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Talmi-Frank D, Byas AD, Murrieta R, Weger-Lucarelli J, Rückert C, Gallichotte EN, Yoshimoto JA, Allen C, Bosco-Lauth AM, Graham B, Felix TA, Brault AC, Ebel GD. Intracellular Diversity of WNV within Circulating Avian Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Reveals Host-Dependent Patterns of Polyinfection. Pathogens 2023; 12:767. [PMID: 37375457 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) populations exist as mutant swarms that are maintained between arthropods and vertebrates. West Nile virus (WNV) population dynamics are host-dependent. In American crows, purifying selection is weak and population diversity is high compared to American robins, which have 100- to 1000-fold lower viremia. WNV passed in robins leads to fitness gains, whereas that passed in crows does not. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that high crow viremia allows for higher genetic diversity within individual avian peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), reasoning that this could have produced the previously observed host-specific differences in genetic diversity and fitness. Specifically, we infected cells and birds with a molecularly barcoded WNV and sequenced viral RNA from single cells to quantify the number of WNV barcodes in each. Our results demonstrate that the richness of WNV populations within crows far exceeds that in robins. Similarly, rare WNV variants were maintained by crows more frequently than by robins. Our results suggest that increased viremia in crows relative to robins leads to the maintenance of defective genomes and less prevalent variants, presumably through complementation. Our findings further suggest that weaker purifying selection in highly susceptible crows is attributable to this higher viremia, polyinfections and complementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Talmi-Frank
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Alex D Byas
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Reyes Murrieta
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Claudia Rückert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Emily N Gallichotte
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Janna A Yoshimoto
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Chris Allen
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Angela M Bosco-Lauth
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Barbara Graham
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Todd A Felix
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Lakewood, CO 80228, USA
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Owyong M, Chou J, van den Bijgaart RJ, Kong N, Efe G, Maynard C, Talmi-Frank D, Solomonov I, Koopman C, Hadler-Olsen E, Headley M, Lin C, Wang CY, Sagi I, Werb Z, Plaks V. MMP9 modulates the metastatic cascade and immune landscape for breast cancer anti-metastatic therapy. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/6/e201800226. [PMID: 31727800 PMCID: PMC6856766 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201800226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of active MMP9 early during tumorigenesis suppresses tumor cell migration, invasion, and colony formation and tilts the balance towards anti-tumor immunity by activating CD8+ T cells. Metastasis, the main cause of cancer-related death, has traditionally been viewed as a late-occurring process during cancer progression. Using the MMTV-PyMT luminal B breast cancer model, we demonstrate that the lung metastatic niche is established early during tumorigenesis. We found that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is an important component of the metastatic niche early in tumorigenesis and promotes circulating tumor cells to colonize the lungs. Blocking active MMP9, using a monoclonal antibody specific to the active form of gelatinases, inhibited endogenous and experimental lung metastases in the MMTV-PyMT model. Mechanistically, inhibiting MMP9 attenuated migration, invasion, and colony formation and promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation. Interestingly, primary tumor burden was unaffected, suggesting that inhibiting active MMP9 is primarily effective during the early metastatic cascade. These findings suggest that the early metastatic circuit can be disrupted by inhibiting active MMP9 and warrant further studies of MMP9-targeted anti-metastatic breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Owyong
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chou
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Niwen Kong
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gizem Efe
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carrie Maynard
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dalit Talmi-Frank
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Inna Solomonov
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Charlotte Koopman
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elin Hadler-Olsen
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Headley
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charlene Lin
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Irit Sagi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zena Werb
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA .,The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vicki Plaks
