1
|
Sohail A, Barry A, Auburn S, Cheng Q, Lau CL, Lee R, Price RN, Furuya-Kanamori L, Bareng P, McGuinness SL, Leder K. Imported malaria into Australia: surveillance insights and opportunities. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taad164. [PMID: 38127641 PMCID: PMC10998534 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to pose a significant burden in endemic countries, many of which lack access to molecular surveillance. Insights from malaria cases in travellers returning to non-endemic areas can provide valuable data to inform endemic country programmes. To evaluate the potential for novel global insights into malaria, we examined epidemiological and molecular data from imported malaria cases to Australia. METHODS We analysed malaria cases reported in Australia from 2012 to 2022 using National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data. Molecular data on imported malaria cases were obtained from literature searches. RESULTS Between 2012 and 2022, 3204 malaria cases were reported in Australia. Most cases (69%) were male and 44% occurred in young adults aged 20-39 years. Incidence rates initially declined between 2012 and 2015, then increased until 2019. During 2012-2019, the incidence in travellers ranged from 1.34 to 7.71 per 100 000 trips. Cases were primarily acquired in Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 1433; 45%), Oceania (n = 569; 18%) and Southern and Central Asia (n = 367; 12%). The most common countries of acquisition were Papua New Guinea (n = 474) and India (n = 277). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 58% (1871/3204) of cases and was predominantly acquired in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Plasmodium vivax accounted for 32% (1016/3204), predominantly from Oceania and Asia. Molecular studies of imported malaria cases to Australia identified genetic mutations and deletions associated with drug resistance and false-negative rapid diagnostic test results, and led to the establishment of reference genomes for P. vivax and Plasmodium malariae. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis highlights the continuing burden of imported malaria into Australia. Molecular studies have offered valuable insights into drug resistance and diagnostic limitations, and established reference genomes. Integrating molecular data into national surveillance systems could provide important infectious disease intelligence to optimize treatment guidelines for returning travellers and support endemic country surveillance programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Sohail
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Grampians Health, Ballarat 3350, Australia
| | - Alyssa Barry
- Institute for Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0800, Australia
| | - Qin Cheng
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane 4051, Australia
| | - Colleen L Lau
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Ric N Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0800, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Paolo Bareng
- Institute for Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
| | - Sarah L McGuinness
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Karin Leder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Melbourne Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rizzo A, Grosso S, Faggion I, Gigantiello A, Salari F, Niero F, Passerini S, Mariani C, Antinori S, Gismondo MR. Multiple episodes of Plasmodium malariae despite antimalarial treatment: "Quartana te teneat"? Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 56:102671. [PMID: 38016529 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rizzo
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Silvia Grosso
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Ivano Faggion
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Anna Gigantiello
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Federica Salari
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Fosca Niero
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Simone Passerini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Chiara Mariani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| | - Maria Rita Gismondo
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco - L. Sacco Hospital, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Culleton R, Pain A, Snounou G. Plasmodium malariae: the persisting mysteries of a persistent parasite. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:113-125. [PMID: 36517330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium malariae is a 'neglected malaria parasite' in as much as the amount of research conducted on it pales into insignificance when compared to that pertaining to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, its more notorious and pathogenic cousins. There has, however, been an increase in interest in this parasite over the past decade. Principally, this is because of the increasing use of sensitive molecular detection techniques that have revealed a wider than previously recorded prevalence in some regions (particularly in Africa), and high numbers of chronic, asymptomatic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Culleton
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan; Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Group, Bioscience Programme, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Georges Snounou
- CEA-Université Paris Sud 11-INSERM U1184, Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases (IMVA-HB), IDMIT Department, IBFJ, DRF, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Plasmodium malariae structure and genetic diversity in sub-Saharan Africa determined from microsatellite variants and linked SNPs in orthologues of antimalarial resistance genes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21881. [PMID: 36536036 PMCID: PMC9761029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26625-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium malariae, a neglected human malaria parasite, contributes up to 10% of malaria infections in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). Though P. malariae infection is considered clinically benign, it presents mostly as coinfections with the dominant P. falciparum. Completion of its reference genome has paved the way to further understand its biology and interactions with the human host, including responses to antimalarial interventions. We characterized 75 P. malariae isolates from seven endemic countries in sSA using highly divergent microsatellites. The P. malariae infections were highly diverse and five subpopulations from three ancestries (independent of origin of isolates) were determined. Sequences of 11 orthologous antimalarial resistance genes, identified low frequency single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), strong linkage disequilibrium between loci that may be due to antimalarial drug selection. At least three sub-populations were detectable from a subset of denoised SNP data from mostly the mitochondrial cytochrome b coding region. This evidence of diversity and selection calls for including P. malariae in malaria genomic surveillance towards improved tools and strategies for malaria elimination.
