1
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Kästner M, Hemmer CJ, Reisinger EC. [Gastrointestinal symptoms may reflect complicated falciparum malaria]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2024; 149:454-457. [PMID: 38565119 DOI: 10.1055/a-2256-6589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
HISTORY A 42-year-old female presented with a two-day history of vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills. Two weeks before she had returned to Germany from a Safari in Tanzania. She had disregarded the recommendation to take antimalarial chemoprophylaxis. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS The thin blood film showed Plasmodium falciparum-parasitized erythrocytes, and Plasmodium falciparum malaria was diagnosed. The full blood count showed thrombocytopenia and ultrasound imaging revealed splenomegaly. Initially the criteria for complicated malaria were not fulfilled. THERAPY AND COURSE We started oral therapy with atovaquone/proguanil. The patient vomited the tablets twice. Therefore therapy was switched to intravenous artesunate. Subsequently, parasitemia dropped from 2.8 to 1.0 % within 22 hours. After 3 days of artesunate i. v., treatment could then be completed with oral atovaquone/proguanil, and the symptoms resolved. CONCLUSIONS Patients with malaria and persistent vomiting should be treated intravenously and monitored closely, as severe gastrointestinal symptoms may reflect impending organ failure. We therefore propose including persistent vomiting in the list of criteria for complicated malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kästner
- Abteilung für Tropenmedizin und Infektionskrankheiten mit Sektion Nephrologie der Universitätsmedizin Rostock
| | - Christoph Josef Hemmer
- Abteilung für Tropenmedizin und Infektionskrankheiten mit Sektion Nephrologie der Universitätsmedizin Rostock
| | - Emil Christian Reisinger
- Abteilung für Tropenmedizin und Infektionskrankheiten mit Sektion Nephrologie der Universitätsmedizin Rostock
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2
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Akash S, Abdelkrim G, Bayil I, Hosen ME, Mukerjee N, Shater AF, Saleh FM, Albadrani GM, Al‐Ghadi MQ, Abdel‐Daim MM, Tok TT. Antimalarial drug discovery against malaria parasites through haplopine modification: An advanced computational approach. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3168-3188. [PMID: 37724615 PMCID: PMC10568677 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread emergence of antimalarial drug resistance has created a major threat to public health. Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp., which includes Apicoplast DNA polymerase and Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2. These components play a critical role in their life cycle and metabolic pathway, and are involved in the breakdown of erythrocyte hemoglobin in the host, making them promising targets for anti-malarial drug design. Our current study has been designed to explore the potential inhibitors from haplopine derivatives against these two targets using an in silico approach. A total of nine haplopine derivatives were used to perform molecular docking, and the results revealed that Ligands 03 and 05 showed strong binding affinity compared to the control compound atovaquone. Furthermore, these ligand-protein complexes underwent molecular dynamics simulations, and the results demonstrated that the complexes maintained strong stability in terms of RMSD (root mean square deviation), RMSF (root mean square fluctuation), and Rg (radius of gyration) over a 100 ns simulation period. Additionally, PCA (principal component analysis) analysis and the dynamic cross-correlation matrix showed positive outcomes for the protein-ligand complexes. Moreover, the compounds exhibited no violations of the Lipinski rule, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) predictions yielded positive results without indicating any toxicity. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular electrostatic potential calculations were conducted, revealing that the mentioned derivatives exhibited better stability and outstanding performance. Overall, this computational approach suggests that these haplopine derivatives could serve as a potential source for developing new, effective antimalarial drugs to combat malaria. However, further in vitro or in vivo studies might be conducted to determine their actual effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shopnil Akash
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International, UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Guendouzi Abdelkrim
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Synthesis, Properties and Applications. (LCSPA)University of SaidaSaïdaAlgeria
| | - Imren Bayil