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA .,Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Rohoušová I, Talmi-Frank D, Vlková M, Spitzová T, Rishpon K, Jaffe CL, Volf P, Baneth G, Ephros M. Serological Evaluation of Cutaneous Leishmania tropica Infection in Northern Israel. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:139-141. [PMID: 29141753 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp. are medically important unicellular parasites transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The World Health Organization recently highlighted the importance of reliable diagnostic tools for leishmaniasis. Our study of human infection was conducted in two endemic foci of Leishmania tropica in the Galilee region, northern Israel. Elevated anti-Leishmania antibodies were present in the majority (78.6%) of L. tropica-PCR positive individuals. Moreover, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed high sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values (ranging between 73% and 79%), thus fulfilling the basic requirement for future development of a serodiagnostic and screening tool. The anti-sand fly saliva antibodies used as biomarkers of exposure reflected the composition of the local sand fly fauna as well as the abundance of individual species. High levels of antibodies against vector salivary proteins may further indicate frequent exposure to sand flies and consequently a higher probability of Leishmania transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Rohoušová
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Michaela Vlková
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tatiana Spitzová
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Koranit Rishpon
- Department of Pediatrics, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Charles L Jaffe
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Faculty of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Moshe Ephros
- Department of Pediatrics, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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4
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Brault AC, Domi A, McDonald EM, Talmi-Frank D, McCurley N, Basu R, Robinson HL, Hellerstein M, Duggal NK, Bowen RA, Guirakhoo F. A Zika Vaccine Targeting NS1 Protein Protects Immunocompetent Adult Mice in a Lethal Challenge Model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14769. [PMID: 29116169 PMCID: PMC5677088 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has rapidly extended its geographic range around the world. Its association with abnormal fetal brain development, sexual transmission, and lack of a preventive vaccine have constituted a global health concern. Designing a safe and effective vaccine requires significant caution due to overlapping geographical distribution of ZIKV with dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses, possibly resulting in more severe disease manifestations in flavivirus immune vaccinees such as Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE, a phenomenon involved in pathogenesis of DENV, and a risk associated with ZIKV vaccines using the envelope proteins as immunogens). Here, we describe the development of an alternative vaccine strategy encompassing the expression of ZIKV non-structural-1 (NS1) protein from a clinically proven safe, Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector, thus averting the potential risk of ADE associated with structural protein-based ZIKV vaccines. A single intramuscular immunization of immunocompetent mice with the MVA-ZIKV-NS1 vaccine candidate provided robust humoral and cellular responses, and afforded 100% protection against a lethal intracerebral dose of ZIKV (strain MR766). This is the first report of (i) a ZIKV vaccine based on the NS1 protein and (ii) single dose protection against ZIKV using an immunocompetent lethal mouse challenge model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | - Erin M McDonald
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Dalit Talmi-Frank
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Nisha K Duggal
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Richard A Bowen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Talmi-Frank D, Altboum Z, Solomonov I, Udi Y, Jaitin D, Klepfish M, David E, Zhuravlev A, Keren-Shaul H, Winter D, Gat-Viks I, Mandelboim M, Ziv T, Amit I, Sagi I. Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis by MT1-MMP Contributes to Influenza-Related Tissue Damage and Mortality. Cell Host Microbe 2016; 20:458-470. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Sagi I, Talmi-Frank D, Arkadash V, Papo N, Mohan V. Matrix metalloproteinase protein inhibitors: highlighting a new beginning for metalloproteinases in medicine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2147/mnm.s65143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Plaks V, Chou J, Maynard C, Nguyen NH, Kong N, Solomonov I, Talmi-Frank D, Bonnans C, Sagi I, Werb Z. Abstract 4724: Targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) for anti-metastatic therapy: Blocking active MMP9 abrogates metastatic niche formation and prevents metastatic seeding in a breast cancer model. Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2015-4724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Currently there is no cure for a metastatic disease and it is therefore critical to target the early events that foster metastasis. It is now also recognized that a favorable microenvironment in the metastatic site, primed by the tumor, is crucial for metastasis. Our study is geared towards deciphering cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the metastatic niche that may lead to novel targeted anti-metastatic therapeutics.
We utilize the multi-stage MMTV-PyMT breast cancer mouse model, which shares significant similarities with human breast cancer. By injecting a reporter metastatic cell line into hyperplasia-bearing mice, we were able to probe the susceptibility of the lung microenvironment to metastatic seeding. We demonstrate that early during mammary tumorigenesis, before metastasis has occurred, a metastatic niche is formed in the lung microenvironment. This niche is initiated in part by tumor-induced systemic pro-inflammatory factors and local extracellular matrix remodelers, as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We show that the metastatic niche is associated with MMP9-expressing CD11b+Gr1+ and other lung stromal cells. MMP9, which is also expressed by tumor cells, appears as a pivotal player in the process and is therefore considered as a desirable therapeutic target.
