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Margarita V, Carboni G, Diaz N, Rappelli P, Fiori PL. Patterns of antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma hominis endosymbiont of Trichomonas vaginalis and the influence of bacterial intracellular location on drug susceptibility. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023; 35:210-215. [PMID: 37816433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogen of the human lower urogenital tract, can survive and replicate within the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, establishing an endosymbiotic relationship. The intracellular location may provide a means for the bacteria to evade the immune system and protection from antimicrobial activities. Our aim was to investigate the influence of the endosymbiotic association of M. hominis with trichomonad cells on bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. METHODS We evaluated antibiotic resistance patterns in a group of M. hominis isolated from T. vaginalis clinical specimens as well as in M. hominis isolated from patients without trichomoniasis. Using an experimental model system, we compared the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and lethal concentration (MLC) of tetracycline on M. hominis endosymbionts of T. vaginalis and extracellular bacteria. RESULTS The incidence rate of M. hominis strains resistant to C14 and C15 macrolide antibiotics was higher in intracellular strains associated with T. vaginalis compared with extracellular bacteria isolated from women not affected by trichomoniasis. However, sensitivity to tetracycline and quinolones was similar in both groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that M. hominis strains, when isolated as endosymbionts from T. vaginalis, exhibited reduced sensitivity to tetracycline when cultured extracellularly for at least eight weeks. CONCLUSION The intracellular localization of bacteria within trichomonad cells may affect antibiotic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gavino Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera (AOU) Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera (AOU) Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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Bailey NP, Shao Y, Du S, Foster PG, Fettweis J, Hall N, Wang Z, Hirt RP. Evolutionary conservation of Trichomonas-mycoplasma symbiosis across the host species barrier. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1242275. [PMID: 37808290 PMCID: PMC10557491 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1242275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common cellular sexually transmitted disease in humans, and the closely related species Trichomonas gallinae is an avian parasite of ecological and economic importance. Phylogenetic evidence suggests T. vaginalis arose during bird to human transmission of a T. gallinae-like ancestor. Trichomonas vaginalis shares a strong clinical association with the independent sexually transmitted pathogen Metamycoplasma (formerly Mycoplasma) hominis, and the uncultured bacterium "Candidatus Malacoplasma (formerly Mycoplasma) girerdii," with the latter association being an order of magnitude stronger. Both bacterial species have been shown to profoundly influence T. vaginalis growth, energy production and virulence-associated mechanisms. Methods Evidence for a novel Malacoplasma sp. was discovered by in vivo Illumina metatranscriptomics sequencing of the T. gallinae-infected pigeon mouth. We leveraged published 16S rDNA profiling data from digestive tract of 12 healthy and 24 T. gallinae-infected pigeons to investigate association between the novel Malacoplasma sp. and T. gallinae. We utilised Illumina metagenomics sequencing targeted to pigeon oral and crop samples infected with the novel Malacoplasma sp. to generate its full-length genome sequence. Sequence similarity network analysis was used to compare annotated proteins from the novel Malacoplasma sp. with a range of other related species. Results Here we present evidence for a novel Malacoplasma species, related to "Ca. M. girerdii," that is strongly associated with T. gallinae in the upper digestive tract of domestic pigeons. Analysis of the genome sequence revealed gene features apparently specific to a Trichomonas-symbiotic Malacoplasma lineage. Discussion These data support a model of long-term association between Trichomonas and Malacoplasma spp. that has been conserved across diversification of the Trichomonas lineage and the host species barrier from birds to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. Bailey
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yuxin Shao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaodua Du
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Neil Hall
- Earlham Institute, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Zheng Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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Margarita V, Congiargiu A, Diaz N, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii in Trichomonas vaginalis: Peaceful Cohabitants or Contentious Roommates? Pathogens 2023; 12:1083. [PMID: 37764891 PMCID: PMC10535475 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091083] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the ability to establish a close relationship with endosymbiotic microorganisms: the unique association of T. vaginalis with the bacterium Mycoplasma hominis represents, to date, the only example of an endosymbiosis involving two true human pathogens. Since its discovery, several aspects of the symbiosis between T. vaginalis and M. hominis have been characterized, demonstrating that the presence of the intracellular guest strongly influences the pathogenic characteristics of the protozoon, making it more aggressive towards host cells and capable of stimulating a stronger proinflammatory response. The recent description of a further symbiont of the protozoon, the newly discovered non-cultivable mycoplasma Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii, makes the picture even more complex. This review provides an overview of the main aspects of this complex microbial consortium, with particular emphasis on its effect on protozoan pathobiology and on the interplays among the symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Congiargiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital of Sassari (AOU), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital of Sassari (AOU), 07110 Sassari, Italy
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Sethi S, Kanaujia R, Yadav R, Sharma N, Dadwal R, Chaudary H, Kaur K, Saini A, Malhotra S, Rathore S, Bagga R. Association of intermediate Nugent Score and bacterial vaginosis with sexually transmitted infections and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2023; 0:1-6. [PMID: 37609747 DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_775_2022] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal syndrome among females, which leads to significant morbidity and complications, if left untreated. The association of bacterial vaginosis with various sexually transmitted infections has been mentioned in previous literature. However, studies on the intermediate Nugent Score are lacking. This study was planned to examine the association of sexually transmitted infections with the intermediate Nugent Score. Materials and Methods The study included was conducted to include females presenting with vaginal discharge, burning micturition, itching, lower abdominal pain and infertility. The Nugent scoring was used to categorize patients into those having normal flora, intermediate or bacterial vaginosis. Conventional and molecular techniques targeting Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and vulvovaginal candidiasis were performed. Results A total of 3,531 clinical samples were collected from females with a median age of 28.0 years. The number of patients with bacterial vaginosis and intermediate Nugent Score and positive cases were significantly higher in the 21-35 years age group (P < 0.0001). We observed that the likelihood of test results being positive for Trichomonas vaginalis was higher (P < 0.05), as the abnormality of the vaginal flora increased. Mycoplasma hominis was observed to be significantly higher in the intermediate Nugent Score group than the BV-positive patients (0.6 vs 0.2, P = 0.002). The number of vulvovaginal candidiasis cases in both the bacterial vaginosis-negative and bacterial vaginosis-positive groups were nearly the same (9.3 vs 9.8%). Limitation Individual follow-up couldn't be performed on the patients. Conclusion We observed that the dysbiosis in vaginal microbiota, with an increase in Nugent scoring, was significantly associated with an increased risk for the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Sethi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Rakesh Yadav
