5:93-5. [PMID: 22936862 PMCID: PMC3426257 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s35257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the contamination of the dental irrigation systems with Cryptosporidium species in Alexandria, Egypt. METHODS Forty water samples from all 20 working dental irrigation machines in a dental center in Alexandria were included in the study. Water samples were taken from the handpieces of dental irrigation machines in all studied units. After filtration through a membrane filter, water sample residues were stained using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and examined microscopically for Cryptosporidium spp. RESULTS Cryptosporidium spp. was found as a contaminant in 27.5% of water samples taken from dental irrigation machines. CONCLUSION This indicates a contamination by the public water supplies to which these dental irrigation machines are connected. This disinfection pitfall may pose an infection risk to those seeking dental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Hassan
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hanan Farouk
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rashad Abdul-Ghani
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Faika Hassanein
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an updated perspective of the most common parasitic infections occurring in solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. RECENT FINDINGS Parasitic infections are an emerging problem in SOT programs and represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Transplantation in endemic areas - including medical tourism, international travel and migration - justify the necessity of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of posttransplant complications. Molecular techniques, such as PCR, may improve the diagnostic accuracy and help during the follow-up. SUMMARY Parasitic infections are an uncommon but potentially severe complication in SOT recipients. An increase of donors emigrated from tropical areas and more posttransplant patients traveling to endemic areas have led to a rise in parasitic infections reported among SOT recipients. Transplant physicians should get familiar with parasitic infections and promote adherence to preventive measures in SOT recipients.
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Manque PA, Woehlbier U, Lara AM, Tenjo F, Alves JM, Buck GA. Identification and characterization of a novel calcium-activated apyrase from Cryptosporidium parasites and its potential role in pathogenesis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31030. [PMID: 22363541 PMCID: PMC3280346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of a novel Ca2+-activated nucleoside diphosphatase (apyrase), CApy, of the intracellular gut pathogen Cryptosporidium. The purified recombinant CApy protein displayed activity, substrate specificity and calcium dependency strikingly similar to the previously described human apyrase, SCAN-1 (soluble calcium-activated nucleotidase 1). CApy was found to be expressed in both Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and sporozoites, and displayed a polar localization in the latter, suggesting a possible co-localization with the apical complex of the parasite. In vitro binding experiments revealed that CApy interacts with the host cell in a dose-dependent fashion, implying the presence of an interacting partner on the surface of the host cell. Antibodies directed against CApy block Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite invasion of HCT-8 cells, suggesting that CApy may play an active role during the early stages of parasite invasion. Sequence analyses revealed that the capy gene shares a high degree of homology with apyrases identified in other organisms, including parasites, insects and humans. Phylogenetic analysis argues that the capy gene is most likely an ancestral feature that has been lost from most apicomplexan genomes except Cryptosporidium, Neospora and Toxoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio A. Manque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ute Woehlbier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ana M. Lara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Fernando Tenjo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - João M. Alves
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Gregory A. Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Anne Alexander K, Herbein J, Zajac A. The Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infections Among Patients Reporting Diarrheal Disease in Chobe District, Botswana. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/aid.2012.24023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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An W, Zhang D, Xiao S, Yu J, Yang M. Quantitative health risk assessment of Cryptosporidium in rivers of southern China based on continuous monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:4951-4958. [PMID: 21557575 DOI: 10.1021/es103981w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of Cryptosporidium in the source water of several cities of Zhejiang Province, China were determined to be in the range of 0-17 oocysts/10 L in the rainy season in 2008, with a mean value of 7 oocysts/10 L. Based on the investigation data, comprehensive risk assessment of Cryptosporidium infection was performed by considering different water intake routes as well as water consumption. Intakes of unboiled tapwater (including drinking and tooth-brushing and food and dish washing) and source water (through swimming in rivers) were estimated to be 2.59-25.9 and 0.32-0.74 L/year-person, respectively. The mortality due to Cryptosporidium infection for people in this region, excluding HIV-infected patients, was calculated as 0-0.0146 per 10(5) persons using a conditional probability formula. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were used to quantify the risk of Cryptosporidium infection, for which uncertainty was analyzed. For people who consumed conventionally treated water, the DALYs due to Cryptosporidium infection were 6.51 per 10(5) (95% CI: 2.16 × 10(-5)-22.35 × 10(-5)) persons, which were higher than a risk judged acceptable by some (1.97 × 10(-5) DALYs per year), and the risk for those consuming ozone-treated water became 0.0689 × 10(-5) DALYs per year. The major risk of infection resulted from swimming in the river. This study provides a method to establish the risk of Cryptosporidium infection and optimize the scheme for reducing the risk effectively, which is useful for the modification of water quality standards based on cost utility analysis given use of DALYs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
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MicroRNA-221 controls expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in epithelial cells in response to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:397-403. [PMID: 21236259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite that infects gastrointestinal epithelial cells and causes diarrhoeal disease in humans and animals globally. Pathological changes following C. parvum infection include crypt hyperplasia and a modest inflammatory reaction with increased infiltration of lymphocytes into intestinal mucosa. Expression of adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), on infected epithelial cell surfaces may facilitate adhesion and recognition of lymphocytes at infection sites. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules of 23 nucleotides that negatively regulate protein-coding gene expression via translational suppression or mRNA degradation. We recently reported that microRNA-221 (miR-221) regulates ICAM-1 translation through targeting the ICAM-1 3'-untranslated region (UTR). In this study, we tested the role of miR-221 in regulating ICAM-1 expression in epithelial cells in response to C. parvum infection using an in vitro model of human biliary cryptosporidiosis. Up-regulation of ICAM-1 at both message and protein levels was detected in epithelial cells following C. parvum infection. Inhibition of ICAM-1 transcription with actinomycin D could only partially block C. parvum-induced ICAM-1 expression at the protein level. Cryptosporidium parvum infection decreased miR-221 expression in infected epithelial cells. When cells were transfected with a luciferase reporter construct covering the miR-221 binding site in the ICAM-1 3'-UTR and then exposed to C. parvum, an enhanced luciferase activity was detected. Transfection of miR-221 precursor abolished C. parvum-stimulated ICAM-1 protein expression. In addition, expression of ICAM-1 on infected epithelial cells facilitated epithelial adherence of co-cultured Jurkat cells. These results indicate that miR-221-mediated translational suppression controls ICAM-1 expression in epithelial cells in response to C. parvum infection.
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