To examine the role of MMP9 activity in lung metastatic colonization, we utilized novel endogenous-like, function-specific antibodies (SDS3) that block the transiently-activated enzyme conformation of MMP9, which presumably contributes to disease progression. The therapeutic potential of SDS3 has been demonstrated in models of inflammatory bowel disease. We show that metastatic seeding within the lung microenvironment can be inhibited by SDS3, not only in experimental metastasis models but also when the lung microenvironment is primed by hyperplastic mammary tumors. Primary tumor burden was not changed with SDS3, suggesting that blocking active MMP9 is effective in preventing early metastasis rather than established tumors.
To study the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of SDS3, we utilized whole-body bioluminescence, intravital and ex-vivo live microscopy as well as flow cytometry. We show that SDS3 is retained in myeloid cells within the microenvironment of mammary tumors and lung metastatic foci. In situ zymography shows high MMP activity in premetastaic MMTV-PyMT lungs, which is reduced after SDS3. SDS3 also inhibits colony formation of cultured metastatic cells.
Our results suggest that a metastatic niche is present in the lungs of hyperplastic mammary tumor-bearing mice and that it can be targeted by blocking MMP9 activity. Our study offers new insights into effectively blocking the in vivo activity of dysregulated MMPs as early anti-metastatic therapy of various cancers.
Citation Format: Vicki Plaks, Jonathan Chou, Carrie Maynard, Nguyen H. Nguyen, Niwen Kong, Inna Solomonov, Dalit Talmi-Frank, Caroline Bonnans, Irit Sagi, Zena Werb. Targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) for anti-metastatic therapy: Blocking active MMP9 abrogates metastatic niche formation and prevents metastatic seeding in a breast cancer model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4724. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4724
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- 1University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jonathan Chou
- 1University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Carrie Maynard
- 1University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Niwen Kong
- 1University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | | | - Irit Sagi
- 2Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zena Werb
- 1University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Rohousova I, Talmi-Frank D, Kostalova T, Polanska N, Lestinova T, Kassahun A, Yasur-Landau D, Maia C, King R, Votypka J, Jaffe CL, Warburg A, Hailu A, Volf P, Baneth G. Exposure to Leishmania spp. and sand flies in domestic animals in northwestern Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:360. [PMID: 26152578 PMCID: PMC4495613 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0976-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani is considered an anthroponosis; however, Leishmania-infected animals have been increasingly reported in L. donovani foci, and the role of these animals as reservoirs for human L. donovani infection remains unclear. Methods We conducted a study of domestic animals (goats, sheep, cows, dogs, and donkeys) in three L. donovani foci in northwestern Ethiopia. Domestic animals were screened for Leishmania DNA and for anti-L. donovani IgG. Serum anti-sand fly saliva antibodies were used as a marker of exposure to the vector sand fly, Phlebotomus orientalis. Results Of 546 animals tested, 32 (5.9 %) were positive for Leishmania DNA, with positive animals identified among all species studied. Sequencing indicated that the animals were infected with parasites of the L. donovani complex but could not distinguish between L. infantum and L. donovani. A total of 18.9 % of the animals were seropositive for anti-L. donovani IgG, and 23.1 % of the animals were seropositive for anti-P. orientalis saliva IgG, with the highest seroprevalence observed in dogs and sheep. A positive correlation was found between anti-P. orientalis saliva and anti-L. donovani IgGs in cows, goats, and sheep. Conclusions The detection of L. donovani complex DNA in the blood of domestic animals, the reported seroprevalence to the L. donovani antigen, and the widespread exposure to sand fly saliva among domestic animals indicate that they are frequently exposed to Leishmania infection and are likely to participate in the epidemiology of Leishmania infection, either as potential blood sources for sand flies or possibly as parasite hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0976-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Rohousova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Dalit Talmi-Frank
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Tatiana Kostalova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Nikola Polanska
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Tereza Lestinova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Aysheshm Kassahun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Daniel Yasur-Landau
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Carla Maia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic. .,Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo Street, Jerusalem, 95463, Israel.