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nandita Sharma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rajneesh Dadwal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh, India
| | - Hemant Chaudary
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Karamjit Kaur
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Aastha Saini
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Shivali Rathore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rashmi Bagga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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Bongiorni Galego G, Tasca T. Infinity war: Trichomonas vaginalis and interactions with host immune response. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2023; 10:103-116. [PMID: 37125086 PMCID: PMC10140678 DOI: 10.15698/mic2023.05.796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is the pathological agent of human trichomoniasis. The incidence is 156 million cases worldwide. Due to the increasing resistance of isolates to approved drugs and clinical complications that include increased risk in the acquisition and transmission of HIV, cervical and prostate cancer, and adverse outcomes during pregnancy, increasing our understanding of the pathogen's interaction with the host immune response is essential. Production of cytokines and cells of innate immunity: Neutrophils and macrophages are the main cells involved in the fight against the parasite, while IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α are the most produced cytokines in response to this infection. Clinical complications: T. vaginalis increases the acquisition of HIV, stimulates the invasiveness and growth of prostate cells, and generates an inflammatory environment that may lead to preterm birth. Endosymbiosis: Mycoplasma hominis increased cytotoxicity, growth, and survival rate of the parasite. Purinergic signaling: NTPD-ases and ecto-5'-nucleotidase helps in parasite survival by modulating the nucleotides levels in the microenvironment. Antibodies: IgG was detected in serum samples of rodents infected with isolates from symptomatic patients as well as patients with symptoms. However, antibody production does not protect against a reinfection. Vaccine candidate targets: The transient receptor potential- like channel of T. vaginalis (TvTRPV), cysteine peptidase, and α-actinin are currently cited as candidate targets for vaccine development. In this context, the understanding of mechanisms involved in the host-T. vaginalis interaction that elicit the immune response may contribute to the development of new targets to combat trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bongiorni Galego
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Tricomonas, Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Tricomonas, Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- * Corresponding Author: Tiana Tasca, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752. 90610-000. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Tel: +555133085325;
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Kashinskaya EN, Simonov EP, Poddubnaya LG, Vlasenko PG, Shokurova AV, Parshukov AN, Andree KB, Solovyev MM. Trophic diversification and parasitic invasion as ecological niche modulators for gut microbiota of whitefish. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1090899. [PMID: 36998403 PMCID: PMC10043260 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1090899] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of parasites on gut microbiota of the host is well documented, but the role of the relationship between the parasite and the host in the formation of the microbiota is poorly understood. This study has focused on the influence that trophic behavior and resulting parasitism has on the structure of the microbiome. Methods Using 16S amplicon sequencing and newly developed methodological approaches, we characterize the gut microbiota of the sympatric pair of whitefish Coregonus lavaretus complex and the associated microbiota of cestodes parasitizing their intestine. The essence of the proposed approaches is, firstly, to use the method of successive washes of the microbiota from the cestode's surfaces to analyze the degree of bacterial association to the tegument of the parasite. Secondly, to use a method combining the sampling of intestinal content and mucosa with the washout procedure from the mucosa to understand the real structure of the fish gut microbiota. Results and discussion Our results demonstrate that additional microbial community in the intestine are formed by the parasitic helminths that caused the restructuring of the microbiota in infected fish compared to those uninfected. Using the desorption method in Ringer's solution, we have demonstrated that Proteocephalus sp. cestodes possess their own microbial community which is put together from "surface" bacteria, and bacteria which are weakly and strongly associated with the tegument, bacteria obtained after treatment of the tegument with detergent, and bacteria obtained after removal of the tegument from the cestodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena N. Kashinskaya
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniy P. Simonov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Larisa G. Poddubnaya
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yaroslavl Region, Russia
| | - Pavel G. Vlasenko
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya V. Shokurova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksey N. Parshukov
- Institute of Biology of the Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russia
| | - Karl B. Andree
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologìa Agroalimentaries (IRTA), Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain
| | - Mikhail M. Solovyev
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Tomsk State University, Biological Institute, Tomsk, Russia