- Department of Bioinformatics and computational biologyGaziantep UniversityGaziantepTurkey
| | - Md. Eram Hosen
- Professor Joarder DNA and Chromosome Research Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyUniversity of RajshahiRajshahiBangladesh
| | - Nobendu Mukerjee
- Department of MicrobiologyWest Bengal State UniversityKolkataIndia
- Department of Health SciencesNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamAustralia
| | - Abdullah F. Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical SciencesUniversity of TabukTabukSaudi Arabia
| | - Fayez M. Saleh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TabukTabukSaudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer M. Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of SciencePrincess Nourah bint Abdulrahman UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Muath Q. Al‐Ghadi
- Department of Zoology, College of ScienceKing Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel‐Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy ProgramBatterjee Medical CollegeJeddahSaudi Arabia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineSuez Canal UniversityIsmailiaEgypt
| | - Tuğba Taşkin Tok
- Department of Bioinformatics and computational biologyGaziantep UniversityGaziantepTurkey
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3
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Altered gastrointestinal tract structure and microbiome following cerebral malaria infection. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:789-799. [PMID: 36602586 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07775-2] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe form of malaria with the highest mortality rate and can result in life-long neurological deficits and ongoing comorbidities. Factors contributing to severity of infection and development of CM are not fully elucidated. Recent studies have indicated a key role of the gut microbiome in a range of health conditions that affect the brain, but limited microbiome research has been conducted in the context of malaria. To address this knowledge gap, the impact of CM on the gut microbiome was investigated in mice. C57BL/6J mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) parasites and compared to non-infected controls. Microbial DNA from faecal pellets collected daily for 6-days post-infection were extracted, and microbiome comparisons conducted using 16S rRNA profiling. We identified significant differences in the composition of bacterial communities between the infected and the non-infected groups, including a higher abundance of the genera Akkermansia, Alistipes and Alloprevotella in PbA-infected mice. Furthermore, intestinal samples were collected post-cull for morphological analysis. We determined that the caecal weight was significantly lower, and the small intestine was significantly longer in PbA-infected mice than in the non-infected controls. We concluded that changes in microbial community composition were primarily driven by the infection protocol and, to a lesser extent, by the time of infection. Our findings pave the way for a new area of research and novel intervention strategies to modulate the severity of cerebral malaria disease.
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4
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Biomarkers of Intestinal Injury and Dysfunction: Adding New Possibilities to Current Methods for Risk Stratification of Children with Malaria Disease. mBio 2022; 13:e0222222. [PMID: 36314796 PMCID: PMC9765273 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02222-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains, in 2022, a major cause of pediatric preventable mortality, with its major burden disproportionately circumscribed to sub-Saharan African countries. Although only ~1 to 2% of malaria cases can be considered severe and potentially life threatening, it is often challenging to identify them so as to prioritize adequate health care and resources. In a recent investigation, M. L. Sarangam, R. Namazzi, D. Datta, C. Bond, et al. (mBio 13:e01325-22, 2022, https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.01325-22) studied intestinal barrier dysfunction and injury in Ugandan children hospitalized with severe malaria and in healthy community controls. By measuring circulating levels of four different and complementary biomarkers of gut barrier dysfunction and microbial translocation, they demonstrated that intestinal injury is common in pediatric severe malaria (18% of all cases) and is associated with increased mortality, acute kidney injury, acidosis, and endothelial activation. This commentary discusses the prognostic implications of these results, knowledge gaps that remain to be filled, and how findings could be potentially translated into effective interventions to improve outcomes in children with malaria.