| | - Jan Votypka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Charles L Jaffe
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Alon Warburg
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Abstract
The analysis of antibody reactivity against multiple antigens separated according to their molecular weights is facilitated by western blotting. The distinction between immune dominant and recessive antigens is often difficult and carried out by qualitative or empirical means. Quantitative computerized western blotting (QCWB) analyzes reactivity to specific antigens by providing a statistically measurable value for each band allowing differentiation between immunodominant and immunorecessive determinants. QCWB is useful for both single time point analysis and longitudinal studies where multiple time points are evaluated and the relativities against individual bands compared. This technique can be employed to study humoral responses to complex antigenic mixtures such as allergens and infectious agents, or identify serologic markers for early diagnosis of cancer, autoimmune or infectious diseases, or to monitor patient's clinical status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Talmi-Frank
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Solomonov I, Talmi-Frank D, Milstein Y, Addadi S, Aloshin A, Sagi I. Introduction of correlative light and airSEM™ microscopy imaging for tissue research under ambient conditions. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5987. [PMID: 25100357 PMCID: PMC5154511 DOI: 10.1038/srep05987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A complete fingerprint of a tissue sample requires a detailed description of its cellular and extracellular components while minimizing artifacts. We introduce the application of a novel scanning electron microscope (airSEM™) in conjunction with light microscopy for functional analysis of tissue preparations at nanometric resolution (<10 nm) and under ambient conditions. Our metal-staining protocols enable easy and detailed visualization of tissues and their extracellular scaffolds. A multimodality imaging setup, featuring airSEM™ and a light microscope on the same platform, provides a convenient and easy-to-use system for obtaining structural and functional correlative data. The airSEM™ imaging station complements other existing imaging solutions and shows great potential for studies of complex biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Solomonov
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Dalit Talmi-Frank
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | | | | | - Anna Aloshin
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Irit Sagi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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11
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de Miranda RL, O'Dwyer LH, de Castro JR, Metzger B, Rubini AS, Mundim AV, Eyal O, Talmi-Frank D, Cury MC, Baneth G. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from urban and rural areas in Southeast Brazil. Res Vet Sci 2014; 97:325-8. [PMID: 25039064 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this survey was to investigate the prevalence of Hepatozoon infection in dogs in the rural and urban areas of Uberlândia, Brazil by PCR and molecular characterization. DNA was obtained from blood samples collected from 346 local dogs from both genders and various ages. Seventeen PCR products from positive blood samples of urban dogs and 13 from the rural dogs were sequenced. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene indicated that all 30 dogs were infected with Hepatozoon canis similar in sequence to H. canis from southern Europe. Four local dog sequences were submitted to GenBank (accessions JN835188; KF692038; KF692039; KF692040). This study indicates that H. canis is the cause of canine hepatozoonosis in Uberlândia and that infection is similarly widespread in rural and urban dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L de Miranda
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - L H O'Dwyer
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - J R de Castro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - B Metzger
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - A S Rubini
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - A V Mundim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - O Eyal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - D Talmi-Frank
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - M C Cury
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil.
| | - G Baneth
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil
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Gebrekidan H, Hailu A, Kassahun A, Rohoušová I, Maia C, Talmi-Frank D, Warburg A, Baneth G. Theileria infection in domestic ruminants in northern Ethiopia. Vet Parasitol 2013; 200:31-8. [PMID: 24360645 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Piroplasmosis caused by different tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasites of the genera Theileria and Babesia is among the most economically important infections of domestic ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. A survey for piroplasm infection was conducted in three locations in Northern Ethiopia. Of 525 domestic ruminants surveyed, 80% of the cattle, 94% of the sheep and 2% of the goats were positive for different Theileria spp. based on PCR of blood followed by DNA sequencing. Sheep had a significantly higher rate of infection compared with cattle (P<0.0003) and both sheep and cattle had higher rates of infection compared to goats (P<0.0001). Four species of Theileria were detected in cattle: T. velifera, T. mutans, T. orientalis complex and T. annulata with infection rates of 66, 8, 4, and 2%, respectively. This is the first report of T. annulata, the cause of Tropical Theileriosis in Ethiopia. Of the two Theileria spp. detected in small ruminants, T. ovis was highly prevalent (92%) in sheep and rare in goats (1.5%) whereas