Collapse
|
5
|
Nainggolan IRA, Syafutri RD, Sinambela MN, Devina C, Handayani, Hasibuan BS, Chuangchaiya S, Divis PCS, Idris ZM, Permatasari R, Lubis IND. The presence of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi in near malaria elimination setting in western Indonesia. Malar J 2022; 21:316. [PMCID: PMC9636705 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Indonesia is progressing towards malaria elimination. To achieve this goal, intervention measures must be addressed to cover all Plasmodium species. Comprehensive control measures and surveillance programmes must be intensified. This study aims to determine the prevalence of microscopic and submicroscopic malaria in Langkat district, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six villages in Langkat district, North Sumatera Province in June 2019. Data were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Finger pricked blood samples were obtained for malaria examination using rapid diagnostic test, thick and thin blood smears, and polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 342 individuals were included in the study. Of them, one (0.3%) had a microscopic Plasmodium malariae infection, no positive RDT examination, and three (0.9%) were positive for P. malariae (n = 1) and Plasmodium knowlesi (n = 2). The distribution of bed net ownership was owned by 40% of the study participants. The participants had a house within a radius of 100–500 m from the forest (86.3%) and had the housing material of cement floor (56.1%), a tin roof (82.2%), wooden wall (35.7%), bamboo wall (28.1%), and brick wall (21.6%). Conclusion Malaria incidence has substantially decreased in Langkat, North Sumatera, Indonesia. However, submicroscopic infection remains in the population and may contribute to further transmission. Surveillance should include the detection of microscopic undetected parasites, to enable the achievement of malaria elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rycha Dwi Syafutri
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| | - Monica Nadya Sinambela
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| | - Clara Devina
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| | - Handayani
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| | - Beby Syofiani Hasibuan
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| | - Sriwipa Chuangchaiya
- grid.9723.f0000 0001 0944 049XDepartment of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, 47000 Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Paul C. S. Divis
- grid.412253.30000 0000 9534 9846Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - Zulkarnain Md Idris
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ranti Permatasari
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| | - Inke Nadia Diniyanti Lubis
- grid.413127.20000 0001 0657 4011Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155 Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brashear AM, Cui L. Population genomics in neglected malaria parasites. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:984394. [PMID: 36160257 PMCID: PMC9493318 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.984394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria elimination includes neglected human malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium malariae. Biological features such as association with low-density infection and the formation of hypnozoites responsible for relapse make their elimination challenging. Studies on these parasites rely primarily on clinical samples due to the lack of long-term culture techniques. With improved methods to enrich parasite DNA from clinical samples, whole-genome sequencing of the neglected malaria parasites has gained increasing popularity. Population genomics of more than 2200 P. vivax global isolates has improved our knowledge of parasite biology and host-parasite interactions, identified vaccine targets and potential drug resistance markers, and provided a new way to track parasite migration and introduction and monitor the evolutionary response of local populations to elimination efforts. Here, we review advances in population genomics for neglected malaria parasites, discuss how the rich genomic information is being used to understand parasite biology and epidemiology, and explore opportunities for the applications of malaria genomic data in malaria elimination practice.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fuehrer HP, Campino S, Sutherland CJ. The primate malaria parasites Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium brasilianum and Plasmodium ovale spp.: genomic insights into distribution, dispersal and host transitions. Malar J 2022; 21:138. [PMID: 35505317 PMCID: PMC9066925 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the twentieth century, there was an explosion in understanding of the malaria parasites infecting humans and wild primates. This was built on three main data sources: from detailed descriptive morphology, from observational histories of induced infections in captive primates, syphilis patients, prison inmates and volunteers, and from clinical and epidemiological studies in the field. All three were wholly dependent on parasitological information from blood-film microscopy, and The Primate Malarias” by Coatney and colleagues (1971) provides an overview of this knowledge available at that time. Here, 50 years on, a perspective from the third decade of the twenty-first century is presented on two pairs of primate malaria parasite species. Included is a near-exhaustive summary of the recent and current geographical distribution for each of these four species, and of the underlying molecular and genomic evidence for each. The important role of host transitions in the radiation of Plasmodium spp. is discussed, as are any implications for the desired elimination of all malaria species in human populations. Two important questions are posed, requiring further work on these often ignored taxa. Is Plasmodium brasilianum, circulating among wild simian hosts in the Americas, a distinct species from Plasmodium malariae? Can new insights into the genomic differences between Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri be linked to any important differences in parasite morphology, cell biology or clinical and epidemiological features?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susana Campino
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tournoy TK, Rosanas-Urgell A, Van Esbroeck M, Bottieau E, Huits R. Plasmodium malariae after successful treatment of P. falciparum malaria with artemether-lumefantrine. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 119:56-58. [PMID: 35358721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.045] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a case of Plasmodium malariae malaria in a traveler returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Belgium. This occurred despite successful artemether-lumefantrine treatment for Plasmodium falciparum three weeks earlier and in absence of re-exposure in an endemic area. We discuss possible explanations for this unusual observation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tijs K Tournoy
- Ghent University Hospital - Ghent Belgium, Corneel Heymanslaan 10.
| | - Anna Rosanas-Urgell
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp - Antwerp Belgium, Kronenburgstraat 43.
| | - Marjan Van Esbroeck
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp - Antwerp Belgium, Kronenburgstraat 43.
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp - Antwerp Belgium, Kronenburgstraat 43.
| | - Ralph Huits
