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Tűzkő N, Bartek V, Simonyi A, Harmath Á, Szabó I, Virok DP, Beke A. Associations between Fetal Symptoms during Pregnancy and Neonatal Clinical Complications with Toxoplasmosis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:1111. [PMID: 39334643 PMCID: PMC11430326 DOI: 10.3390/children11091111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a parasitism transmitted by Toxoplasma gondii, part of the TORCH complex, the most prevalent parasitism worldwide. It is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals but causes severe infections and developmental abnormalities in pregnant women, mainly affecting the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. METHODS In our prospective study, we analyzed cases of recent maternal Toxoplasma infections confirmed by serological testing between 1996 and 2020 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University. Amniocentesis, followed by PCR, was performed in cases of recent infection confirmed by serological testing during pregnancy. After birth, a neonatological, microbiological, pediatric neurological and ophthalmological examination and a follow-up was carried out. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 238 cases of amniotic fluid Toxoplasma PCR testing due to Toxoplasma recent infection were performed. In terms of pregnancies, there were 219 deliveries and seven abortions. Twelve cases had no data available on the outcome of the pregnancy. In total, 133 cases of ultrasound abnormalities were detected during pregnancy, while in 105 cases, no abnormalities were detected on ultrasound examination. During amniocentesis, eight cases of Toxoplasma infection were revealed in amniotic fluid samples by PCR, and in 230 cases, the result was negative. Neonatal follow-up was performed in 139 cases, with no abnormalities during follow-up in 117 cases, and in 22 cases, there was a detectable complication that was likely to be related to Toxoplasma infection. In all 22 cases, amniotic fluid PCR Toxoplasma testing was negative. CONCLUSIONS The most common ultrasound abnormalities involve the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. In cases of suspicion, it is recommended to perform amniocentesis Toxoplasma PCR testing besides the indirect methods to help the pregnant woman decide whether to carry the pregnancy to term. During follow-up, a multidisciplinary team experienced in pregnancies complicated by toxoplasmosis must carry out the follow-up, care and subsequent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nándor Tűzkő
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Margaret's Hospital, 1032 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Virág Bartek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Atene Simonyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Harmath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Szabó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dezso Peter Virok
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Artur Beke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Miguel-Vicedo M, Cabello P, Ortega-Navas MC, González-Barrio D, Fuentes I. Prevalence of Human Toxoplasmosis in Spain Throughout the Three Last Decades (1993-2023): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:621-637. [PMID: 38864976 PMCID: PMC11444046 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00258-w] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or pregnant women and foetuses. A deep knowledge of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in Spain is needed in order to better shape health policies and educational programs. We present the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the human prevalence for this disease in Spain. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Teseo) were searched for relevant studies that were published between January 1993 and December 2023 and all population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the human seroprevalence in Spain were revised. Within the population analysed, our targeted groups were immunocompetent population, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Among 572 studies and 35 doctoral theses retrieved, 15 studies and three doctoral theses were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the meta-analyses due to the high heterogeneity found between studies (I2: 99.97), since it is a statistically conservative model, in addition to allowing better external validity. The global pooled seroprevalence was 32.3% (95% CI 28.7-36.2%). Most of the studies carried out were in pregnant women and the meta-analysis reported that the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Spain was 24.4% (24,737/85,703, 95% CI 21.2-28.0%), based on the random effects model. It is recommended to continue monitoring the seroprevalence status of T. gondii in order to obtain essential guidelines for the prevention and control of the infection in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Miguel-Vicedo
- Toxoplasmosis and Protozoosis Unit, Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Educational Theory and Social Pedagogy, National University of Distance Education (UNED) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Science and Public Health. IMIENS, National University of Distance Education (UNED) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Cabello
- International University of Valencia-VIU, 46002, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Carmen Ortega-Navas