T. seperata was infrequent in sheep (2%) and rare in goats (0.4%). None of the animals were positive for Babesia spp.; however, Sarcocystis capracanis and S. tenella were detected in one goat and a sheep, respectively. The widespread distribution of Theileria spp. among cattle in northern Ethiopia including the virulent T. annulata and more mildly pathogenic T. mutans and T. orientalis, and the high infection rate in sheep with the usually sub-clinical T. ovis indicate extensive exposure to ticks and transmission of piroplasms with an important economic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagos Gebrekidan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aysheshm Kassahun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Rohoušová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Carla Maia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Medical Parasitology unit. Center of Malaria and other Tropical Diseases. Institute of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Dalit Talmi-Frank
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Alon Warburg
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, PO Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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Baneth G, Sheiner A, Eyal O, Hahn S, Beaufils JP, Anug Y, Talmi-Frank D. Redescription of Hepatozoon felis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) based on phylogenetic analysis, tissue and blood form morphology, and possible transplacental transmission. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:102. [PMID: 23587213 PMCID: PMC3639113 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A Hepatozoon parasite was initially reported from a cat in India in 1908 and named Leucocytozoon felis domestici. Although domestic feline hepatozoonosis has since been recorded from Europe, Africa, Asia and America, its description, classification and pathogenesis have remained vague and the distinction between different species of Hepatozoon infecting domestic and wild carnivores has been unclear. The aim of this study was to carry out a survey on domestic feline hepatozoonosis and characterize it morphologically and genetically. Methods Hepatozoon sp. DNA was amplified by PCR from the blood of 55 of 152 (36%) surveyed cats in Israel and from all blood samples of an additional 19 cats detected as parasitemic by microscopy during routine hematologic examinations. Hepatozoon sp. forms were also characterized from tissues of naturally infected cats. Results DNA sequencing determined that all cats were infected with Hepatozoon felis except for two infected by Hepatozoon canis. A significant association (p = 0.00001) was found between outdoor access and H. felis infection. H. felis meronts containing merozoites were characterized morphologically from skeletal muscles, myocardium and lungs of H. felis PCR-positive cat tissues and development from early to mature meront was described. Distinctly-shaped gamonts were observed and measured from the blood of these H. felis infected cats. Two fetuses from H. felis PCR-positive queens were positive by PCR from fetal tissue including the lung and amniotic fluid, suggesting possible transplacental transmission. Genetic analysis indicated that H. felis DNA sequences from Israeli cats clustered together with the H. felis Spain 1 and Spain 2 sequences. These cat H. felis sequences clustered separately from the feline H. canis sequences, which grouped with Israeli and foreign dog H. canis sequences. H. felis clustered distinctly from Hepatozoon spp. of other mammals. Feline hepatozoonosis caused by H. felis is mostly sub-clinical as a high proportion of the population is infected with no apparent overt clinical manifestations. Conclusions This study aimed to integrate new histopathologic, hematologic, clinical, epidemiological and genetic findings on feline hepatozoonosis and promote the understanding of this infection. The results indicate that feline infection is primarily caused by a morphologically and genetically distinct species, H. felis, which has predilection to infecting muscular tissues, and is highly prevalent in the cat population studied. The lack of previous comprehensively integrated data merits the redescription of this parasite elucidating its parasitological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
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Cardoso L, Cortes HCE, Reis A, Rodrigues P, Simões M, Lopes AP, Vila-Viçosa MJ, Talmi-Frank D, Eyal O, Solano-Gallego L, Baneth G. Prevalence of Babesia microti-like infection in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:90-5. [PMID: 23352108 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of piroplasm (order Piroplasmida) infection was assessed in blood and bone marrow samples from 91 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern, central and southern Portugal by means of molecular methods. PCR for the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp. followed by sequencing revealed 63 foxes positive for the Babesia microti-like piroplasm (syn. Theileria annae) (69.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.7-78.5%) and one fox positive for Babesia canis (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.0-6.0%). Positivity to the B. microti-like piroplasm or B. canis in 43 blood samples (83.7%) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in 43 paired bone marrow samples (20.9%). There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of infection between genders (p=0.219) or age groups (<2 years vs. ≥ 2 years) (p=1.0). This is the first report of the B. microti-like piroplasm in foxes from Portugal as well as the first report on detection by PCR and genotyping of B. canis in a red fox worldwide. A natural cycle of the B. microti-like piroplasm is suggested in red fox populations based on the high prevalence of the protozoan. Red foxes might be a reservoir of the B. microti-like piroplasm and a source of infection to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.