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp - Antwerp Belgium, Kronenburgstraat 43.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dembele L, Diallo N, Sogore F, Diarra B, Ballo FI, Daou A, Diakite O, Bare Y, Sangare CPO, Haidara AS, Diakite SAS, Niangaly A, Diakite M, Campo B, Awandare GA, Aniweh Y, Djimde AA. Ex Vivo Plasmodium malariae Culture Method for Antimalarial Drugs Screen in the Field. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:3025-3033. [PMID: 34711047 PMCID: PMC9974065 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In vitro and ex vivo cultivation of Plasmodium (P) falciparum has facilitated active research into the malaria parasite toward the quest for basic knowledge and the discovery of effective drug treatments. Such a drug discovery program is currently difficult for P. malariae simply because of the absence of in vitro and ex vivo cultivation system for its asexual blood stages supporting antimalarial evaluation. Despite availability of artemisinin combination therapies effective on P. falciparum, P. malariae is being increasingly detected in malaria endemic countries. P. malariae is responsible for chronic infections and is associated with a high burden of anemia and morbidity. Here, we optimized and adapted ex vivo conditions under which P. malariae can be cultured and used for screening antimalarial drugs. Subsequently, this enabled us to test compounds such as artemether, chloroquine, lumefantrine, and quinine for ex vivo antimalarial activity against P. malariae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Dembele
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali,
| | - Nouhoum Diallo
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fanta Sogore
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bintou Diarra
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fatoumata I. Ballo
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Daou
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ousmaila Diakite
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yacouba Bare
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Cheick Papa Oumar Sangare
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Aboubecrin Sedhigh Haidara
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seidina A. S. Diakite
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Brice Campo
- Medicines
for Malaria Venture (MMV), ICC Building Entrance G Third Floor Route de Pré-Bois 20 Postal Box 1826 CH-1215 Geneva
15 Switzerland
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West
African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP),
Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of
Basic and Applied Sciences, University of
Ghana, LG 54 Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West
African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP),
Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of
Basic and Applied Sciences, University of
Ghana, LG 54 Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdoulaye A. Djimde
- Faculté
de Pharmacie, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences des Techniques et des
Technologies de Bamako, Point G, Postal Box 1805, Bamako, Mali,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ansah F, Suurbaar J, Darko D, Anabire NG, Blankson SO, Domson BKS, Soulama A, Kpasra P, Chirawurah JD, Amenga-Etego L, Kanyong P, Awandare GA, Aniweh Y. Development of Cooperative Primer-Based Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:1393-1403. [PMID: 34425259 PMCID: PMC8591562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale are increasingly gaining public health attention as the global transmission of falciparum malaria is decreasing. However, the absence of reliable Plasmodium species-specific detection tools has hampered accurate diagnosis of these minor Plasmodium species. In this study, SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assays were developed for the detection of P. malariae and P. ovale using cooperative primers that significantly limit the formation and propagation of primers-dimers. Both the P. malariae and P. ovale cooperative primer-based assays had at least 10-fold lower detection limit compared with the corresponding conventional primer-based assays. More important, the cooperative primer-based assays were evaluated in a cross-sectional study using 560 samples obtained from two health facilities in Ghana. The prevalence rates of P. malariae and P. ovale among the combined study population were 18.6% (104/560) and 5.5% (31/560), respectively. Among the Plasmodium-positive cases, P. malariae and P. ovale mono-infections were 3.6% (18/499) and 1.0% (5/499), respectively, with the remaining being co-infections with Plasmodium falciparum. The study demonstrates the public health importance of including detection tools with lower detection limits in routine diagnosis and surveillance of nonfalciparum species. This will be necessary for comprehensively assessing the effectiveness of malaria interventions and control measures aimed toward global malaria elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Suurbaar
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Derrick Darko
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nsoh G Anabire
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Samuel O Blankson
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bright K S Domson
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alamissa Soulama
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Paulina Kpasra
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jersley D Chirawurah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lucas Amenga-Etego
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prosper Kanyong
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Flexmedical Solutions Ltd., Eliburn Industrial Park, Livingston, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dembele L, Aniweh Y, Diallo N, Sogore F, Sangare CPO, Haidara AS, Traore A, Diakité SAS, Diakite M, Campo B, Awandare GA, Djimde AA. Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum comparative susceptibility to antimalarial drugs in Mali. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:2079-2087. [PMID: 34021751 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate Plasmodium malariae susceptibility to current and lead candidate antimalarial drugs. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional screening and detection of all Plasmodium species malaria cases, which were nested within a longitudinal prospective study, and an ex vivo assessment of efficacy of a panel of antimalarials against P. malariae and Plasmodium falciparum, both PCR-confirmed mono-infections. Reference compounds tested included chloroquine, lumefantrine, artemether and piperaquine, while candidate antimalarials included the imidazolopiperazine GNF179, a close analogue of KAF156, and the Plasmodium phosphatidylinositol-4-OH kinase (PI4K)-specific inhibitor KDU691. RESULTS We report a high frequency (3%-15%) of P. malariae infections with a significant reduction in ex vivo susceptibility to chloroquine, lumefantrine and artemether, which are the current frontline drugs against P. malariae infections. Unlike these compounds, potent inhibition of P. malariae and P. falciparum was observed with piperaquine exposure. Furthermore, we evaluated advanced lead antimalarial compounds. In this regard, we identified strong inhibition of P. malariae using GNF179, a close analogue of KAF156 imidazolopiperazines, which is a novel class of antimalarial drug currently in clinical Phase IIb testing. Finally, in addition to GNF179, we demonstrated that the Plasmodium PI4K-specific inhibitor KDU691 is highly inhibitory against P. malariae and P. falciparum. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated that chloroquine, lumefantrine and artemether may not be suitable for the treatment of P. malariae infections and the potential of piperaquine, as well as new antimalarials imidazolopiperazines and PI4K-specific inhibitor, for P. malariae cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Dembele
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Volta Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Nouhoum Diallo
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fanta Sogore
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Cheick Papa Oumar Sangare
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Aboubecrin Sedhigh Haidara
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Aliou Traore
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seidina A S Diakité
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali.,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Volta Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| | - Brice Campo