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis can host the endosymbiont Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium capable of modulating T. vaginalis pathobiology. Recently, a new noncultivable mycoplasma, "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii," has been shown to be closely associated with women affected by trichomoniasis, suggesting a biological association. Although several features of "Ca. M. girerdii" have been investigated through genomic analysis, the nature of the potential T. vaginalis-"Ca. M. girerdii" consortium and its impact on the biology and pathogenesis of both microorganisms have not yet been explored. Here, we investigate the association between "Ca. M. girerdii" and T. vaginalis isolated from patients affected by trichomoniasis, demonstrating their intracellular localization. By using an in vitro model system based on single- and double-Mycoplasma infection of Mycoplasma-free isogenic T. vaginalis, we investigated the ability of the protist to establish a relationship with the bacteria and impact T. vaginalis growth. Our data indicate likely competition between M. hominis and "Ca. M. girerdii" while infecting trichomonad cells. Comparative dual-transcriptomics data showed major shifts in parasite gene expression in response to the presence of Mycoplasma, including genes associated with energy metabolism and pathogenesis. Consistent with the transcriptomics data, both parasite-mediated hemolysis and binding to host epithelial cells were significantly upregulated in the presence of either Mycoplasma species. Taken together, these results support a model in which this microbial association could modulate the virulence of T. vaginalis. IMPORTANCE T. vaginalis and M. hominis form a unique case of endosymbiosis that modulates the parasite's pathobiology. Recently, a new nonculturable mycoplasma species ("Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii") has been described as closely associated with the protozoon. Here, we report the characterization of this endosymbiotic relationship. Clinical isolates of the parasite demonstrate that mycoplasmas are common among trichomoniasis patients. The relationships are studied by devising an in vitro system of single and/or double infections in isogenic protozoan recipients. Comparative growth experiments and transcriptomics data demonstrate that the composition of different microbial consortia influences the growth of the parasite and significantly modulates its transcriptomic profile, including metabolic enzymes and virulence genes such as adhesins and pore-forming proteins. The data on modulation from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) correlated closely with those of the cytopathic effect and adhesion to human target cells. We propose the hypothesis that the presence and the quantitative ratios of endosymbionts may contribute to modulating protozoan virulence. Our data highlight the importance of considering pathogenic entities as microbial ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of the development of integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Margarita V, Cao LC, Bailey NP, Ngoc THT, Ngo TMC, Nu PAT, Diaz N, Dessì D, Hirt RP, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Effect of the Symbiosis with Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma Girerdii on Trichomonas vaginalis Metronidazole Susceptibility. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060812. [PMID: 35740218 PMCID: PMC9220282 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060812] [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] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, is caused by the protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis. The 5- nitroimidazole drugs, of which metronidazole is the most prescribed, are the only effective drugs to treat trichomoniasis. Resistance against metronidazole is increasingly reported among T. vaginalis isolates. T. vaginalis can establish an endosymbiosis with two Mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii, whose presence has been demonstrated to influence several aspects of the protozoan pathobiology. The role of M. hominis in T. vaginalis resistance to metronidazole is controversial, while the influence of Ca. M. girerdii has never been investigated. In this work, we investigate the possible correlation between the presence of Ca. M. girerdii and/or M. hominis and the in vitro drug susceptibility in a large group of T. vaginalis isolated in Italy and in Vietnam. We also evaluated, via RNA-seq analysis, the expression of protozoan genes involved in metronidazole resistance in a set of syngenic T. vaginalis strains, differing only for the presence/absence of the two Mycoplasmas. Our results show that the presence of M. hominis significantly increases the sensitivity to metronidazole in T. vaginalis and affects gene expression. On the contrary, the symbiosis with Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii seems to have no effect on metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Le Chi Cao
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Nicholas P. Bailey
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.P.B.); (R.P.H.)
| | - Thuy Ha Thi Ngoc
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Thi Minh Chau Ngo
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Phuong Anh Ton Nu
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.P.B.); (R.P.H.)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Sun Z, Meng J, Wang S, Yang F, Liu T, Zeng X, Zhang D, Zhu H, Chi W, Liu Y, Jiang W, Ding L, Miao Y, Wu Y, Zhao H, Zhang Y. A New Multiplex Genetic Detection Assay Method for the Rapid Semi-Quantitative Detection of Six Common Curable Sexually Transmitted Pathogens From the Genital Tract. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:704037. [PMID: 34497776 PMCID: PMC8420868 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.704037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are some of the most common communicable conditions and exert impact on the health and lives of many hundreds of millions of people across the world every year. Screening high-risk populations and conducting comprehensive detection tests would lead to a significant improvement in preventing the transmission of STIs and help us to provide rapid treatment to those affected. Here, we successfully established and validated a novel high-throughput multiplex gene detection system (HMGS) for the simultaneous and semiquantitative detection of six important curable sexually transmitted pathogens in a single reaction from secretions samples. Method Fluorescently labeled primers were designed to target specific conserved and single-copy gene fragments of Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum), Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), and Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum). The specificity and sensitivity of the STI-HMGS was validated and optimized using plasmids and quantitative genomic DNA. Next, we validated the performances of the STI-HMGS for clinical application by testing samples of clinical secretions collected from patients who visited the gynecology and urology outpatient clinics of our reproductive medicine center. Results derived from the STI-HMGS were then compared with three approved commercialized kits that used to detect U. urealyticum, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, respectively, followed by further validation with Sanger sequencing for all pathogens. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of epidemiology was performed among different subgroups to investigate the association between infection rates and clinically-relevant information. Results The sensitivity of STI-HMGS for six target genes was 10 copies/µL. Data derived from the detection of 381 clinical secretions demonstrated that the STI-HMGS exhibited high concordance rate compared with approved commercialized kits and almost 100% sensitivity and specificity for the detection of six sexually transmitted pathogens when validated by Sanger sequencing. Semi-quantitative analysis found that STIs caused by N. gonorrhoeae had a significantly higher (P<0.05) pathogen load than the other pathogens. Infections caused by C. trachomatis were significantly more common in younger individuals (P<0.05). We also found that U. urealyticum infections were more likely to happen in females; while the males were more affected by N. gonorrhoeae (P<0.05). Conclusions STI-HMGS proved to be an efficient method for the semi-quantitative detection of six important curable sexually transmitted pathogens and therefore represents an alternative method for the clinical detection and monitoring of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianping Zeng
