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Greenrod STE, Cazares D, Johnson S, Hector TE, Stevens EJ, MacLean RC, King KC. Warming alters life-history traits and competition in a phage community. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0028624. [PMID: 38624196 PMCID: PMC11107170 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00286-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Host-parasite interactions are highly susceptible to changes in temperature due to mismatches in species thermal responses. In nature, parasites often exist in communities, and responses to temperature are expected to vary between host-parasite pairs. Temperature change thus has consequences for both host-parasite dynamics and parasite-parasite interactions. Here, we investigate the impact of warming (37°C, 40°C, and 42°C) on parasite life-history traits and competition using the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (host) and a panel of three genetically diverse lytic bacteriophages (parasites). We show that phages vary in their responses to temperature. While 37°C and 40°C did not have a major effect on phage infectivity, infection by two phages was restricted at 42°C. This outcome was attributed to disruption of different phage life-history traits including host attachment and replication inside hosts. Furthermore, we show that temperature mediates competition between phages by altering their competitiveness. These results highlight phage trait variation across thermal regimes with the potential to drive community dynamics. Our results have important implications for eukaryotic viromes and the design of phage cocktail therapies.IMPORTANCEMammalian hosts often elevate their body temperatures through fevers to restrict the growth of bacterial infections. However, the extent to which fever temperatures affect the communities of phages with the ability to parasitize those bacteria remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the impact of warming across a fever temperature range (37°C, 40°C, and 42°C) on phage life-history traits and competition using a bacterium (host) and bacteriophage (parasite) system. We show that phages vary in their responses to temperature due to disruption of different phage life-history traits. Furthermore, we show that temperature can alter phage competitiveness and shape phage-phage competition outcomes. These results suggest that fever temperatures have the potential to restrict phage infectivity and drive phage community dynamics. We discuss implications for the role of temperature in shaping host-parasite interactions more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Cazares
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Serena Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tobias E. Hector
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Stevens
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - R. Craig MacLean
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kayla C. King
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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2
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Halle S, Hirshberg O, Manzi F, Wolinska J, Ben-Ami F. Coinfection frequency in water flea populations is a mere reflection of parasite diversity. Commun Biol 2024; 7:559. [PMID: 38734859 PMCID: PMC11088698 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In nature, parasite species often coinfect the same host. Yet, it is not clear what drives the natural dynamics of coinfection prevalence. The prevalence of coinfections might be affected by interactions among coinfecting species, or simply derive from parasite diversity. Identifying the relative impact of these parameters is crucial for understanding patterns of coinfections. We studied the occurrence and likelihood of coinfections in natural populations of water fleas (Daphnia magna). Coinfection prevalence was within the bounds expected by chance and parasite diversity had a strong positive effect on the likelihood of coinfections. Additionally, coinfection prevalence increased over the season and became as common as a single infection. Our results demonstrate how patterns of coinfection, and particularly their temporal variation, are affected by overlapping epidemics of different parasites. We suggest that monitoring parasite diversity can help predict where and when coinfection prevalence will be high, potentially leading to increased health risks to their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snir Halle
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Ofir Hirshberg
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Florent Manzi
- Department of Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Justyna Wolinska
- Department of Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frida Ben-Ami
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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3