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) ICC Building Entrance G, 3rd floor Route de Pré-Bois 20 Post Box 1826 CH-1215, Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Volta Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Abdoulaye A Djimde
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Point G, P.O. Box: 1805, Bamako, Mali
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Franssen SU, Takele Y, Adem E, Sanders MJ, Müller I, Kropf P, Cotton JA. Diversity and Within-Host Evolution of Leishmania donovani from Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients with and without HIV Coinfection in Northern Ethiopia. mBio 2021; 12:e0097121. [PMID: 34182785 PMCID: PMC8262925 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00971-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal disease and a growing public health problem in East Africa, where Ethiopia has one of the highest VL burdens. The largest focus of VL in Ethiopia is driven by high prevalence in migrant agricultural workers and associated with a high rate of coinfection with HIV. This coinfection makes VL more difficult to treat successfully and is associated with a high rate of relapse, with VL/HIV patients frequently experiencing many relapses of VL before succumbing to this infection. We present genome-wide data on Leishmania donovani isolates from a longitudinal study of cohorts of VL and VL/HIV patients reporting to a single clinic in Ethiopia. Extensive clinical data allow us to investigate the influence of coinfection and relapse on the populations of parasites infecting these patients. We find that the same parasite population is responsible for both VL and VL/HIV infections and that, in most cases, disease relapse is caused by recrudescence of the population of parasites that caused primary VL. Complex, multiclonal infections are present in both primary and relapse cases, but the infrapopulation of parasites within a patient loses genetic diversity between primary disease presentation and subsequent relapses, presumably due to a population bottleneck induced by treatment. These data suggest that VL/HIV relapses are not caused by genetically distinct parasite infections or by reinfection. Treatment of VL does not lead to sterile cure, and in VL/HIV, the infecting parasites are able to reestablish after clinically successful treatment, leading to repeated relapse of VL. IMPORTANCE Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the second largest cause of deaths due to parasite infections and a growing problem in East Africa. In Ethiopia, it is particularly associated with migrant workers moving from regions of nonendemicity for seasonal agricultural work and is frequently found as a coinfection with HIV, which leads to frequent VL relapse following treatment. Insight into the process of relapse in these patients is thus key to controlling the VL epidemic in Ethiopia. We show that there is little genetic differentiation between the parasites infecting HIV-positive and HIV-negative VL patients. Moreover, we provide evidence that relapses are caused by the initially infecting parasite population and that treatment induces a loss of genetic diversity in this population. We propose that restoring functioning immunity and improving antiparasitic treatment may be key in breaking the cycle of relapsing VL in VL/HIV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yegnasew Takele
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Oriero EC, Amenga-Etego L, Ishengoma DS, Amambua-Ngwa A. Plasmodium malariae, current knowledge and future research opportunities on a neglected malaria parasite species. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:44-56. [PMID: 33507842 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1838440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium malariae is often reported as a benign malaria parasite. There are limited data on its biology and disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) possibly due to the unavailability of specific and affordable tools for routine diagnosis and large epidemiology studies. In addition, P. malariae occurs at low parasite densities and in co-infections with other species, predominately P. falciparum. The paucity of data on P. malariae infections limits the capacity to accurately determine its contribution to malaria and the effect of control interventions against P. falciparum on its prevalence. Here, we summarise the current knowledge on P. malariae epidemiology in sSA - overall prevalence ranging from 0-32%, as detected by different diagnostic methods; seroprevalence ranging from 0-56% in three countries (Mozambique, Benin and Zimbabwe), and explore the future application of next-generation sequencing technologies as a tool for enriching P. malariae genomic epidemiology. This will provide insights into important adaptive mechanisms of this neglected non-falciparum species, including antimalarial drug resistance, local and regional parasite transmission patterns and genomic signatures of selection. Improved diagnosis and genomic surveillance of non-falciparum malaria parasites in Africa would be helpful in evaluating progress towards elimination of all human Plasmodium species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eniyou C Oriero
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Lucas Amenga-Etego
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- Tanga Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Fajara, The Gambia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Woodford J, Collins KA, Odedra A, Wang C, Jang IK, Domingo GJ, Watts R, Marquart L, Berriman M, Otto TD, McCarthy JS. An Experimental Human Blood-Stage Model for Studying Plasmodium malariae Infection. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:948-955. [PMID: 30852586 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium malariae is considered a minor malaria parasite, although its global disease burden is underappreciated. The aim of this study was to develop an induced blood-stage malaria (IBSM) model of P. malariae to study parasite biology, diagnostic assays, and treatment. METHODS This clinical trial involved 2 healthy subjects who were intravenously inoculated with cryopreserved P. malariae-infected erythrocytes. Subjects were treated with artemether-lumefantrine after development of clinical symptoms. Prior to antimalarial therapy, mosquito-feeding assays were performed to investigate transmission, and blood samples were collected for rapid diagnostic testing and parasite transcription profiling. Serial blood samples were collected for biomarker analysis. RESULTS Both subjects experienced symptoms and signs typical of early malaria. Parasitemia was detected 7 days after inoculation, and parasite concentrations increased until antimalarial treatment was initiated 25 and 21 days after inoculation for subjects 1 and 2 respectively (peak parasitemia levels, 174 182 and 50 291 parasites/mL, respectively). The parasite clearance half-life following artemether-lumefantrine treatment was 6.7 hours. Mosquito transmission was observed for 1 subject, while in vivo parasite transcription and biomarkers were successfully profiled. CONCLUSIONS An IBSM model of P. malariae has been successfully developed and may be used to study the biology of, diagnostic testing for, and treatment of this neglected malaria species. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ACTRN12617000048381.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Woodford
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
- The University of Queensland
| | | | | | - Claire Wang
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton
- Centre of Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