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Talmi-Frank D, Jaffe CL, Nasereddin A, Baneth G. Leishmania tropica experimental infection in the rat using luciferase-transfected parasites. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 12/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Giannitti F, Diab SS, Uzal FA, Fresneda K, Rossi D, Talmi-Frank D, Baneth G. Infection with a Hepatozoon sp. closely related to Hepatozoon felis in a wild Pampas gray fox (Lycalopex -Pseudalopex -gymnocercus) co-infected with canine distemper virus. Vet Parasitol 2011; 186:497-502. [PMID: 22112977 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A species of Hepatozoon closely related to Hepatozoon felis found in the skeletal and cardiac muscle of a wild Pampas gray fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) is described. The fox was euthanized after showing severe incoordination. On necropsy and histopathology there was bilateral, diffuse, severe, sub-acute, necrotizing bronchointerstitial pneumonia, with intracytoplasmic and intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies. Canine distemper virus was detected by immunohistochemistry in the bronchiolar epithelium, syncytial cells, alveolar macrophages and pneumocytes. The skeletal muscle and myocardium contained multiple round to oval protozoan cysts ranging from 64 μm × 75 μm to 98 μm × 122 μm, with a central eosinophilic meront-like core surrounded by concentric rings of mucinous material resembling Hepatozoon americanum cysts but smaller in size. Macrophages within rare pyogranulomas and monocytes/macrophages in adjacent sinusoidal blood vessels in the skeletal muscle contained intracytoplasmic round protozoa consistent with merozoites or developing gamonts of Hepatozoon. Hepatozoon sp. infection was confirmed by PCR of skeletal muscle and the sequenced 18S rRNA PCR product was found to be 99% identical to H. felis by BLAST analysis and deposited in GenBank as accession number HQ020489. It clustered together in the phylogenetic analysis with published H. felis sequences and separately from H. canis, H. americanum and other Hepatozoon species. However, the close relatedness of the fox Hepatozoon to H. felis does not rule out infection with a different and possibly unknown Hepatozoon species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Giannitti
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory System, University of California Davis, West Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Talmi-Frank D, Kedem-Vaanunu N, King R, Bar-Gal GK, Edery N, Jaffe CL, Baneth G. Leishmania tropica infection in golden jackals and red foxes, Israel. Emerg Infect Dis 2011; 16:1973-5. [PMID: 21122235 PMCID: PMC3294571 DOI: 10.3201/eid1612.100953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During a survey of wild canids, internal transcribed spacer 1 real-time PCR and high-resolution melt analysis identified Leishmania tropica in samples from jackals and foxes. Infection was most prevalent in ear and spleen samples. Jackals and foxes may play a role in the spread of zoonotic L. tropica.
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de Miranda RL, de Castro JR, Olegário MMM, Beletti ME, Mundim AV, O'Dwyer LH, Eyal O, Talmi-Frank D, Cury MC, Baneth G. Oocysts of Hepatozoon canis in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from a naturally infected dog. Vet Parasitol 2011; 177:392-6. [PMID: 21324597 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Hepatozoon. Several tick species have been implicated as potential vectors. Therefore, extensive studies are needed to determine the 'natural' endemic cycle of this parasite. This paper presents the first report of the presence of Hepatozoon canis oocysts in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from an infected dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Lima de Miranda
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Talmi-Frank D, Jaffe CL, Nasereddin A, Warburg A, King R, Svobodova M, Peleg O, Baneth G. Leishmania tropica in rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) in a focus of human cutaneous leishmaniasis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:814-8. [PMID: 20439960 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania tropica, has recently emerged in urban and rural foci of central and northern Israel, and constitutes a major public health concern. Rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis), the suspected natural reservoir, were trapped in the cutaneous leishmaniasis urban focus of Maale Adumim in central Israel and evaluated for L. tropica infection by real-time kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology. Real-time PCR on blood and computerized western blot serology analysis was positive for L. tropica in 58% and 80%, respectively, of the hyraxes tested. Phylogenetic analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 region indicated that similar genotypes were present in humans and hyraxes from the same habitat. The high rates of infection and exposure to L. tropica among hyraxes supports their involvement in the transmission cycle of this parasite, and their potential role as a reservoir for human disease.