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Dijun Zhang
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Haowei Zhu
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Wenjing Chi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenrong Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingxin Miao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Saadat S, Karami P, Jafari M, Kholoujini M, Rikhtegaran Tehrani Z, Mohammadi Y, Alikhani MY. The silent presence of Mycoplasma hominis in patients with prostate cancer. Pathog Dis 2021; 78:5907690. [PMID: 32940669 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogen in human genitourinary tract, can cause chronic infection in the prostate. Intracellular survival of M. hominis leads to a prolonged presence in the host cells that can affect the cell's biological cycle. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of M. hominis DNA in prostate tissue of Iranian patients with prostate cancer (PCa) in comparison to a control group with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS This research was a retrospective case-control study using 61 archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks of prostate tissue from patients with PCa and 70 FFPE blocks of patients with BPH. Real-time PCR, targeting two different genes, 16S rRNA and yidC, in the M. hominis genome was performed for all specimens. RESULTS Out of 61 blocks of prostate biopsy from patients with PCa, eight samples (13%) were positive for M. hominis, while the bacterium was not detected in any of the 70 blocks of patients with BPH (P value, 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The high frequency of M. hominis in patients with PCa likely shows a hidden role of the organism in prostate cancer during its chronic, apparently silent and asymptomatic colonization in prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Saadat
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran, 65178.,Department of Microbiology, Sarem Cell Research Center, Sarem Women's Hospital, Phase 3 Ekbatan, Tehran, Iran, 13969-56111.,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD, USA, 21201
| | - Pezhman Karami
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran, 65178
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran, 65178
| | - Mahdi Kholoujini
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, University of Tarbiate Modares, Jalal Ale-Ahmad Highway, Tehran, Iran, 14115
| | - Zahra Rikhtegaran Tehrani
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD, USA, 21201
| | - Younes Mohammadi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran, 65178
| | - Mohammad Yousef Alikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran, 65178
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11
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic/microaerophilic protist parasite which causes trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. T. vaginalis not only is important as a human pathogen but also is of great biological interest because of its peculiar cell biology and metabolism, in earlier times fostering the erroneous notion that this microorganism is at the root of eukaryotic evolution. This review summarizes the major advances in the last five years in the T. vaginalis field with regard to genetics, molecular biology, ecology, and pathogenicity of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Leitsch
- Department of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Henriquez FL, Mooney R, Bandel T, Giammarini E, Zeroual M, Fiori PL, Margarita V, Rappelli P, Dessì D. Paradigms of Protist/Bacteria Symbioses Affecting Human Health: Acanthamoeba species and Trichomonas vaginalis. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:616213. [PMID: 33488560 PMCID: PMC7817646 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.616213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the publication of the seminal paper by Lynn Margulis in 1967 proposing the theory of the endosymbiotic origin of organelles, the study of the symbiotic relationships between unicellular eukaryotes and prokaryotes has received ever-growing attention by microbiologists and evolutionists alike. While the evolutionary significance of the endosymbiotic associations within protists has emerged and is intensively studied, the impact of these relationships on human health has been seldom taken into account. Microbial endosymbioses involving human eukaryotic pathogens are not common, and the sexually transmitted obligate parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and the free-living opportunistic pathogen Acanthamoeba represent two unique cases in this regard, to date. The reasons of this peculiarity for T. vaginalis and Acanthamoeba may be due to their lifestyles, characterized by bacteria-rich environments. However, this characteristic does not fully explain the reason why no bacterial endosymbiont has yet been detected in unicellular eukaryotic human pathogens other than in T. vaginalis and Acanthamoeba, albeit sparse and poorly investigated examples of morphological identification of bacteria-like microorganisms associated with Giardia and Entamoeba were reported in the past. In this review article we will present the body of experimental evidences revealing the profound effects of these examples of protist/bacteria symbiosis on the pathogenesis of the microbial species involved, and ultimately their impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Ronnie Mooney
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Bandel
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Giammarini
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Zeroual
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterrenean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Margarita
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterrenean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterrenean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
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13
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Bhakta SB, Moran JA, Mercer F. Neutrophil interactions with the sexually transmitted parasite Trichomonas vaginalis: implications for immunity and pathogenesis. Open Biol 2020; 10:200192. [PMID: 32873151 PMCID: PMC7536067 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the third most common sexually transmitted infection in humans and is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv). Pathogenic outcomes are more common in women and generally include mild vaginitis or cervicitis. However, more serious effects associated with trichomoniasis include adverse reproductive outcomes. Like other infectious agents, pathogenesis from Tv infection is predicted to be the result of both parasite and host factors. At the site of infection, neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells present and probably play key roles in both parasite clearance and inflammatory pathology. Here, we discuss the evidence that neutrophils home to the site of Tv infection, kill the parasite, and that in some circumstances, parasites possibly evade neutrophil-directed killing. In vitro, the parasite is killed by neutrophils using a novel antimicrobial mechanism called trogocytosis, which probably involves both innate and adaptive immunity. While mechanisms of evasion are mostly conjecture at present, the persistence of Tv infections in patients argues strongly for their existence. Additionally, many strains of Tv harbour microbial symbionts Mycoplasma hominis or Trichomonasvirus, which are both predicted to impact neutrophil responses against the parasite. Novel research tools, especially animal models, will help to reveal the true outcomes of many factors involved in neutrophil-Tv interactions during trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA