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Fontoura PS, Macedo EG, Calil PR, Corder RM, Rodrigues PT, Tonini J, Esquivel FD, Ladeia WA, Fernandes ARJ, Johansen IC, Silva MF, Fernandes AOS, Ladeia-Andrade S, Castro MC, Ferreira MU. Changing Clinical Epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax Malaria as Transmission Decreases: Population-Based Prospective Panel Survey in the Brazilian Amazon. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:947-958. [PMID: 38324758 PMCID: PMC11011196 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malarial infections are often missed by microscopy, and most parasite carriers are asymptomatic in low-endemicity settings. Whether parasite detectability and its ability to elicit symptoms change as transmission declines remains unclear. METHODS We performed a prospective panel survey with repeated measurements on the same participants over 12 months to investigate whether Plasmodium vivax detectability by microscopy and risk of symptoms upon infection varied during a community-wide larviciding intervention in the Amazon basin of Brazil that markedly reduced vector density. We screened 1096 to 1400 residents in the intervention site for malaria by microscopy and quantitative TaqMan assays at baseline and twice during intervention. RESULTS We found that more P vivax infections than expected from their parasite densities measured by TaqMan assays were missed by microscopy as transmission decreased. At lower transmission, study participants appeared to tolerate higher P vivax loads without developing symptoms. We hypothesize that changes in the ratio between circulating parasites and those that accumulate in the bone marrow and spleen, by avoiding peripheral blood microscopy detection, account for decreased parasite detectability and lower risk of symptoms under low transmission. CONCLUSIONS P vivax infections are more likely to be subpatent and remain asymptomatic as malaria transmission decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo S Fontoura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
- Secretary of Health Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Evelyn G Macedo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Priscila R Calil
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Rodrigo M Corder
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Berkeley School of Public Health, University of California
| | - Priscila T Rodrigues
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Juliana Tonini
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Fabiana D Esquivel
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Winni A Ladeia
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | | | - Igor C Johansen
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Marcos F Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | - Amanda O S Fernandes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
| | | | - Marcia C Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal
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Genné D, Jiricka W, Sarr A, Voordouw MJ. Tick-to-host transmission differs between Borrelia afzelii strains. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0167523. [PMID: 37676027 PMCID: PMC10580945 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01675-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many vector-borne pathogens establish multiple-strain infections in the vertebrate host and the arthropod vector. Multiple-strain infections in the host influence strain acquisition by naive vectors. Whether multiple-strain infections in the vector influence strain-specific transmission to naive hosts remains unknown. The spirochete, Borrelia afzelii, causes Lyme borreliosis and multiple-strain infections are common in both the tick vector and vertebrate host. Our study used two B. afzelii strains: Fin-Jyv-A3 and NE4049. Donor mice were infected with Fin-Jyv-A3 alone, NE4049 alone, or with both strains. Larval ticks fed on donor mice and molted into nymphal ticks infected with either strain or both strains. These nymphs were fed on test mice to determine whether multiple-strain infections in the nymph influence nymph-to-host transmission (NHT). Multiple-strain infection in the donor mice reduced the acquisition of both strains by ticks by 23%. Thus, a substantial fraction of infected nymphs from the multiple strain treatment were infected with the "wrong" competitor strain rather than the "right" focal strain. As a result, nymphs from the multiple strain treatment were 46% less likely to infect the test mice with the focal strain compared to nymphs from the single strain treatment. However, multiple-strain infection in the nymphal tick had no effect on the NHT of either strain. The nymphal spirochete load of Fin-Jyv-A3 was 1.9 times higher compared to NE4049. NHT of Fin-Jyv-A3 (79%) was 1.5 times higher compared to NE4049 (53%). Our study suggests that B. afzelii strains with higher nymphal spirochete loads have higher NHT. IMPORTANCE For many vector-borne pathogens, multiple-strain infections in the vertebrate host or arthropod vector are common. Multiple-strain infections in the host reduce strain acquisition by feeding vectors. Whether multiple-strain infections in the vector influence strain transmission to the host remains unknown. In our study, we used two strains of the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia afzelii, which causes Lyme borreliosis, to investigate whether multiple-strain infections in the nymphal tick influenced nymph-to-host transmission (NHT) of strains. Multiple-strain infections in mice reduced the acquisition of both B. afzelii strains by nymphal ticks. As a result, nymphs from the multiple strain treatment were less likely to infect naive test mice with the focal strain. Multiple-strain infection in the nymphal ticks did not influence the NHT of either strain. The strain with the higher bacterial abundance in the nymph had higher NHT. Our study suggests that pathogen abundance in the arthropod vector is important for vector-to-host transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Genné
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Whitney Jiricka
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Anouk Sarr
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Maarten J. Voordouw