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Talmi-Frank D, Nasereddin A, Schnur LF, Schönian G, Töz SÖ, Jaffe CL, Baneth G. Detection and identification of old world Leishmania by high resolution melt analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e581. [PMID: 20069036 PMCID: PMC2797090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Three major forms of human disease, cutaneous leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, are caused by several leishmanial species whose geographic distribution frequently overlaps. These Leishmania species have diverse reservoir hosts, sand fly vectors and transmission patterns. In the Old World, the main parasite species responsible for leishmaniasis are Leishmania infantum, L. donovani, L. tropica, L. aethiopica and L. major. Accurate, rapid and sensitive diagnostic and identification procedures are crucial for the detection of infection and characterization of the causative leishmanial species, in order to provide accurate treatment, precise prognosis and appropriate public health control measures. Methods/Principal Findings High resolution melt analysis of a real time PCR product from the Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 rRNA region was used to identify and quantify Old World Leishmania in 300 samples from human patients, reservoir hosts and sand flies. Different characteristic high resolution melt analysis patterns were exhibited by L. major, L. tropica, L. aethiopica, and L. infantum. Genotyping by high resolution melt analysis was verified by DNA sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism. This new assay was able to detect as little as 2-4 ITS1 gene copies in a 5 µl DNA sample, i.e., less than a single parasite per reaction. Conclusions/Significance This new technique is useful for rapid diagnosis of leishmaniasis and simultaneous identification and quantification of the infecting Leishmania species. It can be used for diagnostic purposes directly from clinical samples, as well as epidemiological studies, reservoir host investigations and vector surveys. Protozoal parasites of the genus Leishmania are transmitted by sand fly bites to humans and animals. Three major forms of disease are caused by these parasites: cutaneous leishmaniasis, responsible for disfiguring skin wounds; mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, causing non-healing ulceration around the mouth and nose; and the potentially fatal visceral leishmaniasis, involving internal organs such as the spleen and liver. More than 2 million new human infections are caused annually by leishmaniasis globally, it is endemic in more than 88 countries and prevalent also as an imported disease in non-endemic regions due to travel and tourism. Most species of Leishmania that infect humans are zoonotic and transmitted from animal reservoir hosts. As various leishmanial parasites cause disease with similar symptoms, but require different therapeutic regimens and have dissimilar prognoses, reliable, sensitive and rapid diagnostic assays are needed. This study focuses on the five main species that cause leishmaniasis in the Old World. It presents a new assay for rapid detection, species identification and quantification of leishmanial parasites in clinical samples, reservoir hosts and sand flies. This technique could be especially valuable in regions where several leishmanial species exist, in non-endemic regions where infected patients require a rapid diagnosis, and for epidemiological host and vector studies leading to prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abedelmajeed Nasereddin
- Kuvin Centre for the Study of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- Al-Quds University, Leishmaniasis Research Center, Abu-Deis, The Palestinian Authority
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lionel F. Schnur
- Kuvin Centre for the Study of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gabriele Schönian
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Seray Özensoy Töz
- Department of Parasitology, The Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Charles L. Jaffe
- Kuvin Centre for the Study of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Talmi-Frank D, Strauss-Ayali D, Jaffe CL, Baneth G. Kinetics and diagnostic and prognostic potential of quantitative Western blot analysis and antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in experimental canine leishmaniasis. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2006; 13:271-6. [PMID: 16467337 PMCID: PMC1391939 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.13.2.271-276.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative computerized Western blot analysis of antibody responses during experimental canine Leishmania infantum infection distinguished between immunodominant and nonimmunodominant protein bands. Six infected beagles, positive by both PCR and parasite culture, were monitored over 75 weeks postinfection and during a 12-week allopurinol treatment course. All dogs were symptomatic at the time of treatment. Of 12 antigenic bands examined, the immunodominant bands (12, 14, 24, 29, 48, and 68 kDa) showed significantly increased intensities (P<0.01) and higher frequencies of recognition than the nonimmunodominant bands at all time points. Detection of the former bands at 6 weeks postinfection preceded seroconversion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) both on crude Leishmania antigen or the recombinant proteins rK39 and HSP70. Reactivity with the 14-, 48-, and 68-kDa bands signified early infection, whereas increased reactivity with the 14-, 24-, and 29-kDa bands was associated with posttreatment parasite persistence and potential unfavorable prognosis. Total lane intensity (TLI) emerged as a sensitive marker for early infection and increased as early as 4 weeks postinfection. TLI had a significantly higher (P<0.01) relative increase rate than crude Leishmania antigen or HSP70 or rK39 ELISA at all time points. These immunodominant antigens and TLI, as determined by quantitative Western blotting, will be valuable for early detection and treatment evaluation of canine leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Talmi-Frank
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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