- The University of Queensland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sutherland CJ. A New Window on Plasmodium malariae Infections. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:864-866. [PMID: 30855671 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Oriero EC, Olukosi AY, Oduwole OA, Djimde A, D'Alessandro U, Meremikwu MM, Amambua-Ngwa A. Seroprevalence and Parasite Rates of Plasmodium malariae in a High Malaria Transmission Setting of Southern Nigeria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2208-2216. [PMID: 33124531 PMCID: PMC7695047 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Plasmodium falciparum continues to be the main target for malaria elimination, other Plasmodium species persist in Africa. Their clinical diagnosis is uncommon, whereas rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), the most widely used malaria diagnostic tools, are only able to distinguish between P. falciparum and non-falciparum species, the latter as “pan-species.” Blood samples from health facilities were collected in southern Nigeria (Lagos and Calabar) in 2017 (October–December) and Calabar only in 2018 (October–November), and analyzed by several methods, namely, microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and peptide serology targeting candidate antigens (Plasmodium malariae apical membrane antigen, P. malariae lactose dehydrogenase, and P. malariae circumsporozoite surface protein). Both microscopy and qPCR diagnostic approaches detected comparable proportions (∼80%) of all RDT-positive samples infected with the dominant P. falciparum malaria parasite. However, higher proportions of non-falciparum species were detected by qPCR than microscopy, 10% against 3% infections for P. malariae and 3% against 0% for Plasmodium ovale, respectively. No Plasmodium vivax infection was detected. Infection rates for P. malariae varied between age-groups, with the highest rates in individuals aged > 5 years. Plasmodium malariae–specific seroprevalence rates fluctuated in those aged < 10 years but generally reached the peak around 20 years of age for all peptides. The heterogeneity and rates of these non-falciparum species call for increased specific diagnosis and targeting by elimination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eniyou C Oriero
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | - Olabisi A Oduwole
- Calabar Institute of Tropical Disease Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Abdoulaye Djimde
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Science, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Martin M Meremikwu
- Calabar Institute of Tropical Disease Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pinilla YT, Boussougou-Sambe ST, Gräßle S, Ngossanga B, Doumba-Ndalembouly AG, Weierich A, Bingoulou G, Malinga EG, Nguiffo-Nguete D, Ntoumi F, Djogbénou L, Issifou S, Wondji CS, Adegnika AA, Borrmann S. Experimental Transmission of Plasmodium malariae to Anopheles gambiae. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:522-526. [PMID: 32621750 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the clinical burden, biology, and transmission of Plasmodium malariae is extremely scarce. To start addressing some of those questions, we experimentally infected Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes with fresh P. malariae isolates obtained from asymptomatic individuals in Lambaréné, Gabon. The proportion of mosquitoes infected via direct membrane feeding assay with either P. malariae monoinfections (16% [19 of 121]) or coinfections (28% [31 of 112]) was higher after serum replacement than in parallel groups without serum replacement (4% [4 of 102] and 4% [2 of 45], respectively; P < .01). Our results show that isolates from asymptomatic carriers can be used for experimental studies of P. malariae transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudi T Pinilla
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stravensky T Boussougou-Sambe
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Gräßle
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Andrea Weierich
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Emma G Malinga
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Daniel Nguiffo-Nguete
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Luc Djogbénou
- Institut Régional de Santé Publique, Ouidah, Bénin.,University of Abomey-Calavi, Ouidah, Bénin.,Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Saadou Issifou
- Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Charles S Wondji
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ayola A Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany.,Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique, Cotonou, Benin.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Selective whole genome amplification of Plasmodium malariae DNA from clinical samples reveals insights into population structure. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10832. [PMID: 32616738 PMCID: PMC7331648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67568-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The genomic diversity of Plasmodium malariae malaria parasites is understudied, partly because infected individuals tend to present with low parasite densities, leading to difficulties in obtaining sufficient parasite DNA for genome analysis. Selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) increases the relative levels of pathogen DNA in a clinical sample, but has not been adapted for P. malariae parasites. Here we design customized SWGA primers which successfully amplify P. malariae DNA extracted directly from unprocessed clinical blood samples obtained from patients with P. malariae-mono-infections from six countries, and further test the efficacy of SWGA on mixed infections with other Plasmodium spp. SWGA enables the successful whole genome sequencing of samples with low parasite density (i.e. one sample with a parasitaemia of 0.0064% resulted in 44% of the genome covered by ≥ 5 reads), leading to an average 14-fold increase in genome coverage when compared to unamplified samples. We identify a total of 868,476 genome-wide SNPs, of which 194,709 are unique across 18 high-quality isolates. After exclusion of the hypervariable subtelomeric regions, a high-quality core subset of 29,899 unique SNPs is defined. Population genetic analysis suggests that P. malariae parasites display clear geographical separation by continent. Further, SWGA successfully amplifies genetic regions of interest such as orthologs of P. falciparum drug resistance-associated loci (Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfcrt, Pfk13 and Pfmdr1), and several non-synonymous SNPs were detected in these genes. In conclusion, we have established a robust SWGA approach that can assist whole genome sequencing of P. malariae, and thereby facilitate the implementation of much-needed large-scale multi-population genomic studies of this neglected malaria parasite. As demonstrated in other Plasmodia, such genetic diversity studies can provide insights into the biology underlying the disease and inform malaria surveillance and control measures.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mathema VB, Nakeesathit S, White NJ, Dondorp AM, Imwong M. Genome-wide microsatellite characteristics of five human Plasmodium species, focusing on Plasmodium malariae and P. ovale curtisi. Parasite 2020; 27:34. [PMID: 32410726 PMCID: PMC7227371 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsatellites can be utilized to explore genotypes, population structure, and other genomic features of eukaryotes. Systematic characterization of microsatellites has not been a focus for several species of Plasmodium, including P. malariae and P. ovale, as the majority of malaria elimination programs are focused on P. falciparum and to a lesser extent P. vivax. Here, five human malaria species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale curtisi, and P. knowlesi) were investigated with the aim of conducting in-depth categorization of microsatellites for P. malariae and P. ovale curtisi. Investigation of reference genomes for microsatellites with unit motifs of 1-10 base pairs indicates high diversity among the five Plasmodium species. Plasmodium malariae, with the largest genome size, displays the second highest microsatellite density (1421 No./Mbp; 5% coverage) next to P. falciparum (3634 No./Mbp; 12% coverage). The lowest microsatellite density was observed in P. vivax (773 No./Mbp; 2% coverage). A, AT, and AAT are the most commonly repeated motifs in the Plasmodium species. For P. malariae and P. ovale curtisi, microsatellite-related sequences are observed in approximately 18-29% of coding sequences (CDS). Lysine, asparagine, and glutamic acids are most frequently coded by microsatellite-related CDS. The majority of these CDS could be related to the gene ontology terms "cell parts," "binding," "developmental processes," and "metabolic processes." The present study provides a comprehensive overview of microsatellite distribution and can assist in the planning and development of potentially useful genetic tools for further investigation of P. malariae and P. ovale curtisi epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Bhakta Mathema