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Parasites, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Talbott KM, Ketterson ED. Physiological impacts of chronic and experimental Plasmodium infection on breeding-condition male songbirds. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13091. [PMID: 37567885 PMCID: PMC10421889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38438-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
While Plasmodium parasitism is common in songbirds, its impact on avian reproduction is unclear owing to conflicting reports in the existing literature. Particularly understudied is the impact of phase of infection on variation in host reproductive physiology in wild, breeding-condition birds. However, assessing the full impact of Plasmodium on reproductive success in the wild can be difficult because individuals experiencing severe effects of parasitism may not enter the breeding population and may be less likely to be captured during field studies. To address these factors, we quantified metrics of health and reproductive physiology in wild-caught, breeding-condition male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) before and after experimental Plasmodium inoculation in a captive setting. Metrics of health and reproductive physiology included activity rate, hematocrit, scaled body mass, testosterone and sperm production. Individuals already infected at capture (i.e., chronically infected) had higher levels of hematocrit than males without chronic infections. Experimentally infected males showed a larger reduction in hematocrit and activity rate as compared to controls. However, chronic infection status did not influence the extent of metric decline. Testosterone production did not vary by treatment and most birds produced sperm following inoculation. Broadly, our results suggest that male juncos exposed to Plasmodium during the breeding season likely experience declines in general health, but Plasmodium infections do not negatively impact reproductive physiology. We conclude that physiological tradeoffs in males may favor maintenance of reproductive function despite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Talbott
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Biology Building 149, 1001 East 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - E D Ketterson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Biology Building 149, 1001 East 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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6
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Simpson SV, Nundu SS, Arima H, Kaneko O, Mita T, Culleton R, Yamamoto T. The diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Malar J 2023; 22:102. [PMID: 36941587 PMCID: PMC10025789 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04528-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding Plasmodium falciparum population diversity and transmission dynamics provides information on the intensity of malaria transmission, which is needed for assessing malaria control interventions. This study aimed to determine P. falciparum allelic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) among asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS A total of 438 DNA samples (248 asymptomatic and 190 symptomatic) were characterized by nested PCR and genotyping the polymorphic regions of pfmsp1 block 2 and pfmsp2 block 3. RESULTS Nine allele types were observed in pfmsp1 block2. The K1-type allele was predominant with 78% (229/293) prevalence, followed by the MAD20-type allele (52%, 152/293) and RO33-type allele (44%, 129/293). Twelve alleles were detected in pfmsp2, and the 3D7-type allele was the most frequent with 84% (256/304) prevalence, followed by the FC27-type allele (66%, 201/304). Polyclonal infections were detected in 63% (95% CI 56, 69) of the samples, and the MOI (SD) was 1.99 (0.97) in P. falciparum single-species infections. MOIs significantly increased in P. falciparum isolates from symptomatic parasite carriers compared with asymptomatic carriers (2.24 versus 1.69, adjusted b: 0.36, (95% CI 0.01, 0.72), p = 0.046) and parasitaemia > 10,000 parasites/µL compared to parasitaemia < 5000 parasites/µL (2.68 versus 1.63, adjusted b: 0.89, (95% CI 0.46, 1.25), p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This survey showed low allelic diversity and MOI of P. falciparum, which reflects a moderate intensity of malaria transmission in the study areas. MOIs were more likely to be common in symptomatic infections and increased with the parasitaemia level. Further studies in different transmission zones are needed to understand the epidemiology and parasite complexity in the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley V Simpson
- Programme for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Sabin S Nundu
- Programme for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa-Gombe, Democratic Republic of Congo.
| | - Hiroaki Arima
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Programme for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Mita
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Richard Culleton
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Taro Yamamoto
- Programme for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
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7
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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.
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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.