- Department of Educational Theory and Social Pedagogy, National University of Distance Education (UNED) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Toxoplasmosis and Protozoosis Unit, Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- Toxoplasmosis and Protozoosis Unit, Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Vicentini LPP, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Fux B. Involvement of extracellular vesicles in the interaction of hosts and Toxoplasma gondii. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2024; 94:133-155. [PMID: 39370205 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is widely distributed. This protozoan parasite is one of the best adapted, being able to infect innumerous species of animals and different types of cells. This chapter reviews current literature on extracellular vesicles secreted by T. gondii and by its hosts. The topics describe the life cycle and transmission (1); toxoplasmosis epidemiology (2); laboratorial diagnosis approach (3); The T. gondii interaction with extracellular vesicles and miRNAs (4); and the perspectives on T. gondii infection. Each topic emphases the host immune responses to the parasite antigens and the interaction with the extracellular vesicles and miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Fungos, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Blima Fux
- Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil; Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
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4
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Sołowińska K, Holec-Gąsior L. Single Cell Expression Systems for the Production of Recombinant Proteins for Immunodiagnosis and Immunoprophylaxis of Toxoplasmosis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1731. [PMID: 39203573 PMCID: PMC11357668 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12081731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis represents a significant public health and veterinary concern due to its widespread distribution, zoonotic transmission, and potential for severe health impacts in susceptible individuals and animal populations. The ability to design and produce recombinant proteins with precise antigenic properties is fundamental, as they serve as tools for accurate disease detection and effective immunization strategies, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes and disease control. Most commonly, a prokaryotic expression system is employed for the production of both single antigens and multi-epitope chimeric proteins; however, the cloning strategies, bacterial strain, vector, and expression conditions vary. Moreover, literature reports show the use of alternative microbial systems such as yeast or Leishmania tarentolae. This review provides an overview of the methods and strategies employed for the production of recombinant Toxoplasma gondii antigenic proteins for the serological detection of T. gondii infection and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Mazzone F, Hoeppner A, Reiners J, Gertzen CG, Applegate V, Abdullaziz MA, Gottstein J, Degrandi D, Wesemann M, Kurz T, Smits SH, Pfeffer K. 1-Deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase as target for anti Toxoplasma gondii agents: crystal structure, biochemical characterization and biological evaluation of inhibitors. Biochem J 2024; 481:1075-1096. [PMID: 39105673 PMCID: PMC11346426 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20240110] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed apicomplexan parasite causing toxoplasmosis, a critical health issue for immunocompromised individuals and for congenitally infected foetuses. Current treatment options are limited in number and associated with severe side effects. Thus, novel anti-toxoplasma agents need to be identified and developed. 1-Deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) is considered the rate-limiting enzyme in the non-mevalonate pathway for the biosynthesis of the isoprenoid precursors isopentenyl pyrophosphate and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate in the parasite, and has been previously investigated for its key role as a novel drug target in some species, encompassing Plasmodia, Mycobacteria and Escherichia coli. In this study, we present the first crystal structure of T. gondii DXR (TgDXR) in a tertiary complex with the inhibitor fosmidomycin and the cofactor NADPH in dimeric conformation at 2.5 Å resolution revealing the inhibitor binding mode. In addition, we biologically characterize reverse α-phenyl-β-thia and β-oxa fosmidomycin analogues and show that some derivatives are strong inhibitors of TgDXR which also, in contrast with fosmidomycin, inhibit the growth of T. gondii in vitro. Here, ((3,4-dichlorophenyl)((2-(hydroxy(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)thio)methyl)phosphonic acid was identified as the most potent anti T. gondii compound. These findings will enable the future design and development of more potent anti-toxoplasma DXR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Mazzone
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Hoeppner
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens Reiners
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph G.W. Gertzen
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Violetta Applegate
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mona A. Abdullaziz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Julia Gottstein