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14
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Bolumburu C, Zamora V, Muñoz-Algarra M, Portero-Azorín F, Escario JA, Ibáñez-Escribano A. Trichomoniasis in a tertiary hospital of Madrid, Spain (2013-2017): prevalence and pregnancy rate, coinfections, metronidazole resistance, and endosymbiosis. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1915-1923. [PMID: 32405804 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide and a risk factor for the acquisition of other STIs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis and related coinfections in women attending a third-level hospital of Madrid (Spain). A retrospective study of 24,173 vaginal exudates from women with suspected vaginitis was conducted between 2013 and 2017. Likewise, among T. vaginalis positive samples, co-occurrence with gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, VIH, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum was checked. Moreover, seven T. vaginalis isolates from 2017 were randomly collected for endobionts, drug resistance, and microsatellite (MS) instability determinations. The prevalence of T. vaginalis was 0.8% between 2013 and 2017. Less than 20% of patients with trichomoniasis were submitted to a complete screening for other genital pathogens. From that, two patients were coinfected with chlamydia and three with syphilis. Surprisingly, 6.4% of positive samples were diagnosed among pregnant women, showing an alarming increase from 3.2% (2014) to 10% (2017). Among the isolates randomly analyzed, five carried T. vaginalis virus, five harbored mycoplasmas, and one was metronidazole-resistant. The molecular genotyping showed a high variability in the three MS evaluated. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Spain that evaluates the prevalence of trichomoniasis in general and pregnant population and includes biomolecular determinations. These results warn about the increasing prevalence and highlight the importance of including T. vaginalis detection in routine gynecological revisions with special emphasis on childbearing age women and patients with previous STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Bolumburu
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vega Zamora
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Muñoz-Algarra
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Portero-Azorín
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Escario
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Margarita V, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Impact of Symbiosis Between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis on Vaginal Dysbiosis: A Mini Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:179. [PMID: 32457847 PMCID: PMC7226223 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis is responsible for trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection associated with an increased risk of HIV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The protozoon has the surprising ability to establish a symbiotic relationship with other microorganisms. In fact, most T.vaginalis isolates intracellularly host the vaginal bacterium Mycoplasma hominis and can harbor up to four dsRNA viruses. Moreover, a novel Mycoplasma species named Ca. Mycoplasma girerdii has been recently described as associated with trichomonad cells. Trichomonas vaginalis colonizes the human vagina and its presence causes profound alterations of the resident microbiota, leading to dysbiosis. In healthy women, vaginal microbiota is characterized by the presence of a complex population of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms living in a physiologically dynamic system dominated by bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus. The most common microbial vaginal imbalance is bacterial vaginosis, a polymicrobial disease associated with several adverse reproductive outcomes and increased risk of HIV infection. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the interactions between both T.vaginalis and M.hominis and the vaginal microbiota, and we discuss the possibility of a cooperation between T.vaginalis and its symbionts in the development of vaginal dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
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16
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Kalia N, Singh J, Kaur M. Microbiota in vaginal health and pathogenesis of recurrent vulvovaginal infections: a critical review. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:5. [PMID: 31992328 PMCID: PMC6986042 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-0347-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal infections (RVVI) has not only become an epidemiological and clinical problem but also include large social and psychological consequences. Understanding the mechanisms of both commensalism and pathogenesis are necessary for the development of efficient diagnosis and treatment strategies for these enigmatic vaginal infections. Through this review, an attempt has been made to analyze vaginal microbiota (VMB) from scratch and to provide an update on its current understanding in relation to health and common RVVI i.e. bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiaisis and Trichomoniasis, making the present review first of its kind. For this, potentially relevant studies were retrieved from data sources and critical analysis of the literature was made. Though, culture-independent methods have greatly unfolded the mystery regarding vaginal bacterial microbiome, there are only a few studies regarding the composition and diversity of vaginal mycobiome and different Trichomonas vaginalis strains. This scenario suggests a need of further studies based on comparative genomics of RVVI pathogens to improve our perceptive of RVVI pathogenesis that is still not clear (Fig. 5). Besides this, the review details the rationale for Lactobacilli dominance and changes that occur in healthy VMB throughout a women's life. Moreover, the list of possible agents continues to expand and new species recognised in both health and VVI are updated in this review. The review concludes with the controversies challenging the widely accepted dogma i.e. "VMB dominated with Lactobacilli is healthier than a diverse VMB". These controversies, over the past decade, have complicated the definition of vaginal health and vaginal infections with no definite conclusion. Thus, further studies on newly recognised microbial agents may reveal answers to these controversies. Conversely, VMB of women could be an answer but it is not enough to just look at the microbiology. We have to look at the woman itself, as VMB which is fine for one woman may be troublesome for others. These differences in women's response to the same VMB may be determined by a permutation of behavioural, cultural, genetic and various other anonymous factors, exploration of which may lead to proper definition of vaginal health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namarta Kalia
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005 India
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005 India
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005 India
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17