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8
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Ramaprasad A, Culleton R. A song for the unsung: The relevance of Plasmodium vinckei as a laboratory rodent malaria system. Parasitol Int 2023; 92:102680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Corder RM, Arez AP, Ferreira MU. Individual variation in Plasmodium vivax malaria risk: Are repeatedly infected people just unlucky? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011020. [PMID: 36634044 PMCID: PMC9836309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive research has examined why some people have frequent Plasmodium falciparum malaria episodes in sub-Saharan Africa while others remain free of disease most of the time. In contrast, malaria risk heterogeneity remains little studied in regions where P. vivax is the dominant species. Are repeatedly infected people in vivax malaria settings such as the Amazon just unlucky? Here, we briefly review evidence that human genetic polymorphism and acquired immunity after repeated exposure to parasites can modulate the risk of P. vivax infection and disease in predictable ways. One-fifth of the hosts account for 80% or more of the community-wide vivax malaria burden and contribute disproportionally to onward transmission, representing a priority target of more intensive interventions to achieve malaria elimination. Importantly, high-risk individuals eventually develop clinical immunity, even in areas with very low or residual malaria transmission, and may constitute a large but silent parasite reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo M. Corder
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Ana Paula Arez
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marcelo U. Ferreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
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10
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Starkloff NC, Galen SC. Coinfection rates of avian blood parasites increase with latitude in parapatric host species. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36597832 PMCID: PMC10090641 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001792] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Animals are frequently coinfected with multiple parasites concurrently, and advances in our sampling of these complex intra-host parasite communities have revealed important ecological impacts on their hosts. However, the spatial distributions and environmental determinants of parasite coinfection remain infrequently studied. Here, we investigated the drivers of haemosporidian blood parasite coinfection in the Bicknell's thrush (Catharus bicknelli) and grey-cheeked thrush (Catharus minimus), parapatric sister species that occur across a broad latitudinal range in northern North America. Using 298 samples from across the distributions of these species, we found high overall infection (86%) and coinfection (41%) rates within host populations. Coinfection rates within populations were highly variable across sampling sites, ranging from 7 to 75%. Latitude was a more important predictor of coinfection frequency than host species identity, with coinfections becoming more abundant at higher latitudes. The 2 host species exhibited similar parasite faunas, and an analysis of the co-occurrence patterns among haemosporidians showed that host species identity was largely not a factor in structuring which parasites were found within coinfections. To our knowledge, this is the first study to illustrate a reverse latitudinal gradient in coinfection frequency in a eukaryotic parasite system. Further work is necessary to determine whether vector ecology or some other factor is the primary proximate driver of this pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naima C. Starkloff
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- New York State Museum, Albany, NY 12230, USA
| | - Spencer C. Galen
- Biology Department, Loyola Science Center, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510, USA
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11
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Aželytė J, Platonova E, Bensch S, Hellgren O, Palinauskas V. A comparative analysis of the dynamics of Plasmodium relictum (GRW4) development in the blood during single and co-infections. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106247. [PMID: 34801479 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although co-infections and interactions of parasites are a very common phenomenon in the wild, information received from studies on avian Plasmodium spp. is scarce and fragmented due to its complex nature. Different interactions of parasites and domination of one parasite may have a detrimental effect on transmission success of another pathogen. Untangling these interactions and competitive behavior of malarial parasites may help understanding why some haemosporidian parasites are dominant in certain host species, while others are observed only occasionally. We investigated the development of Plasmodium relictum (genetic lineage GRW4) during single and co-infection with a closely related lineage SGS1, with the aim to determine whether co-infections affect parasite development and condition of experimentally infected Eurasian siskins (Spinus spinus). For the experimental study of these two closely related lineages, a new qPCR protocol was designed to accurately quantify the parasitemia, i.e. the amount of infected red blood cells, during the blood stages of each of the lineages. Our results show that during co-infection, GRW4 parasitemia was transient and disappeared from peripheral blood during acute increases of SGS1. Health parameters of infected birds did not differ between the GRW4 single infected group and the co-infection group. GRW4 induced infection was outcompeted and suppressed by the presence of the lineage SGS1, which is broadly transmitted in Northern Europe. This suggests that double infections and dominating lineages in the area may influence the transmission success of some avian Plasmodium parasites.