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Ngai M, Hawkes MT, Erice C, Weckman AM, Wright J, Stefanova V, Opoka RO, Namasopo S, Conroy AL, Kain KC. Intestinal Injury in Ugandan Children Hospitalized With Malaria. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:2010-2020. [PMID: 35942812 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac340] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe malaria is associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which may involve the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS In a prospective cohort study in Uganda, we measured markers of intestinal injury (intestinal fatty-acid binding protein [I-FABP] and zonula occludens-1 [ZO-1]) and microbial translocation (lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP] and soluble complement of differentiation 14 [sCD14]) among children admitted with malaria. We examined their association with biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial activation, clinical signs of hypoperfusion, organ injury, and mortality. RESULTS We enrolled 523 children (median age 1.5 years, 46% female, 7.5% mortality). Intestinal FABP was above the normal range (≥400 pg/mL) in 415 of 523 patients (79%). Intestinal FABP correlated with ZO-1 (ρ = 0.11, P = .014), sCD14 (ρ = 0.12, P = .0046) as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial activation. Higher I-FABP levels were associated with lower systolic blood pressure (ρ = -0.14, P = .0015), delayed capillary refill time (ρ = 0.17, P = .00011), higher lactate level (ρ = 0.40, P < .0001), increasing stage of acute kidney injury (ρ = 0.20, P = .0034), and coma (P < .0001). Admission I-FABP levels ≥5.6 ng/mL were associated with a 7.4-fold higher relative risk of in-hospital death (95% confidence interval, 1.4-11, P = .0016). CONCLUSIONS Intestinal injury occurs commonly in children hospitalized with malaria and is associated with microbial translocation, systemic inflammation, tissue hypoperfusion, MODS, and fatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ngai
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael T Hawkes
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Clara Erice
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea M Weckman
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Wright
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veselina Stefanova
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sophie Namasopo
- Department of Paediatrics, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja, Uganda.,Department of Paediatrics, Kabale District Hospital, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Trojánek M, Grebenyuk V, Richterová L, Zicklerová I, Nohýnková E, Manďáková Z, Kantor J, Roháčová H, Stejskal F. Epidemiology and clinical features of imported malaria: a 14-year retrospective single-centre descriptive study in Prague, Czech Republic. Malar J 2022; 21:257. [PMID: 36068598 PMCID: PMC9447980 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04282-8] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria represents one of the most important imported tropical infectious diseases in European travellers. The objective of the study was to identify changes in the epidemiological features of imported malaria and to analyse the clinical findings and outcomes of imported malaria. Methods This single-centre descriptive study retrospectively analysed the medical records of all imported malaria cases in travellers treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases of University Hospital Bulovka in Prague from 2006 to 2019. Results The study included 203 patients with a median age of 37 years (IQR 30–48) and a male to female ratio of 3.72:1. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (149/203), and its proportion significantly increased from 35/60 cases (58.3%) in 2006–2011 to 69/80 (86.3%) in 2016–2019 (p < 0.001). In contrast, the incidence of Plasmodium vivax malaria decreased from 19/60 cases (31.7%) in 2006–2011 to 5/80 (6.3%) in 2016–2019 (p < 0.001). Malaria was imported from sub-Saharan Africa in 161/203 cases (79.3%). The proportion of travellers from Southeast and South Asia decreased from 16/60 (26.7%) and 6/60 (10.0%) in 2006–2011 to 2/80 (2.5%) and no cases (0.0%) in 2016–2019, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006). Tourism was the most common reason for travel (82/203), however, the proportion of non-tourists significantly increased over time from 29/60 (48.3%) in 2006–2011 to 55/80 (68.8%) in 2016–2019, p = 0.015. Severe malaria developed in 32/203 (15.8%) patients who were significantly older (p = 0.013) and whose treatment was delayed (p < 0.001). Two lethal outcomes were observed during the study period. Conclusions This study demonstrated a significant increase in P. falciparum malaria, which frequently resulted in severe disease, especially in older patients and those with delayed treatment initiation. The rising proportion of imported malaria in non-tourists, including business travellers and those visiting friends and relatives, is another characteristic finding analogous to the trends observed in Western European and North American centres. The described changes in the aetiology and epidemiology of imported malaria may serve to optimize pre-travel consultation practices and improve post-travel diagnostics and medical care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04282-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Trojánek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vyacheslav Grebenyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Richterová
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Reference Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Tropical Parasitic Infections, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Microbiology of the 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 50, 100 34, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Zicklerová
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Reference Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Tropical Parasitic Infections, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Nohýnková
- National Reference Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Tropical Parasitic Infections, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Studničkova 7, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Manďáková
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Kantor
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Roháčová