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University 10400 Bangkok Thailand
| | - Supatchara Nakeesathit
- Mahidol–Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University 10400 Bangkok Thailand
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Mahidol–Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University 10400 Bangkok Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol–Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University 10400 Bangkok Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University 10400 Bangkok Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mathema VB, Nakeesathit S, Pagornrat W, Smithuis F, White NJ, Dondorp AM, Imwong M. Polymorphic markers for identification of parasite population in Plasmodium malariae. Malar J 2020; 19:48. [PMID: 31992308 PMCID: PMC6988369 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-3122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Molecular genotyping in Plasmodium serves many aims including providing tools for studying parasite population genetics and distinguishing recrudescence from reinfection. Microsatellite typing, insertion-deletion (INDEL) and single nucleotide polymorphisms is used for genotyping, but only limited information is available for Plasmodium malariae, an important human malaria species. This study aimed to provide a set of genetic markers to facilitate the study of P. malariae population genetics. Methods Markers for microsatellite genotyping and pmmsp1 gene polymorphisms were developed and validated in symptomatic P. malariae field isolates from Myanmar (N = 37). Fragment analysis was used to determine allele sizes at each locus to calculate multiplicity of infections (MOI), linkage disequilibrium, heterozygosity and construct dendrograms. Nucleotide diversity (π), number of haplotypes, and genetic diversity (Hd) were assessed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Genome-wide microsatellite maps with annotated regions of newly identified markers were constructed. Results Six microsatellite markers were developed and tested in 37 P. malariae isolates which showed sufficient heterozygosity (0.530–0.922), and absence of linkage disequilibrium (IAS=0.03, p value > 0.05) (N = 37). In addition, a tandem repeat (VNTR)-based pmmsp1 INDEL polymorphisms marker was developed and assessed in 27 P. malariae isolates showing a nucleotide diversity of 0.0976, haplotype gene diversity of 0.698 and identified 14 unique variants. The size of VNTR consensus repeat unit adopted as allele was 27 base pairs. The markers Pm12_426 and pmmsp1 showed greatest diversity with heterozygosity scores of 0.920 and 0.835, respectively. Using six microsatellites markers, the likelihood that any two parasite strains would have the same microsatellite genotypes was 8.46 × 10−4 and was further reduced to 1.66 × 10−4 when pmmsp1 polymorphisms were included. Conclusions Six novel microsatellites genotyping markers and a set of pmmsp1 VNTR-based INDEL polymorphisms markers for P. malariae were developed and validated. Each marker could be independently or in combination employed to access genotyping of the parasite. The newly developed markers may serve as a useful tool for investigating parasite diversity, population genetics, molecular epidemiology and for distinguishing recrudescence from reinfection in drug efficacy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Bhakta Mathema
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Supatchara Nakeesathit
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watcharee Pagornrat
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The technical genesis and practice of 8-aminoquinoline therapy of latent malaria offer singular scientific, clinical, and public health insights. The 8-aminoquinolines brought revolutionary scientific discoveries, dogmatic practices, benign neglect, and, finally, enduring promise against endemic malaria. The clinical use of plasmochin-the first rationally synthesized blood schizontocide and the first gametocytocide, tissue schizontocide, and hypnozoitocide of any kind-commenced in 1926. Plasmochin became known to sometimes provoke fatal hemolytic crises. World War II delivered a newer 8-aminoquinoline, primaquine, and the discovery of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as the basis of its hemolytic toxicity came in 1956. Primaquine nonetheless became the sole therapeutic option against latent malaria. After 40 years of fitful development, in 2018 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration registered the 8-aminoquinoline called tafenoquine for the prevention of all malarias and the treatment of those that relapse. Tafenoquine also cannot be used in G6PD-unknown or -deficient patients. The hemolytic toxicity of the 8-aminoquinolines impedes their great potential, but this problem has not been a research priority. This review explores the complex technical dimensions of the history of 8-aminoquinolines. The therapeutic principles thus examined may be leveraged in improved practice and in understanding the bright prospect of discovery of newer drugs that cannot harm G6PD-deficient patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Kevin Baird
- Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Elizardez YB, Fotoran WL, Junior AJG, Curado I, Junior NK, Monteiro EF, Romero Neto I, Wunderlich G, Kirchgatter K. Recombinant proteins of Plasmodium malariae merozoite surface protein 1 (PmMSP1): Testing immunogenicity in the BALB/c model and potential use as diagnostic tool. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219629. [PMID: 31344067 PMCID: PMC6657842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium malariae is the third most prevalent human malaria-causing species and has a patchy, but ample distribution in the world. Humans can host the parasite for years without presenting significant symptoms, turning its diagnosis and control into a difficult task. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant proteins of P. malariae MSP1. Methods Five regions of PmMSP1 were expressed in Escherichia coli as GST-fusion proteins and immunized in BALB/c mice. The specificity, subtyping, and affinity of raised antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cellular immune responses were analyzed by lymphoproliferation assays and cytokine levels produced by splenocytes were detected by cytometry. Results We found that N-terminal, central regions, and PmMSP119 are strongly immunogenic in mice. After three doses, the induced immune responses remained high for 70 days. While antibodies induced after immunization with N-terminal and central regions showed similar affinities to the target antigens, affinities of IgG against PmMSP119 were higher. All proteins induced similar antibody subclass patterns (predominantly IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), characterizing a mixed Th1/Th2 response. Further, autologous stimulation of splenocytes from immunized mice led to the secretion of IL2 and IL4, independently of the antigen used. Importantly, IgG from P. malariae-exposed individuals reacted against PmMSP1 recombinant proteins with a high specificity. On the other hand, sera from P. vivax or P. falciparum-infected individuals did not react at all against recombinant PmMSP1 proteins. Conclusion Recombinant PmMSP1 proteins are very useful diagnostic markers of P. malariae in epidemiological studies or in the differential diagnosis of malaria caused by this species. Immunization with recombinant PmMSP1 proteins resulted in a significant humoral immune response, which may turn them potential component candidates for a vaccine against P. malariae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yelina B. Elizardez