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Margarita V, Marongiu A, Diaz N, Dessì D, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Prevalence of double-stranded RNA virus in Trichomonas vaginalis isolated in Italy and association with the symbiont Mycoplasma hominis. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3565-3570. [PMID: 31701295 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The flagellated protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis, responsible for trichomoniasis, can establish a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Mycoplasma hominis and can harbor double-stranded RNA Trichomonasvirus (TVV). In this study, we investigated by real-time PCR the prevalence of the four TVVs and of M. hominis among 48 T. vaginalis strains isolated in Italy, and we evaluated a possible association with metronidazole resistance. Fifty percent of the analyzed trichomonad strains tested positive for at least one TVV T. vaginalis, with TVV2 being the most prevalent, followed by TVV1 and TVV3. Two T. vaginalis strains were infected by TVV4, detected in Europe for the first time. Interestingly, we found more than one TVV species in 75% of positive trichomonad strains. M. hominis was present in 81.25% of T. vaginalis isolates tested, and no statistically significant association was observed with the infection by any TVV. Metronidazole sensitivity of T. vaginalis isolates was evaluated in vitro, and no correlation was observed between minimal lethal concentration and the presence of TVVs. This is the first report on TVV infection of T. vaginalis in Italy. Even if no association of TVV positive isolates with the presence of the symbiont M. hominis or with metronidazole resistance was observed, further studies are needed to shed light on the effective role of infecting microorganisms on the pathophysiology of T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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18
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Rowan-Nash AD, Korry BJ, Mylonakis E, Belenky P. Cross-Domain and Viral Interactions in the Microbiome. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:e00044-18. [PMID: 30626617 PMCID: PMC6383444 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00044-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the microbiome to human health is increasingly recognized and has become a major focus of recent research. However, much of the work has focused on a few aspects, particularly the bacterial component of the microbiome, most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract. Yet humans and other animals can be colonized by a wide array of organisms spanning all domains of life, including bacteria and archaea, unicellular eukaryotes such as fungi, multicellular eukaryotes such as helminths, and viruses. As they share the same host niches, they can compete with, synergize with, and antagonize each other, with potential impacts on their host. Here, we discuss these major groups making up the human microbiome, with a focus on how they interact with each other and their multicellular host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislinn D Rowan-Nash
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benjamin J Korry
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Peter Belenky
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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19
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic protist, responsible for the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection in humans. One of the most intriguing aspects of T. vaginalis pathobiology is the complex relationship with intracellular microbial symbionts: a group of dsRNA viruses belonging to family of Totiviridae (T. vaginalis virus), and eubacteria belonging to the Mycoplasma genus, in particular Mycoplasma hominis. Both microorganisms seem to strongly influence the lifestyle of T. vaginalis, suggesting a role of the symbiosis in the high variability of clinical presentation and sequelae during trichomoniasis. In the last few years many aspects of this unique symbiotic relationship have been investigated: M. hominis resides and replicates in the protozoan cell, and T. vaginalis is able to pass the bacterial infection to both mycoplasma-free protozoan isolates and human epithelial cells; M. hominis synergistically upregulates the proinflammatory response of human monocytes to T. vaginalis. Furthermore, the influence of M. hominis over T. vaginalis metabolism and physiology has been characterized. The identification of a novel species belonging to the class of Mollicutes (Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii) exclusively associated to T. vaginalis opens new perspectives in the research of the complex series of events taking place in the multifaceted world of the vaginal microbiota, both under normal and pathological conditions.
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20
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Trichomonas vaginalis Transports Virulent Mycoplasma hominis and Transmits the Infection to Human Cells after Metronidazole Treatment: A Potential Role in Bacterial Invasion of Fetal Membranes and Amniotic Fluid. J Pregnancy 2018; 2018:5037181. [PMID: 30174955 PMCID: PMC6098910 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5037181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma hominis is considered an opportunistic pathogen able to colonize the lower urogenital tract; in females the infection is associated with severe pregnancy and postpartum complications, including abortion, endometritis, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence effectors remain poorly characterized. A number of studies in the last decade have demonstrated that M. hominis can establish an endosymbiotic relationship with Trichomonas vaginalis, a urogenital parasitic protozoon, also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Recently, two bacterial genes (alr and goiB) associated with amniotic cavity invasion and a single gene (goiC) associated with intra-amniotic infections and high risk of preterm delivery have been identified in M. hominis isolated from a group of pregnant patients. In this work we demonstrate that a high number of M. hominis intracellularly associated with T. vaginalis have goiC gene, in association with alr and goiB. In addition, we demonstrate that metronidazole treatment of M. hominis-infected T. vaginalis allows delivering viable intracellular goiC positive M. hominis from antibiotic-killed protozoa and that free M. hominis can infect human cell cultures. Results suggest that molecular diagnostic strategies to identify both pathogens and their virulence genes should be adopted to prevent severe complications during pregnancy.
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21
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Mercer F, Johnson PJ. Trichomonas vaginalis: Pathogenesis, Symbiont Interactions, and Host Cell Immune Responses. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:683-693. [PMID: 30056833 PMCID: PMC11132421 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) causes a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection. As an extracellular pathogen, the parasite mediates adherence to epithelial cells to colonize the human host. In addition, the parasite interfaces with the host immune system and the vaginal microbiota. Modes of Tv pathogenesis include damage to host tissue mediated by parasite killing of host cells, disruption of steady-state vaginal microbial ecology, and eliciting inflammation by activating the host immune response. Recent Tv research has uncovered new players that contribute to multifactorial mechanisms of host-parasite adherence and killing, and has examined the relationship between Tv and vaginal bacteria. Mechanisms that may lead to parasite recognition and killing, or the evasion of host immune cells, have also been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768, USA.
| | - Patricia J Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, 1602 Molecular Sciences Building, 609 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1489, USA.