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12
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Venter F, Matthews KR, Silvester E. Parasite co-infection: an ecological, molecular and experimental perspective. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20212155. [PMID: 35042410 PMCID: PMC8767208 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory studies of pathogens aim to limit complexity in order to disentangle the important parameters contributing to an infection. However, pathogens rarely exist in isolation, and hosts may sustain co-infections with multiple disease agents. These interact with each other and with the host immune system dynamically, with disease outcomes affected by the composition of the community of infecting pathogens, their order of colonization, competition for niches and nutrients, and immune modulation. While pathogen-immune interactions have been detailed elsewhere, here we examine the use of ecological and experimental studies of trypanosome and malaria infections to discuss the interactions between pathogens in mammal hosts and arthropod vectors, including recently developed laboratory models for co-infection. The implications of pathogen co-infection for disease therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Venter
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Keith R Matthews
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Eleanor Silvester
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3FL, UK.,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
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13
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Salazar F, Bignell E, Brown GD, Cook PC, Warris A. Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viral and Fungal Coinfections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0009421. [PMID: 34788127 PMCID: PMC8597983 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as "at risk" groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Fungal infections complicating influenza pneumonia are associated with increased disease severity and mortality, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis being the most common manifestation. Strikingly, similar observations have been made during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The copathogenesis of respiratory viral and fungal coinfections is complex and involves a dynamic interplay between the host immune defenses and the virulence of the microbes involved that often results in failure to return to homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying susceptibility to invasive fungal disease following respiratory viral infections. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions will aid the development of therapeutic modalities against newly identified targets to prevent and treat these emerging coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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14
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Oduma CO, Koepfli C. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Adjust Investment in Transmission in Response to Change in Transmission Intensity: A Review of the Current State of Research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:786317. [PMID: 34956934 PMCID: PMC8692836 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.786317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites can adjust the proportion of parasites that develop into gametocytes, and thus the probability for human-to-vector transmission, through changes in the gametocyte conversion rate. Understanding the factors that impact the commitment of malaria parasites to transmission is required to design better control interventions. Plasmodium spp. persist across countries with vast differences in transmission intensities, and in sites where transmission is highly seasonal. Mounting evidence shows that Plasmodium spp. adjusts the investment in transmission according to seasonality of vector abundance, and transmission intensity. Various techniques to determine the investment in transmission are available, i.e., short-term culture, where the conversion rate can be measured most directly, genome and transcriptome studies, quantification of mature gametocytes, and mosquito feeding assays. In sites with seasonal transmission, the proportion of gametocytes, their densities and infectivity are higher during the wet season, when vectors are plentiful. When countries with pronounced differences in transmission intensity were compared, the investment in transmission was higher when transmission was low, thus maximizing the parasite’s chances to be transmitted to mosquitoes. Increased transmissibility of residual infections after a successful reduction of malaria transmission levels need to be considered when designing intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colins O Oduma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya.,Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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15
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Nundu SS, Culleton R, Simpson SV, Arima H, Muyembe JJ, Mita T, Ahuka S, Yamamoto T. Malaria parasite species composition of Plasmodium infections among asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in rural and urban areas of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Malar J 2021; 20:389. [PMID: 34600558 PMCID: PMC8487491 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03919-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and school-age children are relatively neglected in malaria prevalence surveys and may constitute a significant reservoir of transmission. This study aimed to understand the burden of malaria infections in school-age children in Kinshasa/DRC. METHODS A total of 634 (427 asymptomatic and 207 symptomatic) blood samples collected from school-age children aged 6 to 14 years were analysed by microscopy, RDT and Nested-PCR. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Plasmodium spp. by microscopy, RDT and PCR was 33%, 42% and 62% among asymptomatic children and 59%, 64% and 95% in symptomatic children, respectively. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale spp. by PCR was 58%, 20% and 11% among asymptomatic and 93%, 13% and 16% in symptomatic children, respectively. Among P. ovale spp., P. ovale curtisi, P. ovale wallikeri and mixed P. ovale curtisi + P. ovale wallikeri accounted for 75%, 24% and 1% of infections, respectively. All Plasmodium species infections were significantly more prevalent in the rural area compared to the urban area in asymptomatic infections (p < 0.001). Living in a rural as opposed to an urban area was associated with a five-fold greater risk of asymptomatic malaria parasite carriage (p < 0.001). Amongst asymptomatic malaria parasite carriers, 43% and 16% of children harboured mixed Plasmodium with P. falciparum infections in the rural and the urban areas, respectively, whereas in symptomatic malaria infections, it was 22% and 26%, respectively. Few children carried single infections of P. malariae (2.2%) and P. ovale spp. (1.9%). CONCLUSION School-age children are at significant risk from both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria infections. Continuous systematic screening and treatment of school-age children in high-transmission settings is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabin S Nundu
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Richard Culleton
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan.