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wesley L. Fotoran
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrés J. Galisteo Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Izilda Curado
- Laboratório de Imunoepidemiologia, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norival Kesper Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana F. Monteiro
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irineu Romero Neto
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Woldearegai TG, Lalremruata A, Nguyen TT, Gmeiner M, Veletzky L, Tazemda-Kuitsouc GB, Matsiegui PB, Mordmüller B, Held J. Characterization of Plasmodium infections among inhabitants of rural areas in Gabon. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9784. [PMID: 31278305 PMCID: PMC6611864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium infections in endemic areas are often asymptomatic, can be caused by different species and contribute significantly to transmission. We performed a cross-sectional study in February/March 2016 including 840 individuals ≥ 1 year living in rural Gabon (Ngounié and Moyen-Ogooué). Plasmodium parasitemia was measured by high-sensitive, real-time quantitative PCR. In a randomly chosen subset of P. falciparum infections, gametocyte carriage and prevalence of chloroquine-resistant genotypes were analysed. 618/834 (74%) individuals were positive for Plasmodium 18S-rRNA gene amplification, of these 553 (66.3%) carried P. falciparum, 193 (23%) P. malariae, 74 (8.9%) P. ovale curtisi and 38 (4.6%) P.ovale wallikeri. Non-falciparum infections mostly presented as mixed infections. P. malariae monoinfected individuals were significantly older (median age: 60 years) than coinfected (20 years) or P. falciparum monoinfected individuals (23 years). P. falciparum gametocyte carriage was confirmed in 109/223 (48.9%) individuals, prevalence of chloroquine-resistant genotypes was high (298/336, 89%), including four infections with a new SVMNK genotype. In rural Gabon, Plasmodium infections with all endemic species are frequent, emphasizing that malaria control efforts shall cover asymptomatic infections also including non-falciparum infections when aiming for eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamirat Gebru Woldearegai
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Albert Lalremruata
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - The Trong Nguyen
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Vietnamese - German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Markus Gmeiner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Luzia Veletzky
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Pierre Blaise Matsiegui
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de la Ngounié, Fougamou, Gabon
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Jana Held
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Grande R, Antinori S, Meroni L, Menegon M, Severini C. A case of Plasmodium malariae recurrence: recrudescence or reinfection? Malar J 2019; 18:169. [PMID: 31088460 PMCID: PMC6515619 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium malariae is the most neglected of the six human malaria species and it is still unknown which is the mechanism underlying the long latency of this Plasmodium. CASE PRESENTATION A case of PCR-confirmed P. malariae recurrence in a 52-year old Italian man was observed 5 months after a primary attack. In the interval between the two observed episodes of malaria the patient denied any further stay in endemic areas except for a visit to Libya, a country considered malaria-free. Genomic DNA of the P. malariae strain using five microsatellites (PM2, PM9, PM11, PM25, PM34) and the antigen marker of circumsporozoite (csp) was amplified and sequenced. Analysis of polymorphisms of the P. malariae csp central repeat region showed differences between the strains responsible of the first and second episode of malaria. A difference in the allele size was also observed for the sequence analysis of PM2 microsatellites. CONCLUSIONS Plasmodium malariae is a challenging human malaria parasite and even with the use of molecular techniques the pathogenesis of recurrent episodes cannot be precisely explained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Grande
- Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergency, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Meroni
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Menegon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Severini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Specificity of the IgG antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale MSP1 19 subunit proteins in multiplexed serologic assays. Malar J 2018; 17:417. [PMID: 30413163 PMCID: PMC6230236 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiplex bead assays (MBA) that measure IgG antibodies to the carboxy-terminal 19-kDa sub-unit of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119) are currently used to determine malaria seroprevalence in human populations living in areas with both stable and unstable transmission. However, the species specificities of the IgG antibody responses to the malaria MSP119 antigens have not been extensively characterized using MBA. Methods Recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7), Plasmodium malariae (China I), Plasmodium ovale (Nigeria I), and Plasmodium vivax (Belem) MSP119 proteins were covalently coupled to beads for MBA. Threshold cut-off values for the assays were estimated using sera from US citizens with no history of foreign travel and by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis using diagnostic samples. Banked sera from experimentally infected chimpanzees, sera from humans from low transmission regions of Haiti and Cambodia (N = 12), and elutions from blood spots from humans selected from a high transmission region of Mozambique (N = 20) were used to develop an antigen competition MBA for antibody cross-reactivity studies. A sub-set of samples was further characterized using antibody capture/elution MBA, IgG subclass determination, and antibody avidity measurement. Results Total IgG antibody responses in experimentally infected chimpanzees were species specific and could be completely suppressed by homologous competitor protein at a concentration of 10 μg/ml. Eleven of 12 samples from the low transmission regions and 12 of 20 samples from the high transmission area had antibody responses that were completely species specific. For 7 additional samples, the P. falciparum MSP119 responses were species specific, but various levels of incomplete heterologous competition were observed for the non-P. falciparum assays. A pan-malaria MSP119 cross-reactive antibody response was observed in elutions of blood spots from two 20–30 years old Mozambique donors. The antibody response from one of these two donors had low avidity and skewed almost entirely to the IgG3 subclass. Conclusions Even when P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax are co-endemic in a high transmission setting, most antibody responses to MSP119 antigens are species-specific and are likely indicative of previous infection history. True pan-malaria cross-reactive responses were found to occur rarely. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2566-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
26
|
Islam S, Hai F. Recrudescing Plasmodium malariae infection despite appropriate treatment in an immigrant toddler. Paediatr Int Child Health 2018; 38:290-293. [PMID: 28975859 DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2017.1378797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Compared with other plasmodium species which cause human malaria, Plasmodium malariae is considered to be relatively infrequent and milder, although recent reports indicate that its prevalence and impact have been under-estimated. A 23-month-old boy, born and previously living in a refugee camp in Liberia who presented with P. malariae 6 weeks after arrival in the USA, is reported. Despite ostensibly effective anti-malarial treatment with artemether/lumefantrine and two courses of hydrochloroquine, he experienced recurrent parasitaemia, refractory anaemia and splenomegaly over a 6-month period; the symptoms resolved after he received atovaquone/proguanil. It is hypothesised that the recrudescing clinical malaria in this case was related to the long pre-erythrocytic phase unique to P. malariae, and potentially also to a proportion of the parasites being drug-resistant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Islam