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22
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Elmnasri K, Hamdi C, Ettoumi B, Crotti E, Guesmi A, Najjari A, Doudoumis V, Boudabous A, Daffonchio D, Tsiamis G, Cherif A. Highly divergent Mollicutes symbionts coexist in the scorpion Androctonus australis. J Basic Microbiol 2018; 58:827-835. [PMID: 30019339 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201800144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Androctonus australis is one of the most ubiquitous and common scorpion species in desert and arid lands from North Africa to India and it has an important ecological role and social impact. The bacterial community associated to this arachnid is unknown and we aimed to dissect its species composition in the gut, gonads, and venom gland. A 16S rRNA gene culture-independent diversity analysis revealed, among six other taxonomic groups (Firmicutes, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Flavobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria), a dominance of Mollicutes phylotypes recorded both in the digestive tract and the gonads. These related Mollicutes include two Spiroplasma phylotypes (12.5% of DGGE bands and 15% of clones), and a new Mycoplasma cluster (80% of clones) showing 16S rRNA sequence identities of 95 and 93% with Mollicutes detected in the Mexican scorpions Centruroides limpidus and Vaejovis smithi, respectively. Such scorpion-associated Mollicutes form a new lineage that share a distant ancestor with Mycoplasma hominis. The observed host specificity with the apparent phylogenetic divergence suggests a relatively long co-evolution of these symbionts with the scorpion hosts. From the ecological point of view, such association may play a beneficial role for the host fitness, especially during dormancy or molt periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Elmnasri
- Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Chadlia Hamdi
- Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Besma Ettoumi
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Crotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Amel Guesmi
- Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Afef Najjari
- Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Vangelis Doudoumis
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Abdellatif Boudabous
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Daniele Daffonchio
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - George Tsiamis
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Ameur Cherif
- Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechpole Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia
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23
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Fürnkranz U, Henrich B, Walochnik J. Mycoplasma hominis impacts gene expression in Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:841-847. [PMID: 29368037 PMCID: PMC5846828 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5761-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, up to 90% of isolated Trichomonas vaginalis strains are naturally infected with Mycoplasma hominis, a facultative pathogen of the human genital tract. The consequences of this endosymbiosis are not yet well understood. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of natural and artificial infections with M. hominis on the RNA expression levels of metronidazole susceptibility-associated genes of T. vaginalis. Three T. vaginalis strains (TVSS10-, TVSS25-, G3) without M. hominis, as well as the same strains naturally (TVSS10+, TVSS25+) and artificially (G3-MhSS25, TVSS25-MhSS25) infected with M. hominis, were investigated for their expression profiles of three genes associated with metronidazole resistance (ferredoxin, flavin reductase 1 and pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of metronidazole were evaluated for all combinations and the respective M. hominis-free T. vaginalis strains were used as controls. The sole presence of M. hominis led to a down-regulation of metronidazole susceptibility-associated genes in all T. vaginalis strains tested. Interestingly, the effect was more prominent in the artificial symbioses. Moreover, a twofold enhancement of metronidazole tolerability was observed in three infected T. vaginalis strains, compared to the respective strains without M. hominis. In conclusion, M. hominis had an impact on gene expression in all T. vaginalis strains and on metronidazole MIC in all but one strain tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Fürnkranz
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Birgit Henrich
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
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24
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Mercer F, Ng SH, Brown TM, Boatman G, Johnson PJ. Neutrophils kill the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis using trogocytosis. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2003885. [PMID: 29408891 PMCID: PMC5815619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T. vaginalis, a human-infective parasite, causes the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide and contributes to adverse inflammatory disorders. The immune response to T. vaginalis is poorly understood. Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear cells [PMNs]) are the major immune cell present at the T. vaginalis-host interface and are thought to clear T. vaginalis. However, the mechanism of PMN clearance of T. vaginalis has not been characterized. We demonstrate that human PMNs rapidly kill T. vaginalis in a dose-dependent, contact-dependent, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)-independent manner. In contrast to phagocytosis, we observed that PMN killing of T. vaginalis involves taking "bites" of T. vaginalis prior to parasite death, using trogocytosis to achieve pathogen killing. Both trogocytosis and parasite killing are dependent on the presence of PMN serine proteases and human serum factors. Our analyses provide the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of a mammalian phagocyte using trogocytosis for pathogen clearance and reveal a novel mechanism used by PMNs to kill a large, highly motile target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Mercer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shek Hang Ng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Taylor M. Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Grace Boatman
- Pomona College, Claremont, California, United States of America
| | - Patricia J. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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25
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Kubiak K, Sielawa H, Chen W, Dzika E. Endosymbiosis and its significance in dermatology. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017; 32:347-354. [PMID: 29194776 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century to explain the origin of eukaryotic organelles from prokaryotes, endosymbiosis is now medically defined by various interaction patterns between microorganisms and their residing hosts, best exemplified by the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia identified in arthropods and filarial nematodes, which can influence normal development, reproduction, survival and transmission of the hosts. Based on the transmission modes, vertical or horizontal, and the function of the endosymbionts, the host-symbiont dependence can be divided into primary or secondary. In dermatology, the role of endosymbionts in skin ectoparasitosis has aroused great interests in the past years. Riesia pediculicola is a primary bacterial endosymbiont in body lice Pediculus humanus, and supplement their hosts with vitamin B, especially pantothenic acid. In cimicosis, the Gram-negative Wolbachia can synthesize biotin and riboflavin, which are crucial for the growth and reproduction of the bedbug Cimex lectularius. In human demodicosis and rosacea, further study is required to prove the pathogenic role of the Gram-negative bacteria Bacillus oleronius or the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus demonstrated in the Demodex mites. The high infection rate of adult female ticks Ixodes ricinus with the Gram-negative bacteria Midichloria mitochondrii present in the mitochondria in diverse ovarian cells, with the high seroprevalence rate in tick-exposed subjects, raises the possibility that this non-pathogenic endosymbiont may play a role in immune response and successful transmission of the tick-borne pathogen. The anaerobic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis and bacteria Mycoplasma hominis are two obligate parasites in the urogenital epithelium, with partially overlapping symptoms. Intracellular localization of Mycoplasma hominis can avoid host immune response and penetration of antibiotics, while Trichomonas vaginalis infected with Mycoplasma hominis seems to have a higher cytopathic activity and amoeboid transformation rate. Further study on the biology and pathogenesis of different endosymbionts in dermatological parasitosis will help for the development of new treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Warmia and Mazury University, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - H Sielawa
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Warmia and Mazury University, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - W Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - E Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Warmia and Mazury University, Olsztyn, Poland
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26
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Ioannidis A, Papaioannou P, Magiorkinis E, Magana M, Ioannidou V, Tzanetou K, Burriel AR, Tsironi M, Chatzipanagiotou S. Detecting the Diversity of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Endosymbionts Hosted by Trichomonas vaginalis Isolates. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1188. [PMID: 28702014 PMCID: PMC5487939 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The symbiosis of Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis is the first described association between two obligate human parasites. Trichomonas is the niche and the vector for the transmission of M. hominis infection. This clinically significant symbiosis may affect T. vaginalis virulence and susceptibility to treatment. The aims of this study were to investigate the intracellularly present Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species in T. vaginalis strains isolated from the vaginal discharge of infected women as well as to trace the diversity pattern among the species detected in the isolated strains. Methods: Hundred pure T. vaginalis cultures were isolated from ~7,500 patient specimens presented with clinical purulent vaginitis. PCR and sequencing for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma spp. were performed in DNA extracted from the pure cultures. In addition, vaginal discharge samples were cultured for the presence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum. Phylogenetic analysis assisted the identification of interspecies relationships between the Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma isolates. Results: Fifty four percentage of T. vaginalis isolates were harboring Mycoplasma spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clusters, two with already characterized M. hominis and Ureaplasma spp. (37% of total Mycoplasma spp.), whereas one group formed a distinct cluster matched with the newly identified species Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii (59.3%) and one or more unknown Mycoplasma spp. (3.7%). Conclusions:T. vaginalis strains associated with vaginal infection might host intracellular mycoplasmas or ureaplasmas. Intracellular Mollicutes that remain undetected in the extracellular environment when conventional diagnostic methods are implemented may comprise either novel species, such as Candidatus M. giredii, or unknown species with yet unexplored clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Ioannidis
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Papaioannou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of AthensAthens, Greece
| | - Maria Magana
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Ioannidou
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki R. Burriel
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
| | - Maria Tsironi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences, University of PeloponneseSparta, Greece
| | - Stylianos Chatzipanagiotou
- Department of Biopathology and Clinical Microbiology, Athens Medical School, Aeginition HospitalAthens, Greece
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27
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Trichomonas vaginalis infection in symbiosis with Trichomonasvirus and Mycoplasma. Res Microbiol 2017; 168:882-891. [PMID: 28366838 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan with an extracellular obligatory parasitic lifestyle exclusively adapted to the human urogenital tract and responsible for nearly a quarter billion sexually transmitted infections worldwide each year. This review focuses on symbiotic Trichomonasvirus and mycoplasmas carried by the protozoan, their molecular features and their role in altering the human vaginal microbiome and the immunopathogenicity of the parasite. Improved diagnostics and larger clinical interventional studies are needed to confirm the causative role of protozoan symbionts in the variable clinical presentation of trichomoniasis and its morbid sequelae, including adverse reproductive outcome, susceptibility to viral infections and cancer.
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28
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Munson E, Munson KL, Schell RF. Clinical laboratory assessments for Mycoplasma genitalium in a high-prevalence sexually-transmitted infection community reveal epidemiologic dichotomies with Trichomonas vaginalis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2016; 15:133-145. [PMID: 27894204 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1265887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging agent of sexually-transmitted infection and is responsible for clinically-significant genital tract disease in both females and males. Similar to scenarios recently experienced with the urogenital flagellate Trichomonas vaginalis, an evolving molecular diagnostic reference standard based on transcription-mediated amplification allows for accurate detection of the organism, plus additional insight into disease epidemiology. Areas covered. The basis for this article includes primary peer-reviewed literature plus compilations of data derived from routine clinical laboratory screening of females and males for agents of sexually-transmitted infection. Introductory laboratory and epidemiologic data related to T. vaginalis provides not only a foreshadowing to the dichotomies inherent to M. genitalium prevalence but also advocacy of a common non-invasive specimen source that could be used to screen females for both agents. This review also documents increased prevalence rates of M. genitalium in both females and males by way of transcription-mediated amplification. Expert commentary. Molecular detection of M. genitalium should be a consideration in the development of comprehensive sexually-transmitted infection screening programs for both females and males. Transcription-mediated amplification has additionally identified novel facets of M. genitalium and T. vaginalis epidemiology that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Munson
- a College of Health Sciences , Marquette University , Milwaukee , Wisconsin , USA
| | | | - Ronald F Schell
- c Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA.,d Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA
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