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Stejskal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Liberec, Husova 10, 460 63, Liberec, Czech Republic
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7
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Pendl H, Hernández-Lara C, Kubacki J, Borel N, Albini S, Valkiūnas G. Exo-erythrocytic development of Plasmodium matutinum (lineage pLINN1) in a naturally infected roadkill fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Malar J 2022; 21:148. [PMID: 35570274 PMCID: PMC9107739 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Species of Plasmodium (Haemosporida, Plasmodiidae) are remarkably diverse haemoparasites. Information on genetic diversity of avian malaria pathogens has been accumulating rapidly, however exo-erythrocytic development of these organisms remains insufficiently addressed. This is unfortunate because, contrary to Plasmodium species parasitizing mammals, the avian malaria parasites undergo several cycles of exo-erythrocytic development, often resulting in damage of various organs. Insufficient knowledge on the exo-erythrocytic development in most described Plasmodium species precludes the understanding of mechanisms of virulence during avian malaria. This study extends information on the exo-erythrocytic development of bird malaria parasites. Methods A roadkill fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) was sampled in Switzerland and examined using pathologic, cytologic, histologic, molecular and microbiologic methods. Avian malaria was diagnosed, and erythrocytic and exo-erythrocytic stages of the parasite were identified using morphologic characteristics and barcode DNA sequences of the cytochrome b gene. The species-specific characteristics were described, illustrated, and pathologic changes were reported. Results An infection with Plasmodium matutinum lineage pLINN1 was detected. Parasitaemia was relatively low (0.3%), with all erythrocytic stages (trophozoites, meronts and gametocytes) present in blood films. Most growing erythrocytic meronts were markedly vacuolated, which is a species-specific feature of this parasite’s development. Phanerozoites at different stages of maturation were seen in leukocytes, macrophages, and capillary endothelial cells in most organs examined; they were particularly numerous in the brain. Like the erythrocytic meronts, growing phanerozoites were markedly vacuolated. Conspicuous exo-erythrocytic development and maturation in leucocytes suggests that this fieldfare was not adapted to the infection and the parasite was capable to escape from cellular immunity. Conclusions This is the first report of exo-erythrocytic development of the malaria parasite lineage pLINN1 during single infection and the first report of this lineage in the fieldfare. The findings of multiple phanerozoites in brain, skeletal muscle, and eye tissue in combination with signs of vascular blockage and thrombus formation strongly suggest an impaired vision and neuromuscular responsiveness as cause of the unexpected collision with a slowly moving car. Further studies on exo-erythrocytic stages of haemosporidian parasites are pivotal to understand the true level of populational damage of avian malaria in wild birds.
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8
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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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9
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Mooney JP, DonVito SM, Lim R, Keith M, Pickles L, Maguire EA, Wagner-Gamble T, Oldfield T, Bermejo Pariente A, Ehimiyien AM, Philbey AA, Bottomley C, Riley EM, Thompson J. Intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability in Plasmodium chabaudi AS infected mice. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:134. [PMID: 36408291 PMCID: PMC9647155 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17781.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly associated with acute Plasmodium spp infection. Malaria-associated enteritis may provide an opportunity for enteric pathogens to breach the intestinal mucosa, resulting in life-threatening systemic infections. Methods: To investigate whether intestinal pathology also occurs during infection with a murine model of mild and resolving malaria, C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with recently mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium chabaudi AS. At schizogony, intestinal tissues were collected for quantification and localisation of immune mediators and malaria parasites, by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory proteins were measured in plasma and faeces and intestinal permeability was assessed by FITC-dextran translocation after oral administration. Results: Parasitaemia peaked at approx. 1.5% at day 9 and resolved by day 14, with mice experiencing significant and transient anaemia but no weight loss. Plasma IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL10 were significantly elevated during peak infection and quantitative RT-PCR of the intestine revealed a significant increase in transcripts for ifng and cxcl10. Histological analysis revealed parasites within blood vessels of both the submucosa and intestinal villi and evidence of mild crypt hyperplasia. In faeces, concentrations of the inflammatory marker lactoferrin were significantly raised on days 9 and 11 and FITC-dextran was detected in plasma on days 7 to 14. At day 11, plasma FITC-dextran concentration was significantly positively correlated with peripheral parasitemia and faecal lactoferrin concentration. Conclusions: In summary, using a relevant, attenuated model of malaria, we have found that acute infection is associated with intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. This model can now be used to explore the mechanisms of parasite-induced intestinal inflammation and to assess the impact of increased intestinal permeability on translocation of enteropathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Mooney
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Sophia M DonVito
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Rivka Lim
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Marianne Keith
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lia Pickles
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Eleanor A Maguire
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Tara Wagner-Gamble
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Thomas Oldfield
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Ana Bermejo Pariente