- a Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases , University at Buffalo, State University of New York , Buffalo , NY , USA
| | - Faizi Hai
- b Pediatric Residency Program , University at Buffalo, State University of New York , Buffalo , NY , USA.,c Internal Medicine Residency Program , Scripps Green Hospital , San Diego , CA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Saralamba N, Mayxay M, Newton PN, Smithuis F, Nosten F, Archasuksan L, Pukrittayakamee S, White NJ, Day NPJ, Dondorp AM, Imwong M. Genetic polymorphisms in the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium malariae show a geographical bias. Malar J 2018; 17:269. [PMID: 30012172 PMCID: PMC6048912 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium malariae is characterized by its long asymptomatic persistence in the human host. The epidemiology of P. malariae is incompletely understood and is hampered by the limited knowledge of genetic polymorphisms. Previous reports from Africa have shown heterogeneity within the P. malariae circumsporozoite protein (pmcsp) gene. However, comparative studies from Asian countries are lacking. Here, the genetic polymorphisms in pmcsp of Asian isolates have been characterized. METHODS Blood samples from 89 symptomatic P. malariae-infected patients were collected, from Thailand (n = 43), Myanmar (n = 40), Lao PDR (n = 5), and Bangladesh (n = 1). pmcsp was amplified using semi-nested PCR before sequencing. The resulting 89 pmcsp sequences were analysed together with 58 previously published pmcsp sequences representing African countries using BioEdit, MEGA6, and DnaSP. RESULTS Polymorphisms identified in pmcsp were grouped into 3 populations: Thailand, Myanmar, and Kenya. The nucleotide diversity and the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) in Thailand and Myanmar were higher compared with that in Kenya. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of pmcsp sequences according to the origin of isolates (Asia vs. Africa). High genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.404) was observed between P. malariae isolates from Asian and African countries. Sequence analysis of pmcsp showed the presence of tetrapeptide repeat units of NAAG, NDAG, and NAPG in the central repeat region of the gene. Plasmodium malariae isolates from Asian countries carried fewer copies of NAAG compared with that from African countries. The NAPG repeat was only observed in Asian isolates. Additional analysis of 2 T-cell epitopes, Th2R and Th3R, showed limited heterogeneity in P. malariae populations. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable information on the genetic polymorphisms in pmcsp isolates from Asia and advances our understanding of P. malariae population in Asia and Africa. Polymorphisms in the central repeat region of pmcsp showed association with the geographical origin of P. malariae isolates and can be potentially used as a marker for genetic epidemiology of P. malariae population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naowarat Saralamba
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul N Newton
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Laypaw Archasuksan
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sasithon Pukrittayakamee
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Berná L, Rodriguez M, Chiribao ML, Parodi-Talice A, Pita S, Rijo G, Alvarez-Valin F, Robello C. Expanding an expanded genome: long-read sequencing of Trypanosoma cruzi. Microb Genom 2018; 4. [PMID: 29708484 PMCID: PMC5994713 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the genome of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, was first made available in 2005, with additional strains reported later, the intrinsic genome complexity of this parasite (the abundance of repetitive sequences and genes organized in tandem) has traditionally hindered high-quality genome assembly and annotation. This also limits diverse types of analyses that require high degrees of precision. Long reads generated by third-generation sequencing technologies are particularly suitable to address the challenges associated with T. cruzi’s genome since they permit direct determination of the full sequence of large clusters of repetitive sequences without collapsing them. This, in turn, not only allows accurate estimation of gene copy numbers but also circumvents assembly fragmentation. Here, we present the analysis of the genome sequences of two T. cruzi clones: the hybrid TCC (TcVI) and the non-hybrid Dm28c (TcI), determined by PacBio Single Molecular Real-Time (SMRT) technology. The improved assemblies herein obtained permitted us to accurately estimate gene copy numbers, abundance and distribution of repetitive sequences (including satellites and retroelements). We found that the genome of T. cruzi is composed of a ‘core compartment’ and a ‘disruptive compartment’ which exhibit opposite GC content and gene composition. Novel tandem and dispersed repetitive sequences were identified, including some located inside coding sequences. Additionally, homologous chromosomes were separately assembled, allowing us to retrieve haplotypes as separate contigs instead of a unique mosaic sequence. Finally, manual annotation of surface multigene families, mucins and trans-sialidases allows now a better overview of these complex groups of genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Berná
- 1Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matias Rodriguez
- 2Sección Biomatemática - Unidad de Genómica Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Laura Chiribao
- 1Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,3Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adriana Parodi-Talice
- 1Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,4Sección Genética, Facultad de Ciencias-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sebastián Pita
- 1Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,4Sección Genética, Facultad de Ciencias-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Rijo
- 1Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fernando Alvarez-Valin
- 2Sección Biomatemática - Unidad de Genómica Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Robello
- 1Laboratory of Host Pathogen Interactions-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,3Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina-UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
A curious aspect of the evolution of the hypnozoite theory of malarial relapse is its transmogrification from theory into 'fact', this being of historical, linguistic, scientific and sociological interest. As far as it goes, the hypnozoite explanation for relapse is almost certainly correct. I contend, however, that many of the genotypically homologous, non-reinfection, relapse-like Plasmodium vivax recurrences that researchers ascribe to hypnozoite activation are probably hypnozoite-independent. Indeed, some malariologists are starting to recognize that homologous P. vivax recurrences have most likely been overattributed to activation of hypnozoites. Hitherto identified, non-hypnozoite, possible plasmodial sources of recurrence that must be considered, besides circulating erythrocytic stages, include parasites in splenic dendritic cells, other cells in the spleen (in addition to infected erythrocytes there), bone marrow (importantly) and the skin. I argue that we need to take into account the possibility of a dual or multiple extra-vascular origin of P. vivax non-reinfection recurrences, not arbitrarily discount it. The existence of a P. vivax reservoir(s) is a topical subject and one of practical importance for malaria eradication. Pertinent drug-associated matters are also discussed, as is the dormancy-related significance of clues provided by blood-stage-induced malarial infection.
Collapse
|