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Degrandi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martina Wesemann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sander H.J. Smits
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Simón-Cid V, López-Ramón Y Cajal CN, González-Boubeta R, Couceiro-Naveira E. Medical termination of pregnancy with digoxin in a patient affected by severe congenital toxoplasmosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39033316 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15806] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
SynopsisIntrafetal digoxin is a safer and effective alternative to perform medical termination of pregnancy over intracardiac potassium chloride in cases of massive placental inflammation, such as congenital infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Simón-Cid
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vigo University Hospital Complex, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Roberto González-Boubeta
- Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vigo University Hospital Complex, Vigo, Spain
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Kolaric B, Belamaric M, Sviben M, Ferenc T, Navolan D, Bekic V, Milasincic L, Antolasic L, Vilibic M, Vujica Ferenc M, Reicher E, Jezek T, Ciohat I, Parvanescu RC, Kos M, Bogdanic M. Screening for TORCH Antibodies in Croatian Childbearing-Aged Women, 2014-2023. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:49. [PMID: 38920973 PMCID: PMC11200394 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020049] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
TORCH infections usually result in mild maternal morbidity, but may cause severe congenital abnormalities. Therefore, it is important to detect maternal infections, monitor the fetus after the disease has been recognized, and define the seronegative women who are at risk of primary infection during pregnancy. From 2014 to 2023, serum samples from 1032 childbearing-aged and pregnant women (16-45 years) were tested for IgM/IgG antibodies to the most common TORCH pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus (RUBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The overall IgG seroprevalence rates were 20.1% for T. gondii, 91.3% for RUBV, 70.5% for CMV, 66.8% for HSV-1, and 3.5% for HSV-2. Only HSV-2 seroprevalence was age-related, with a significant progressive increase in seropositivity from 0% in those aged less than 26 years to 9.3% in those older than 40 years. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was higher in residents of suburban/rural areas than in residents of urban areas (27.4% vs. 17.1%). In addition, participants from continental regions were more often toxoplasma-seropositive than those from coastal regions (22.2% vs. 15.3%). HSV-1 seroprevalence was also higher in suburban/rural areas (71.7% vs. 64.7%). Obstetric history was not associated with TORCH seropositivity. Univariate and multivariate risk analysis showed that suburban/rural areas of residence and continental geographic regions were significant risk factors for T. gondii seroprevalence. Furthermore, suburban/rural area of residence was a significant risk factor for HSV-1 seroprevalence, while older age was a significant risk factor for HSV-2 seroprevalence. A declining trend in the seroprevalence of all TORCH pathogens was observed compared to previous Croatian studies (2005-2011). Similarly, the proportion of women simultaneously IgG-seropositive to two or three pathogens decreased over time. The maternal serology before pregnancy could potentially reduce the burden of congenital TORCH infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.B.); (L.M.); (L.A.); (M.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (E.R.); (T.J.)
| | - Branko Kolaric
- Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marko Belamaric
- Teaching Institute for Emergency Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Mario Sviben
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (E.R.); (T.J.)
- Department of Parasitology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Thomas Ferenc
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Merkur, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Dan Navolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Viktor Bekic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.B.); (L.M.); (L.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Ljiljana Milasincic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.B.); (L.M.); (L.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Ljiljana Antolasic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.B.); (L.M.); (L.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Maja Vilibic
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mateja Vujica Ferenc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ema Reicher
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (E.R.); (T.J.)
| | - Tadej Jezek
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (E.R.); (T.J.)
| | - Ioana Ciohat
- Antenatal Medicine Laboratory, Timisoara City Emergency Hospital, 300202 Timisoara, Romania; (I.C.); (R.C.P.)
| | - Raluca Catalina Parvanescu
- Antenatal Medicine Laboratory, Timisoara City Emergency Hospital, 300202 Timisoara, Romania; (I.C.); (R.C.P.)
| | - Matea Kos
- Synlab Polyclinic for Medicine Laboratory Diagnostics, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (V.B.); (L.M.); (L.A.); (M.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.S.); (E.R.); (T.J.)