| | - Shirley V Simpson
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Arima
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Toshihiro Mita
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Steve Ahuka
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Taro Yamamoto
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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16
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Abdulraheem MA, Ernest M, Ugwuanyi I, Abkallo HM, Nishikawa S, Adeleke M, Orimadegun AE, Culleton R. High prevalence of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale in co-infections with Plasmodium falciparum in asymptomatic malaria parasite carriers in southwestern Nigeria. Int J Parasitol 2021; 52:23-33. [PMID: 34390743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Asymptomatic malaria parasite carriers do not seek anti-malarial treatment and may constitute a silent infectious reservoir. In order to assess the level of asymptomatic and symptomatic carriage amongst adolescents in a highly endemic area, and to identify the risk factors associated with such carriage, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1032 adolescents (ages 10-19 years) from eight schools located in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria in 2016. Blood films and blood spot filter paper samples were prepared for microscopy and DNA analysis. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was determined using microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests and PCR for 658 randomly selected samples. Of these, we found that 80% of asymptomatic schoolchildren were positive for malaria parasites by PCR, compared with 47% and 9%, determined by rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, respectively. Malaria parasite species typing was performed using PCR targeting the mitochondrial CoxIII gene, and revealed high rates of carriage of Plasmodium malariae (53%) and Plasmodium ovale (24%). Most asymptomatic infections were co-infections of two or more species (62%), with Plasmodium falciparum + P. malariae the most common (35%), followed by P. falciparum + P. malariae + P. ovale (21%) and P. falciparum + P. ovale (6%). Single infections of P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale accounted for 24%, 10% and 4% of all asymptomatic infections, respectively. To compare the species composition of asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, further sample collection was carried out in 2017 at one of the previously sampled schools, and at a nearby hospital. Whilst the species composition of the asymptomatic infections was similar to that observed in 2016, the symptomatic infections were markedly different, with single infections of P. falciparum observed in 91% of patients, P. falciparum + P. malariae in 5% and P. falciparum + P. ovale in 4%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhydeen Abiodun Abdulraheem
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, Northeast Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
| | - Medard Ernest
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, United States
| | - Ifeoma Ugwuanyi
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | - Hussein M Abkallo
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100 Kenya
| | - Saori Nishikawa
- Graduate School of Social and Cultural Science, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | | | | | - Richard Culleton
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
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17
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Ramaprasad A, Klaus S, Douvropoulou O, Culleton R, Pain A. Plasmodium vinckei genomes provide insights into the pan-genome and evolution of rodent malaria parasites. BMC Biol 2021; 19:69. [PMID: 33888092 PMCID: PMC8063448 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00995-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rodent malaria parasites (RMPs) serve as tractable tools to study malaria parasite biology and host-parasite-vector interactions. Among the four RMPs originally collected from wild thicket rats in sub-Saharan Central Africa and adapted to laboratory mice, Plasmodium vinckei is the most geographically widespread with isolates collected from five separate locations. However, there is a lack of extensive phenotype and genotype data associated with this species, thus hindering its use in experimental studies. Results We have generated a comprehensive genetic resource for P. vinckei comprising of five reference-quality genomes, one for each of its subspecies, blood-stage RNA sequencing data for five P. vinckei isolates, and genotypes and growth phenotypes for ten isolates. Additionally, we sequenced seven isolates of the RMP species Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium yoelii, thus extending genotypic information for four additional subspecies enabling a re-evaluation of the genotypic diversity and evolutionary history of RMPs. The five subspecies of P. vinckei have diverged widely from their common ancestor and have undergone large-scale genome rearrangements. Comparing P. vinckei genotypes reveals region-specific selection pressures particularly on genes involved in mosquito transmission. Using phylogenetic analyses, we show that RMP multigene families have evolved differently across the vinckei and berghei groups of RMPs and that family-specific expansions in P. chabaudi and P. vinckei occurred in the common vinckei group ancestor prior to speciation. The erythrocyte membrane antigen 1 and fam-c families in particular show considerable expansions among the lowland forest-dwelling P. vinckei parasites. The subspecies from the highland forests of Katanga, P. v. vinckei, has a uniquely smaller genome, a reduced multigene family repertoire and is also amenable to transfection making it an ideal parasite for reverse genetics. We also show that P. vinckei parasites are amenable to genetic crosses. Conclusions Plasmodium vinckei isolates display a large degree of phenotypic and genotypic diversity and could serve as a resource to study parasite virulence and immunogenicity. Inclusion of P. vinckei genomes provide new insights into the evolution of RMPs and their multigene families. Amenability to genetic crossing and transfection make them also suitable for classical and functional genetics to study Plasmodium biology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-00995-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinay Ramaprasad
- Pathogen Genomics Group, BESE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Present address: Malaria Biochemistry Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Severina Klaus
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olga Douvropoulou
- Pathogen Genomics Group, BESE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard Culleton
- Malaria Unit, Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan. .,Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Group, BESE Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,Center for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, N20 W10 Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.
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