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK.,Editorial Team, F1000 Ltd., London, UK
| | - Ajoke M Ehimiyien
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Adrian A Philbey
- Easter Bush Pathology, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom., Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Christian Bottomley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eleanor M Riley
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Joanne Thompson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
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10
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Mooney JP, DonVito SM, Lim R, Keith M, Pickles L, Maguire EA, Wagner-Gamble T, Oldfield T, Bermejo Pariente A, Ehimiyein AM, Philbey AA, Bottomley C, Riley EM, Thompson J. Intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability in Plasmodium chabaudi AS infected mice. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:134. [PMID: 36408291 PMCID: PMC9647155 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17781.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly associated with acute Plasmodium spp infection. Malaria-associated enteritis may provide an opportunity for enteric pathogens to breach the intestinal mucosa, resulting in life-threatening systemic infections. Methods: To investigate whether intestinal pathology also occurs during infection with a murine model of mild and resolving malaria, C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with recently mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium chabaudi AS. At schizogony, intestinal tissues were collected for quantification and localisation of immune mediators and malaria parasites, by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory proteins were measured in plasma and faeces and intestinal permeability was assessed by FITC-dextran translocation after oral administration. Results: Parasitaemia peaked at approx. 1.5% at day 9 and resolved by day 14, with mice experiencing significant and transient anaemia but no weight loss. Plasma IFNγ, TNFα and IL10 were significantly elevated during peak infection and quantitative RT-PCR of the intestine revealed a significant increase in transcripts for ifng and cxcl10. Histological analysis revealed parasites within blood vessels of both the submucosa and intestinal villi and evidence of mild crypt hyperplasia. In faeces, concentrations of the inflammatory marker lactoferrin were significantly raised on days 9 and 11 and FITC-dextran was detected in plasma on days 7 to 14. At day 11, plasma FITC-dextran concentration was significantly positively correlated with peripheral parasitemia and faecal lactoferrin concentration. Conclusions: In summary, using a relevant, attenuated model of malaria, we have found that acute infection is associated with intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. This model can now be used to explore the mechanisms of parasite-induced intestinal inflammation and to assess the impact of increased intestinal permeability on translocation of enteropathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Mooney
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Sophia M DonVito
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Rivka Lim
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Marianne Keith
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lia Pickles
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Eleanor A Maguire
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Tara Wagner-Gamble
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Thomas Oldfield
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Ana Bermejo Pariente
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK.,Editorial Team, F1000 Ltd., London, UK
| | - Ajoke M Ehimiyein
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Adrian A Philbey
- Easter Bush Pathology, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom., Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Christian Bottomley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eleanor M Riley
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
| | - Joanne Thompson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Ediburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH93JT, UK
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Donnelly E, de Water JV, Luckhart S. Malaria-induced bacteremia as a consequence of multiple parasite survival strategies. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2021; 2:100036. [PMID: 34841327 PMCID: PMC8610325 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2021.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, malaria continues to be an enormous public health burden, with concomitant parasite-induced damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) barrier resulting in bacteremia-associated morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. Infected red blood cells sequester in and can occlude the GI microvasculature, ultimately leading to disruption of the tight and adherens junctions that would normally serve as a physical barrier to translocating enteric bacteria. Mast cell (MC) activation and translocation to the GI during malaria intensifies damage to the physical barrier and weakens the immunological barrier through the release of enzymes and factors that alter the host response to escaped enteric bacteria. In this context, activated MCs release Th2 cytokines, promoting a balanced Th1/Th2 response that increases local and systemic allergic inflammation while protecting the host from overwhelming Th1-mediated immunopathology. Beyond the mammalian host, recent studies in both the lab and field have revealed an association between a Th2-skewed host response and success of parasite transmission to mosquitoes, biology that is evocative of parasite manipulation of the mammalian host. Collectively, these observations suggest that malaria-induced bacteremia may be, in part, an unintended consequence of a Th2-shifted host response that promotes parasite survival and transmission. Future directions of this work include defining the factors and mechanisms that precede the development of bacteremia, which will enable the development of biomarkers to simplify diagnostics, the identification of therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes and better understanding of the consequences of clinical interventions to transmission blocking strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erinn Donnelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
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