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Mansouri S, Alharbi Y, Alqahtani A. Nanomaterials Connected to Bioreceptors to Introduce Efficient Biosensing Strategy for Diagnosis of the TORCH Infections: A Critical Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38193140 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2301649] [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: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
TORCH infection is a significant risk factor for severe fetal damage, especially congenital malformations. Screening pregnant women for TORCH pathogens could reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and prevent birth defects. Hence, timely identification and inhibition of TORCH infections are effective ways to successfully prevent them in pregnant women. Recently, the superiority of biosensors in TORCH pathogen sensing has been emphasized due to their intrinsic benefits, such as rapid response time, portability, cost-effectiveness, much friendlier preparation and determination steps. With the introduction of advanced nanomaterials into biosensing, the diagnostic properties of biosensors have significantly improved. This study core presents and debates the current progress in biosensing systems for TORCH pathogens using various artificial and natural receptors. The incorporation of nanomaterials into various transduction systems can enhance diagnostic performance. The key performance characteristics of optical and electrochemical biosensors, such as response time, limit of detection (LOD), and linear detection range, are systematically discussed, along with the current TORCH pathogens used for constructing biosensors. Finally, the major problems that exist for converting scientific investigation into product development are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiene Mansouri
- Department of Biomedical Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Medical Technologies, University of Tunis El Manar, Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yousef Alharbi
- Department of Biomedical Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Alqahtani
- Department of Biomedical Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Equipment Technology, College of Applied, Medical Science, Majmaah University, Majmaah City, Saudi Arabia
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de Souza G, Teixeira SC, Fajardo Martínez AF, Silva RJ, Luz LC, de Lima Júnior JP, Rosini AM, dos Santos NCL, de Oliveira RM, Paschoalino M, Barbosa MC, Alves RN, Gomes AO, da Silva CV, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Trypanosoma cruzi P21 recombinant protein modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection in different experimental models of the human maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243480. [PMID: 37915581 PMCID: PMC10617204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that affects about one-third of the human population. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but severe cases can occur such as in congenital transmission, which can be aggravated in individuals infected with other pathogens, such as HIV-positive pregnant women. However, it is unknown whether infection by other pathogens, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, as well as one of its proteins, P21, could aggravate T. gondii infection. Methods In this sense, we aimed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi and recombinant P21 (rP21) on T. gondii infection in BeWo cells and human placental explants. Results Our results showed that T. cruzi infection, as well as rP21, increases invasion and decreases intracellular proliferation of T. gondii in BeWo cells. The increase in invasion promoted by rP21 is dependent on its binding to CXCR4 and the actin cytoskeleton polymerization, while the decrease in proliferation is due to an arrest in the S/M phase in the parasite cell cycle, as well as interleukin (IL)-6 upregulation and IL-8 downmodulation. On the other hand, in human placental villi, rP21 can either increase or decrease T. gondii proliferation, whereas T. cruzi infection increases T. gondii proliferation. This increase can be explained by the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment through an increase in IL-4 and a decrease in IL-6, IL-8, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. Discussion In conclusion, in situations of coinfection, the presence of T. cruzi may favor the congenital transmission of T. gondii, highlighting the importance of neonatal screening for both diseases, as well as the importance of studies with P21 as a future therapeutic target for the treatment of Chagas disease, since it can also favor T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Luz
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Joed Pires de Lima Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Natália Carine Lima dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Martins de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Paschoalino
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Nascimento Alves
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Science, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Mundada MC, Ahmed F, Kumar S, Kodandapani S, Rao LC. Toxoplasmosis lymphadenopathy-A series of 8 cases diagnosed in a 2-year timeframe: Is it a needle in a haystack? Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 75:2729-2734. [PMID: 37636761 PMCID: PMC10447303 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite. Clinical presentation of infection depends on the age and immune status of the patient. In immunocompetent patient, it may present as a non-specific lymphadenopathy and self- limiting illness. In contrast, in immunocompromised patients it can be a life-threatening infection. We present a series of 8 cases of toxoplasma lymphadenitis diagnosed in our institute in last two years. Lymphadenopathy raises a suspicion of malignancy; however, diagnosis of reactive lymphadenitis often marks the end of diagnostic evaluation. Careful morphological evaluation, the classic triad, often can direct at a conclusive diagnosis. We are presenting a case series to draw attention to this entity as majority of the published literature is in the form of case report and serological surveys and very occasional study showing both the histopathology and serology in tandem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Chetan Mundada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Rd No 10 Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500 034 India
| | - Faiq Ahmed
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Rd No 10 Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500 034 India
| | - Snehil Kumar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Rd No 10 Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500 034 India
| | - Suseela Kodandapani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Rd No 10 Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500 034 India
| | - L.M. Chandrasekhara Rao
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Rd No 10 Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500 034 India
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